tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15794066569087508472024-03-05T10:02:28.604-05:00Healthy, Fit, AgelessThe spot to stop for ideas, tips, recipes, and products to keep you young, healthy and happy.hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-64310768863887776212012-05-29T19:58:00.000-04:002012-05-29T19:58:34.305-04:00Chicken, Zucchini, Tomato Stir Fry Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi569Tf94DMCCtjMq__XJnC9xIVVfdcQhxvIGFsS9FdUpVb_0KYumvaYTyfSzLr64oA3IpuvciOBWQQs6puyPxT2nDtUxU7-FLVAf5Hi3Nk8P3phyDS6kKtfG7qgkuEm_VeE5eZ-0Iv-E/s1600/chicken+zucchini+tomato+stir+fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi569Tf94DMCCtjMq__XJnC9xIVVfdcQhxvIGFsS9FdUpVb_0KYumvaYTyfSzLr64oA3IpuvciOBWQQs6puyPxT2nDtUxU7-FLVAf5Hi3Nk8P3phyDS6kKtfG7qgkuEm_VeE5eZ-0Iv-E/s320/chicken+zucchini+tomato+stir+fry.jpg" width="320" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="color: #0b5394;">
A Tasty and Easy Chicken Stir Fry!</h3>
A friend at work has a garden and he is such an excellen.t gardener that he often brings in his extra vegetables, as he and his wife can't eat the quantities that he grows. On top of that, somehow his veggies are often HUGE - I tease him that they are vegetables on steroids. He brought in a zucchini yesterday that was so big that I split it with one of the other girls - and took less half half of it. I decided to make a stir fry tonight at the last minute (the last minute thing is a bad habit of mine), so the stir fry ended up with what I had on hand - the zucchini, a large chicken breast and a Roma tomato. This recipe will feed two.<br />
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I didn't even use all of the zucchini - you will have to use your jugement on how much zucchini you want - and you can be creative as well and add squash, red peppers, snow peas, or broccoli, depending on what you like or have on hand.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Ingredients for Chicken, Zucchini, Tomato Stir Fry</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 8 oz. chicken breast </li>
<li>zucchini</li>
<li>1 roma tomato </li>
<li>3 cups cooked brown rice</li>
<li>2 tbsp peanut oil (or extra virgin olive oil if allergic to peanuts)</li>
<li>1 tbsp worchestershire</li>
<li>1 tbsp Mojo marinade</li>
<li>1/2 cup chicken broth</li>
<li>2 cloves freshly chopped garlic</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste </li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJcKZqgo7Jd7FZ9pL-0MP4NOh-8-V82MO4_7gHPX4dAeynH4WAmpnIsla25s9C4alYNUok1XqBIBPenuxCbCgVww9NAwfNOPntQz0tXXdAMSieqa79hlppLW7Mnn0WWo-ftouw153cg5-/s1600/zucchini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJcKZqgo7Jd7FZ9pL-0MP4NOh-8-V82MO4_7gHPX4dAeynH4WAmpnIsla25s9C4alYNUok1XqBIBPenuxCbCgVww9NAwfNOPntQz0tXXdAMSieqa79hlppLW7Mnn0WWo-ftouw153cg5-/s400/zucchini.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can imagine just how big this whole zucchini was. It was over a foot long and probably a little over 2 1/2" in diameter at the center! </td></tr>
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First I got the brown rice cooked in a rice cook per the package instructions. Easy! I sliced the chicken breast into half-dollar size pieces (when is the last time you saw a half dollar!?!) Then I also cut the zucchini and tomato into bite size chunks.</div>
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I used a large pan (clearly if you have a stir-fry wok that will work better!) and heated the peanut oil. I mixed the worchestershire, Mojo marinade and chicken broth together, and slowly added it to the peanut oil. I let it get hot again. I then added the chicken, and salt and pepper, and stirred and turned the pieces of chicken breast til it had just cooked. I used a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the "broth" mixture and set it aside in a bowl.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZDlDk8ieaJR279YK1cjKdYBJzoRgjpjWaE3KT27fXu6nqmlotqGtfY2oHd70_Eqwp-11hXBKk5nafUF4QjCCOFb3sGfI1sE92xOGMUheXFJ7FJComImlJfB5cgJoThD3dGxdCvFZVVh8/s1600/chicken+sauteed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZDlDk8ieaJR279YK1cjKdYBJzoRgjpjWaE3KT27fXu6nqmlotqGtfY2oHd70_Eqwp-11hXBKk5nafUF4QjCCOFb3sGfI1sE92xOGMUheXFJ7FJComImlJfB5cgJoThD3dGxdCvFZVVh8/s400/chicken+sauteed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure that all the chicken gets bathed in the liquid so it soaks up as much of the flavor as possible.</td></tr>
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Next I added the zucchini and tomatoes (and any other veggies you would like) to the same pan juices and sauteed them until they were just barely cooked. I then added the chicken back into the whole mixture to heat it up again.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuIj4VZ8US-8USORraATFvN1FA2w_n_AVZ9YydaE_qK5ePS7hieq0AfG4DruX-79EzKdzFDAqWrtJXIEyLDMgHsBloPvd81Z0Su0SnDXVx2gTlvPNyf9jU02XfsfGjYltwsdyfeihCCmz/s1600/chicken+and+zucchini+stir+fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuIj4VZ8US-8USORraATFvN1FA2w_n_AVZ9YydaE_qK5ePS7hieq0AfG4DruX-79EzKdzFDAqWrtJXIEyLDMgHsBloPvd81Z0Su0SnDXVx2gTlvPNyf9jU02XfsfGjYltwsdyfeihCCmz/s400/chicken+and+zucchini+stir+fry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ready to eat!</td></tr>
