A Journey to Becoming Healthier Inside and Out

Fitness Myths

2012-01-24T05:53:00.001-08:00

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I came across this article hand had to share it with you:

7 Fitness Myths, Busted

By Lisa Collier Cool
Jan 18, 2012

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2012? The fitness resolution is a perennial on the top 10 list of the annual promises we make to ourselves, just after the all-time winner “lose weight”).

If you haven’t moved many muscles since high school gym class, you might not be up to speed on fitness myths, a stubborn bunch that just won’t die. A dose of reality right about now might strengthen your resolve.

Here’s a rundown on the seven top evergreen exercise myths that you’ll probably hear but can safely ignore:

No Pain, No Gain

Maybe this one took on a life of its own because it rhymes and is so easy to remember. Forget it. If an exercise causes pain, you’re either doing it wrong (a session or two with a personal trainer can set you straight) or you’ve already managed to hurt yourself.

Be sure to separate pain from muscle soreness, which comes on after you tax a lax muscle and will wear off in a few days. Actual pain can mean that you’ve exhausted a muscle or torn a ligament. If what you’re doing really hurts, stop.

Stretching Before Exercise

The idea here is that stretching before and after you exercise can prevent injury while you’re working out and muscle soreness afterward.

While stretching does promote flexibility (something you should strive for as an element of overall fitness), a study published in British Medical Journal found no scientific evidence to back up the notion that stretching before a workout reduces injuries or that stretching before and after can prevent muscle soreness.

Exercise Speeds Metabolism for Hours

While partly true--your metabolism does amp up during exercise and for a few hours afterward--the truth can be a big disappointment: the number of calories you can expect lose thanks to the afterburn is negligible, only 20 extra ones for the whole day according to one study.

But (and this is a really big “but”) you may be able to set your metabolism on high for hours after your workout if you can exercise intensely enough to reach the top of your VO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen you can take in during exercise) and continue at that high level for 45 minutes. A tough prescription, but if you can manage that, a recent study found that you could burn as many as 190 extra calories in the hours after exercise.

Crunches Lead to Sixpack Abs

Sure they will as long as you also get rid of any belly fat that obscures your abdominal muscles. While crunches strengthen muscles, they won’t burn off the fat in your belly.

To flaunt your newly crunched abs you’ve got to trim the fat via diet, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training. And, of course, for crunches to work, you’ve got to learn to do them right.

Running on a Treadmill is Easier on the Knees

Sorry, but it is the running itself that stresses the knees, not the surface you’re pounding.

To ease the impact on your knees, experts advise varying your aerobic activities: mix running with riding a stationary bike or using the elliptical machine at the gym.

Ice Eases Muscle Pain

Applying ice to a sore muscle can numb it so it feels better, but a new review of evidence from 36 earlier studies concluded that icing doesn’t help heal muscle tears and can actually reduce muscle strength and power temporarily. This makes it a poor strategy for football players and other athletes who are itching to return to the action immediately after icing.

The researchers suggested that it is okay to ice sore muscles provided you don’t go right back to exercising. And they noted that more study is needed to learn more about the effects of icing, but this will be tough to accomplish since, for comparison purposes, there’s no placebo that feels like ice.

Using Exercise Machines is Safer

If you know what you’re doing, using machines at the gym can help you get the most out of your workout. But first the machines have to be correctly adjusted for your height and weight by a savvy coach or trainer. Otherwise, you’re as vulnerable to injury and as you would be if you were doing the same type of exercise with free weights or without any devices.

Nor is an expensive gym membership essential to get in shape, since jogging gives you a great cardio workout, while investing a pair of dumbbells to use at home helps with strength training.

So, how many of these did you think were true?

Protein the New Fiber?

2012-01-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

Last year everything had added fiber and I am curious if this year will be added protein????

Spotted on Shelves...

Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars - The company best known for crunchy granola bars has added treats with a protein boost to its chewy-bar lineup. The brand-new bars come in two flavors -- Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate and Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate. Each bar has 190 calories, 12g fat, 170 - 180mg sodium, 14g carbs, 5g fiber, 6g sugars, and 10g protein (PointsPlus® value 5*).

It makes me wonder about all the “ADDED” things to our foods.

However, on another note one thing I do like about Nature Valley is that Nature Valley is involved in the National Parks Project.

AND………

Speaking of National Parks…….Do you have one near you? Well get out there because this weekend the parks have free admission!! So get out your hiking boots and dust off your water pack!

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

America's Best Idea - the national parks - gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*

Mark your calendar for these fee-free dates in 2012:

January 14-16
Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
April 21-29
National Park Week
June 9
Get Outdoors Day
September 29
National Public Lands Day
November 10-12
Veterans Day weekend

I feel a trip to Yosemite coming on!!!

What park are you close to?

A Year in a Life: Jack 2011

2012-01-03T07:08:00.001-08:00

Today my Jack turns 12.

Here is a little of his year 11:

Happy Birthday Jack !!!!!!!!

New Year New Food Finds

2012-01-02T07:13:00.001-08:00

There have been reports of some interesting new finds out there, thought I would share a few:

Dulce de Leche Cheerios

A 3/4-cup serving has 100 calories, 1.5g fat, 135mg sodium, 22g carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugars, and 2g protein (PointsPlus® value 3*).

19g of whole grain per serving which is 39% of the daily recommended amount of whole grain*
Saturated fat free
Naturally cholesterol free
Good source of calcium
Good source of vitamin

Also debuting this year?

Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter cereal!

Indulge in real peanut butter taste without derailing your diet. With 16 grams of whole grain and 110 calories, Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter offers delicious variety to your weight management plan*. Studies show that people who choose more whole grain tend to weigh less than those who don't.

Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter is a delicious way to help you feel fabulous. Whole grain never felt—or tasted—this good.

*110 calories and 16 grams of whole grain as part of a sensible diet can help you manage your weight. (from the cheerios website)

** With kids(at least mine) anything with PB is a good thing!!

Crystal Light Energy Powdered Drink Mix

If you like a little boost along with your sugar-free beverage, this caffeine-enhanced product is for you, Wild Strawberry ,Grape and Peach Mango and Citrus! Each 1/2-packet serving (makes 8 oz.) has only 5 calories, so grab a box and mix it up. P.S. Word is that Crystal Light's limited-edition Mocktails will be added to the permanent lineup this year.

**Anything to help my get over a food craving and if it is a pick me up all the better!!

Arnold/Oroweat Pocket Thins Flatbread

These things come in 8 Grain (which is nice) and Italian Herb. Each pocket has 100 calories, 1.5g fat, 200mg sodium, 20 - 21g carbs, 5g fiber, 1 - 2g sugars, and 4 - 5g protein (PointsPlus® value 3*). These pocket breads have been available in select states for a bit, but this year they're going nationwide!

**I could make a few fun sammies with these!!

What new food finds have you come across?

Diary of a Mad Woman

2011-12-27T16:20:00.001-08:00

Why MAD? I am mad at how easily I let go. I slowly let go of working out, I slowly let go of eating right, I slowly let stress take over. I mean sure I still worked out here and there but you tell yourself you are missing just one and then a week has gone by. Then you tell yourself, I can splurge a little and next thing you know 4 months have gone by 13 lbs. have been put back on. Pants are tight. Self esteem is in the toilet and you are so disgusted with yourself that you can’t even blog about it.

Now most people would say, oh just wait until the first to get back on track, or wait until a Monday to start or what ever other excuse they can come up with but really it has to be that moment. The moment you think about it. It has to start right then. So folks it is on! Back on track! No more excuses. I am too old to let this keep happening, especially this bad. There may be a stumble here and there but I can’t let it get this bad again.

You never realize how out of shape you've let your self get until you try to get back in. I did -start it up and slim and limber -and I am already starting to get sore. These are basic workouts. I may have started an uphill battle. I have dusted off the dvd’s and I am popping one in everyday that I can. Now to figure out the eating portion of it. Think I am going to have to find a way to ease myself off carbs, it is not bread but potatoes, cereal, things like that, don’t want to get burned out or spend a bunch of dough, just need to get calories under control, and burn more than I am taking in.

Hardest thing is throwing out all the old ideas in my head about being healthy and giving it all a fresh start but it is what I am going to try. I will keep you updated!

What do you do when you have let it all go?

Pizza Is a Vegetable???

2011-11-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

How was your Holiday weekend? It seemed like everyday for us was filled with family, friends and a large amount of food. Here are my kids with 2 of their cousins:

Back on track this morning, have to be good until the next round of get-togethers

Spotted on Shelves...

Blue Diamond Unsweetened Vanilla Breeze Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend - OH, WOW!!! I cannot wait to get this stuff. A 1-cup serving has 45 calories, 3.5g fat, 130mg sodium, 2g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, and 1g protein (PointsPlus® value 1*).

Up Is Down, Left Is Right, and Pizza Is a Vegetable
In a crazy-questionable decision, Congress recently blocked a proposal by the Department of Agriculture regarding school lunches in the United States. The goal of the proposed changes? To reduce childhood obesity by increasing fruits and vegetables, limiting potatoes, and reducing salt in the lunches being served. However, a bill released this month blocks the spending associated with these changes. One result (among others) is that schools will continue to be able to count the small amount of tomato paste used on pizza as a serving of vegetables. HHHHMMMMMM Seriously???

What is your opinion on school lunch qualifications?

Do I Really Need Words with Pictures like These?

2011-11-25T16:38:00.001-08:00

What filled your plate?

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T07:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

DID YOU KNOW???

2011-11-21T06:46:00.001-08:00

The Buzz...

As reported by the New York Times, Limited Edition Heinz Tomato Ketchup Blended with Balsamic Vinegar is available starting TODAY, November 14th! Head over to Heinz's Facebook page to buy one of the first bottles being sold in the United States; the condiment will start showing up in supermarkets in late December and stick around through March.

Energy Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in New York where everything is under 500 calories. And (good news!) forty new locations are set to open nationwide over the next two years; if all goes according to plan, a thousand stores will be around in the next ten years!

A Skinny Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks has only 100 calories and 1g fat (PointsPlus® value 2*) per 12-oz./Tall serving! If you're looking for the energy to start your holiday shopping, this sounds like a great way to get a boost!

A recent study indicates that performing demanding mental work, as well as not getting enough sleep, can hinder a person's weight-loss efforts. So if you're burning the midnight oil and pushing your brainpower to the max, watch what you tear into on that lunch break!

Weight Watchers Toasted Coconut Dream Mini Bars - Combine the classic flavor of Girl Scout Samoas/Caramel deLites cookies with the sensible nature of Weight Watchers, and you get these petite snacks! Each bar has 70 calories, 2g fat, 55mg sodium, 15g carbs, 4g fiber, 6g sugars, and <1g protein (PointsPlus® value 2). Perfect for a sweet tooth fix. Find these at Weight Watchers meeting locations. (You don't need to be a member to buy them.)

You've been hearing the old "patience is a virtue" adage since you were a kid... but it turns out that patience may be physically beneficial! A new report links greater levels of impatience to a higher BMI (body mass index) and obesity risk.

And now you have learned something this week and it is only Monday!!

Is there any new food info that you have come across lately that you would like to share?

