News Updates
 Raspberry Iced Tea Sale
Meal replacement chocolate bars are available once again!
Produce Power
Almost ninety percent of Americans argue that eating the recommended amount of produce is too difficult because of cost, availability, convenience, or taste. However, given the number of solutions available to address each of these difficulties; it is more likely that people simply lose the habit of eating fruit and vegetables and don't make the effort to regain it.
Cantaloupe Slush with Mango
What the experts say:
More about Valley News August 2008»
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When It Warms Up, Drink Up!
 Water is as essential as oxygen to the human body. Our bodies are made up of 50 to 75% water. According to the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, the average adult loses 10 cups of water daily. One of the most important jobs we have is to replace the lost water so we don't become dehydrated. This can be especially difficult during the hot and humid summer months when we lose even more than the normal amount of water.
Pushing Past Excuses
Despite numerous claims to the contrary, reaching a weight loss goal is rarely easy. Along the way, we often encounter issues that can weaken our commitment or make us give up altogether. When confronted with problems that threaten our weight loss plans, finding an excuse to give up is often easier than finding a reason to move forward.
Cherry Vanilla Cooler
A bracing fruit flavor perfectly complemented by smooth vanilla
More about Valley News July 2008»
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Taking control of setbacks
 Successful weight loss generally means making changes in the way we live and the health choices that we make each day. When things are going well, sticking with these behavioral changes is usually manageable. However, when the going gets tough, our new behaviors may give way to old habits and we find ourselves struggling with setbacks in our journey to a healthier weight.
Summer Peach
It is time for summer! The juicy, full-bodied flavor of peaches provides the foundation for a truly satisfying smoothie.
More about Valley News June 2008»
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 Prescription Exercise
Should you lose weight by eating less or exercising more? Most dieters know that cutting 500 calories from their diet each day is much easier than trying to burn 500 extra calories through exercise.
Almond Joy
The addition of coconut makes this classic mélange of chocolate and almond flat-out delightful
The Apple Versus the Pear
Apple-shaped individuals carry most of their "extra" weight in their abdominal area, whereas pear-shaped individuals gain and store most of their additional weight in their hips, buttocks, and thighs. While neither sounds very desirable, it is better health-wise to be one shape over the other.
More about Valley News May 2008»
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Exercise Intensity
 It is important to monitor your exercise so you work out at the correct intensity. If you are exercising too intensely, you can injury yourself or burnout. If you don't exercise hard enough, you won't reap the benefits that exercise offers, such as weight loss, increased cardiovascular health, and a decreased cancer risk. How do you know what intensity is right for you?
Thai Peanut Chicken Soup
Stay on track with this flavorful OPTIFAST Soup recipe.
More about Valley News April 2008»
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The Wonderful World of Yoga
 Yoga has been around, according to some historians, for 5000 years. In the U.S., it has become a very popular form of exercise over the past few decades. It is a wonderful form of physical activity that can help increase strength and flexibility, delay aging, reduce stress, and assist in establishing inner peace.
Old Fashioned Root Beer
There's nothing like a frosty mug of refreshing old fashioned root beer. Try this low calorie variation on a traditional American root beer using OPTIFAST® 800 Vanilla Powder. It's a delicious summer treat that tastes as good as it sounds.
More about Valley News March 2008»
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Exercise - Fact or Fiction?
 There are many misconceptions when it comes to exercise. How do you know what to believe and what to disregard? Take the following quiz and see how much you really know.
Vegetable chicken Soup
An all-American favorite whose ingredients can be tailored to your preferences.
More about Valley News February 2008»
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Realistic Resolutions for the New Year
 As we enter a new year, we not only reflect on the previous year, but we look forward to the new year. Many vow to make a change in their lives to better themselves physically, financially, or emotionally. These changes most often are known as resolutions.
Mocha Java
Stay warm this winter with this delicious twist on your morning routine!
More about Valley News January 2008»
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Your Guide to Healthy Holiday Eating
 The holidays are filled with hustle and bustle, gift exchanges, family gatherings, parties, and, most importantly, food. Lots and lots of food!
Fresh Fruit Pina Colada
Turn a refreshing summer drink into a delicious meal with OPTIFAST 800 powder.
