Weekly Wellness
Issue 349
Featured Article
A Brief History of Human Growth Hormone This protein is responsible for more than we ever thought before, proving to be responsible for bone density, a stronger immune system and better vision, to name a few.
Fitness Tip
Bone Loss While Losing Weight
When you're trying to drop pounds without exercising, you could be losing important bone, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. As your body gets lighter, it may not put enough stress on your skeleton to produce bone-building activity. Exercise, especially strength training, helps prevent bone loss and may even increase bone density by regularly stressing your bones. Studies show that exercises requiring muscles to pull on bones cause the bones to retain and possibly gain density. See also: Bone Building Exercise
Nutrition Tip
Fat Free Half and Half -- An Oxymoron?
The name sounds like it, doesn't it? However, the National Dairy Council and other experts agree that fat free half-and-half is a healthy alternative to the real thing. Regular half-and-half is just a mix of milk and cream, which contains 40 calories and three grams of fat per two-tablespoon serving. Its fat-free counterpart has half the calories; the fat is replaced with Food and Drug Administration-approved fillers like carrageenan, a derivative of seaweed that is found in many foods, including soymilk (the calories come from nonfat milk and a small amount of corn syrup). An even healthier alternative is skim milk. You'll get more nutrients, including vitamin D (which isn't added to fat free half-and-half), plus more protein and calcium.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quote:
Hunger: One of the few cravings that cannot be appeased with another solution. --Irwin Van Grove
Quick Recipe
Compound Butter
To one stick of butter add the following:
For a versatile butter: One tablespoon of grated citrus rind
For a savory butter: Three cloves of garlic, minced, and one tablespoon of chopped chives.
For a sweet butter: On tablespoon of cinnamon, honey or maple syrup.
For a nice presentation, after stirring in your flavor of choice, transfer the butter onto a sheet of wax paper. Fold edge over butter, and roll into a log, lengthwise. Twist ends of wax paper in opposite directions to seal. Chill for at least an hour before cutting. These butters will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about three weeks.
Tidbit(s)
Natural and/or Organic Foods and Calorie Content
Natural and organic foods can be high in calories. The word "natural" creates a level of confidence on the part of the health-conscious consumer that a food is somehow better for you. Keep in mind that the word "natural" can be found on foods such as potato chips. They may be natural, but they are still a high-fat food with a lot of calories.
Food Fixes
For an attractive garnish on your desserts, try a light dusting of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or cinnamon. Depending on the dessert, a teaspoon of finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be quite complimentary, also.
Garnish salads, sides and/or pastas with a tablespoon of toasted slivered almonds, or a handful or dried cranberries, or shaved parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or some coarsely ground black pepper.
Tasty Tidbit: Garnish your pasta or grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken with a generous handful of greens such as baby spinach.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!