Weekly Wellness
Issue 217
Featured Article
Nutrition in a Little Brown Bag
Fitness Tip
Before Your Purchase That Exercise Machine...
Looking for an exercise machine that gives an excellent workout to both the upper and lower body? Consider using a rowing machine or a ski machine. An exercise rider is also a good choice, but it doesn't give as good a workout as a rowing or a ski machine, however, it is much easier to use. Stair-climbers, treadmills, and stationary bikes give good lower body exercise, but neglect the upper body. See also: Weighing in on Exercise Machines
Nutrition Tip
Cooked over Raw
Most people can only eat so many raw vegetables, and some vegetables they will never eat raw at all. Cooking softens the flavor and texture of vegetables, making them much more palatable. Plus, cooking condenses them: One serving of raw spinach leaves is a full cup, but steam or stir-fry them and a serving shrinks to half a cup. Think how much easier it will be to get your five a day! Suggestion: Give roasting vegetables a try. Roasted in a hot oven (400-degrees), just about any vegetable, even asparagus and squash, takes on a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Herb of the Week
Peppermint Leaf
Peppermint Leaf, a popular flavor with deodorant properties, is a cooling diaphoretic, used for respiratory ailments. Peppermint is also widely used as a digestive aid that reduces gas and eases an upset stomach. Peppermint is considered a general stimulant, cleansing and strengthening the entire body. Recent research has highlighted this herb as an aid for the bowels.
Quick Recipe
Tuna Melts
Buy 2-cups tuna salad from the deli, spread it over English muffin halves, top each with a tomato slice and a slice of Swiss cheese. Broil six inches from heat five minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with suggestions: Baked potato chips and a packaged green salad.
Tidbit(s)
FDA Asking for Public Comment on Food Label Changes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today asked for public comment on two proposals to improve the appearance and content of the nutrition label to help consumers make better-informed weight management decisions. The proposals focus on providing practical serving size information and increasing the prominence of calories on the food label .
Food Fixes
There is no need to peel zucchini; simply wash, trim the ends and then slice, chop or shred as desired. Use them in recipes soon after you buy them or store for up to five days in a plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
When a recipe calls for crumbled bacon, dice it before frying for more even cooking.
Slice and package leftover baked ham in meal-size servings in aluminum foil, then label and freeze them to use when you need dinner in a hurry.