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I spooned the mixture, along with some of the juices it was cooked in, over the brown rice, and it was ready to eat. I must say it came out very good (or I wouldn't have bothered to tell you about it).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi569Tf94DMCCtjMq__XJnC9xIVVfdcQhxvIGFsS9FdUpVb_0KYumvaYTyfSzLr64oA3IpuvciOBWQQs6puyPxT2nDtUxU7-FLVAf5Hi3Nk8P3phyDS6kKtfG7qgkuEm_VeE5eZ-0Iv-E/s1600/chicken+zucchini+tomato+stir+fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi569Tf94DMCCtjMq__XJnC9xIVVfdcQhxvIGFsS9FdUpVb_0KYumvaYTyfSzLr64oA3IpuvciOBWQQs6puyPxT2nDtUxU7-FLVAf5Hi3Nk8P3phyDS6kKtfG7qgkuEm_VeE5eZ-0Iv-E/s400/chicken+zucchini+tomato+stir+fry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken, Zucchini, Tomato Stir Fry<br />
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Hope you enjoy this!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Mojo Marinade </span></b>- this is a
Carribean born marinade typically used for grilling, made up of mainly
citrus juice flavors. I bought the bottled Bahia brand at the store, but
it can be easily <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mojo-grilling-marinade/" target="_blank">made from scratch</a>. The ingredients are mainly lemon, orancge , and grapfruit juices with vinegar, garlic, onion,<br />
cilantro and other seasonings.<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Health Benefits of Zucchini</span><br />
Zucchini and yellow squash are also known as summer squash and are in the same family as melons and cucumbers. Their main antioxidant ingredients are the cartenoids known as lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of these are powerful in protecting the eye, particularly against macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutien also reduces inflammation in the body as well as the skin, providing anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and digestive tract benefits. Also lutien reduces inflammation due to exposure to sunlight, producing less damage to skin structure. It is high in fiber and other components that help to keep insulin levels in balance and may help protect against the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Zucchini is also high in Vitamin C. For more complete information see <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=62" target="_blank">The World's Healthiest Foods</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Health Benefits of Tomatoes</span> - see <a href="http://healthyfitageless.com/recipes/basil-pesto-veggie-wrap-recipe-my-favorite-lunch/" target="_blank">this post of mine</a> for information on the health benefits of tomatoes. It also has a great recipe for a <b>Fresh Summer Veggie Wrap</b>.<br />
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<i><b style="color: #073763;">Please check out my </b></i><b style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/healthyfitageless7777-20" target="_blank">Healthy, Fit, Ageless Store</a></b><i><b style="color: #073763;">. There are some great fitness, skincare, and general wellness items, as well as some great healthy recipe books. You may find something beneficial, or some great gift ideas</b><span style="color: #073763;">.</span></i><br />
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<br />hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-78042684133440647222012-02-01T12:20:00.001-05:002012-02-01T12:24:59.136-05:00Walking for Fitness and Health<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AciJfa-nnqf5ZXeosROvskljZTjA0P5n2j1PG9ylwd6ONB8AOyYCjuUjNxRqKa3ShPZC3Cv89H_yexkKu-Q8xuBkREG-joGWlbaNj30coswDkWn01j99XyFFOuG8fUVb2OrOhZ0QSUQ4/s1600/fitness-walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AciJfa-nnqf5ZXeosROvskljZTjA0P5n2j1PG9ylwd6ONB8AOyYCjuUjNxRqKa3ShPZC3Cv89H_yexkKu-Q8xuBkREG-joGWlbaNj30coswDkWn01j99XyFFOuG8fUVb2OrOhZ0QSUQ4/s320/fitness-walking.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Fitness Walking </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When it comes to starting a fitness routine we can come up with a multitude of excuses </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: italic;">not</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> to exercise. </span><br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>" It's too much trouble to go to gym." </li>
<li>" I don't have the extra money for a membership." </li>
<li>"The gym is too crowded." </li>
<li>" I don't have a full hour or more to devote to the gym."</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Walking is a great alternative to a gym, especially if you are just starting a fitness routine. You'd don't need special equipment or a gym membership. There is no expense involved, except that you will want to invest in a comfortable, supportive pair of walking shoes. </span><br />
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<h3 style="color: #1b1374; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Benefits of Walking for Fitness</h3><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we get older, often we become less active when we should be exercising more. Get into the habit of walking. Developing a walking routine many lower your risk of stroke and help you to avoid or reduce middle age weight gain. It increases your bone strength and circulation and it reduces your risk for type 2 diabetes . Because walking is a low impact exercise, it is easier on your joints than other more strenuous exercises such as jogging and running. </span><br />
