According to the Food Network, you can eat your way to a more relaxed state — and no, we don’t mean pigging out on high-calorie junk food. While there isn’t a cure-all food to magically erase frustration, you can get some stress relief with a combo of exercising, eating small meals throughout the day and getting more of these 10 fresh goodies. You can get an an amazing three out of ten at Yogurtini Self-Serve- nuts, yogurt and chocolate!

1. Whole-Wheat Pretzels
Eating carbohydrate-rich foods gives you an energy boost and triggers the brain to release a feel-good chemical called serotonin. Opting for a whole-grain snack (cereals, pretzels, bread, crackers, etc.) provides extra fiber, too.

2. Carrots
Munching on crunchy foods also helps beat stress. Nutrient-rich carrots, celery and other crunchy, fresh veggies offer satisfying crispness but won’t bog you down with too many calories.

3. Tea
Calm frazzled nerves with a steaming cup of your favorite tea blend. The soothing warmth and tea’s plant compounds work together to level off your body’s response to stress. Both herbal and black tea can help.

4. Nuts
Stress runs you down, which leaves you open to sickness. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are high in the antioxidant vitamin E and zinc — both good for boosting your immune system. Bonus: Those nuts are good sources of B-vitamins, which help the body manage stress, too. Since nuts are high in (healthy) fat, stick to a 1/4-cup portions.

5. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard and other leafy veggies like spinach are full of magnesium (a single cup covers 40% of your daily need); getting more magnesium can help control and limit your body’s release of the stress-spiking hormone cortisol. Science stuff aside, wilted greens are a delicious addition to soups, pasta and rice dishes or taste great just sautéed with olive oil and garlic.

6. Yogurt
Work more calcium into your diet with non-fat or low-fat yogurt — a sprinkle of nuts and some fresh fruit will turn it into an ultra-satisfying snack. The good-for-you part: Yogurt contains probiotics that help create a healthy and calm digestive system.

7. Chocolate
Chocolate lovers know that just a taste can cure all that ails them and there’s science to back it up. Research indicates that dark chocolate may lower levels of stress hormones. Chocolate also contains sugar (a carbohydrate), so it releases mood-improving serotonin. It’s alright to indulge; just keep the portions in check — shoot for one-ounce servings.

Read more about the health benefits of chocolate.

8. Milk
Have a glass to get more B-vitamins, protein, vitamin D and bone-building calcium to relieve tense muscles. Stick to the low-fat (1%) or skim varieties. If you prefer it with more flavor, have some with whole-grain cereal in the morning or sip on some chocolate milk around bedtime to bring on more restful sleep.

9. Banana and Avocado
That’s two things, we know, but what do these fruits have in common? They’re loaded with potassium, a vital mineral for keeping blood pressure low. Add sliced banana to your morning oatmeal or a half-cup of sliced avocado to a lunchtime salad or sandwich. That will cover your potassium needs for the day.

10. Fatty Fish
The heart-healthy omega-3 fats in fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna manage adrenaline levels to help keep you calm, cool and collected. They’re also good for just about every part of your body, including the eyes, skin and hair.

About Yogurtini, and YHI, Inc ®:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha Nelson and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association.  The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press in its native Arizona, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” in 944 Magazine and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. The accelerated growth of the franchise has been recognized by the national press including Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program. http://www.facebook.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/yogurtini. For more information on Yogurtini® visitwww.yogurtini.com. YHI, Inc is the franchise development company for Yogurtini. To learn more about being awarded a Yogurtini franchise visit  www.yogurtini.com/franchise . Yogurtini is now offering frozen yogurt franchise area development agreements. Additional Yogurtini franchises are currently under construction and development in Florida, Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Missouri.

Coral Springs Yogurtini

–Yogurtini Franchise Company, YHI Signs Contract For Area Development in So. FL. –

TEMPE, Ariz. , 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Yogurtini® (YHI, Inc), a quickly growing and popular national self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, today announces the grand opening of it’s first franchise location in Coral Springs, FL on Sat. Oct. 1. The Coral Springs store marks the first of a ten-store area development deal with brothers Emilio and Javier Braun.

The brothers, who are based in Miami, are in the process of opening stores in Davie, Fort Lauderdale and the Hammocks Community in South Miami-Dade County.

“We’re excited to launch our first store in Florida. Yogurtini® has a great product and focus in providing the community great service and an affordable and healthy frozen yogurt,” said Emilio Braun, President, Yogurtini Florida LLC.

“Our company is looking forward to working with the Braun brothers as we expand into the Florida region,” said Natasha Nelson, President of Yogurtini. “They have the business experience and excitement for the brand, which is exactly what we look for in partnering with area developers as we grow,” she continued.

Yogurtini® regularly has classic flavors such as Ultimate Chocolate, Classic Vanilla, Chelsey’s Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter, but there is always a surprise for the more adventurous like Northshore Pineapple Tart, Blueberry Muffin and Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartini. The incomparable Yogurtini® “House” Tart, along with a non-dairy and no sugar added flavor option is always a main stay. At Yogurtini, Flavortini© recipes are created by mixing an array of frozen yogurts and toppings like the famous “Extra Dirty”; a favorite among their loyal following.

