Mangoes are as pretty as they are delicious! Credit By: joyosity

I’d just like to take a minute or two of your time to share with you my love of a fruit. Fruits get a bad rap in some circles. The high amount of sugar…blah, blah, blah. I say we skip the sugar-scare for a moment and consider the awesome, nutritional benefits of a food group that is oh-so-good for our bods.

I’ve always loved mangoes, so when I moved to Cali, I went a little ape shat over the darn fruit. Then, after reading this awesome article, I fell in love with the bulbous fruits even more! I love the darn fruits so much I’m willing to pay $1.69 a piece for ‘em. (That’s HUGE, considering I’m a cheapskate and then some.)

And according to one of my favorite apps, Locovore, I can enjoy cheaper mangoes for another month because they’re in season. In celebration of everything mango, here’s a little video where you can watch a little mango love in action…hehe.

Mangoes for Tishy! Mangoes for all! Do you love mangoes as much as I do? Let’s share our mango love in the comments! —Tish

These four-ingredient meals aren't scary to make. Promise. Credit: Sara Björk

This “four”-themed post is part of our FBG Birthday Week celebration! Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

We gave you our favorite four-minute workouts and now? Well, it only seemed appropriate to share our best four-ingredient recipes, too! Lots of people avoid cooking because they think it takes hours and complicated recipes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When we’re in a rush, we love to whip up these quick and easy four-ingredient meals!

Four-Ingredient Recipes to Try

Erin’s Four-Ingredient Meal: A couple of my go-to lunches have the same basic concept with a couple of swaps. For a quick Mexican lunch fiesta, I top a corn tortilla with either beans or spicy fat-free refried beans, sliced avocado and a little cheese. (Salsa, too, if you’re feeling feisty!) For an easy lunch, I make a quick sammie: whole-grain bread, sliced turkey or chicken breast, a slice of whatever cheese I have on hand and avocado. The lesson? Cheese and avocado can make anything tasty!

Kristen’s Four-Ingredient Meal: It may not be as complex as Jenn’s Big-Ass Salads, but this spinach salad is darn good. Toss baby spinach, fresh strawberries, diced avocado and chickpeas for a filling four-ingredient meal. The trick with this one is to use plenty of strawberries so that you can mash some of them up and use in place of dressing!

Tish’s Four-Ingredient Meal: You can never go wrong with a smoothie, and this smoothie doesn’t disappoint. Simply blend rice milk, blueberries, cherries (my favorite!) and chia seeds (also my favorite!). Play around with the proportions until you get the smoothie consistency that you dig.

Jenn’s Four-Ingredient Meal: Always a sucker for brinner, this four-ingredient recipe is good any time of day! Simply whip together egg whites, nitrate-free smoked turkey (I like the kind from Trader Joe’s, of course), some chopped yellow bell pepper and a handful of spinach, and then cook in a pan over medium heat until scrambled. Filling, high in protein, packed with veggies—it’s a four-ingredient knockout.

Because we’re all about getting new quick and easy meal ideas, we’re bribing you to tell us what your favorite four-ingredient meal. Leave your ideas in the comments, and we’ll select one lucky U.S. reader to win a copy of Bob Harper’s (swoon!) new book, The Skinny Rules, in about a week. So get to cooking—I mean commenting! —Jenn

Protein pancakes are a great way to use your egg whites!

The following is a post sponsored by Egg Beaters. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

We may keep the lid on the junk in the trunk, but we certainly can’t keep a lid on the fact that we love eggs, especially egg whites. And instead of having the mess and inconvenience of cracking eggs, we’re big fans of  Egg Beaters 100% Egg Whites here at FBG HQ. A lean and high-quality protein source with no cholesterol or fat, a serving of them has 25 calories and five grams of protein. Talk about a nutritional home run! And if you thought egg whites were only to be used in omelets and scrambled eggs, think again. Egg whites are great in a number of recipes and dishes, including the below!

5 Fun Ways to Use Egg Whites

1. Protein pancakes. There are a ton of protein pancake recipes out there, but we love this one, and with each serving, you get nine grams of protein. Want to bump it up? Double the amount of egg whites called for. You’ll end up with thinner, more crepe-like pancakes, but you’ll get double the protein! And we promise they’re just as tasty.

2. Smoothies. Forgo the unnatural powders and go with Egg Beaters 100% Egg Whites in your smoothies! The egg whites in them are pasteurized, so they’re safe to eat raw, and unlike many protein powders, they don’t really have a taste. So you can easily mix them with your favorite fruits and veggies for a healthy and filling start to your day. Try this raspberry smoothie recipe to get you up and going in the a.m.!

3. In the microwave—with cheese. It may seem too good to be true, but it’s not. You can make deliciously cheesy eggs in the microwave, in like five minutes. Yea, it’s pretty life changing. See how to make them here, and we recommend getting creative by experimenting with veggies, salsas and dips in your microwaved egg whites!

4. Baking. It’s easy to bake low-fat desserts when you have egg whites! Don’t believe us? Check out the amazing variety of recipes to choose from. White Cake with Berries and Cream…Blueberry-Lemon Coffee Cake…Strawberry Shortcake—the deliciousness goes on and on.

