An Apple A Day.........

According to Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, “Research findings are in agreement with the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are full of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and are a good source of fiber and potassium. Numerous studies show an association between apples’ high antioxidant activity and a decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and asthma.2

It’s best to eat apples rather than drink apple juice. Whole apples are richer in dietary fiber than juice, and the juicing process drastically reduces the amount of polyphenols found in the whole fruit.”  To read more---go to Today’s Dietitian http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/121112p20.shtml

CHEW YOUR APPLES RATHER THAN DRINK THEM

Have SAFE Food Holiday!

Sometimes it is obvious when food is spoiled.

But there are many times when food is left to sit on the counter to "nibble on later" the food is in the DANGER ZONE of 40 to 140 degrees for plenty of time for unhealthy organisms to grow.  So keep hot food over 140 degrees and cold food under 40 degrees ------ I mean really---who wants to get tummy problems over the holiday?!


http://www.homefoodsafety.org/app

Fresh & Easy

Tired of the "same old" for breakfast, but short on time?  Have a Multi-Grain waffle topped with low fat cream cheese and some fresh fruit-----A little bit of granola sprinkled on top is a nice variation also.

Increased Fruit + Veggies= Increased Happiness?

Eating 7 Servings a Day Linked With Best Well-Being, Researchers Find

 Many studies site a corelation of increased health benefits with increase fruit and vegetable consumption----but increased Happiness?

According to WebMD Medical News

"By Kathleen Doheny

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Oct. 11, 2012 -- Grumpy and out of sorts? Grab an apple. Or a carrot. Or a banana.
Repeat daily.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables seems to boost life satisfaction, mental well-being, and happiness, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed the diet habits of 80,000 men and women in Britain.
The more fruits and vegetables they ate, the happier they were. Those who ate seven servings daily were happiest."
Who wants to be happy?  Are they willing to visit the produce aisle and find some fun things to eat?

READ MORE HERE

Emotional BOOST from Exercise & Fruit/Veg Boost

This results of this interesting Gallup pole were published on UPI.com

Low-income U.S. adults report a bigger emotional boost from exercising frequently and eating fruit and vegetables regularly than richer people, a survey says.
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index of 180,299 U.S. adults conducted Jan. 2 to July 8 found low-income Americans experienced greater improvement across almost all of the items in the Emotional Health Index when they exercised frequently and ate produce regularly than do those at a higher income level.
The Emotional Health Index score is based on Americans' self-reports of positive and negative daily emotions, as well as self-reported clinical diagnoses of depression.

 Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/08/29/Exercise-bigger-emotional-payoff-for-some/UPI-28541346219062/#ixzz25DxOzdk6

Why Are Americans Eating Less Meat?????

What's driving the decline in US meat consumption?

Americans still consume more meat than nearly anyone else in the world, but consumption is declining – and people’s reasons for eating less meat have evolved in recent years.

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Market/What-s-driving-the-decline-in-US-meat-consumption

You Are What You Eat

Remember, the Darien Farmers Market, open on Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mechanic Street Parking Lot continues to have new arrivals every week.  If you don’t know what is in season now or coming soon, ask any of the farmers.  Give squash blossoms, fennel or another “less common” veggie a try.  There are so many different ways that fresh vegetables can be enjoyed.  I have friends that have said they are ready for a “break from salad”-----and that is a good idea. Roasting a fresh vegetable is an easy way to turn them into fun “nibbles and appetizers”. If you toss asparagus, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, fennel or garlic with some light olive oil (try a newly pressed extra virgin or some infused olive oils from Olivette at 1084 Post Road).  The roasted veggies should be lightly browned and tender.  Obviously large beets are going to take longer than slender stalks of asparagus, so check the internet and you will find recipe options and roasting guidance.  Take advantage of local grown fresh foods at Palmer’s Market and Whole Foods also.  As the saying goes, “you are what you eat”---or a better translation, “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are”, implying the notion that to be fit and healthy you need to eat good food.  According to www.phrases.org, that phrase came from Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, in Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante, in 1826.  Bon appétit!