Weekly Wellness
Issue 392
Featured Article
Drained? Rev Up With Natures Foods! It's 3 pm. Your mind is wandering and your productivity has come to a grinding halt. If you're like most people, that means it's time to reach for a cup of coffee or a candy bar to give you some extra oomph before quitting time. Try these healthy pick-me-ups instead.
Fitness Tip
Maintaining a Healthy Weight May Reduce Stroke Risk
That is what a group of California researchers concluded after noting that rising obesity rates accompanied an increased incidence of stroke. They looked at government surveys of women aged 35 to 54 and compared incidences of stroke and obesity during two different time periods: 1988 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004. The researchers found an increase in both obesity and stroke, even though there was no increase in other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes or cholesterol levels.
Nutrition Tip
Lentils for Your Heart
Lentils are loaded with heart-protective nutrients including folate and fiber. Their protein (9 grams per half cup) and iron make them a good meat substitute, too. Unlike their bean cousins, lentils are easy to prepare and cook up in 15 to 20 minutes. See also: Lentils Take the Chill Out
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quote
Clogged with yesterday's excess, the body drags the mind down with it. --Horace
Quick Recipe
Quick Apple Betty
This is great if you have bread getting a tad old...
Coat a baking dish with butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray.
Dip your bread into skim or 2-percent milk and use it to line the bottom of the baking dish.
Top the bread with peeled, sliced apples and dot with butter.
Sprinkle with raisins, cinnamon and sugar.
Top with more bread dipped in milk.
Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown (approx. 30 to 40 minutes).
Tidbit(s)
Bad Driving: A Junk Food Connection?
Road snacks high in sugar and fat may leave you feeling sluggish, groggy -- and at risk for a fender bender, according to a Food on the Move study, conducted by RAC, an automobile services company in England. Improve your behind-the-wheel safety and avoid empty calories with these trip tips: Replace the nachos and Big Gulp with smaller, more frequent low-fat snacks. Pack fruit for quick, healthy pick-me-ups and drink plenty of water.
Food Facts
Freezing helps vegetables hold their shape, color and flavor. Storing a batch now will let you enjoy fresh produce throughout the year, especially if you live in a colder climate where homegrown veggies are scarce in winter. Most vegetables (besides onions and green peppers) need to be blanched before freezing to stop them from ripening further and losing their flavor.
Tea contains fluoride, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay.
Tasty Tidbit...
Better batter onion rings: Crispy onion rings are also great baked. Just dip in a mixture of beer and buttermilk, then dredge in flour. Quickly pan saute, and the bake at 400 degrees for three minutes on each side.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!