5. “Fried” anything. Like that crispy or fried flavor on chicken or fries? Instead of coating with full eggs, use egg whites! Doing so cuts calories and makes for a light and crunchy batter, no matter if you’re breading or not. Try them in this Sweet Potato Fries recipe—you will not be disappointed.

Now tell us, what’s your favorite way to eat egg whites? Be sure to follow Egg Beaters on Facebook for more fab ideas! —Jenn

This post is part of our FBG Birthday Week celebration! Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

Yesterday we gave you the 2012 Fitties! And today? Well, it’s time for the healthy food version of that—the Noshies! Now this is the third year we’ve recognized foods and culinary-related books, gizmos, gadgets and peeps for their awesomeness (our first birthday we just looped them all into the Fitties), and we like to think that as we’ve gotten older and wiser (read: eaten more goodies), we’ve made even more informed picks. But as you’ll see, we still have our sense of humor. Eat these up,  yum!

This chocolate tea deserves a Noshie!

Noshies: Drinks

Best protein powder: You always hear about the importance of having a balance of “carbs, fats and proteins,” but this stuff takes the guess work out of how much of each totally out of the equation. Love!

Best natural protein source that’s not a powder: You can put these in your smoothies because they’re pasteurized! Brill!

Best dessert in a cup: Chocolate tea. Yes, you read that right. And it’s wonderful.

Best bacteria that you actually want to ingest: Whether you’re brave enough to make it yourself or buy it, Kombucha tea is a bit of an acquired taste, but we love it nonetheless.

Best new milk: Original Good Karma Flax Milk, how did it take us so long to find you?

Best water: This water-filtration system takes the bad stuff out, and then puts the good back in!

Not sure how to eat Kamut? Try this salad recipe that's fresh and delicious!

Looking for a side dish to take to that barbecue or wanting to make something healthy that’s bright and flavorful but doesn’t require a culinary degree? This recipe for Kamut Salad With Carrots and Pomegranate from the Ancient Grains for Modern Meals cookbook by Maria Speck, oughta do the trick! Never heard of Kamut or Khorasan wheat? Read our original review of Kamut here. Then get to cookin’!

Kamut Salad with Carrots and Pomegranate

Ingredients
1 c water
1/2 c Kamut Khorasan wheat berries
2 1/2 c shredded carrots
6 tbsp golden raisins
3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions
1. To prepare the Kamut wheat berries, bring water and berries to a boil in a small heavy bottomed saucepan. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until Kamut berries are tender but still slightly chewy, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from heat and, if you have time, let sit, covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain any remaining liquid and transfer to a large serving bowl to cool.

2. Once Kamut has cooled, salad can be composed. In a large serving bowl, add Kamut berries, carrots and golden raisins. In a small bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juices, honey, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in olive oil.

3. To finish, pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt to taste. Place salad aside for 15 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Toss again before serving; sprinkle with walnuts and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

This whole recipe serves four to six people, and can be made ahead (love that!) by making the Kamut berries, as in step one, ahead of time. The whole salad (without the walnuts and pomegranate seeds) can also be prepared four to six hours ahead. Just cover and chill, and then bring to room temperature before serving. Yum!

What are a few of your favorite healthy side dishes? Any less traditional salads—like this one—that you love? Share in the comments! —Jenn

Even those of us who do our best to get our meals and snacks from whole, unprocessed foods sometimes find ourselves in need of some quick sustenance on the go. If you’re as active as I think you are, it’s important that the treat you choose comes packed with protein. And, if you’re as picky about what you eat as I am, well, it has to be tasty.

Recently, I tried out a couple of new protein bars, and just to save you the suspense, let me tell you one thing—they were both delicious. But, there’s more to it than that, of course, so let’s break it down.

Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars

Available in two flavors, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate and Peanut, Almond and Dark Chocolate (they sound similar, but the version with peanut butter is a bit sweeter), the Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars pack 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. However, you’re also consuming 190 calories, 12 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar, so, you know, it’s not the kind of snack you want to chow down on all the time between meals. I tell you this because, trust me, you will be tempted. I wasn’t kidding about the deliciousness.

Want more nutrition info? Here it is (and the numbers are very similar for both flavors, but you can find the peanut butter flavor nutrition info here):

CLIF Mojo

In the opposite corner, we have the CLIF Mojo, which comes in two versions—Dipped and, well, not Dipped. Dipped features two flavors (S’mores and Chocolate Peanut), both dipped in chocolate, and the un-Dipped version has a wider variety (White Chocolate, Honey Roasted Peanut, Mixed Nuts, Mountain Mix, Peanut Butter Pretzel and Coconut). The two versions offer a variety in terms of nutrition, with calories ranging from 200 to 210, 9 to 11 grams of fat, 8 to 10 grams of protein, 8 to 11 grams of sugar, and two grams of fiber across the board. So, once again, this shouldn’t be mistaken for an everyday source of nutrition, but as an occasional treat on the go? Yeah, I’d hit it.