Figure Friendly Bar

2011-11-18T06:21:00.001-08:00

With the holiday season among us you may be wanting to have a party yourself but you don’t want to be laden down with all the heavy calories of a regular mixed drink, I have your answer!

How to Stock the At-Home Bar (but still make it figure friendly)

Liquor essentials - Vodka, rum, and tequila are good basics, and flavored varieties can be fun ways to amp up your drinks.

No-calorie and low-calorie mixers - Club soda, diet cola, diet lemon-lime soda, light juice drinks (Trop50 or Diet cranberry from Oceanspray) and sugar-free powdered drink mixes (Crystal Light).
Sugar-free flavored syrups - If you don't know about Torani, it's time you learned. Scope out the brand's many sugar-free flavors, find a flavor or two that you love, and order some online. (You can also find them at stores)Ice - We can't emphasize how important it is to have good ice.

Fruit - Whether fresh, canned (in juice), or frozen (without added sweeteners), fruit is good to keep on hand for making blended beverages and garnishing mixed drinks.
Bar tools - Keep it simple: a jigger (to measure shots), a measuring cup with ounce markings (to measure mixers), a shaker, a blender, glasses, and bendy straws!

What do you like to mix in your mixed drink?

Macaroni

2011-11-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

Shirataki is making a new noodle form…….Macaroni!!!

Here is a little info in case you have never heard of it:

LOW CARB - only 3g of carbs per serving
LOW CALORIE - 20 calories per 4 oz serving
FIBER - 2g per serving
NO CHOLESTEROL
NO SUGAR
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE
CONTAINS 10% CALCIUM
VEGAN

*TOFU SHIRATAKI CANNOT BE FROZEN

Here are a few dishes I have made this week with Shirataki:

Cauliflower and egg white

Cauliflower, spaghetti squash and laughing cow

Cauliflower, broccoli, mushroom and chicken

I mix it with whatever I am in the mood for or what ever I have in the fridge. Fills you up with out all the guilt of regular pasta.

How would you make your noodles?

Super Foods

2011-11-09T06:46:00.001-08:00

Scientists and innovators are experimenting to take your fruit and veggies to the next level. Look what those crazy geniuses have come up with...

SUPER-BROCCOLI! All broccoli contains a key phytonutrient that has been credited for its link to lower rates of heart disease and some forms of cancer. However, a new variety called Beneforté has been developed, and it contains two to three times more of the beneficial component than regular broccoli! It's currently available only in the UK.
Cleaner Eating! These are fruit labels (i.e., those annoying, hard-to-peel-off produce stickers) that TURN TO SOAP under water. The soap is food-safe and helps to get rid of waxes, pesticides, and any other stuff you wouldn't want to eat.

Move Over, Stevia... There's a new natural sweetener sweeping the food world -- monk fruit concentrate! Antioxidants in the fruit are sweet yet calorie-free, so a New Zealand company called BioVittoria developed the new sweetener. It's already being used in some products like frozen treats from So Delicious!

What SUPER FOODS have you been hearing about?

Cold Morning Comfort

2011-11-08T07:24:00.001-08:00

On a cold morning like this morning there is only one thing you can make for breakfast:

CROCK POT OATS!!!!!

Add something sweet!!

YUM!!!

It’ll be Oatmeal all week for me, I used to have it everyday but I think I got a little burned out, forgot how wonderful it can be.

In the mood for something crunchy?

HG's TOP ATE Crunchy Snacks (from Hungry Girl email)

In no particular order...
1. Crispy raw veggies - Pretty much the best thing you can choose to chew. (Sugar snap peas ROCK!)
2. Fuji apples - Our go-to fruit snack! Also acceptable? Your apple of choice!
3. Popchips - When nothing but a chip will satisfy!
4. Almonds - Delicious, nutritious, and never malicious. (What? It's true.)
5. 94% fat-free microwave popcorn - Whole-grain snacking in a snap!
6. Freeze-dried fruit - Lots of flavor and no added sugar.
7. Low-fat baked tortilla chips - That salsa's not gonna scoop itself!
8. Crunchy granola bars - Perfect as an on-the-go snack.

What do you like on a cold morning for breakfast?

Trying to Find My Way Back Out

2011-11-03T06:58:00.001-07:00

Stress has got the best of me lately. It seems as though the last 3 months, I just can’t get it together. Every time I turn around another thing has been added to my plate. My mom, my son, my house, bills, ants, flooding, and then there is the regular day stuff of homework and sports and things. I am not me. I can’t post regularly, exercise regularly, even eating, it seems the only thing I want to eat is potatoes….I know weird right? I am so tired of “thinking” I need someone to tell me what to eat and how to exercise I guess. Can someone just come over and kick my butt back into gear. I have to apologize for those of you who read my blog. I know it hasn’t been up to par these days. Know that I am trying to find my way back, I am just in a big hole right now and need to find the ladder.

(source)

I found these tips I’d like to share with you before you head out to that holiday celebration:

Before heading out to an event, grab a small snack. You'll be less likely to eat and drink too much when you arrive.
Schedule exercise into your week, just as you do your dinners and parties. Now is not the time to let your exercise routine slip. If you need to wake up an hour earlier to squeeze in a workout—just do it!
At events, concentrate on being social. Having food in your mouth makes it difficult to talk.
At parties, peruse buffets before getting in line, look for the healthiest choices. Avoid second helpings.
Make healthy changes now, not later. Forget the New Year's resolution to get on track and lose weight. Make the healthy changes now, and you'll be that much further ahead come January!

How do you get yourself back up out of that hole?

Busy Halloween Weekend

2011-11-01T06:58:00.001-07:00

BUSY WEEKEND

It started out with the Halloween dance for my 6th grader.

They could dress up but nothing scary,

So of course he was a 49er fan.

Then it was an early morning soccer game for my daughter

That afternoon I de boned turkeys for the harvest festival, I did 6 of those.

Next daughter was off to Trunk’r Treat with a friend from school.

She had so much fun she was out as soon as she hit the couch.

Time for trick ‘er treating

My daughter went with her good friend and her family(Thanks so much again Katy!).

While we went to work at the Harvest Festival

It earns money for my son to go to 6th grade camp(yes I will be doing it all again in 2 years).

It was a lot of fun and a lot of work!

Now let’s see if I can keep away from all the candy

Was your Halloween weekend busy?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T06:15:00.001-07:00

Candy Calorie Reality

2011-10-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

Ok for those of you getting ready to raid your kids Halloween candy, here is what you may be eating:

LOW-CALORIE CHOCOLATE TREATS
These tiny treats can't be beat. Each one has 20 - 35 calories and 0.5 - 1.5g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*).
3 Musketeers Minis
Hershey's Kisses
Sixlets 8-piece tubes
Tootsie Roll Midgees
Whoppers Malted Milk Balls 3-piece tubes

(Source)
CHOCOLATE MINIS
Minis are the small, typically square morsels. The kinds below have 35 - 55 calories and 1.5 - 3g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*) per piece.
Baby Ruth
Butterfinger
Hershey's Special Dark, Krackel, Milk Chocolate, and Mr. Goodbar
Kit Kat
Milky Way
Nestlé Crunch
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Snickers
Twix

SNACK-SIZE/FUN-SIZE CHOCOLATE
Snack-size and fun-size candies are usually about 2 inches long and weigh in at around half an ounce. The ones listed here have 60 - 85 calories and 1 - 4g fat (PointsPlus® value 2*) per piece, pack, bag, or box.
3 Musketeers
Baby Ruth
Butterfinger
Hershey's Milk Chocolate
Junior Mints
Kit Kat (one 2-piece bar)
M&M's Milk Chocolate
Milky Way
Nestlé Crunch
Raisinets
Snickers
York Peppermint Patties

SNACK-SIZE/FUN-SIZE CHOCOLATE PART II
Same specifics as the last list of snack-size/fun-size treats (about 2 inches long and half an ounce in weight), but these are a little higher in stats. Each bar or pack has 90 - 95 calories and 4 - 6g fat (PointsPlus® value 3*).

100 Grand
M&M's Peanut
Mr. Goodbar
PayDay

LOW-CALORIE CONFECTIONS
These goodies are impressive in the stats department: 30 - 50 calories and 0 - 1g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*) each.
AirHeads mini bars
Laffy Taffy mini bars
Now and Later (2 pieces)
SpongeBob SquarePants Gummy Krabby Patties
Starburst (2 pieces)
SweeTarts Chews
Twizzlers Cherry Pull 'n' Peel snack-sized pieces
Twizzlers Strawberry Twists snack-sized pieces

CALORIE-BARGAIN TREAT-SIZE/SNACK-SIZE BAGS
Pouches, packs, bags, and packages! Each of these small sacks has 50 - 55 calories and 0g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*).
Brach’s Candy Corn
Hot Tamales
Mike and Ike
Sour Patch Kids
Swedish Fish

MORE MINI BOXES 'N BAGS
While not quite as pint-sized in the calorie department as the last list, each petite pack has a reasonable 60 - 75 calories and 0 - 1g fat (PointsPlus® value 2*).
Dots
Mini Chewy SweeTarts
Skittles Fun Size

LOW-CALORIE SWEETS & SUCKERS
All-star stats here! Just around 20 - 25 calories and 0g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*) each.

Dum Dums
Everlasting Gobstopper mini pouches
Pixy Stix (3 straws)
Smarties rolls
MID-CALORIE CLASSICS
With 50 - 60 calories and 0 - 0.5g fat (PointsPlus® value 2*) per pop, these long-lasting goodies are some of our favorites.
Blow Pop
Ring Pop Halloween
Tootsie Caramel Apple Pops
Tootsie Pops

FUN PICKS WITH 50 OR FEWER CALORIES
Each treat, roll, package, or pouch has 35 - 50 calories and 0 - 1g fat (PointsPlus® value 1*).

Fruit by the Foot Mini Feet
Fruit Roll-Ups Mini Rolls
Jet-Puffed BooMallows
Pop-Tarts Mini Crisps Fun Size pouches
Rice Krispies Treats Mini Squares
Snyder's of Hanover 1/2-oz. bags
UNIQUE TREATS, STELLAR STATS
Unexpected and guilt-free! Each one has 60 - 70 calories and 2 - 3.5g fat (PointsPlus® value 2*).

Angie's Artisan Treats Authentic Kettle Corn Halloween Snack Packs
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar 1/2-oz. bags
Quaker Chewy Fright Night Chocolate Chip mini granola bars
Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Raisins Mini-Snacks

NEAT SWEETS, NICE NUTRITIONALS
Chomp into one of these for 100 - 120 calories and 3 - 3.5g fat (PointsPlus® value 3*).

Herr’s Chocolate Mini Pretzels Halloween Treat Size bags
Keebler Scooby-Doo! Baked Graham Cracker Sticks packages
Peeps Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Pumpkin

My advice, throw a bag of these in the freezer and eat only one at a time, it is what gets me through!

Will you be stealing candy from the tick or treat bags?

FOOD DAY

2011-10-24T06:09:00.001-07:00

Today, October 24th, Is the First Annual Food Day!

