Weekly Wellness
Issue 157
Featured Article
Ten Exercise Myths - Although some old fitness fictions, such as "no pain, no gain" and "spot reducing" are fading fast, plenty of popular exercise misconceptions still exist. Here are some of the most common myths as well as the not-so-common facts based on current exercise research.
Fitness Tip
Lift Weight to Lose Weight Our metabolism slows down as we age, increasing our belt size and the resulting weight can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several forms of cancer that are associated with obesity. But, you can do something about it before it's too late! One good option is weight training. Read more...
Nutrition Tip
REMINDER: Do You Have High Cholesterol? Take the Heart-Smart Challenge!
See if you can lower your cholesterol over the next 30 days by
eating oatmeal. The Quaker Oats Company, in conjunction with the
Cedar-Crosse Research Center, located in downtown Chicago, is currently
offering you the opportunity to participate in the Smart Heart Challenge.
Participants in the Smart Heart Challenge eat oatmeal every day for 30
days in order to help lower cholesterol levels. Some Smart Heart Challenge
participants have even been selected to appear in TV commercials to talk
about their results!
Nutrient of the Week
Lysine (Essential Amino Acid)
Lysine ensures the adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen ( which makes
up bone cartilage and connective tissues); aids in the production of antibodies,
hormones and enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be
effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral
growth. A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability,
bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia and reproductive problems.
Quick Recipe
Cider Baked Apples
Remove cores of 6 good sized apples, apple corer. (A potato peeler
works well also.) Cut out V-shape at top of apple. Insert into the V-shape
opening: 1 tablespoon of cinnamon imperials (the little red hot candies)
and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Place the apples in a 8 x 8-inch baking pan
and pour 2-1/2 cups of apple cider around them. Bake at 350-degrees,
basting occasionally with the hot cider until apples are tender, but not
mushy. Grate nutmeg on apples. Remove apples from cider and place
on serving dish. Serve hot or some like these refrigerated first and topped
with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tidbit(s)
New Web Site Explains Required Labeling of Trans Fats in Foods
New Web Site Explains Required Labeling of Trans Fats in Foods
A 2003 FDA rule requires food manufacturers to list on labels the amount of
trans fats found in their foods. To help consumers understand the new
labeling, which must be in place no later than January 2006, the FDA Center
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has created a Web site with helpful
background on trans fats and how to minimize them in the diet. Though found
in many food products, trans fats have been shown to raise levels of LDL
("bad") cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.
Food Fixes
Spray popped popcorn with butter flavored spray for a buttery flavor without the calories.
When refilling salt or pepper shakers, first cover the top opening with a small piece of plastic wrap, then when it is turned over to fill up, the salt does not pour out.
Speed up the cooking time of fried potatoes by first peeling, chopping into small squares and boiling the potatoes until softened, but not too much. Then drain and place into skillet with heated oil. Cook while adding seasoning until the outsides are lightly browned and crisp.
To have vegetables retain their color, add a lump of sugar, or vinegar, or a tad of lemon juice.