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<h3 style="color: #1b1374; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Starting Your Walking Routine</h3><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you have not kept up an exercise or fitness regime, walking is a good place to start. Start slow and set realistic goals so you don't become discouraged. Develop good habits and proper procedures for best results and to avoid problems or injury. </span><br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>Drink plenty of water.</li>
<li>Wear comfortable supportive shoes.</li>
<li>Stretch before starting out. Stretch your calves, and hamstrings, and quads.</li>
<li>Warm up of slowly. Start out at a normal, leisurely pace for the first few minutes and then pick up speed.</li>
<li>Be aware of your posture. Keep your head up and eyes forward. Keep your shoulders back, and tighten your abdominal muscles.</li>
<li>Cool down after a brisk walk by slowing down your pace towards the end.</li>
<li>Stretch again. This will keep your muscles from tightening and help to aviod injury.<br />
</li>
</ul><h3 style="color: #1b1374; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Make the Best of Your Time While Walking </h3><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With our busy lifestyles, we can come of with numerous excuses not to exercise. Get creative with your walking regime and find ways to multi task.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Start with a positive at attitude and convince yourself thing you can enjoy walking. If you can walk each morning, use that walking as a time to plan the rest of your day.</span><br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>Listen to a podcast or audio book that interests you. </li>
<li>Listen to your iPod Select. music that you enjoy or that invigorates you. (This may not seem like multi tasking but if it helps you to relieve stress, or gives you more energy, it has added beneficial results.)</li>
<li>Walk with a friend. Conversation and companionship not only keeps you motivated by improves your mental health as well. </li>
</ul><br />
<h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1b1374;">Fit Walking Into Your Schedule</span> </h3><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Determine a way in which you can spend time walking everyday. Make walking a habit. Your walking exercise doesn't have to be all at once. Several short walking sessions will achieve the same results. Look for opportunities for short walks of 10 minutes at a time.</span><br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>If you work in an office program your computer to remind you to take a walking break.</li>
<li> Instead of sending an e-mail across the office, get out and walk to personally deliver the message.</li>
<li>Take a 20 to 30 minute walk on your lunch break (and eat in light, healthy lunch).</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For general health, try to walk 20 minutes a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To increase your cardiovascular fitness plan to walk 3 to 4 days a week at a fast pace.To achieve weight loss, plan to do both five or more days a week walking 45 to 60 minutes, and make a concerted effort to reduce your calorie intake at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To accomplish even better results try adding <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B003IDD67A/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">light hand weights</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tone-Fitness-Adjustable-Ankle-Weights/dp/B004AKQVZE/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">ankle weights</a> or even a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/GoFit-10-Pound-Walking-Removable-Bottle/dp/B000K7I64K/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">weight vest</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whether you have just started thinking of starting an exercise program, or already work out occasionally, or often, fitness walking should be a part of your overall health and exercise plan. If you are new to exercising, it is a great place to start. Then you can expand your workouts to include a greater variety of exercises to improve your strength (using weights), agility and balance (stretching and yoga).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Disclaimer: Before starting an exercise plan, consult with your doctor to determine your limitations and to avoid risk of injury.</span><br />
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<h4 style="color: #1b1374; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Some Suggestions to Get you Walking for Fitness</h4><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Altus-Athletic-AWJK-Walk-Jog/dp/B000ITZ7DS/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Altus Athletic AWJK Walk / Jog Kit</b></a> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> - this is a great little kit to if you are ready to get serious about your fitness walking. It will keep you motivated too! It includes a belt to hold your portable radio or iPod and Water Bottle, Hand Weights, Digital Pedometer, and Ankle Weights. Great for toning while you walk.</span></li>
