Pistachios For a Healthy Body

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Pistachio Health Institute.

It's no secret that abs are made in the kitchen. I wish I could whip up a pack of them as quickly as I can a batch of cookies, but that's neither here nor there. I've been on a mostly "clean eating" journey for a about a year now and I can't say enough good things about it. I can see a difference when I fall off the wagon and I can definitely feel a difference when I'm being good.

One area I feel is so important to me staying on track, is snacking. I eat in between every meal. Something small, healthy and fiber filled to keep me feeling full. Pistachios are a perfect snack to help you fuel up with fiber. With 12% of your daily value in one serving, you're well on your way to meeting the day's quota. And speaking of serving, you get about 49 kernels per ounce with pistachios, compared to 23 almonds or 18 cashews. I'll take the one with more, please. 

While it isn't a related to the health of the food, I like to eat something that looks good. I think pistachios are one of the prettiest foods. The purple and green fit right in on Pantone's colors of 2014! 

Pistachios are a delicious snack all on their own. I love their "portion control shell", as I call it. Makes you slow down while eating, which allows you to actually feel when you're full. They're also a fantastic addition to a salad, for a little added protein and crunch. 

Along with a healthy diet, I try to workout daily to keep my body as healthy and fit as possible. I have a whole lot of motivation right now, as swimsuit season is right around the corner! I don't always have time for a long workout, though and that's okay! Doing something is much better than doing nothing. It's proven that a workout will enhance your mood. If I workout first thing in the morning, not only is my mood better all day, but my food choices also are. 

Celebrity trainer Valerie Waters shares some great tips that she uses to keep stars fit and healthy, that can be beneficial for all of us!  

Need some motivation to get your body healthy? Enter to win the Shine like the Stars Sweepstakes pack from the Pistachio Health Institute! 

3 winners will receive “Shine like the Stars Sweepstakes” prize packs, which include:

• (1) Valslides autographed by celebrity fitness trainer, Valerie Waters
• (1) Valerie Waters workout DVD
• (1) Valerie Waters workout instructions
• (1) Pistachio Health tote bag
• (1) Pistachio Health nut container
• (3) 8 oz. bags of pistachios
• (1) $100 VISA Gift Card

To enter, like the Pistachio Health Institute Facebook page and enter your info to win! Participants may enter once a day for the duration of the Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes will end at 3:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, February 14, 2014.

What are you doing to get fit in 2014? 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Pistachio Health Institute.