New Orleans has had its share of excitement lately. What with Hurricane Katrina making a complete mess of things, Brad Pitt (with Angelina Jolie et al. in tow) bringing the Make It Right project to the Lower 9th Ward, the Saints winning the Super Bowl XLIV and the annual Mardi Gras celebration topping off the football frenzy, the Big Easy is proving to be the home of a bunch of hearty souls.
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The term snacking carries negative connotations: It’ll ruin your meal. It adds unnecessary calories. It consists of high-fat, low-nutrition items. However, munching on healthy snacks — such as sunflower seeds — actually has a positive effect on diet, weight and overall health.
Sunflower seeds are a prime example of a healthy, weight-conscious snack food.
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With the end of 2009 looming and the beginning of the new year nearly here, many people start scrambling to make resolutions to improve their lives somehow, some way. Resolving to do something different — or just smarter — seems like a terrific idea. So why do so many resolutions get broken?
Out with the old, in with the new (photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/optical_illusion/4219923214)
The answer, perhaps, lies in the fact that most people throw their resolutions out there with one motion: Umph, it’s out there. Now what?
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The holiday season is in full swing and people are scurrying around, trying to cross names off of their gift-giving lists. But what to buy? For those looking to not only give a present but enrich their loved ones’ lives, a gift that emphasizes good health shows the recipient how much they are loved; for what says “I love you and want you to be around for a long time to come” better than a present that proves it?
So what do you get for the young and the young at heart? For the relative with relatively nothing and the family member who already has everything? No matter your budget, you can surprise friends and family with gifts from the heart that are, well, for the heart. Here, some ideas to get started:
$500+ A yearly membership to a gym. For example, the Wichita YMCA costs $37.70 per month for one person, with a $50 sign-up fee — that’s just over $500 a year, and less if you work for a company that has a discount with the YMCA. A family membership runs $49.90 per month (also eligible for a corporate discount) and the YMCA offers reduced sign-up fees during certain times of the year. It’s a one-time gift that lasts all year long.
$200–$500 A global positioning system (GPS) watch. The sports watch with a GPS function measures speed, distance, pace and calories, as well as including typical watch functions. Garmin makes several variations of the Forerunner that are popular among Wichita runners. A GPS watch makes a great, if a bit expensive, stocking stuffer, but it also wraps nicely for an under-the-tree surprise.
$100–$200 A boxing bag and gloves. What better way to break a sweat and get out post-holiday aggressions than taking it all out on a boxing bag? Heart rates will sore and muscles will get defined with this terrific form of exercise. Make sure to include proper boxing gloves to protect your love one’s wrists. The only caveat is that the bag may be difficult to maneuver (i.e., heavy gift) and wrap.
A punching bag is a terrific cardio and strength-building gift for males and females alike (photo: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/08girlfight02.jpg)
$50–$100 A new pair of athletic shoes. Whether you are buying for an aerobics guru, a walking queen or a running fool, your friend or family member probably needs new shoes. Check out First Gear (111 N. Mosley St. in Old Town) if you’re in the market for running shoes. If you don’t know which shoes to buy, pick up a gift certificate, because the recipient can take his or her old shoes to First Gear, where the fine folks who work (and live) there will check out the shoes’ wear and evaluate the runner’s gait on a treadmill; they know their stuff. If online shopping is your game, RoadRunnerSports.com is the name. It has a gazillion shoes and, if you’re lucky, free shipping.
$25–$50 A gift basket with healthy goodies. Really, this could go for less than $25, but an overflowing basket will probably run a little more. Visit any of the local health food stores, such as Green Acres (8141 E. 21st. St., in Bradley Fair), Food For Thought (2929 E. Central Ave., west of Hillside) or Whole Foods (6574 E. Central Ave., 2172 Amidon St. or 10555 W. 21st St. N.). These specialty stores have a huge variety of organic, pure and interesting items, including foods, cosmetics and gifts. Even the mainstream grocery stores, such as Target, Walmart and Dillons, have a health food section.
$1–$25 Lots of goodies fit into this category:
• Athletic socks that wick moisture away from those hard-working feet make terrific stocking stuffers (think socks inside of a sock).
• Workout shorts that work as hard as the socks do at wicking moisture are an always-useful item.
• A bottle of red wine is festive and heart healthy — one glass at a sitting.
• Dark chocolate is the healthier choice if chocolate is a must-give gift.
• Gourmet artichokes or hearts of palm are yummy in salads or with pasta and are a healthy alternative to loading the stocking with chocolate bells.
• An iPod clip or armband allows the athlete in your life to work out hands-free.
• A cookbook highlighting yummy vegetarian or healthy cooking options introduces tasty suggestions.
• Movie passes are a terrific way to offer a night of relaxation after the craziness of the holidays is over.