<li><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Fitness-Beginners-Marnie-Caron/dp/1553652193/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Walking for Fitness: The Beginner's Handbook</span></span></a></h1></li>
<li><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Preventions-Complete-Book-Walking-Everything/dp/1579542360/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;">Prevention's Complete Book of Walking: Everything You Need to Know to Walk Your Way to Better Health</span></span></a></h1></li>
<li><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Walking-New-Revised/dp/1592289894/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">The Complete Guide to Walking, New and Revised: For Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness</span></span></a></h1></li>
</ul>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-13010455559590091432012-01-05T18:29:00.001-05:002012-06-12T09:27:55.979-04:00Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Recipe<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVJydfd63Ps/TwYt5H0Xi2I/AAAAAAAAARY/nXS3k8TYRHU/s1600/shrimp+and+veggie+pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVJydfd63Ps/TwYt5H0Xi2I/AAAAAAAAARY/nXS3k8TYRHU/s400/shrimp+and+veggie+pasta.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #1b1374; text-decoration: underline;">Shrimp and Pasta with Veggies</span></h3>
This is a fairly simple recipe that is a great comfort food for a cold day and uses vegetables easily available in the fall and winter. Additionally it is a good meal to <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/12/fight-winter-depression-naturally.html" target="_blank">fight winter blues</a> as it has the carbohydrates that we all so crave this time of year - but they are the good carbs, or complex carbs.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #1b1374;"> A Word about Complex Carbohydrates</span><br />
</h3>
<b>Whole wheat pastas</b>, in addition to whole grains, beans, potatoes, corn and other vegetables, are broken down more slowly that simple carbohydrates (sugars and ingredients ending in "ose" - glucose, fructose etc). Because they are broken down more slowly, they don't cause a spike in your body's glucose levels and help you feel full longer. As well, they contain more nutrition and fiber.<br />
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<h3 style="color: #1b1374; text-decoration: underline;">
Ingredients</h3>
<h3 style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">(serves 2 - with leftovers) </span> </h3>
<ul>
<li>8 oz. whole wheat Farfalle (bow tie) Pasta - Penne works well too</li>
<li>4-5 Roma tomatoes - cut into 1/2" pieces<br />
</li>
<li>1/2 lb. of asparagus - cut into 1 inch pieces<br />
</li>
<li>6-8 medium sized shitake mushrooms, sliced thin<br />
</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic - chopped<br />
</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped onions</li>
<li>3/4 cup of chicken broth</li>
<li>2 pinches of oregano</li>
<li>1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes</li>
<li>2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
</li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
<li>grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<h3 style="color: #1b1374; text-decoration: underline;">
Directions</h3>
<ol class="noind instructions">
<li class="instruction"> Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta as per package instructions.</li>
<li class="instruction">When pasta is cooked, drain well and return to pot.</li>
<li class="instruction">In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic, onions, mushrooms, a pinch of oregano and 1/4 tsp. red pepper. Sautée for 2-3 minutes, add tomatoes, asparagus, salt and pepper. Stir and continue to sautée for a few more minutes. Vegetables should be crisp but cooked. Add chicken broth, stir, and turn heat on low to simmer.<br />
</li>
<li class="instruction">In a separate pan sautée shrimp, and remaining oregano and red pepper until shrimp is just cooked through.<br />
</li>
<li class="instruction">Finally, stir shrimp into the vegetable mixture.</li>
<li class="instruction">Portion pasta to plates, spoon out the vegetables and shrimp. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="color: #1b1374;">