About Yogurtini, and YHI, Inc ®:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha Nelson and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press in its native Arizona, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” in 944 Magazine and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for “Best Frozen Yogurt” by The Phoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program.http://www.facebook.com/yogurtini, http://www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini and specifically for Southern FL at @YogurtiniSFL. For more information on Yogurtini® visit www.yogurtini.com. YHI, Inc is the franchise development company for Yogurtini. To learn more about being awarded a Yogurtini franchise visit www.yogurtini.com/franchise . Yogurtini is now offering frozen yogurt franchise area development agreements. Additional Yogurtini franchises are currently under construction and development in Florida, Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Virginia and Missouri.

Bloomberg News on Franchising

Have you thought about buying a franchise? Considering buying a self-serve frozen yogurt franchise? The pros and cons of going out on your own or going with an established brand and franchise? I think Bloomberg News did a great video segment about just these questions.

Bloomberg on Franchising

About Yogurtini®:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson,Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press in its native Arizona, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” in 944 Magazine and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for “Best Frozen Yogurt” by The Phoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini®’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

FOR MORE INFO ON BEING AWARDED A YOGURTINI FRANCHISE PLEASE VISIThttp://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program. www.facebook.com/yogurtini , www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini.

Yahoo! just posted our press release about the Grand Opening of the Scottsdale Yogurtini this Saturday. Free fro-yo from 4-8!serve yo self at Yogurtini.

The Yogurtini Bell Road in Phoenix location

Franchise Businesses Poised For Stronger Growth In 2011

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2011—Franchise businesses are poised for stronger growth in 2011, according to a report prepared for the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation by PwC*. As the economy recovers from the “Great Recession,” the 2011 Franchise Business Economic Outlook forecasts a rebound in the number of establishments, jobs and economic output in the franchise industry.

The 2011 Outlook estimates that the number of franchise establishments will grow 2.5 percent in 2011 from an estimated 765,723 to 784,802—an increase of 19,079 new establishments. The number of direct jobs is projected to grow 2.5 percent from an estimated 7,614,000 to 7,808,000, creating 194,000 new jobs. Economic output—the gross value of goods and services a business produces—is projected to grow 4.7 percent or $33.3 billion from an estimated $706.6 billion to $739.9 billion.

“The forecast of stronger growth in 2011 for franchise businesses is good news for our country. When franchise businesses are stronger, so is our economy as a whole,” said IFA President and CEO Stephen J. Caldeira. “However, while the forecast reflects a stronger outlook for the franchise industry and the overall economy, franchise businesses will continue to struggle with accessing sufficient credit that would enable business expansion and job growth.”

The 2011 Outlook reflects a new base year (2007), the latest year for which comprehensive estimates of franchise business activity are available. The baseline data was drawn from the first ever U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 Economic Census Franchise Report, which contains information on franchise and non-franchise establishments, sales, employment and payroll in selected industries for businesses with paid employees. For the 2011 Outlook, PwC supplemented these data with estimates of franchise activities in additional industries and in businesses without paid employees (primarily self-employed individuals operating small, unincorporated businesses). Estimates of franchising activity in the 2011 report supersede previous editions.

“The U.S. economy is expected to experience stronger growth in 2011. The Franchise Business Economic Outlook for 2011 anticipates economy-wide real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3.0 percent, while economy-wide employment is projected to expand by 2.4 million jobs in 2011,” said Drew Lyon, principal in PwC’s National Economics & Statistics practice. “With improving economic factors predicted for 2011, including increasing consumer spending, we expect that franchise businesses will expand at their fastest rate since 2007.”

Different Effects on Franchise Business Sectors: The accelerating economic recovery expected in 2011 is projected to have different effects on growth in the number of establishments, employment and output within the 10 business format franchise business lines reviewed in the Outlook.

Establishments: With the exception of Business Services, the number of establishments in each business format franchise line is estimated to increase in 2011. The largest gains are expected in Lodging (4.4 percent), Automotive (3.9 percent) and Retail Products and Services (3.9 percent).

Employment: All franchise business lines except for Business Services are projected to experience employment growth in 2011, ranging from 1.1 percent to 4.4 percent, with the largest increases occurring in Lodging (4.4 percent), Automotive (3.9 percent) and Retail Products and Services (3.9 percent). The Business Services line is projected to experience a modest decline in employment of 0.2 percent in 2011.

Output: Output is forecast to increase in all 10 franchise lines of business in 2011. The three franchise business lines projected to see the largest percentage increases are Automotive (7.2 percent), Commercial and Residential Services (6.9 percent), and Personal Services (6.5 percent).