For most, pretty much EVERY day is Food Day, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest have a loftier idea in mind. They've declared that October 24th is Food Day -- a day to encourage Americans to "eat real" and support the goal of making healthy, affordable food (produced in a sustainable, humane way) a reality for everyone. There are many Food Day events scheduled for today all over the country -- click here and enter your zip code to see what's happening near you! Harvest 2011 is the closest to where I live. Can't attend an event? You can still work on your own eating habits. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruit, and veggies; keep soft drinks, salty foods, and fatty meats to a minimum. (This goes for you AND the rest of your family!) And shopping at local farmers' markets is a great way to help support your health and your community.

Here is what they are asking you to do:

It's Time to Eat Real, America!

Ask Congress to Support Food Day's Goals:

How will you celebrate food day?

New Food Find

2011-10-20T13:48:00.001-07:00

I found these this week and had to share!

Sandwich Thins 100% Whole Wheat Mini's!!!!

Now sandwich thins are in mini form!

A little PB and J to try them out

Just as good as the larger ones!

Next time I am thinking sliders!

What would you put on a mini?

Are We Fooling Ourselves?

2011-10-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

A few tid bits I have read:

A recent study tested the effectiveness of sending daily text messages to dieters with customized tips, reminders about logging food and exercise, and other forms of encouragement. The group that received the messages lost more weight than the groups that did not.

Scientists have whipped up a so-called super-spaghetti. What's super about it? The pasta is made with barley flour, which could reduce the risk of heart disease.

While a new survey suggests that half of all Americans feel they're doing all they can in terms of eating healthy, two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

Which leads me to this article share:

Many Don't Believe Their Obesity Poses Health Risks: Study

By By Jenifer Goodwin
HealthDay Reporter | HealthDay – Sat, Oct 15, 2011

Many overweight and obese patients seen in hospital emergency departments don't believe their weight poses a risk to their health, and many say doctors have never told them otherwise, a new study finds.

Researchers asked 450 randomly selected patients who were seen in the emergency department at Shands at the University of Florida two questions: Do you believe your present weight is damaging to your health, and has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you are overweight?

Of those who reported that their weight was unhealthy, only 19 percent said they'd ever discussed it with a health care provider. And only 30 percent of those who reported being told by their health care provider that their weight was unhealthy agreed with that opinion, according to the study.

Researchers also measured their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, indicators of body fat.

About 47 percent of obese and overweight men said they believed their weight was a problem, while 53 percent didn't ( click here for the rest of the article).

Here is what my weekend looked like:

Watching Audrey play soccer, we have 3 more weeks, so happy she gets opportunities I never had as a child!

We did Subway for lunch, haven't done that for almost 2 months, YUM! Then is was yard work and hanging out.

How was your weekend?

Article Share

2011-10-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

Peanut shortage sending peanut butter prices up

By RAY HENRY, Associated Press – 17 hours ago

ATLANTA (AP) — Consumers should be prepared to shell out a bit more for peanut butter soon.

Another hot, dry summer in key producing states and competition from more profitable crops like cotton have significantly shrunk the U.S. peanut crop this year. The tight supply means consumers will soon pay more for yet another grocery staple.

U.S. farmers are expected to produce roughly 1.8 million tons of peanuts this year, down nearly 13 percent from last year, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Department of Agriculture. Assuming that estimate holds, it would be smallest harvest recorded since 2006.

Peanut butter producers already have plans to hike prices for peanut butter significantly in the next few weeks. Those who package nuts for snacks say they are watching their competitors to determine whether price hikes will be necessary.

Some peanut manufacturers have told supermarkets they will pare back peanut-based product lines and could increase prices next month, said Tracy Pawelski, a spokeswoman for Ahold USA, the parent company of the Stop and Shop, Giant and Martin's grocery stores. The ingredient costs for the grocery chain's store-brand peanut butter have increased 30 to 50 percent, depending on the supplier.

Watching Your Protein May Be Key to Weight Control

Study Shows Diets With 15% Protein Help Keep Eating Under Control

By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health News

Oct. 12, 2011 -- Counting calories may not be enough to manage either your appetite or your weight, new research suggests.

Paying attention to the percent of calories from protein may be an important key, according to Alison Gosby, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney. Protein and weight control may go together, suggests her research. It echoes others' findings.

In her study, she found that men and women fed a 10% protein diet ate 12% more calories over four days than they did on a 15% protein diet.

"Any dietary intervention that results in dilution or restriction of protein in the diet will promote overeating in an environment where food is abundant," she tells WebMD.

While many experts believe that protein content in the diet plays an important role in determining how many calories we eat, and how hungry we are, the new study lends some solid numbers to that idea.

As the protein declined to 10%, the men and women tended to eat more carbohydrates and fat-containing food, boosting the risk for weight gain. But Gosby found that increasing the protein from 15% to 25% didn't seem to make any difference in total calories eaten.

"So including some [protein] each time we eat can help us make better food choices and trim what we eat the next time we eat," she says.

So stock up on your Peanut Butter and get the right amount of protein Folks!

Are you getting enough protein?

1200 in Pictures

2011-10-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

So here is what those 1200 select calories are looking like:

What do you think?

Keep It Simple Stupid

2011-10-06T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have been search for something to get me back on track and had been overthinking it. I think I got burned out on what I can eat, will eat, should eat, can’t eat. Things can easily be manipulated with most eating plans and I sabotage myself. So I am going to try something simple.

I am going to follow the Mayo Clinic Diet for the next month.

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid tool

You just put in your numbers and they give you what you should eat. SIMPLE!!

They gave me 1200 calories.

75 calories daily for sweets,

3 Fat servings at 45 calories each,

3 Protein/dairy servings at 110 calories each,

4 Carb servings at 70 calories each,

3 Fruit servings at 60 calories each,

4 or more Veggie servings at 25 calories each,

and then if I have a glass or 2 of wine on a Saturday night it should be doable. No complications, just adding calories. Getting my head back in the game. Getting my self back on track. So I’ll let you know how it goes.

Has your eating plan become to complicated?

Ichord Family Reunion (We missed you Austin and Nick and Carrie)

2011-10-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the Ichord Family(my husband’s side) reunion. Here are a few of the pictures:

We spent the entire time

Telling stories

Catching up

And having all around great conversation

The kids had a blast as usual

Family snapshots were abundant

We took a group shot which I can’t wait to get copies of

Here is my husband Jim and I

Oh and you should have seen all the food…..here is just a few of the snapshots…..

There were definitely pounds gained from all the food brought by all the wonderful cooks. It was great to see everyone. We can’t wait until next year’s!

Do you enjoy family reunions?

In search of……..

2011-09-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

So here is the thing, I need to find a new “health” plan. I do not have the time for meetings or memberships. I live far enough out that it takes up too much of my day and would be a waste of money. I also can not let it take up any time I have with the kids. They are above all things, my first priority. Besides sugar-free creamer in my coffee, reduced sugar ketchup, and a few glasses of wine on a Saturday night I can work around just about any nutritional plan. I just need to find one. Then there is exercise. I have your basic videos, weights and such but that is about it. My motivation has been at an all time low right now. So I am asking for suggestions, ideas, ~~free personal trainer,~~ whatever advice you want to give me.

Can you help?

Pumpkin

2011-09-26T06:24:00.001-07:00

Almost Pumpkin Season!!!! I know in CA it is still hot but it is right around the corner and I can not wait!!

Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 40 calories, 0.5g fat, 5mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus® value 0*
"LIBBY'S uses a special variety of pumpkin called 'Dickinson.' Through careful cultivation and research, [they've] ensured that all of [their] pumpkin has a delicious taste, creamy texture and pleasing orange color. Just check the label: no salt, no sugar, no flavorings or preservatives. It's just 100% Pure Pumpkin."
That's according to the Libby's folks themselves. Sure, we COULD roast a pumpkin, scoop out the good stuff, and purée it ourselves. But we probably won't... at least not nearly as often as we like to consume it. The canned kind from Libby's is the easiest way to get pumpkin into your life, people!

Full of fiber High-fiber foods help to keep us feeling full and satisfied. The fact that today's honoree features naturally occurring, plant-style fiber is an extra-special bonus.
Loaded with nutrients - In addition to fiber, there are many other nutrients packed into this gourd. Carotenoids like beta-carotene are plentiful, as is vitamin A (each 1/2-cup serving has 300% the daily value!). Delicious yet neutral - The stuff is naturally yummy with a fantastic creamy texture, but it's not that sweet on its own. Its mild taste makes it an excellent base for all sorts of flavors: cheesy, spicy, maple-y... even chocolatey! This means you can use it in SO many different recipes.

BFFs

Cake mix!

Whether you're combining the orange stuff with spice cake for a classically seasoned pumpkin dessert or keeping it low-key with devil's food cake (no one will even know the pumpkin is there), this is a match made in heaven!
Pudding! Don't feel like prepping a schmancy dessert, but jonesing for something that tastes somewhat homemade? No problem -- pumpkin is very flexible (and the canned kind is already cooked). Mix some up with a sugar-free vanilla pudding snack, add some pumpkin pie spice, and dig in! Not a pudding fanatic? Go for fat-free cottage cheese or fat-free yogurt with some no-calorie sweetener and vanilla extract thrown in -- an easy sweet treat with seasonal flair!

Sauce! Pumpkin works AMAZINGLY well in more than just dessert dishes, add it to savory sauces to add thickness, awesome texture, and extra fiber. Whether it's a silent partner (like in this spaghetti pie recipe) or a featured artist (like in this colorful fettuccine dish), pumpkin is a GREAT add-in for sauces of all sorts!
Nemesis: Pumpkin Pie Mix! They may look similar, but these canned cuties couldn't be more different. The pie mix has more than twice the calories and over three times as much sugar as the pure stuff! People often confuse the two (thus the rivalry) -- make sure the can you grab is labeled 100% Pure Pumpkin.

And of course I can not leave out this YUMMY pumpkin concoction:

Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino® Blended Beverage

Pumpkin-flavored sauce blended with milk and ice. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

Tall 12oz Nonfat milk No Whipped Cream

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (12 fl oz) Calories 150
Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g

Good thing we don’t have a Starbucks anywhere close I would be there right now ~~and be 10 pound heavier~~ YUM!!

Do you have a favorite pumpkin recipe?

C’mon you can share!

Busy Saturday Fun

2011-09-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

As of late I have been feeling overwhelmed and took a short hiatus from blogging. I assure you I have not gone off the deep end just trying to get it all done and get myself back on track and in a better frame of mind. Between doc. appts, kid activities, working, errands, and general day to day things it has just been hard to get it all in and done. Even my weekends are packed. Here is what we did Saturday:

First, there was soccer

Then it was a birthday party for my niece and father in law

There was swimming

Dancing to XBOX games

Great conversation

A few games of pool

A lot of food

And of course birthday cake

(Silly Husband)

We had fun but it was off to meet friends at our home and then off to an alumni street dance get together for my husband

We had a lot of fun, my husband got to reconnect with many old friends.

Now it is Sunday, time to catch up on all the things I didn’t do yesterday…..you know laundry and fun stuff like that.

How was your Saturday?

Go, FDA!

2011-09-12T07:23:00.001-07:00

The FDA Wants to Put the NEW in Nutrition Labels!