Below is a sampling of nutrition labels from the Mojo line to help you make an informed decision.

CLIF Mojo Dipped Chocolate Peanut

CLIF Mojo Honey Roasted Peanut

CLIF Mojo Peanut Butter Pretzel

Do you ever snack on protein bars? Would either of these make the cut for your healthy diet? —Kristen

What will be on your plate for Cinco de Mayo? Credit: punctuated

Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday to celebrate. Even if you’re not Mexican, the salsa, guac, chips and tacos alone are enough to send me into food-heaven—although there are some easy ways to make a healthy Cinco de Mayo feast. Whether you’re indulging or sticking to the good-for-you stuff, tell us: what will be on your plate today? And be sure to select all that apply!

Now, tell us all about how your celebrating! With a party? Cooking? Whipping up a batch of Skinny Margaritas? Eating out? Spill the (refried) beans! —Jenn

Will run for donuts. Credit: D Sharon Pruitt

Inspiration comes in all forms. Case in point, this post from new mom Dara Pierre-Louis, who finds that donuts, yes, donuts, help her to be healthier. A hilarious and honest post that’s a must-read…  

Donuts Help Me Lose Weight

No, this is not a crazy fad diet. I have always been a person in need of “tangible” motivators; the sheer “joy of doing” has never been enough for me. I need some sort of reward that I can, well, sink my teeth into.

Sweets have not always been my friend. In college I did a work abroad in Germany and gained 30 pounds in three months, consuming eight to 10 chocolate bars a day (no lie).  But unlike Germany, the move to Los Angeles has been very kind. I was soon at my fittest, healthiest and subsequently happiest stage of my fitness life until I embarked on that wondrous journey called motherhood. My beautiful son cost me a whopping 80 pounds. My pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected; I was newly married, working an anxiety ridden, overtime desk job, and I attribute the excessive weight gain to stress and, to be honest, disappointment in my pregnant state.

Once my child was born, I was over the moon but also overweight. So I reinstituted the “donut diet.” When I first moved to Los Angeles, where mom-and-pop donut shops exist on every corner, I feared donuts would become my new German chocolate bar. But with simple discipline, I made the donut my friend and not my enemy. I created the simple rule for myself that I could have a donut on Sundays IF and only IF I met my fitness goals for the week. There was a time in my life where my fitness goals were very extensive and included a highlighted gym schedule of selected spinning, Pilates and yoga classes. But now, with my little son in tow, those goals are much more streamlined—running three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. Even though the goals are simple, the donut reward is just as sweet.

Read on for how running for donuts works for Dara…

Is there anything more delicious? I think not. Credit: La Grande Farmers' Market

We’re hungry! And talking about food for this round of Question of the Week, which asks each FBG, “What are your three favorite healthy foods?” These are the hard questions, folks…

While kale is a new favorite of mine, I thought I’d go with the favorites I’ve loved for years now. The oldies but goodies. Besides, Jenn already stole kale!

My 3 Favorite Healthy Foods

1. Brussels sprouts. It’s only been over the last couple of years that I was introduced to the B-sprouts. I made them for the first time on the stovetop, but once I started roasting them, I was sold. Now they’re almost always in my crisper, just waiting to become an easy side dish. I simply toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper and throw them in the oven. I love the taste, the texture…yum!

2. Tofu. I was never afraid to eat tofu, but I was afraid to cook with it. Luckily I realized you can’t really screw it up. My hubby loves it, too, so it’s a great meat substitute in stir fry. Whether I’m eating it at home or out, I do love me the tofu.

3. Cherries. Like Tish, cherries are one of my very faves. If I could live on one food, cherries would be the top contender. I could eat them all day, every day (if they were always in season and not so expensive!).

Runners up? Avocado (like Kristen). Fresh homegrown tomatoes. Cuties (they’re not just for kids!). Mmm…I’m getting hungry!

Are any of these on your favorite healthy foods list? —Erin

Yes, you can have a healthy Cinco de Mayo feast! CREDIT: Leannemark

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unexpected victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is a day of great significance in the Mexican community, and many Americans have adopted it as a celebration of Mexican culture through food, drink and fun. Although, not many of us can say that we enjoy a “healthy Cinco de Mayo”…

If you were not raised around traditional Mexican food, chances are your only exposure to the cuisine is through restaurants or, worse yet, the drive-thru. The Mexican food most of us are used to eating is American-ized up for our taste buds, heavy in fattening extras like cheese and heavy sauces, but many traditional Mexican dishes are often very light and rely on fresh herbs and spices to create their vibrant flavor.

Whether you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a big feast for friends or a simple Mexican-inspired dinner for your family, try preparing your healthy Cinco de Mayo meal with the following tips in mind!

6 Healthy Cinco de Mayo Tips

1. Choose your dishes wisely. We all know to avoid enchiladas and burritos, which usually come smothered in cheese and sauce, but there is a lot of Mexican fare that is light and healthy. “Cook those Mexican recipes that are naturally low in calories, such as gazpacho soup, seafood ceviche, and all of the various salsas,” advises Mary Hartley, RD for DietsInReview.com.