The list is boundless. Have fun shopping for your friends and loved ones, knowing that you’re doing a little something to keep them around that much longer. Happy, healthy holidays to you all.
I recently went up to Kansas City to see some friends, have some amazing food, catch a few comfy Z’s and see a football game. I did all that, but I also came home with a nice little surprise: a new topic for a Bloody Well Write entry.
First, a quick mention about the food. If you’re ever in Kansas City and are looking for a fantastic Italian meal in a quaint, romantic little ristorante, look no further than Carmen’s in Brookside. Ask to sit downstairs — I prefer the intimate atmosphere — and request some Italian Butter to start; it’s their version of olive oil and herbs, but I tell you that it is absolutely like none you have ever had.
I order off the menu, à la “When Harry Met Sally,” combining the cheese ravioli from one dish with the vodka tomato cream sauce from another, with a little fra diavolo thrown in to spice things up a bit. And ba-da-BING! It’s the tastiest, smoothest Italian around. No lie.
OK, so back to the grammar bit of this entry. So I’m in the hotel room — the one with the lush, fresh-white bedding and soaps the shape of leaves, with the cool city view — and I am piddling around, waiting until it’s time to go meet our friends. And I pick up this water bottle hang tag, with one word on it, for emphasis: revitalize.
That’s pretty cool. Decent marketing, colors fading from blue to snow white (very spalike), with some smallish print across the bottom: Westin® Hotels and Resorts. Nice little water logo. Then more words:
Nestle Pure Life Eco Shaped Bottles
Less Plastic. Better Enviornment.
So — reread that. See how many mistakes you can find in those two little lines.
By my count, I’d say that there are, at the minimum, five mistakes. There are more if you want to keep the lowercase consistency set by the headline (revitalize). And the periods? Don’t get me started. (OK, get me started. the headline doesn’t use a period, and neither does the first line, but the second line has two. Go figure.)
So what are the five mistakes?
I just checked out Nestle’s site to make sure that it uses a registered trademark (®) and, unbelievably, the site does not have one on the main page, even though products (such as Nestle® Cheerios®) have one next to the name. That sort of thing happens all the time. It blows my mind, especially on these enormous accounts.
I’ll end this little study in proofreading by saying that, despite this crazy hang tag, I had a really, really good time in Kansas City. And I’d even recommend the Westin Crown Center hotel to any friend or acquaintance. Just don’t plan on any solid ultra-light reading in the room.
Happy trails!
SAK
Traditionally the biggest meal of the year, Thanksgiving seems to equate to stretching one’s stomach out just as far as humanly possible. This is, of course, not the healthiest of practices, especially considering the fattening fare that tends to take over the table. What with gravies, sauces, creams and fried onions—not to mention eight kinds of pie—it’s no wonder that diets crash and scales tip the following days and weeks after Thanksgiving.
Making smart choices that allow for all the interesting tastes of the season is a good move; such choices include maintaining portion control, exercising throughout the season and creating healthy side dishes. Choosing foods that please the taste buds while giving the waistline a break is easy with a stable of yummy ideas:
Sweet potatoes add fiber, color and flavor (photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maggiejane/4111471354)
• Sweet potatoes—Also called yams, sweet potatoes are antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory powerhouses, as well as a good source of vitamins A and C and manganese. Substitute white mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes that have been either baked, roasted or mashed.
• Cranberries—These bright, red nuggets are antioxidant ninjas, cholesterol kickers and cancer fighters. Instead of smothering them in whipped topping, try boiling them with orange juice, minced fresh ginger and orange zest and cinnamon before adding in crushed pineapple and honey.
• Green beans—While the classic green bean casserole is an annual favorite, it’s also heavy on calories. Try lightly sauteing green beans with slivered almonds or with lemon and garlic.
• Veggies—Many a Thanksgiving table has been flanked with creamed corn, cheesy cauliflower and fried potatoes—all quite tasty but gut-busters nonetheless. Offer sizzling roasted vegetables, using only a drizzle of olive oil, a hint of salt and pepper and a smidge of Parmesan cheese for a gorgeous and nutritious side dish.
• Rolls—Doughy rolls fill you up without adding much in the way of nutrients. Fresh-baked whole wheat rolls are a better choice.
• Pumpkin pie—Seriously? Absolutely. Feel free to find a low-fat recipe for this holiday staple, but also feel free to have a slice of the real stuff; just be sure to have a smallish slice with the tiniest of whipped cream dollops, and pass on seconds. Enjoy every bite!
When it comes to side dishes for Thanksgiving, no other side dish creates such warm, nostalgic feelings as does the classic green bean casserole. And for good reason—its warm, ooey-gooey goodness with the crunchy, tasty topping fosters the allusion of being healthy (look, ma, we’re eating our vegetables!) while über-satisfying our taste buds.
