Making Time for a Better Breakfast

9/29/2012

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Starting your day with a healthy breakfast may be something your grandma has always preached, and something you have always ignored. Perhaps your morning ritual is to swing by Starbucks on your way to work to grab an over-priced, sugar-filled latte. While this is fine for an occasional treat, making a habit of pausing for a healthy breakfast is better for your health and your energy level.

A healthy morning meal breaks your overnight "fast," stimulates your metabolism, helps you meet your daily nutrient needs and may help you maintain a healthy weight. A good breakfast may make your mind sharper and improve your performance at work, at home or at school.

Overnight, your body uses up its supply of stored carbohydrates. It's like your "low fuel" light is on and you need to "fill 'er up." Refueling is good for your muscles and your brain. Making time for a good breakfast -- just 300 to 400 calories -- will boost your blood sugar and restore your supply of carbs. It may also keep you from being famished by lunch causing you to overeat and be sluggish and unfocused all afternoon.

A good energizing breakfast is usually high in whole grain carbohydrates, moderate in protein and low in good fats. Try these excellent combinations:

* Light butter, whole grain waffle, fresh strawberries

* Yogurt, oatmeal with fresh blueberries and apples, orange juice

* Banana, whole wheat bagel with light cream cheese, skim milk

Try getting up 15 to 20 minutes earlier to make time for a healthy breakfast for a few weeks, and see if it makes a difference! Check out this website for additional better breakfast ideas: http://www.betterbreakfast.org/


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Consider a Chicken for a Pet!

9/17/2012

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September is National Chicken Month. 

Although chicken is a favorite American food, whether fried, baked or grilled, have you ever thought about having mercy on a poor chicken and owning one as a pet?  Chickens may make better pets than you realize.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have studied chickens as pets and made some interesting observations.

* Chickens actually seem to enjoy watching television and listening to music.
* Chickens are able to understand that hidden objects still exist.  This shows their level of intelligence, as this is a concept that many small children do not grasp.
* Chickens have shown the ability to learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of other chicken.
* Chickens are able to recognize over 100 other chickens and remember them.
* A mother hen will turn her eggs up to five times an hour and cluck to her baby chicks.  The chicks chirp back to their mommy from inside their shells.
* Chickens have over 30 different cries they use and recognize, depending on their circumstances.
* Chickens have their own distinct personalities, just like dogs or even people.  Some are shy while others are friendly and more aggressive.

So...if you are looking for a fun pet that can also supply you with breakfast (eggs, not meat!) consider the chicken.
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Celebrate National Fruits and Veggies Month

9/8/2012

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September is recognized as National Fruits and Veggies month in the U.S.  This may be a good time to make a commitment to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.  You can check out this website for a new twist on preparation ideas for timeless fresh favorites.      http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

Here are some ideas:

BAKE...an apple and fill the core with dried fruit, nuts and a little butter.

BOIL...butternut squash and season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

STEAM...your favorite veggies with citrus juice and zest added to the water to create bold, new flavors.  Try lemon juice with spinach, orange juice with broccoli and grapefruit juice with carrots.

STIR FRY...pineapple and mango with honey and ginger to create a perfect topping for low-fat ice cream.

SAUTE...peeled pear and apple slices with a little butter.  Add orange slices and a touch of marmalade and serve as fruity dessert.

ROAST...thin slices of sweet potatoes to make chips.

GRILL...eggplant, zucchini, and portabella mushrooms to use is a whole wheat wrap.

STEW...corn, onion, peppers, celery and tomato.  Serve over whole grain rice with a side of black beans and call it a meal.

BLANCH...almonds in water and peel for a new twist on a healthy snack.

MICROWAVE...cranberries and orange zest with a little sugar or stevia and water to make a sweet cranberry relish.

What are your favorite recipes for fresh fruits and veggies?




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