Weekly Wellness
Issue 250
Featured Article
Alcohol in the Diabetics Diet -- The effects of alcohol in the Diabetic Diet
Fitness Tip
Do I need a tetanus shot?
Unless it was recent, you may not remember when you received your last tetanus shot. And unless you step on a rusty nail or suffer a deep wound, you may not even think about the possibility of lockjaw. Why should you worry? Tetanus bacteria could pounce through a tiny pinprick, an animal scratch, bug bites or a splinter, any time of year. Find out how to protect yourself.
Nutrition Tip
No-fry zone.
Potatoes can be a dieter's secret weapon -- if you know how best to prepare them. Keep them away from the deep fryer or high-fat toppings, and they're excellent choices. On its own, a cooked medium-size potato has only about 200 calories, and it's very filling. Top it with yogurt and a sprinkling of chives -- you'll never miss the sour cream. Potatoes are rich in protein, iron, potassium and, if you eat the skin, fiber. They also contain glutathione, an antioxidant that may help protect against cancer. Never store potatoes in the refrigerator -- it makes them turn dark when cooked. Keep them in a cool, dark, ventilated place. Trim away any green spots before cooking.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
The potato is about 80 percent water and 20 percent solids.
Quick Recipe
Quip:
Heat oven to 400-degrees. Cut one or two large unpeeled baking potatoes into thin slices; arrange on foil-lined baking sheet coated with vegetable oil spray. Coat slices with vegetable oil spray; sprinkle with salt. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions: Cut leftover carrots into carrot sticks to accompany your meal.
Tidbit
Liquids: Milk, Juice and Soup Count, Too!
In addition to water, milk, juice and soup also count toward your daily fluid intake. Don't include alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine because they have a mild diuretic effect. Caffeine can hold water back from the tissues that need it. Since your body is nearly two-thirds water, it is important to avoid fluids that may cause dehydration!
Food Fixes
Make a Delicious Holiday Sauce -- for pancakes, waffles or ice cream by heating 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin, 1 cup maple syrup and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a saucepan until warm.
For entertaining, choose platters of a size that you can easily fill. Food is more appetizing when it appears to be abundant.
When using a garnish, either use an ingredient that's in the recipe or one that will compliment the flavor. For example, if a recipe calls for chives, use snipped chives as a garnish.
Enjoy cooking tips? Check out the Quick Cooking Tips section! They're quick, easy and helpful!