For years, the standard black-and-white labels on packaged foods have stared back at us with cold, hard facts -- facts that many people don't read or completely understand. A big problem is that the stats per serving (and the serving sizes themselves!) can be deceptive at first glance -- what seems like a single-serving portion of food might actually be two or three servings. And the "servings per container" info isn't always obvious. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes this, so the agency is working on a proposal to revise the nutrition facts label and make it more user-friendly. A few of the intended changes include more realistic serving sizes, more emphasis on calories, and less of the info people don't find useful (such as calories from fat and certain percentages). Some consumers have requested a greater emphasis on the amount of preservatives in the food and its level of processing. We're just thrilled that people are paying more attention to their food and that changes are potentially underway to make it even easier to understand nutritional info. Go, FDA!

I have watched so many people mess up the labels thinking the are getting 120 calories and not realizing it is 4x that because of serving size. Can’t wait to see the new labels!

New Guilt-Free On-the-Go Menu Options!

Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage - Pick your jaw up OFF the floor. Starbucks has gone ahead and made its incredible Salted Caramel Mocha into a freezy, guilt-free concoction. A Tall Frap (12 oz.) has just 110 calories and 0.5g fat (PointsPlus® value 3*).

Is it just me or does this sound like HEAVEN!!!

Subway Oven Crisp Chicken - The chicken is baked (not fried), and a 6-inch sub with 9-Grain Wheat bread has a completely reasonable 420 calories and 6.7g fat (PointsPlus® value 11*).

May have to give this a try!

Weekend Meals

Here is a few pics from Sunday dinner:

I leave you with these words of wisdom from Tip #6:

Tip 6: Learn to focus only on the present. The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.

What is in your future?

Sweet and Salty

2011-09-07T05:44:00.001-07:00

Craving this? Check some better options…….

It’s Hungry Girl email share time again. If you have sweet-and-salty cravings this is the post for you.

Quaker Chewy Smashbars - They're crammed with all kinds of goodies like pretzels, cereal, chocolate chunks, and dried fruit. Plus, they're easy to find at most stores... always a good thing!

94% Fat-Free Microwave Popcorn, Kettle Corn and Caramel Apple Flavors - Many brands make kettle corn, and it's the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Look for mini bags to avoid overdoing it. The Caramel Apple kind is only made by Jolly Time (Healthy Pop), but it's totally worth seeking out!

Salted Caramel Cocoa Oatmeal Bowl - It may be too hot outside for a cup of cocoa, but this recipe for slightly salted caramel 'n chocolate oatmeal is FANTASTIC in any weather.

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 292 calories, 9g fat, 736mg sodium, 46g carbs, 6g fiber, 13.5g sugars, 8g protein -- PointsPlus® value 8*

Ingredients:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
One 25-calorie packet hot cocoa mix (like Swiss Miss Diet or Nestlé Fat Free)
Dash table salt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
2 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp. fat-free or light caramel dip (like the kinds by Marzetti), softened
1/8 tsp. coarse salt
Optional topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip
Directions:
Combine oats, cocoa mix, and table salt in a nonstick pot on the stove. Add Almond Breeze and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 12 - 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until very thick and creamy.
Transfer to a bowl and allow to slightly cool and thicken. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with coarse salt. If you like, top with Reddi-wip. Eat up!
MAKES 1 SERVING

Sarris Candies Pretzel Slims 100 Calories - These chocolate-covered pretzels aren't easy to find in stores, but they are available online! No wimpy coating here -- these pretzel sticks have a nice thick layer of milk chocolate around them. And the portion control is a lifesaver!

Ultimate Movie-Viewing Snack Mix -

PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe, about 2 1/2 cups): 187 calories, 3.5g fat, 235mg sodium, 35g carbs, 3g fiber, 14g sugars, 3g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*

Ingredients:
1 standard-sized bag 94% fat-free butter-flavored microwave popcorn
2 1/2 tbsp. peanut butter chips (found in the baking aisle)
1 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar (not packed)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 1/2 cups Chocolate Cheerios (or another low-fat chocolatey cereal with about 130 calories per cup)
Directions:
Cook popcorn according to package directions. Meanwhile, place peanut butter chips into a small sealable plastic bag; using a meat mallet or another heavy utensil, finely crush chips through the bag.
Once popcorn is just cool enough to handle, measure 8 cups and place in a large microwave-safe bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels. (Save the rest of the popcorn for another time.) Evenly sprinkle crushed peanut butter chips, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the popcorn.
Microwave for 30 seconds, or until the crushed peanut butter chips have partially melted.
Gently but thoroughly mix contents of the bowl to evenly distribute the toppings. Add chocolate cereal and mix well.
Serve it up (or pack it into sealable bags) and enjoy!
MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Do you have a healthy sweet and salty recipe you go to?

Weekend BBQ

2011-09-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

This weekend we spent our Saturday with friends, we swam, BBQ’d and had great conversation. Here are a few of the pictures I took:

My husband had to show the kids how to do flips.

They couldn’t wait to try it.

Soon everyone was catching air.

Even Audrey tried.

After swimming we all settled down for a great plate of food.

We ended the evening around a fire, kids roasting marshmallows for S’mores and us chit chatting away.

What a great day!

Any BBQ’s in Your Weekend?

In a Box

2011-08-31T16:04:00.001-07:00

Please let me know why it is I crave chocolate worst after I eat a meal. What is it in my body that screams, “OK, that was good but now you need CHOCOLATE!!!!”

I have been fighting it for 2 weeks but had to give in…

I had just one but it was SOOOOOO good. 2 weeks! That is all I could make it. I wanted to do one more but my whole body was calling out for it. Very frustrated. I did make it 2 weeks but I guess that is enough to reset what is going on in my body. I will slowly introduce foods back in. Hopefully I can find a happy medium. I do not want to be a slave to sugar and starch and other such things.

Here is the next tip I need to work on:

Tip 3. Develop an endless curiosity about this world. Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?

Do you live inside a box? Sometimes I think we all do.

When was the last time you stepped out of your box?

Tip 1

2011-08-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

I really like this article and I am going to at least try to do each of these 50 tips:

50 Life Secrets and Tips

1.Memorize something everyday. Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.

As I age I find it more beneficial to remember the little things. It is funny, I can memorize numbers very easily but ask me to remember a name???? I am awful. I always repeat a name I my head 3x as soon as I hear it, but that doesn’t always work. So the next person I meet, I will try harder to keep their name in my head.

Other images in my head:

I would like to go another week and a half with out sugar but chocolate has been calling my name. Not that I have given in but I sure have wanted to……..however I did come across this study………

High Chocolate Consumption May Reduce Heart Disease Risk By One Third

Consuming lots of chocolate appears to reduce the risk of developing heart disease by one third, researchers from the University of Cambridge, England reported in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) and the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris, France.

The researchers found that:

Five studies showed evidence that eating a lot of chocolate reduced the risk of cardiovascular events.
Those who ate the most chocolate had a 37% lower risk of having a cardiovascular event compared to those who ate the least.
The highest chocolate consumers had a 29% lower incidence of stroke compared to the lowest chocolate consumers.
Heart failure incidence did not appear to be impacted by variations in chocolate consumption.

None of the studies focused on either milk or dark chocolate, and included chocolate desserts, biscuits chocolate bars and drinks. (Full Article)

Is their a food image that haunts you?

A little bit of this…….

2011-08-29T06:20:00.001-07:00

While catching up on my health and nutrition news I came across a few things to share with you:

Spotted on Shelves...

Thomas' Breakfast Thins - The slim-sandwich-roll craze is getting really specific -- these newbies are formulated for A.M. chewing! (But we wouldn't hesitate to eat them at other times of day.) They come in 100% Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin, and Blueberry. Each roll has 100 calories, 1g fat, 170mg sodium, 22g carbs, 5g fiber, 2 - 4g sugars, and 4 - 5g protein (PointsPlus® value 3*).

They call it a craze, but shouldn’t it be called what your portions should look like??

The Buzz...

GOOD NEWS! After the tragic pumpkin shortage of the past couple of years, we're happy to report that pumpkin will be in good supply this year. No more ordering cans in bulk online or fighting over the last can of Libby's in the supermarket.

YEAH!!! I put pumpkin in everything!!!

Weight Loss Of 10 Pounds Over 3 Years By Eating 100 Calories Less Per Day, New Predictive Model Shows

Doctors and dieticians have worked for decades assuming that cutting 500 calories from a person's daily diet will result in a steady weight loss of approximately one pound per week, however, this assumption is incorrect, as it does not take metabolic changes into account that can lead to unrealistic expectations for diet plans. For the rest of the article click here.

15 minutes of fitness a day can add 3 years to your life

Even a little bit of physical activity helps, study confirms

Doing just 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day may add three years to your life, a large study in Taiwan has found. Most people struggle to stick to the standard guideline of 30 minutes a day of exercise, five days a week, and experts hope that by identifying a lower dose, more people will be motivated to get off the couch.

After taking into account differences in age, weight, sex and a range of health-related indicators, they found that just 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day increased life expectancy by three years compared to those who remained inactive.

"The first 15 minutes ... the benefits are enormous," Wen said. "Sooner or later, you are going to die. But compared to the inactive group, the low exercise group has a reduction of 10 percent in cancer mortality," Wen said. For the rest of the article click here.

***Here's something ~~insane~~ interesting: A four-month survey of social-media-savvy "tastemakers" found that 22 percent of these consumers perceive food from McDonald's as being "healthy" and "fresh." McD's scored higher than any of the other fast-food chains rated, including Subway.

Really?????? Hmmm... Enough said!

What interesting tidbits have you come across lately?

What’s Got a Hold on Me?

2011-08-26T06:53:00.001-07:00

I have not had starchy carbs, sugar or chocolate for 1 1/2 weeks. I am trying to eliminate these for a few weeks, I am realizing how strong theses things have a hold on me. I want to go another 2 weeks with out them. Not sure if I can but I tell myself 2 weeks that’s nothing! Question is, “Is it?”

For those of you in need of a few new snack ideas, I found these in my email from Hungry Girl:

Grilled Peach + Fat-Free Vanilla Greek Yogurt

PER SERVING (1 medium peach + 1/4 cup yogurt): 80 calories, <0.5g fat, 21mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 13g sugars, 6g protein -- PointsPlus® value 1*

Halve and pit a medium peach. Spray a grill pan with nonstick spray, and bring to medium-high heat on the stove. Add peach halves, cut side down, and cook for 3 minutes, or until dark grill marks form. Flip peach halves and cook until hot and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Plate with the cut sides up, and top each half with 2 tablespoons of fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt.

Cherry Tomatoes + The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss Cheese

PER SERVING (4 tomatoes + 1 cheese wedge): 47 calories, 1.5g fat, 213mg sodium, 3.5g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 2.5g sugars, 2.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 1*
Want a petite and ADORABLE snack? Here ya go... Halve four cherry tomatoes and, using a small spoon or narrow spoon handle, gently remove and discard the seeds. Evenly distribute a wedge of cheese among the hollow tomato halves. Then eat 'em!