Franchise Business Leaders Optimistic for 2011, Access to Credit Remains Top Concern

The report’s overall forecast aligns with the results of a new IFA Franchise Business Leader Survey, conducted in November 2010. Franchise business leaders are optimistic about how the U.S economy will perform in the next 12 months. According to the survey, one-half of franchisors say the outlook for the U.S. economy will be “better” in 2011, but 47 percent say it will be “about the same,” and only 3 percent say it will be “worse.” More than 40 percent of franchisees surveyed say the U.S. economy will be “better” in 2011, one-half say the economy will be “about the same,” and 7 percent say the economy will be “worse.”

Both franchisors and franchisees say the tight credit market has severely limited their ability to expand their business. Nearly one-third of franchisors report that more than one-half of their franchise prospects and current franchisees were unable to get financing in the past 12 months. Only 8 percent say that their prospects and franchisees have had “no problems with financing.”

Two-thirds of franchisors report that they have seen “no improvement in credit access in recent months.” Forty-two percent of franchisors report that lack of credit has “significantly impacted their ability to expand,” 45 percent say it has “moderately impacted their ability to expand” and only 12 percent say it has had “no impact.” Fifty-five percent of franchisees report that the lack of credit has had a “significant” or “moderate” impact on their ability to expand their business.

“We believe that lending to franchise businesses in 2010 was down 40 to 50 percent,” said Caldeira. “For 2011, the credit gap between supply and demand should show some improvement, but we are a long way off from the pre-recession, more robust appetite for business investment and lending.”

Caldeira said that an updated small business lending analysis of the lending environment for franchise businesses will be released in spring 2011 in conjunction with an IFA sponsored Franchise Business Lending Summit. The Summit will bring together franchise business leaders, lenders and government officials to identify solutions to improve capital flow to small businesses and to stimulate business growth and job creation. A copy of the 2011 Outlook and the Franchise Business Leader Survey can be viewed here.

In addition, Caldeira said that while the recently enacted tax and unemployment benefit package including extension of the current tax rates for two years contributed to the stronger outlook for 2011, IFA urges the new Congress to implement a pro-growth agenda to help small businesses grow.

“It is widely acknowledged that small businesses, including locally owned franchise businesses, contribute greatly to job creation in the U.S.,” said Caldeira. “To keep the recovery going, we urge the new Congress and the Obama Administration to adopt policies that help, not hamper businesses’ ability to grow and expand, including making the current tax rates permanent and addressing provisions in the new health care law that are onerous, costly and potentially devastating to the franchising community.”

About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the 21 million jobs and $2.3 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.

About Yogurtini:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the national press including Fox Business, MARCH Magazine, the Arizona Republic, 944 Magazine where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for “Best Frozen Yogurt” by The Phoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini®’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

YHI, the franchising company for Yogurtini began franchising in 2009. The popularity of the brand and the business opportunity has Yogurtini self-serve frozen yogurt franchise grand openings planned across the country at an astounding rate. The company currently has over 25 locations under agreement and construction.

FOR MORE INFO ON BEING AWARDED A YOGURTINI FRANCHISE PLEASE VISIT http://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program. www.facebook.com/yogurtini , www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini.

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For more information on Yogurtini® visit www.yogurtini.com.

About Yogurtini®:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press in its native Arizona, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” in 944 Magazine and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for “Best Frozen Yogurt” by The Phoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini®’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

FOR MORE INFO ON BEING AWARDED A YOGURTINI FRANCHISE PLEASE VISIT http://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program. www.facebook.com/yogurtini , www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini.

Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 70 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press in its native Arizona, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as “Favorite Place to Chill” in 944 Magazine and “Best Sweet Spot” in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for “Best Frozen Yogurt” by ThePhoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini®’s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

FOR MORE INFO ON BEING AWARDED A YOGURTINI FRANCHISE PLEASE VISIThttp://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/

Yogurtini® keeps in touch with its customers through its social networking program. www.facebook.com/yogurtini , www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini.

You get the scoop here first. By popular demand Yogurtini will be officially announcing their frozen yogurt franchise opportunity very soon. To get in line first visit Yogurtini’s new franchise page at http://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/ .

If you are interested in applying for a job at Yogurtini, please e-mail natasha@yogurtini.com for an application.

About Yogurtini:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini Self-Serve offers 10 premium rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 50 toppings. The beauty behind Yogurtini is that customers have complete control. Upon entering, they simply grab a cup and start mixing. They can then visit the topping bar to add any or all of the toppings. Leaving nothing to be desired, the topping bar boasts over 60 toppings, with a wide variety ranging from granola, cereals and fresh fruits, to all kinds of candies, sprinkles, and even specialty items such as lychees, jalapenos and Sriracha hot sauce. After customers have filled their cups, they weigh their creation on a scale and pay for it by the ounce. At Yogurtini, the possibilities are endless. Simply swirl it, top it, weigh it, pay it.

Additional openings are planned throughout the greater Phoenix Valley and nationally. For more information about Yogurtini visit www.yogurtini.com or become a friend at www.myspace.com/yogurtini, www.facebook.com/yogurtini. You can also keep up to date on our flavor rotations and new creations through www.twitter.com/yogurtini. . If you are interested in partnering with Yogurtini as we expand locations and franchise, please contact us at franchise@yogurtini.com.