Weekly Wellness
Issue 215
Featured Article
Low-Fat Techniques for Easter and Passover Cooking
Fitness Tip
It's Time to "Spring" Back Into Physical Fitness!
Spring will be here soon! As the temperatures start to rise, people will be heading outdoors to do many activities that they have been unable to do during the cold months. Gardening, washing your car, painting your house, or cleaning the windows on your house are all good ways to sneak in a little physical activity. The bending, stretching, and lifting associated with these tasks will give your muscles a thorough workout!
Nutrition Tip
Bitter Vegetables
Do Brussels sprouts, beet greens and other bitter vegetables cause you to turn your nose up at them? Many people, more women than men, are born with taste buds that cannot tolerate bitter foods. But bitterness can be blunted with just a shake of the hand. Sprinkle a little salt on the offending edible or toss it with a salty condiment such as anchovies, salad dressing or a condiment like hoisin or oyster sauce. One caveat: Skip this strategy if you have any health problems that prevent you from eating salt. Suggestion: Keep a jar of capers or olives on hand and stir a few of them in with bitter foods. The briny taste of these bite-sized additions will do the trick.
Herb of the Week
Nettle Leaf
Nettle Leaf is a food-like medicine that functions as a general tonic and nutrition source. It is a general remedy for mucous membranes, including the digestive tract, the respiratory system and the urinary system. It opens breathing and reduces mucous conditions of the lungs. People have used it for diarrhea, regularity and elimination problems. In recent years, it has become popular for difficulties associated with the spring and summer season.
Quick Recipe
Mexican Spaghetti
Cook eight ounces spaghetti according to directions but without using oil; drain. Return to pot and add 1-tablespoon olive oil. Add one jar (24 ounces) mild thick and chunky salsa, one can (15 ounces) rinsed and drained black beans, salt and pepper to taste, and heat five minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately and garnish with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with suggestions: lettuce salad and Italian bread.
Tidbit(s)
Five-Minute Walk
Even a five-minute walk can boost your health, once you know how to make it count. The key is to do it regularly -- aim for a total walking time of 30 to 45 minutes a day, in as little as 5-minute increments, to give your body a boost.
Food Fixes
Never have rice boil over again. Put amount of rice and recommended amount of water in a roaster, cover put in cold oven-turn oven to 350 degrees and 25 minutes later, you have perfect rice with no mess and almost no sticking to the roaster. Try it -- it really works!
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets.
To save leftover wine and canned broth: Divide leftovers among ice cube tray compartments; when frozen, transfer cubes to self-sealing bags, label and date, and use in sauces and stews.
To peel shrimp quickly, use kitchen scissors. Cut the shrimp shell from top to bottom. The shell and the vein will easily slip off.