Diet Lemon-Lime Soda + Fruity Sorbet

PER SERVING (12 oz. soda + 1/2 cup sorbet): 130 calories, 0g fat, 50mg sodium, 30g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 25g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus® value 3*
Wanna chill? This'll do the trick. Start with a 12-oz. can (1 1/2 cups) of chilled diet lemon-lime soda. (Our hearts belong to Sprite Zero.) Pour it into a tall glass, and top it off with a 1/2-cup scoop of your favorite fruity sorbet. Lemon? Great. Peach? Perfect. Raspberry? Why not? This is one fancy and super-refreshing float... Just add a straw and sip!

Frozen Mango Chunks + Grapes

PER SERVING (1/3rd of recipe, 2 skewers): 113 calories, 0g fat, 1mg sodium, 30g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 26g sugars, 0.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 0*
Have we got a treat for you... Begin with 2 cups (about 30) frozen unsweetened mango chunks. Let 'em partially defrost (about 5 minutes), so they're soft enough to skewer. Then impale the mango along with 1 cup (about 30) red seedless grapes onto 6 wooden skewers, alternating the fruit as you go. Freeze for 1 1/2 hours, until the grapes are frozen. Then eat!

Cantaloupe + Light Vanilla Ice Cream

PER SERVING (1/2 medium cantaloupe + 1/2 cup ice cream): 200 calories, 3.5g fat, 91mg sodium, 40g carbs, 2.5 fiber, 34g sugars, 5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 3*
Spoon your ice cream from the most delicious bowl of all... a cantaloupe! Just cut a medium melon in half, remove and discard the seeds, and add a 1/2-cup scoop of light vanilla ice cream to the hollow center. (Save the other cantaloupe half for your next snack!) The creamy vanilla ice cream goes so well with the mellow flavor of the melon. Try it!

Do you have foods that have more of a hold on you than you would like?

Was the Doctor Right?

2011-08-25T07:14:00.001-07:00

10 Reasons to Eat an Apple a Day

From Diet and Nutrition magazine:

As it turns out, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. Apples are a quintessential food for health that are low in fat and calories and are an enzyme-rich energy food that helps break down and digest other foods.

• Bone protection: French researchers determined that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect postmenopausal women from developing osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

• Asthma help: One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

• Alzheimer's prevention: A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

• Lower cholesterol: The pectin in apples lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16%.

• Lung cancer prevention: According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50% lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

• Breast cancer prevention: A Cornell University study found that rats that ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17%. Rats that were fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39%, and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44%.

• Colon cancer prevention: One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43% lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

• Liver cancer prevention: Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57% lower risk of liver cancer.

• Diabetes management: The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body, lowering the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

• Weight loss: A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Apple Nutrition Facts (One medium 2 1/2 inch apple, fresh, raw, with skin)
Calories: 81
Carbohydrate: 21 g
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Phosphorus: 10 mg
Iron: 0.25 mg
Sodium: 0 mg
Potassium: 159 mg
Vitamin C: 8 mg
Vitamin A: 73 IU
Folate: 4 mcg

*The nutritional value of apples will vary slightly depending on the variety and size

How often do you eat an apple?

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-08-23T06:51:00.001-07:00

A little info for your Tuesday:

The Buzz...

If you love your morning cup of coffee so much that you want to bathe in it, you may be on to something. Recent research suggests that not only can consuming caffeine ward off skin cancer, but applying it directly to your skin could also help. Coffee-enhanced sunscreen just may be the next thing in skincare...

Common Nutrition Mistakes

(from Cooking Light Magazine)

You’re on a veggie kick, boiling lots every night.

Result: Vitamin-rich pot water
Dropping foods that are rich in water-soluble vitamins (like the Bs, C, folate) into cooking water leaches some of the vitamins. That’s fine for a soup or stew, less so if you’re draining the veggies. A Danish study found that boiled broccoli retained only 45% to 64% of its vitamin C after 5 minutes of boiling; steamed broccoli kept 83% to 100%.
What to do: Haul out that old steamer. Also good: microwaving

( I hate boiled veggies!)

You do a free-hand pour at the breakfast table.

Result: You likely eat enough for 1.4 people.
When we asked 100 people to show us their typical cereal pour, only 1 in 10 poured close to the recommended portions. For flake cereals, the average pour was 40% more than the 1-cup serving size. A full cup of skim milk in the bowl means you’ve added 40 more calories over the label standard. OJ, coffee cream, jam for toast: Breakfast requires lots of little portion calls, all made on a groggy brain.
What to do: Read labels, then practice with a measuring cup, just to get an idea of the recommended serving. If you change cereals, start over.

(Measure!! It’s the only way!)

You buy 80/20 ground beef because it’s a good thing that only 20% of the calories come from fat.

Result: Way more fat in your burger or meat loaf than you thought.
The 80/20 percentage refers to the proportion of fat and protein in the grind, not the proportion of calories. Because fat contains more than twice the calories of protein, 20% of fat by weight contributes 72% of the total calories in a 3.5-ounce portion of raw ground beef, or about 180 of the 250 total calories.
What to do: Buy a much leaner grind, such as 90/10, or ask for a lean whole cut like sirloin or brisket to be custom ground for you, which will be fresher anyway.

(I don’t know how many times I have heard people say how they bought lean and it isn’t!)

You drink soy milk for the calcium, but you don’t shake it.

Result: When sludge forms at the bottom of the carton, you toss it—and a whole lot of good-for-you calcium goes down the drain.
Calcium added to soy milk is good for bones. But it tends to settle and then can be quite tough to redistribute into the milk. According to a study from Creighton University in Nebraska, fortified soy milks may deliver only 25% to 79% of the promised calcium, depending on the type used and the way it’s added. In cow’s milk, calcium is naturally suspended throughout the liquid.
What to do: Shake that soy milk each time. And consume calcium from a variety of sources to get the full amount you need daily: 1,000 to 1,200mg.

(So shake shake shake!)

You spoon on whole flaxseeds to get those heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

Result: The omega-3s are tourists—they don’t hang around.
Flaxseeds are trendy, marketed as something of a super food. They represent an excellent way to add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids to baked goods, oatmeal, and cereal. And they’re a good alternative to fish and fish oils for vegetarians or vegans. But whole seeds tend to, um, pass right through.
What to do: Grind the seeds; unlock the goodness

(I have made that one before)

You set the treadmill for a 300-calorie workout so you can eat a 300-calorie treat.

Result: More calories in than out
Cardio-equipment calorie counters are notorious for overestimating your calorie burn. The American Council on Exercise found some machines can be off by 25%. Machines that require you to punch in your weight, height, age, and gender give you a better estimate, but it’s still an estimate.
What to do: If you’re calorie counting, invest in a heart-rate monitor, the kind that straps around your chest.

What nutrition mistakes have you found that you have made?

42

2011-08-22T06:52:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 42ND BIRTHDAY JIM!!!

My husband turns 42 today and I thought I share with you a little of his life:

High school car

Army

His Grandfather

Before Audrey

The brothers

His sister

Hiking

Our sweet dog Judd

Our family

If it say climb me………he does

US!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!!!

Saturday Surprise

2011-08-21T07:37:00.001-07:00

Last night we attended our friend Leo’s 40th birthday surprise party.

All ready to go:

It was in Knights Ferry in a wonderful hall with lots of room for everything.

Plenty of room for good food

And great conversation.

A good time was had by all.

Here is the Birthday Boy

He had no clue. Kayce Spent weeks getting it all planned.

Kids had a blast.

Adults had a blast.

I carried the cake on my lap the whole drive all the way out to the hall….very worried about bumps in the road.

Kayce did such a wonderful job on the cake.

Next there was dancing.

Between the movement and lighting,

My camera just couldn’t keep up.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night!

Was your Saturday full of surprises?

Small Detox

2011-08-18T06:37:00.001-07:00

After all the ups and downs I have been doing decided on a few days of just fruits, simple veggies and lean protein, call it a sort of detox from all the other nonsense I have been putting into my body.

Here is what it looks like:

Yes that is cabbage and onion soup.

6 mini meals, lots of lemon water. I need this jump start to get my self back on eating clean and healthy.

How do you detox?

Back to School

2011-08-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

Today was the official first day of school(last week was a 3 half day jump start for middle school kids).

The difference between a boy in middle school and a girl in 4th grade, first day back at school:

SON

Nothing new except his shoes! I ask, ”Don’t you want to wear something new?” AH MOM! ….so I guess new shoes are cool, new clothes aren’t ??

Ok, we get to school, he sees his friends, he gives a head nod, they give a head nod, that’s it.

This is killing me as I watch from a distance….way too funny.

DAUGHTER

Not only did she want her new shoes, she made me get every NEW dress out of her closet and picked the fanciest she had. Hasn’t let me do her hair all summer but today high pony because she thinks it looks good with the dress.

We get to school, every girl she sees they scream each other’s name and give each other great big hugs. I get to walk with her to her class. I get to see her desk and am even allowed to say good morning to her teacher.

What a difference!

Here is how I like my kids pictures to be:

Very sweet right???

WRONG!!!!!!

This is how they like their pictures taken:

It’s the little moments eh?

SLACKER!!!

2011-08-15T06:21:00.001-07:00

I am such a slacker!!

(source)

I just haven’t been able to fully get myself on board lately. I guess it is all the stress of moving but I get on board, exercise, eat right for 2 days, off for 2 days on for 1 day off for 2 days…..not a good cycle to be in. My weight is up and energy is down. The only positive thing I can say is I thinks my legs are getting stronger from all the going up and down stairs in my new house.

I need something to slap me back into my good habits. I need a program. I need motivation!! I don’t want to be a slacker!!!

Food for thought:

"Starved Brain Cells Eat Themselves, Study Finds." As reported at ScienceDaily.com, study findings indicate that when we don't eat, hunger-inducing cells in the brain begin a process of "self-eating." As if that isn't alarming enough, the process sends a message to your brain to make you hungrier, which is why crash dieting SO doesn't work.

What do you do to get yourself out of SLACKER mode?

Make a Quick Dinner With Any of These

2011-08-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

Email share *ALERT*

This was in my Hungry Girl email and I had to share it with you:

Say you just got home from a long day of work/school/fighting crime/etc., and you're hungry NOW! Here are the TOP ATE items to help you whip up meals in a jiffy. You need these...

1. Steam-in-the-Bag Veggies (Fresh or Frozen)

Our message here is pretty simple: KEEP VEGGIES AROUND, convenient ones in particular. These are in the number-one spot for a reason -- quick-cooking veggies can be a great base for any dinner, especially when matched with other items from this list. Fresh picks like the kinds by Mann's are awesome, and frozen finds like options by Green Giant (even the ones with sauce!) and Birds Eye Steamfresh are EXCELLENT.

2. Precooked Meat Substitutes

If this category sounds vague, it's because it's home to SO MANY useful products in the HG arsenal. Frozen meatless burger patties (veggie or soy-based) are great for sandwiches; you can also chop 'em and add 'em to salads, stews, stir-frys, etc. Pre-made meatballs and ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like the kinds by Boca and Morningstar Farms) are also great to keep on hand; both heat up quickly and are super-versatile!

