Something for the BBQ

Here is a great article about BBQ'ing from caloriesperhour.com that I wanted to share.

Thinking of cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and brats on the grill this summer? These foods all add lots of fat and calories to your meal, so you'd do well to think about venturing out a bit and grilling up some lower fat options.

There are plenty of other choices that are great for your taste buds as well as your waistline. Freshen things up a bit by grilling a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Cooking vegetables right on the grill adds a wonderful flavor. Baste firm vegetables like peppers, corn, eggplant and mushrooms with balsamic vinegar. Then season them with herbs and place them on a hot grill until they are tender and brown, usually about 10 to 15 minutes.

Place harder root vegetables like carrots and rutabagas in heavy-duty foil and sprinkle them with a little water and seasoning. Then wrap the foil closed and place the bundle on the grill until the vegetables are tender.

Marinate lean meats, including poultry and fish, before grilling. A simple oil and vinegar dressing in a zip-top plastic bag works well and makes for quick cleanup. Brush on light, oil-based sauces during grilling, but baste with sauces containing sugars (fruit puree, honey, preserves) toward the end of the cooking so they don't burn.

Kabobs made from fruit are a delicious ending to any meal. Place them right on the grill, over low heat, until the fruit is hot and slightly golden.

To learn more about selecting and barbecuing lean meats, see Fire Up the BBQ and Make It Lean:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/news_060510.html

To learn more about fun and healthy alternatives to meat, see Barbecuing Fruits and Vegetables:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/news_060809.html

Treat yourself to something new from the BBQ this summer!

Natures Cures in Fruits

I love fruit, and so does the rest of my family. We're not big veggie eaters, so I push my kids to eat fruit as much as possible.

I found a great article over at Natures Cures where Diane gives the following list of fruits and their benefits to our body. Great, great list!

• APPLES - the pectin in apples lowers cholesterol. They also stimulate digestion and help relieve constipation. Remember, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"!
• APRICOTS - they are high in vitamin A and other minerals (like iron). Those clean the blood of impurities, and help us get over anemia. Apricots also help with acidic conditions and sluggish digestion and are helpful to inflamed bronchial tubes.
• AVOCADOS - they contain essential fatty acids that our heart, brain and skin need. And, yes, they are a fruit!
• BANANAS - they have been known to heal diarrhea, colitis, ulcers and constipation. The potassium in them makes them perfect for athletes as it gives quick yet lasting energy.
• BLUEBERRIES - help clean the blood and ease inflammation. Adding blueberries to your diet can help with constipation, diarrhea, anemia and menstrual problems.
• CANTALOUPE - is rich in potassium, vitamins A and C. Helps heal constipation, stiff joints, blood disorders, and obesity.
• CHERRIES - cleanse kidneys, liver and urinary system. Rich in magnesium and iron they are excellent for high blood pressure, anemia and arthritis.
• CRANBERRIES - help the kidneys and bladder because their acidity creates an environment where bacteria cannot thrive. Also used to clarify the complexion.
• DATES - They are an energy - giving source of dietary fiber, iron and potassium.
• GRAPES - have easily digested sugar for energy. Potent cleansers for liver and kidneys.
• KIWIS - higher in vitamin C than most fruits.
• LEMONS - they are a natural antiseptic, which makes them a powerful internal cleanser for the whole body.
• MANGOES - helps strengthen poor digestion and overcome acidity in the body. Will help calm inflamed kidneys. They are also rich in beta carotene.
• ORANGES - will help with high blood pressure, lung problems and vitamin C deficiency. They are alkalizing to the body.
• PAPAYAS - rich in papain, which helps the digestive system. Contain a large amount of alkaline minerals, especially calcium, vitamins A and C.
• PEACHES - improve color and health of the skin and the complexion. Valuable in treating anemia, sluggish digestion and high acid blood conditions.
• PLUMS - great energizers and cleansers of the intestinal tract. They have a mild laxative effect which gives them the ability to relieve gas and hemorrhoids.
• RASPBERRIES - have the ability to heal obesity, high blood pressure and constipation. Their ellagic acid is helpful in treating cancer. High in vitamins A and C.
• STRAWBERRIES - rid the bloodstream, liver and intestines of toxins. They can benefit stiff joints and rid the body of excess catarrh.

Healthy Dessert

I've been looking for a healthy dessert to take to a meeting on Saturday and I'm in the mood for something with apples... So I found this recipe for Apple Crisp! Sounds delicious!

This apple crisp is sweet and simple to prepare, but uses very little added sugar.



3 medium baking apples, cored, sliced thin
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp flour

Topping:
1 cup quick oats
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp heart-healthy margarine




Mix first four ingredients and place into 9-inch (square or round) baking dish.

In small bowl, mix Topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over apple the apples.

Bake at 325 degrees F until apples are soft and topping is golden brown (about 30 minutes).

Random Acts of Fitness

I’ve been seeing this title a lot lately. Too many people think that if they don’t have 30-60 minutes to put into a fitness program each day, then they aren’t doing enough to make any kind of a difference in their body, so they don’t even try.

That is totally false! One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to get your body into shape, or at least shape-up your health, is to think “there’s not enough time in the day.” What about when you were at the mall this week and took the escalator rather than the stairs? That was a moment when you could have made a choice to make your body work a little harder, and when you make choices like that over and over again throughout the day, those little spurts of fitness will add up.

What about your family? Are you uncomfortable talking to your kids or spouse about their health or weight loss? You can help them lead a healthier life by practicing “random acts of fitness” without them even realizing it! There are many, many small things you can do every day that will make healthy living easy. And, you may even help them create good habits without them even realizing it!

Here are some ideas on how you can share some random acts of fitness and health:

- Cook healthy meals for the whole family. Add in an extra serving of veggies.

- Stop buying junk food! If you don’t have it in the house, they can’t eat it.

- Be honest with them and let them know you’re concerned about their health.

- Make it a habit to play outdoor games together.

- Give lots of praise and positive attention when changes are made.

- Give gifts such as personal training packages, bicycles, roller blades, etc.

- Park farther away from the store entrance and walk the extra distance.

- Start a garden that you can work on together.

- Ask them to walk the dog, then offer to go with them.

- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

- Use exercise as an excuse to spend time together.

- Plan a walk or hike.

- Take the kids to the park.

- Suggest walking instead of driving.

- Maintain an upbeat attitude

- Turn off the TV and hide the remote!

- Get physical and urge them to do the same.

- Plan an activity after dinner each evening.