Weekly Wellness
Issue 245
Featured Article
How HGH Supplements Work -- Human growth hormone, also called somatotropin, is a protein hormone of 190 amino acids (building blocks of protein) that is created and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It has two types of effects, both of which are highly beneficial to the vital, active human body.
Fitness Tip
Butt buster.
Want one exercise that works five major muscle groups? We've got it! Try squats, which work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs and lower back -- and you can do them anywhere. To increase resistance, add dumbbells or barbells to your reps.
Nutrition Tip
Sweet Potatoes for Your Skin
You may not think of skin as part of your immune system, but this crucial organ, covering an impressive 16 square feet, serves as a first-line fortress against bacteria, viruses and other undesirables. To stay strong, your skin needs vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, a key component of skin. One of the best ways to get vitamin A is to eat foods high in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. One of the quickest, most delicious ways to get beta-carotene is to serve candied sweet potatoes (canned are fine). Each one-half cup serving delivers only 170 calories but 40-percent of the DV of vitamin A as beta-carotene. They are so good; you might want to save them for dessert! Think orange when looking for other foods rich in beta-carotene: carrots, squash, canned pumpkin and cantaloupe.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
Benjamin Franklin described how American Indians popped popcorn. They put sand in an iron pot and placed it over the fire to heat. Then they mixed popping kernels in with the sand. The hot sand made the kernels pop. Then all was poured through a sieve to separate the sand from the popped kernels.
Quick Recipe
Spaghetti with Tuna and Spinach -- A Penny-Pincher!
Cook 12-ounces spaghetti according to package directions, but omit salt and oil; drain. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1-tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook 2-cups sliced onion, four minced garlic cloves and 1/2-teaspoon red pepper flakes for five mniutes or until softened. Add one 14-1/2-ounce can chopped tomatoes and cook five more minutes. Gradually add 5-cups chopped fresh spinach. Cook five minutes or until spinach is tender. Add one 6-ounce can drained and flaked albacore tuna. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss mixture with spaghetti and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a green salad and garlic bread. Serve pineapple sherbet for dessert.
Tidbit
100 more food calories a day
If you eat 100 more food calories a day than you burn, you'll gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, it's important to reduce calories and increase physical activity.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food Fixes
To make a smooth filling for deviled eggs, use a garlic press to mash the egg yolks. They come out very finely mashed, perfect for blending with other ingredients.
A teaspoon or 2 of vinegar can help keep eggs from cracking while boiling.
Brushing beaten egg whites over a pie crust before baking gives it a beautiful glossy finish.