3. House Foods Tofu Shirataki Noodle

Substitute

The big time-saving advantage here is that you don't have to boil water and then wait for your pasta to cook, which is awesome! These super-low-calorie noodles do require draining, rinsing, and blotting, but then you can just throw them in the microwave or a skillet until hot. Choose your sauce (creamy ones work best) and add-ins (the above two items on this list are perfect)!

4. Canned Beans

These make an excellent addition to both hot and cold dishes. Green salads are a lot more meal-like when topped with a few spoonfuls of beans, and beans give heat 'n eat soups a fast and easy boost of protein and fiber. Don't forget about fat-free refried beans -- pair 'em with the next product and a bit of light cheese, and you're one microwave minute away from a super-satisfying burrito!

5. High-Fiber Tortillas with

110 Calories or Less

You can do SO much with these things, people. Use 'em to whip up a couple of chilled wraps. Bake up a thin-crust pizza. Grab a skillet and churn out a quesadilla. Make them into stylish hats. (OK, maybe not the last one.) Bottom line: These are excellent starters for quickie meals.

6. Creamy Tomato Soup

Here's the thing about a good creamy tomato soup -- not only is it delicious plain, but it also goes well with a slew of different add-ins. AND it makes a great marinara swap for noodles, veggies, meats... whatever! You can even toss it with some cooked broccoli cole slaw and reduced-fat Parmesan topping for a guilt-free pasta swap. Just look for one with 4 grams of fat or less per 1-cup serving.

7. Pouched or Canned Albacore Tuna and Pink Salmon in Water

Another couple of good hot-or-cold options. These go WAY beyond scoopable salads. Roll salmon up with fruit, veggies, and teriyaki sauce in one of those tortillas shouted out earlier. Make Italian-style tuna wraps.

8. Fat-Free Liquid Egg Substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)

Get over that hurdle -- eggs are GREAT any time of day. And egg substitute is especially great because it's easy to use and cooks incredibly fast. Got some random no-guilt leftovers lying around, but not enough for a meal? Use 'em as the filling for an impromptu omelette! Or you can just throw some chopped items into a mug with light cheese and egg substitute, and have yourself an egg mug. For something more filling, stuff your egg-mug goodies into a high-fiber pita.

What do have in your kitchen for a quick dinner?

Can America Afford New “My Plate” Guidelines?

2011-08-11T06:30:00.001-07:00

Article share from msnbc.com:

Healthy eating adds $380 to yearly grocery bill, study shows

Fresh food choices can feel like luxury in lean times

If you are trying to eat as healthy as the government wants you to, it’s going to cost you: at least $7.28 a week extra, that is.

A recent update of U.S. nutritional guidelines -- what used to be known as the food pyramid and is now called "My Plate" -- calls on Americans to eat more fresh foods containing potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium.

But for a typical consumer, the simple act of adding more potassium to your diet could tack on hundreds more dollars to your annual grocery bill, scientists reported Thursday in the journal Health Affairs.

With potassium, for instance, the participants consumed an average of 2,800 milligrams a day — 700 milligrams below the recommended amount. To get up to par, they’d have to spend an extra $1.04 a day, or $380 a year. For a family of four, that's $1,520 annually.

To boost levels of dietary fiber and vitamin D, they’d have to spend about 35 cents extra a day for each of the two nutrients. Most participants came so close to meeting calcium guidelines, they wouldn’t have to spend more on dairy products.

Overall, those who spent the most on food came closest to the recommended daily values of the nutrients across the board. They also came closest to staying within the recommended limits for saturated fat and added sugar.

Sure, they could eat more economically, but they'd have to know how to do so, Monsivais said. The guidelines may be based on solid scientific evidence, he says, but they won’t do much good if Americans don’t know what foods provide the best nutritional bang for their buck.

He criticized some of the marketing for a healthy diet — for example, the image of a plate of salmon, leafy greens and maybe some rice pilaf — and said a meal like that is not affordable for many Americans.

A lot of people assume the poor eat cheap food because it tastes good, but they would make better choices if they could afford to, said Seligman, who was not involved in the Health Affairs study.

"Almost 15 percent of households in America say they don't have enough money to eat the way they want to eat," Seligman said. Recent estimates show 49 million Americans make food decisions based on cost, she added.

"Right now, a huge chunk of America just isn't able to adhere to these guidelines," she said.

Do you feel it is more expensive to eat healthier?

On the Right Track?

2011-08-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

The past week and a half has finally calmed down (of course right before school) and before my calendar seems to get out of hand, I need to get my eating back on track. Gained 4 pounds as of this morning’s stellar weigh in. UGH! Being in my 40’s it is really that easy to do. If I am not totally on top of my eating habits.

(source)

I have been researching a few things over the past few days, a few people in my life have been doing or have tried this HCG thing. Not sure if I could completely comply with how incredibly strict it is, however it really does make you think about what we put into our bodies. There are some things that I already do, but others I never really thought about. I never really thought about the make up I use, lotions and potions….are these things effecting my weight?

I already only use truvia or stevia for my sugar and only have almond milk, no cow’s milk. I only use reduce sugar ketchup, …..which is huge for me, I AM A KETCUPAHOLIC. I love my coffee, but I can put less of the sugar free creamer in it. I do know that starches affect my weight and only have whole wheat pasta but really shouldn’t have that even.

I am still on the fence about HCG, however it has opened my eyes a bit. Would you try it, have you tried it, did you “cheat” on this diet?

Is this diet too extreme? What extremes have you gone to?

Yard Before and After

2011-08-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

Back Yard Empty

We brought more dirt

A few pygmy palms

Brought over my peppers and tomatoes

All my potted flowers

A few new trees and transplanted bushes from old yard

More potted flowers

Still have some gaps to fill

Painted the rusted railing in the front and added a few bushes and flowers

Stained the outside fence and planted a few trees in the side yard out front

Now to get the grass growing everywhere…. I know patience, patience.

Future project a built in fire pit, and to fill in the gaps with flowers, bushes and trees.

What do you think?

Getting my House in Order

2011-08-04T18:19:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to get my house in order, here are a few pictures:

Starting to feel like home!

How long does it take you to get your home feeling like home after a move?

Hiatus

2011-08-03T07:23:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have been on hiatus, moving has taken every ounce of my time. As soon as I get myself together I’ll be back. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. See you all soon.

Before and After

2011-07-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

We had to bring some color into the house, everything was very white.

Are you one for white or do you need color?

Healthy and Budget Friendly

2011-07-27T14:11:00.001-07:00

One of my blogger buddies sent me this article and I thought,”What a GREAT share!” So I am sharing it with you!! Thanks Kalli!!

The Twenty Healthiest Foods for Under $1

By: Brie Cadman (View Profile)

Food prices are climbing, and some might be looking to fast foods and packaged foods for their cheap bites. But low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality. In fact, some of the most inexpensive things you can buy are the best things for you. At the grocery store, getting the most nutrition for the least amount of money means hanging out on the peripheries—near the fruits and veggies, the meat and dairy, and the bulk grains—while avoiding the expensive packaged interior. By doing so, not only will your kitchen be stocked with excellent foods, your wallet won’t be empty.

1. Oats
High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol. And they sure are cheap—a dollar will buy you more than a week’s worth of hearty breakfasts.

2. Eggs
You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems.

3. Kale
This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. Like most greens, it is usually a dollar a bunch.

4. Potatoes
Because we often see potatoes at their unhealthiest—as fries or chips—we don’t think of them as nutritious, but they definitely are. Eaten with the skin on, potatoes contain almost half a day’s worth of Vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium. If you opt for sweet potatoes or yams, you’ll also get a good wallop of beta carotene. Plus, they’re dirt cheap and have almost endless culinary possibilities.

5. Apples
I’m fond of apples because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, come in portion-controlled packaging, and taste good. They are a good source of pectin—a fiber that may help reduce cholesterol—and they have the antioxidant Vitamin C, which keeps your blood vessels healthy.

6. Nuts
Though nuts have a high fat content, they’re packed with the good-for-you fats—unsaturated and monounsaturated. They’re also good sources of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein. And because they’re so nutrient-dense, you only need to eat a little to get the nutritional benefits. Although some nuts, like pecans and macadamias, can be costly, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, especially when bought in the shell, are low in cost.

7. Bananas
At a local Trader Joe’s, I found bananas for about 19¢ apiece; a dollar gets you a banana a day for the workweek. High in potassium and fiber (9 grams for one), bananas are a no-brainer when it comes to eating your five a day quotient of fruits and veggies.

8. Garbanzo Beans
With beans, you’re getting your money’s worth and then some. Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but ’bonzos are also high in fiber, iron, folate, and manganese, and may help reduce cholesterol levels. And if you don’t like one type, try another—black, lima, lentils … the varieties are endless. Though they require soaking and cooking, the most inexpensive way to purchase these beans is in dried form; a precooked can will still only run you around a buck.

9. Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of nice nutrients—calcium, vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. As if that isn’t enough, broccoli is also packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, it’s low in calories and cost.

10. Watermelon
Though you may not be able to buy an entire watermelon for a dollar, your per serving cost isn’t more than a few dimes. This summertime fruit is over 90 percent water, making it an easy way to hydrate, and gives a healthy does of Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off cancer.

11. Wild Rice
It won’t cost you much more than white rice, but wild rice is much better for you. Low in fat and high in protein and fiber, this gluten-free rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates. It packs a powerful potassium punch and is loaded with B vitamins. Plus, it has a nutty, robust flavor.

12. Beets
Beets are my kind of vegetable—their natural sugars make them sweet to the palate while their rich flavor and color make them nutritious for the body. They’re powerhouses of folate, iron, and antioxidants.

13. Butternut Squash
This beautiful gourd swings both ways: sometimes savory, sometimes sweet. However you prepare the butternut, it will not only add color and texture, but also five grams of fiber per half cup and chunks and chunks of Vitamin A and C. When in season, butternut squash and related gourds are usually less than a dollar a pound.

14. Whole Grain Pasta
In the days of Atkins, pasta was wrongly convicted, for there is nothing harmful about a complex carbohydrate source that is high in protein and B vitamins. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest staples you can buy.

15. Sardines
As a kid, I used to hate it when my dad would order sardines on our communal pizzas, but since then I’ve acquired a taste for them. Because not everyone has, you can still get a can of sardines for relatively cheap. And the little fish come with big benefits: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. And, because they’re low on the food chain, they don’t accumulate mercury.

16. Spinach
Spinach is perhaps one of the best green leafies out there—it has lots of Vitamin C, iron, and trace minerals. Plus, you can usually find it year round for less than a dollar.

17. Tofu
Not just for vegetarians anymore, tofu is an inexpensive protein source that can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. It’s high in B vitamins and iron, but low in fat and sodium, making it a healthful addition to many dishes.

18. Low fat Milk
Yes, the price of a gallon of milk is rising, but per serving, it’s still under a dollar; single serving milk products, like yogurt, are usually less than a dollar, too. Plus, you’ll get a lot of benefit for a small investment. Milk is rich in protein, vitamins A and D, potassium, and niacin, and is one of the easiest ways to get bone-strengthening calcium.

