When I was recently speaking at the Mall of America, I brought a chef along with me to demonstrate how easy it is to cook a healthy dinner. Chef Theo Petron owns Dinnerwhere and he is dedicated to cooking healthy foods for people on the go or those that are looking to hire a chef for an event. Chef Theo has been spotted on many local news stations and is featured in a program called Cook What You Catch. Many people that were at the Mall of America presentation were excited to see that dinner doesn't have to be a grueling or time and labor-intensive ordeal. Here is one of the simple recipes that Chef Theo demonstrated.

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry (You may also substitute with chicken)

1 1/2 tablespoons               cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon                     salt

1/4 teaspoon                     black pepper

3/4 pound                         sirloin beef tips, sliced against the grain 1/8 inch thick

3 tablespoons                    vegetable oil (can be modified)

10 ounces                         fresh broccoli flowerets

3 cloves                           garlic - chopped

3 tablespoons                    low-sodium soy sauce

1/3 cup                            water

Toss together cornstarch, salt, pepper, and beef in a bowl until meat is coated.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in wok over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then stir-fry beef until just cooked through, about 1 minute. Transfer with a slotted spoon to another bowl and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.

Add remaining tablespoon oil to wok along with broccoli and garlic and stir-fry over moderately high heat until broccoli is just tender and garlic is pale golden, about 2 minutes.

Add soy sauce and water and bring to a boil. Return meat to skillet and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.

ENJOY!

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com

Well, I haven't blogged much lately but thought this would be a perfect blog after the 4th. A good friend of mine is involved with the Patriot Guard Riders that stand at attention at the funerals of fallen soldiers. I am always taken back by the effort of his journey to attend the funerals and the heartfelt feelings that he truly feels during each death experience, although there is no personal connection. I wanted to share this video with you to show you how amazing so many people are in this country and how the least likely can sometimes be the most likely to share love, support, and dedication in honoring of a life. Check out this link to see for yourself. You may have some "PGR" guys in your neighborhood that are making a world of difference to someone in your community.  patriot guard riders

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com 

The 4th of July offers a time to reflect and appreciate our country's indepencence and those that fought to make it so. I have such wonderful memories of celebrating this day with my family and have extended some of the traditions with my son. Fireworks have always been a big event along with a BBQ where all of our friends and family gather to eat, laugh, and play fun sports outside. I wish you a great day full of celebration and love. Get outside and enjoy the weather!

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach www.wendiepett.com

If you are looking for a gadget that can offer a new level of motivation for your fitness program then a pedometer could be the answer. It's been proven that people who wear one tend to take 2,000 extra steps a day, which is equal to well over a mile! It becomes more encouraging to park further away in parking lots, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and go for walks during lunch. Get creative and find one that works for you!

—Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com

Wii Fit - it's the latest craze and there has been quite a bit of hype regarding this "fitness" video game. I understand the concept and appreciate that the gaming industry is trying to get people off of their duffs, just not sure if this will truly change someone's outlook on fitness in the long run. I will be interested to hear testimonies from people using it. I feel that the balance board is a great idea and can be used not only to establish balance, but you could do some great isometrics on the board. Anyone out there have a Wii Fit and want to respond with your thoughts?

—Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com