Here’s the kicker: It can taste even better.
The side dish of all Thanksgiving side dishes (photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/3140151878)
It’s true. While it’s not going to win any awards for being a healthy food choice, green bean casserole tends to be served around the holidays and not very often any other time. So when it comes time to count calories, this updated version of the ultimate side dish is better left alone; but in the interest of enjoying the Thanksgiving meal—and getting high praise for your culinary skills—this recipe can’t be beat. Just make sure to counter the extra helping by adding another workout (or two) to your regimen. Then dig in and enjoy the food, family and friends.
Mom’s Green Bean Casserole
(Serves 6)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
Black pepper
2 cans cut green beans, drained
2.8 oz. can french fried onions
Muenster cheese, sliced
In a 1 1/2 qt. casserole, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, green beans and 2/3 cup onions. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Stir the mixture. Lay slices of cheese on the mixture, then top with remaining onions. Bake five to 10 minutes longer, until cheese is bubbly and onions are golden.
The Muenster cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this dish literally and figuratively sizzle. Be prepared to give the secret up!
It’s true: The first food everyone thinks of when the wicked Wichita winds pick up, the trees change color and the temperatures plummet is chili. And that — when it comes to good health — is not a bad thing.
Chili is a hearty dish that satisfies the stomach almost as well as it does the soul. Many recipes call for ground beef of some sort, which is typically not the healthiest option. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, foods high in cholesterol — a contributing factor in heart disease — include red meat. A heart-healthy and very tasty option for a cold night’s dinner is vegetarian chili.
For those who still hanker for meat in their chili, take note: Veggie crumbles are found in the grocer’s freezer section. One bag equals one pound of meat, minus the high fat content but plus the texture of ground beef. The crumbles are so yummy in chili, you might find yourself trying them in other recipes, such as tacos or enchiladas.
Veggie chili comes in many forms and inventive cooks may add a bevy of vegetables; sweet potatoes, butternut squash, zucchini and corn all make terrific additions. Here is a classic recipe that calls for a fork — it’s that thick.
The spice that gives chili its enormous flavor (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaysavage/3504585620)
Crazy-Thick, Crazy-Good Veggie Chili
2 tbsp. oil
3/4 white or yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp. garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 small can tomato sauce
Ketchup, 2–3 squirts
4 tbsp. chili powder, plus more to taste
Worcestershire sauce, several healthy shakes
1 tsp. cilantro
Pinch red pepper flakes
Black pepper, to taste
Water, as needed
Shredded sharp cheddar
Oyster crackers
Heat oil; sauté onions and garlic for 3–5 minutes. Add green pepper, sauté for another 2 minutes. Add next ingredients, through black pepper, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors, adding spoonfuls of water as needed, but keep in mind that this is a thick dish.
Serve in bowls and top with grated cheese and oyster crackers. A frosty drink goes well with this chunky chili.
Winter squash — in all kinds of shapes, sizes and gorgeous colors — take over produce aisles when the temperature drops, leaves change color, woodpiles grow and comfort foods replace summer salads. It must be autumn.
Varieties of winter squash include butternut, acorn, hubbard and turban squash, as well as pumpkin. All winter squash have tough skin that is more difficult to pierce than that of its cousins, the cucumber and melon. The hard shells provide a longer shelf life — sometimes as long as six months.
A variety of good-for-you winter squash (photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Squash_Decor.jpg)
Winter squash offer a variety of health benefits. They are good sources of vitamins A, C, B5 and B6, potassium and manganese, as well as dietary fiber. They provide folate, copper, niacin and thiamin. They also have beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Research is still forthcoming, but early results show that winter squash contain anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Consuming winter squash may also lower the risk of developing lung cancer, according to a Kansas State University study.
Winter squash can be added to the typical comfort foods of the colder months. Pumpkin bread straight from the oven warms the heart, as well as the tummy. Spaghetti squash is delicious with fresh pasta sauce and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. And cubed acorn squash adds a subtle sweetness to soups.
Try this easy recipe for Gold Rush Chili, made with butternut squash — but be prepared to offer second helpings:
1 butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded and cubed
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp. oregano
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. chipotle chili powder (or more for a little kick)
2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
Salt and fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
2 15 oz. cans beans, drained (e.g., black, dark red kidney, pinto, navy)
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
4 green onions, sliced
Oyster crackers
Peel, de-seed and cube butternut squash; set aside.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until onion is translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
Add all seasonings and stir well. Add tomatoes (and juice), water, squash, salt and pepper, stirring well. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add beans. Cover and simmer until squash is tender (about 45 minutes).
Serve chili garnished with cheese, green onions and oyster crackers.
For more info: Winter squash