19. Pumpkin Seeds
When it’s time to carve your pumpkin this October, don’t shovel those seeds into the trash—they’re a goldmine of magnesium, protein, and trace minerals. Plus, they come free with the purchase of a pumpkin.

20. Coffee
The old cup-o-joe has been thrown on the stands for many a corporeal crime—heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis—but exonerated on all counts. In fact, coffee, which is derived from a bean, contains beneficial antioxidants that protect against free radicals and may actually help thwart heart disease and cancer. While it’s not going to fill you up like the other items on this list, it might make you a lot perkier. When made at home, coffee runs less than 50¢ cents a cup.

Choosing one of these twenty items, or the countless number of similarly nutritious ones, might just stretch that dollar from a snack into a meal.

What would you add to the list?

CH CH CHANGES……

2011-07-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

Can’t wait to get these! I love FlatOut and these would be perfect!

Coming soon: Hungry Girl Exclusive Flatout Foldits! Yup, HG partnered with their pals at Flatout on these foldable flatbreads (including a SLIDERS variety!) -- complete with HG suggestions and recipes right on the package! Find the adorable HG packaging in the deli section at all Walmart Supercenters, beginning August 8th!

Weekend BBQ:

I got a GREAT deal on ribs, YUM!

This weekend we hung out on the deck and enjoyed the peace and quite of country living.

Moving to town is going to be a big change for us, can’t wait to share it all with you.

YES, we are moving! Signed the papers Friday hoping for our keys, Wed. or Thurs. total chaos right before school of course. It was a LONG stressful process. We bought a foreclosure, so it is as is but the deal was too good to pass up and the time was right. We haven’t lived in town for about 12 years. This is going to be a huge change. My kids and dog aren’t used to having neighbors. I will keep you updated as we go.

Have you had big changes this summer?

Macaroni & Cheese Veggie Pasta

2011-07-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

Well it looks like it’s going to be a hot one today, school is getting closer, kids in sports camp, back to school lists in the mail, kids out growing everything in their closets, oh yeah ad they all need haircuts too. Next couple of weeks will be chaos for me, other things also causing chaos but will have to hold back and explain that at a later date.

Oh yeah, woke up to ANTS this morning all over my kitchen counter….GGGGRRRRRRR!! We live surrounded by an orchard so this is nothing new however, they still frustrate me, I spray, I have traps….but still they come.

On another note………

Kraft is getting sneaky with the U.S. launch of blue-box mac 'n cheese made with... CAULIFLOWER!Freeze-dried florets are reduced to powder and used to replace some of the flour in the pasta. Look for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Veggie Pasta at Walmart and Target locations. HMMMMM……

Now, I have picky eaters so if I can get this one past them, you’ll know it is good. I am on a mission to find it this weekend.

Here is what has been jumping onto my plate this week:

What has been jumping on to yours?

Findings

2011-07-19T06:45:00.001-07:00

More new products!! Seems like every time I go to the store I find something new.

First is Yoplait Greek vanilla honey yogurt, it has 9g of protein good flavor, wish it was a little more on the honey side.

Mixed it with a small banana and made for a very good snack!

Next is Fiber One brownies!

These little guys are full of flavor! 5 grams of fiber! Soft, moist and just the right amount of peanut butter to go with the chocolate. I only found one problem….

…..it was REALLY hard to eat just one!

Of course I am still eating my usual this summer…

Zucchini Browns!!!!!

Any new finds you’d like to share?

New Mixes

2011-07-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

Here is some great combos I thought I would share with you from my Hungry Girl email:

With these quickie recipes at your fingertips, you can spend less time cooking and more time having fun! And who doesn't like having fun? Read on, people!

Crystal Light Sugar-Free Drink Mix + Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt

PER SERVING (half an On-The-Go packet + 6 oz. yogurt): 105 calories, 0g fat, 80mg sodium, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 6g sugars, 18g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2*

Just mix a serving of the powdered drink mix (about 1/2 tsp.) into a 6-oz. cup of the yogurt and mix, mix, mix. (Then mix some more.) Once the color is uniform, spoon away! You get a sweet, fruity, thick yogurt treat in practically any flavor you can imagine. Fruit punch? Yup. Lemonade? Sure! Cherry pomegranate? For ten calories more, keep things naturally sweetened and go with Crystal Light Pure.

Strawberries + Crumbled Reduced-Fat Feta Cheese

PER SERVING (10 large strawberries + 1/4 cup feta cheese): 123 calories, 4.5g fat, 431mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 3.5g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 7.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2*

Corn on the Cob + The Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge

PER SERVING (1 large ear of corn + 1 cheese wedge): 158 calories, 3g fat, 250mg sodium, 29g carbs, 4g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 6.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 4*

Another home-run couple here. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Spray a large piece of heavy-duty foil with nonstick spray. Grab a wedge of your favorite Laughing Cow Light flavor, and slather it all over a corn cob. Place the corn on the foil, and tightly wrap it up. Grill for about 15 minutes, covered, turning occasionally with tongs. Let cool, unwrap, and chow down!

Broccoli Cole Slaw + Pico de Gallo

PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe, about 1 cup): 55 calories, 0g fat, 315mg sodium, 12g carbs, 3g fiber, 6g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus® value 0*

Here's an easy summer side dish with a kick. Just empty a 12-oz. bag of broccoli cole slaw mix (about 4 cups) into a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups fresh pico de gallo (or chunky salsa) and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Then drain excess liquid or serve with a slotted spoon.

Salmon Fillet + Taco Seasoning Mix

PER SERVING (one raw 4-oz. fillet + 1 tsp. seasoning mix): 215 calories, 12g fat, 282mg sodium, 1.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 22.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*

If you've been wishing for a fish dish that doesn't taste... um, fishy... this one's for you. Spray a grill pan with nonstick spray, and bring it to medium-high heat on the stove. Rub half a teaspoon of the seasoning mix onto each side of a skinless fillet. Grill until flaky and cooked through, 4 - 5 minutes per side. Fiesta time!

What do you think of these mixes?

Fiber One 80

2011-07-15T07:14:00.001-07:00

Fiber One 80 Calories Honey Squares

I received a box and 10 coupons in the mail today and had try it right away! I have been seeing the ads for it and 3/4 cup for 80 calories, I had to give it a try.

PER SERVING (3/4 cup): 80 calories, 1g fat, 140mg sodium, 25g carbs, 10g fiber, 3g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2*

Fiber One 80 Calories Honey Squares
From GM website: “This new cereal has the flavor and fun of sweetened kids' cereals, but with a fraction of the calories and sugar plus a boatload of fiber. “

Light, crispy, lightly sweet is how I would describe this cereal. Not as hard and heavy as some of the Fiber One cereals. Definitely worth buying especially for the 10g of fiber, if nothing else.

Have you seen or tried this cereal?

Weekend Food

2011-07-12T07:11:00.001-07:00

Does your weekend food differ from the food you eat during the week? Do other people influence this food?

It sure does for me.

Food during the week:

Weekend Food:

Notice a theme?

I eat way more meat and hardly any veggies. SO hard to get in my 7-9 servings, besides salsa or salad, hard to find it anywhere I go. I have decided to make more of an effort to fit it in even though there is so much more chaos for me on the weekends.

How does it differ for you?

Shopping in My Garden

2011-07-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

I love shopping for the day in my own back yard!

Today was spaghetti squash, zucchini and crookneck

and I opted to make:

This

and

this, and zucchini is for this afternoon!

I also have had enough peppers and tomatoes to make 2 jars of salsa so far(we used a little over the weekend). By the end of summer I’ll have enough jars made to last until spring!

I don’t have to buy vegetables all summer long!

Do you have a garden to “shop” in?

Potato Chips same trigger as Cannabis?

2011-07-07T06:57:00.001-07:00

Article share from MSNBC:

For the love of fat: Why we crave chips and fries

It's hard to eat just one potato chip, and a new study may explain why.

Fatty foods like chips and fries trigger the body to produce chemicals much like those found in marijuana, researchers report today (July 4) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). These chemicals, called "endocannabinoids," are part of a cycle that keeps you coming back for just one more bite of cheese fries, the study found.

"This is the first demonstration that endocannabinoid signaling in the gut plays an important role in regulating fat intake," study researcher Daniele Piomelli, a professor of pharmacology at the University of California, Irvine, said in a statement.

Homemade marijuana chemicals
The study found that fat in the gut triggers the release of endocannabinoids in the brain, but the gray stuff between your ears isn't the only organ that makes natural marijuana-like chemicals. Human skin also makes the stuff. Skin cannabinoids may play the same role for us as they do for pot plants: Oily protection from the wind and sun.

For the love of fat
Tasting sugars and proteins didn't affect the release of the body's natural marijuana chemicals, the researchers found. But supping on fat did. The results showed that fat on the tongue triggers a signal to the brain, which then relays a message down to the gut via a nerve bundle called the vagus nerve. This message commands the production of endocannabinoids in the gut, which in turn drives a cascade of other signals all pushing the same message: Eat, eat, eat!

The findings suggest that by blocking the reception of endocannabinoid signals, medical researchers might be able to break the cycle that drives people to overeat fatty food. Blocking endocannabinoid receptors in the brain can cause anxiety and depression, Piomelli said, but a drug designed to target the gut might not trigger those negative side effects.

Well…………. thought that was an interesting one, the brain is a crazy thing eh?

Here are a few random pictures of what I have been eating this week.

Do you crave chips?

Another Crystal Light Post and Find

2011-07-06T07:14:00.001-07:00

Did you realize that Crystal Light has more than 30 flavors now? My dentist recommended it when my children were younger instead of juice and we have been hooked ever since.

I just received another sample from Kraft Foods and couldn’t be more thrilled. Ice cold crystal light lemonade!!

N E W F I N D A L E R T ! !

There are also New Crystal Light Mocktails . They are available in multi-serve canisters with five 2-quart packets so there is always enough to share. They are available in three delicious, low-calorie flavors – Margarita, Mojito and Appletini. From what I hear Crystal Light Mocktails are on shelves for a limited time in grocery stores nationwide.

Here is the appletini:

and of course I had to try them out

Tastes like an appletini to me! YUM!

What’s your favorite flavor?

Barbeque and Fireworks

2011-07-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

For the 4th of July we went to a Barbeque and Fireworks get together at Grandpa’s Country Club where he plays golf. We went with the cousins, so the kids had a blast!

Lots of food

A Magic Show

Running around with the cousins

Hanging out

Free stuffed animals

Balloon Animals

Face Painting

Relaxing

They even had ice cream

A little seat sharing and we are ready for the show to begin

And finally fireworks

Hope you all had a happy safe 4th!

How spectacular was your day?

HAPPY 4TH

2011-07-04T07:02:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Cool Sippers

2011-07-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

It’s the weekend of the 4th and it’s going to be hot, thought I’d share 3 lo-cal fruity drink recipes for you to cool off with.

Watermelon Margaritas

A long, tall version of the great summer sipper, with only 105 calories.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons sugar
1 lime wedge
3 1/2 cups cubed seeded watermelon
1/2 cup tequila
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
Lime wedges or watermelon balls (optional)

Preparation

1. Place 2 teaspoons sugar in a saucer. Rub the rims of 6 glasses with 1 lime wedge; spin rim of each glass in sugar to coat. Set prepared glasses aside.