More about Valley News December 2007»
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Exercising While Traveling
 Whether you're going to be traveling for business or pleasure, it is important to remember to exercise. Being physically fit involves exercising at home or away and not taking too much time off in-between. Exercising or being active while traveling helps prevent the inevitable weight gain from dining out, assists in combating jet lag, and reduces stress.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Try this hearty soup made with sautéed chicken and OPTIFAST® 800 Chicken soup mix. This low calorie, high protein soup is perfect for weight management. It is satisfying and flavorful without being too filling.
More about Valley News November 2007»
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Stressing Out
 Stress is a very natural process. Stress allows us to respond to the pressures found at home, work, school, and the environment. Stress is a good thing, to an extent. It keeps us from leading unexciting lives and allows us to "fight or flee" in dangerous situations. When stress goes When stress goes beyond our threshold, it is no longer considered beneficial. It can put a strain on relationships, harm our health, and decrease our enjoyment of life.
Fudgesicles
Try this rich chocolate ice treat this summer. With only 160 calories per serving it's satisfying, healthful, and slimming.
More about Valley News October 2007»
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The Skinny on Fats
 Fats can be confusing. Which ones are we suppose to watch out for and which ones are we suppose to eat? What exactly do they do to our bodies, and where do all of these fats come from? Hopefully this article can answer some of these questions. Fats can be confusing. Which ones are we suppose to watch out for and which ones are we suppose to eat? What exactly do they do to our bodies, and where do all of these fats come from? Hopefully this article can answer some of these questions.
Peanutty Snack Bites
Looking for a flavorful sweet treat that you don't need to feel guilty about? Try these peanut butter snacks made with OPTIFAST 800 powder, granola and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. A perfect pick-me-up or quick snack on the run.
More about Valley News September 2007»
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A Tool to Live By
 The USDA introduced the new food guide pyramid, called MyPyramid, in 2005. This tool is designed to help individuals, ages 2 and older, create a healthy eating plan and encourage daily physical activity.
OPTIFAST® Breakfast Ideas
For a nutritious and easy to prepare breakfast try our oatmeal or cream of wheat variations using OPTIFAST vanilla ready-to-drink formula. They're perfect for giving you plenty of energy to get through the morning.
More about Valley News August 2007»
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Biking Your Way to Better Health
 Biking is a wonderful activity for virtually anyone. It is a type of exercise that fits all ages, shapes, and sizes. One of the main reasons that biking is enjoyed by so many is that biking can be tailored to each person's personal fitness level.
Banana Berry Smoothie
Cool, satisfying and potassium rich, these delicious banana smoothies are a perfect low calorie drink to share with a friend. Add OPTIFAST® for additional nutrients or try the traditional low calorie smoothie recipe.
More about Valley News July 2007»
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Smart Food Choices When Dining Out
 Going out to eat is a fun, enjoyable experience for most. The main objective when frequenting a restaurant is to keep calories and fat in-check without skimping on taste.
Corn Chowder
Always a favorite, corn chowder using OPTIFAST® 800 Soup as a base gives you a low calorie food along with a healthy serving of vitamins and minerals. Try this recipe to warm you up on a cold winter day.
More about Valley News June 2007»
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Getting Physically Fit as a Family
 Childhood obesity is sky-rocketing in the U.S. for a variety of reasons. Kids are more sedentary than they used to be, relying on TVs, computers, and video games to entertain them. They are eating more than before as well. In order prevent obesity, healthy habits should begin at an early age. One way to accomplish this goal is by encouraging physical activity, especially at home.
Optimal Life Recipe
Try these zesty and flavor rich soups made from OPTIFAST® 800 Chicken soup mix
More about Valley News May 2007»
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Getting Your Family to Eat Healthy
 To get your family to eat healthier, include them in the meal planning process. Start with grocery shopping together. Let your children pick out something nutritious the next time you are at the store, such as a new fruit or vegetable. If they pick it out, they are more likely to eat it.
Turkey Stir fry
Turkey is a lean meat with less saturated fat content than other meats. Because most of the fat is found in the skin and just under it, removing the skin before cooking substantially lowers the fat content of your meal.
Try this nutritious meal idea for dinner and have enough leftovers for a great lunch as well.
More about Valley News April 2007»
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