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!

Healthy for Life--Find a Hero!

As a young age-group swimmer---Donna de Varona was my hero.  Her success made me want to eat healthy, train harder and be a strong female.  I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet her a few weeks ago when she was the Key Note Speaker at the Fairfield County 40 under 40 Awards.  (I was there to present a couple). She autographed one of my swim medals----GREAT FUN.

Eat healthy, work out---stay strong regardless of your age!

Is Banning large Sodas the Answer?

Proposal, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Education, Moderation

Released: 5/31/2012 5:05 PM EDT
Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Expert Available

Newswise — CHICAGO - New York City has announced plans to ban the sale of sodas and other sugary beverages larger than 16 ounces in restaurants and entertainment venues. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages consumers to be aware of how all beverages fit into their healthful daily eating plan.
“The Academy supports strategies designed to encourage people to make healthful food choices,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia Escott-Stump. “To date, most bans and taxations like the New York proposal are based on theoretical models. There is conflicting research on whether these programs actually result in behavior change that leads to positive health outcomes.”
Escott-Stump added: “As a science-based organization, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes there must be an evaluation component to these programs. We need to measure behavior changes across the population as a result of the program. Then, we can determine if the changes are long-term and whether they contribute to a reduction of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.”
The Academy has convened a working group to examine the effectiveness of measures like proposed bans and taxes that are designed to influence consumers’ purchases and their potential impact on people’s health.

“Even after we have more science-based information about measures like New York’s, it is vital that we as registered dietitians educate consumers about the components of a healthful eating plan and help people make informed decisions that will positively affect their health,” Escott-Stump said.
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage consumers to reduce their consumption of foods and beverages with added sugars and replace them with more healthful options like water, moderate servings of 100-percent fruit juice and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk alternatives.
READ MORE

Patriotic Trifle

An easy, fresh and naturally sweet dessert is attractive & always a family favorite.

Cube some pound cake (I use Better'n Eggs to lower fat), sprinkle some cubes on the bottom of a glass dish, top with sliced strawberries, then blueberries, a thin layer of Light Cool Whip (or regular whipped cream because not much is needed), then top with another sprinkle of cake cubes, and more strawberries and blueberries.  It looks tasty from the top and the sides!

Olive Oil has Health Benefits and Tastes Wonderful

For those readers who live near Darien, there is a new shop open named Olivette.  The owner Alina has rows and rows of virgin olive oils, infused olive oils, balsamics and more

Infused Olive Oils can be used in place of vegetable or plain olive oil to add subtle flavor in sautés, vinaigrettes or marinades.  Drizzle on fresh and grilled vegetables, grilled steaks and meats or use simply on its own as a dipping oil with crusty bread.  Instant Flavor!

 

 

It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps.

The main type of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs are actually considered a healthy dietary fat. If your diet emphasizes unsaturated fats, such as MUFAs and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), instead of saturated fats and trans fats, you may gain certain health benefits.
MUFAs and PUFAs may help lower your risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors. For instance, MUFAs may lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. MUFAs may also help normalize blood clotting. And some research shows that MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
But even healthier fats like olive oil are high in calories, so use them only in moderation. Choose MUFA-rich foods such as olive oil instead of other fatty foods — particularly butter and stick margarine — not in addition to them. And remember that you can't make unhealthy foods healthier simply by adding olive oil to them.
 

Help a Friend or Family Member Be Healthier

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike

Make someone you love a healthy snack.

Go Red For Women is Feb 3rd

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.

 

Women are  dying from heart disease at the rate of one per minute.

 

Heart disease claims the lives of more than 422,000 American women each year.

 

 The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women^® movement works every day to fund research and fight this killer so more women can be saved. 

They have created National Wear Red Day^® on Friday, February 3 to raise awareness about heart disease among women and to raise funds to ensure they never have to deny research that could save a woman’s life. It is the mission and belief of Go Red For Women that together we can make a difference.

CLICK HERE to go to American Heart Association and Donate.