2. Combine watermelon and next 4 ingredients (through Triple Sec) in a blender; process until smooth. Fill each prepared glass with 1/2 cup crushed ice. Add 1/2 cup margarita to each glass. Garnish with lime wedges or melon balls, if desired.

Low-Cal Cocktail: Simple Blueberry Summer Cooler

This refresher has 40 fewer calories than a screwdriver thanks to the calorie-free soda water.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces blueberry-flavored vodka, 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
About 2 ounces soda water
Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients except soda water into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
3. Pour with the ice into a tall glass leaving about an inch from the top of the glass.
4. Top off with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint if desired.

Low-Cal Cocktails: Pome-Rita

This sipper is about 100 calories less than a regular margarita, and has nearly half the amount of sugar.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce orange liqueur, 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce pomegranate juice
Kosher salt for rim
Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Pour with ice into a salted wine glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

What do you cool off with during hot holiday celebrations?

No Magic Bullet

2011-06-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

Interesting article I thought I would share:

For weight control, it's what we eat that counts

'There's no magic bullet' to avoid packing on pounds, epidemiologist Dr. Walter C. Willett tells NBC's Robert Bazell

While many adults struggle with restrictive dieting and counting calories, Harvard University researchers found that the type of foods we choose to eat may have a bigger impact on weight control than portion sizes. Regular consumption of potato chips, French fries and sugared beverages were most to blame for slow and steady weight gain. However, people who ate yogurt, fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains either lost weight or gained the least.

The important point of this study is that there’s no magic bullet ... that we really need to pay much attention to the quality of our diet. Picking out healthier foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, each one of these will have a small benefit. But adding them all up, it’ll make a long-term difference in our long-term ability to control our weight.

For the rest of the article click here

Here are a few of the things I have been eating this week:

How has your eating been this week?

New Bar

2011-06-28T07:08:00.001-07:00

How many times have you bit into a bar and it was hard crunchy and tasted like sawdust? Not these bars. I recently won these bars in a giveaway on my blogger friend Kalli’s blog Fit and Forty Something.

Jumpstarter bars are just what the doctor ordered!

These bars are moist, chewy, cinnamony, healthy and SO delicious!

I was very pleasantly surprised when I took my first bite of the chocolate raisin.

The cranberry was just as wonderful!

Look at all these wonderful healthy ingredients!

Whole grain oats, natural dried cranberries, unsweetened pure organic apple sauce, oat flour, organic agave, coconut extract, grapeseed oil, organic molasses, raw cane juice, pure vanilla extract, and kosher or sea salt.

Now to exercise some control and not eat them all in one day…..I still have 4 more to try!

Do you have a new bar?

OHH the Cake!!

2011-06-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

Hardest thing about having someone in the family have a birthday is all the cake and ice cream and sweet treats.I was tempted at every turn.

OK so I do not make the best looking cakes. But they taste wonderful!

After the family birthday it was the kid birthday……

She wanted cupcakes AND doughnuts

Movie snacks were popcorn AND marshmallows

I did give in to a little of it. I had ice cream with PB2 sauce on it.

All of this is hard to resist. I have a huge sweet tooth. It’s Monday now and all temptation is gone, thankfully!

Were you tempted this weekend?

Say Goodbye to Year Eight

2011-06-24T05:23:00.001-07:00

Today is my daughters ninth birthday.

It was a great year to be eight!

On to year nine!

I Love You!

Hope Nine is 10x better than eight!

Happy Ninth Birthday Audrey!!!

PB2

2011-06-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Second day on track, here is another look at 1200 calories.

Crook neck hash browns

Have you tried PB2? Finally found it at a decent price and decided to try it.

PB2: Powdered Peanut Butter
Ingredients: Roasted peanuts, sugar and salt.
Serving size: 2 Tablespoons (12 grams)
Servings per container: 15
Amount per 2 Tablespoon serving (when mixed with water):
Calories: 45
Total fat 1.5 g 3%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Trans fat < 0.01 g
Cholesterol < 0.01 mg 0%
Sodium 94 mg 4%
Total carbohydrate 5 g 2%
Dietary fiber 2 g 8%
Sugars 1 g
Protein 5 g
Vitamin A < 1%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium <1%
Iron 0%

Love the low calorie aspect however……

Having trouble with consistency

Not too bad when with something, not sure about it by itself

Spinach and shirataki noodles with a little egg white

Yogurt and berries

Egg white thin sandwich

For all of you who have tried PB2, any tips or hints?

Track and Measure

2011-06-22T06:06:00.001-07:00

June has been a strange month. I have not kept track although I have tried to be healthy, I started to feel things maybe out of proportion. So I am back to calorie counting, therefore I measure and keep track of everything I eat.

Here is what you get for 1200 calories:

Because I have to have my coffee!

Special K and Almond Milk

Zucchini Browns (did I mention my addiction?)

More zucchini

Fresh Boysenberries with Greek Yogurt

Quick meal with added protein and veggies

The box only has 230 calories and was only cooking dinner for me.

So I think I need to add more veggies but otherwise wasn’t too bad, not as off track as I thought. Let’s see how the rest of the week plays out !

Do you track and measure?

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

2011-06-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

I am not sure what father’s day means to you but it means the world to me.

I do not own very many pictures of my father but I’d like to share a few with you. He passed in 1983. He was a great man, loved by all who knew him.

Happy Father’s Day Dad!!

Yes, I am the little blonde glued to his side!

With all my heart, I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Talkin’ Turkey

2011-06-17T08:34:00.001-07:00

Every year in November, I buy an extra turkey so we can have it later on in the year and I got a craving, so it was turkey time folks!

Best thing about turkey is a turkey sandwich!

I take the rest and boil the meat off the bones

and make a turkey noodle stoop(stew+soup)

Whole wheat noodles a little garlic and onion, YUM!

I mix it with spinach and mushrooms

Or a little squash, it goes with any veggie, so delish!

I roast my turkey in a roasting bag, stuff with onions and apples, season with sage, paprika, and garlic and then dump 3/4 a bottle of dry champagne over it. No basting, nothing just set the timer and it is fall off the bone tender, moist and delicious EVERY time.

Do you love turkey as much as I do?

Squash Hash Browns

2011-06-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

I think I have become obsessed. I have been having them on a daily basis. I have squash coming out of my ears(HA HA)! I have given many away but still have plenty. Actually it is one of the only things that even sound good, guess I was in such a routine I may have burnt myself out a bit.

I have them with Zucchini

I have them with Crook Neck

I have them with both and add egg whites

They have become my summer staple.

What are you eating from your garden?

June Get Together

2011-06-13T09:44:00.001-07:00

Getting every one together seems to be impossible these days. We decided to celebrate my husband’s brother’s birthday, my daughter’s birthday and father’s day all in one. Yesterday was the only day we could seem to make it happen.

There was swimming,

A little dancing with xbox kinnect

A lot eating

Birthday Cake

Presents

Hanging out

Playing pool

And in the end we all went home dog tired

All in all a good Sunday afternoon party!

How was your June Sunday?

Newton’s Fruit Thins

2011-06-09T14:41:00.001-07:00

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a box of Newton’s Fruit Thins.

When I first received these they weren't exactly what I was expecting, not the usual qualities that make a Fig Newton, a Fig Newton. I received the CRISPY FIG & HONEY flavor.

Unlike the Newtons Fruit Crisps, which contain a thin layer of fruit filling, these Newton Fruit Thins have their fruit baked in. These crispy cookies are made with real fruit, 8 grams of whole grain per serving and come in four varieties:

Fig and Honey, Blueberry Brown Sugar, Cranberry Citrus Oat and Raspberry Chocolate

140 calories, 5 grams of fat, 1-1.5 gram of saturated fat, 95 milligrams of sodium, 21-22 grams of carbohydrates, 1-2 grams of fiber, 7-8 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.

Newton’s Fruit Thins are a deliciously sweet snack that I know you will enjoy. I do think I am partial to the softer cookie. These are more short-bready crispy type in this form. I left these out on the counter and ran to the store for something, when I returned the entire plate was gone. Glad I got one because they were absolutely GONE!! If that doesn’t tell you something I don’t know what does!

Have you tried Newton’s Fruit Thins?

Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries

2011-06-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a coupon for Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries.

Are you kidding me not try one of my favorite things on earth, you bet I’ll try ’em! They so did not disappoint! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these are absolutely a winner in my book!

These are so good, after this plate,

I had to have another! A+ in my book! If you are craving sweet potato fries(as I do) these are a great buy!

Thanks for the coupon Foodbuzz and Ore Ida!

Have you tried sweet potato fries?

A Journey to Becoming Healthier Inside and Out

Fitness Myths

**Article Share**

Exercise Speeds Metabolism for Hours

Running on a Treadmill is Easier on the Knees

Using Exercise Machines is Safer

Protein the New Fiber?

A Year in a Life: Jack 2011

New Year New Food Finds

Diary of a Mad Woman

Pizza Is a Vegetable???

Do I Really Need Words with Pictures like These?

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

DID YOU KNOW???

Figure Friendly Bar

Macaroni

Super Foods

Cold Morning Comfort

Trying to Find My Way Back Out

Busy Halloween Weekend

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Candy Calorie Reality

FOOD DAY

Ask Congress to Support Food Day's Goals:

New Food Find

Are We Fooling Ourselves?

Article Share

1200 in Pictures

Keep It Simple Stupid

Ichord Family Reunion (We missed you Austin and Nick and Carrie)

In search of……..

Pumpkin

Pumpkin-flavored sauce blended with milk and ice. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

Busy Saturday Fun

Go, FDA!

Sweet and Salty

Weekend BBQ

In a Box

Tip 1

A little bit of this…….

Even a little bit of physical activity helps, study confirms

What’s Got a Hold on Me?

Was the Doctor Right?

Tuesday Tidbits

You’re on a veggie kick, boiling lots every night.

You do a free-hand pour at the breakfast table.

You buy 80/20 ground beef because it’s a good thing that only 20% of the calories come from fat.

You drink soy milk for the calcium, but you don’t shake it.

You spoon on whole flaxseeds to get those heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

You set the treadmill for a 300-calorie workout so you can eat a 300-calorie treat.

42

Saturday Surprise

Small Detox

Back to School

SLACKER!!!

Make a Quick Dinner With Any of These

Can America Afford New “My Plate” Guidelines?

Article share from msnbc.com:

Fresh food choices can feel like luxury in lean times

On the Right Track?

Yard Before and After

Getting my House in Order

Hiatus

Before and After

Healthy and Budget Friendly

CH CH CHANGES……

Macaroni & Cheese Veggie Pasta

Findings

New Mixes

Fiber One 80

Weekend Food

Shopping in My Garden

Potato Chips same trigger as Cannabis?

Article share from MSNBC:

Another Crystal Light Post and Find

Barbeque and Fireworks

HAPPY 4TH

Cool Sippers

It’s the weekend of the 4th and it’s going to be hot, thought I’d share 3 lo-cal fruity drink recipes for you to cool off with.

Preparation

Article Share