Weekly Wellness
Issue 338
Featured Article
Tips For a Low Sodium Diet Sodium is a mineral found as a natural ingredient in many foods. The most common form of sodium is salt.
Fitness Tip
Laughter
Laughter relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow -- the exact opposite of what your blood vessels do when you are stressed. In a small study of healthy men and women with normal blood pressure, watching a funny movie increased blood flow by about 22 percent. If funny movies aren't your style, spend time with the people who tickle your funny bone.
Nutrition Tip
The Benefits of a Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. People who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:
- Consume more nutrients and less fat and cholesterol
- Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning
- Control their weight
- Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease
- Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination.
- They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
An empty belly is the best cook. --Estonian Proverb
Quick Recipe
Chicken Toss
Mix 1/4 cup cold leftover chicken or convenience type chunk chicken with sliced seedless grapes, 1/2 tablespoon sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or fat-free mayonnaise, and a dash of curry powder.
Tidbit(s)
Fast Facts about Fats
Putting dietary fats, including monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated fats, and trans fats, into context when talking about a healthful diet can be confusing. To help make the job easier, the IFIC Foundation has assembled resources on dietary fats to help sort out the "fat" facts.
Food Fixes
Fish needs some kind of insulation to keep moist when it's baking. Cover the baking dish, or coat the fish with butter and crumbs or top with a sauce before placing in the oven. Top lean fish (such as red snapper, flounder or halibut) with a layer of chopped vegetables and herbs.
To open tight lids on jars more easily: Slip on a rubber dishwashing glove; in a pinch, try slipping a thick rubber band around the perimeter of the lid.
Tasty Tip: When making chicken dumplings, stir in a pinch of curry powder to the dry ingredients.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!