Health Benefits</h3>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKjBV8JNQSc/TwYujvl6-OI/AAAAAAAAASU/-DeEqujwmPo/s1600/shrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKjBV8JNQSc/TwYujvl6-OI/AAAAAAAAASU/-DeEqujwmPo/s200/shrimp.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Shrimp</span>: Shrimp are not small in their nutrient density. Shrimp are an excellent source of selenium and low-fat, low-calorie protein--a four ounce serving of shrimp supplies 23.7 grams of protein (that's 47.4% of the daily value for protein) for only 112 calories and less than a gram of fat. they are a good source of vitamin B12. Shrimp do have the reputation of raising bad (LDL) cholesterol, but it was found that they raise good cholesterol (HDL) even more. Eggs, by comparison, raise LDL levels more than shrimp, and HDL levels less than shrimp. Also, shrimp are an excellent source of selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which protect against cancer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tOrxgNzRJfY33aoerU1Z55X8Bk3PMtIUs1hJVeo6Ud8kjp4O7VVuu8jRqC3oOJzY-LJQGlxFA6pcE-qqfZZRBupYG6Lx7P3W7D3FUw4HfoG51NV560l16qlgUezJ7Y1ilpENknaTLeLU/s1600/shiitake-mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tOrxgNzRJfY33aoerU1Z55X8Bk3PMtIUs1hJVeo6Ud8kjp4O7VVuu8jRqC3oOJzY-LJQGlxFA6pcE-qqfZZRBupYG6Lx7P3W7D3FUw4HfoG51NV560l16qlgUezJ7Y1ilpENknaTLeLU/s200/shiitake-mushroom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Shitake Mushrooms</span>: Recent studies have shown the ability of shitake mushrooms to help protect us against cardiovascular diseases. They are recognized as a very good, non-animal food source of iron. Shitake mushrooms are also an excellent source of vitamins B2, B5 and B6 and six minerals - manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc Finally, they are a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin D.<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Asparagus</b> Health Benefits - review <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-roasted-asparagus-recipe.html" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li><b>Garlic</b> Health Benefits - review <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-roasted-asparagus-recipe.html" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li><b>Roma Tomato</b> Health Benefits - review <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/06/basil-pesto-veggie-wrap-recipe-my.html" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li><b>Onions</b> fall in the same family as garlic as have very similar health benefits</li>
</ul>
For more information on Health Benefits of this recipes' ingredients see <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1579406656908750847&postID=1301045555959009143" target="_blank">The World's Healthiest Foods</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Healthy Comfort Food Cookbooks:</span><br />
</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0848733045/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food: Warm and Homey, Rich and Hearty</span></span></a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: black;"> <a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-Fix-Feel-Good-Favorites/dp/0470603097/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Comfort Food Fix: Feel-Good Favorites</span> Made Healthy</a></span></b></li>
<li><a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Comfort-Foods-Homestyle-Gluten-Free/dp/1936608936/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20">Paleo Comfort Foods: Homestyle Cooking for a Gluten-Free Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1552100979/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">The Best of Clean Eating 2: Over 200 Recipes with Cleaned-Up Comfort Foods and Fast Family Dinners</a></li>
</ul>
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Have any suggestions for this recipe? Do you have a similar recipe you'd like to share?hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-68267887632208336442011-12-30T20:41:00.005-05:002012-01-05T20:53:02.018-05:00Fight Winter Depression Naturally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_GDHxxf3lQIJfLzNyr6XHikPhdw_4Y3r9UFs7wg1u-vGKdhwWyJk9KW7HIgO6_ZO3saspZ9MDKa3USoSyxSWAcY9-egndeH6U-C6r-FtmeZkuNGQRMXGDsr6NB2TDz_-nocrjnsQp4z1/s1600/seasonal+affective+disorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_GDHxxf3lQIJfLzNyr6XHikPhdw_4Y3r9UFs7wg1u-vGKdhwWyJk9KW7HIgO6_ZO3saspZ9MDKa3USoSyxSWAcY9-egndeH6U-C6r-FtmeZkuNGQRMXGDsr6NB2TDz_-nocrjnsQp4z1/s320/seasonal+affective+disorder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3><span style="color: #1b1374;">Natural Ways to Cure Winter Depression </span></h3>As the days grow shorter and fall turns into winter, do you tend to feel less energetic, more lethargic, and occasionally depressed? Would you love to have a solution that doesn't involve antidepressants or chemical stimulants? Here are some naturals solutions to curing winter blues without medication.<br />
<br />
<h3> <span style="color: #1b1374;">Some Symptoms of Winter Blues</span></h3><ul><li>Your mood changes as the seasons change</li>
<li>You feel depressed (mildly or more)</li>
<li>You sleep too much</li>
<li>You have less energy - or no energy, you are very lethargic</li>
<li>You have difficulty waking up in the morning</li>
<li>You have a craving for carbohydrates, resulting in weight gain</li>
</ul><h3 style="color: #1b1374;">Seasonal Affective Disorder - "S.A.D."</h3><dl><dt>People have varying degrees of the above listed symptoms. Those with the most sever symptoms may even be diagnosed with what has come to be called Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly called SAD. Studies have found that approximately 20% of the population may have some of these symptoms, but not severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria. Symptoms of winter depression seem to increase in people living farther and farther from the equator. Symptoms of winter blues seem to occur more often in women than men.</dt>
</dl><h3 style="color: #1b1374;">Why does S.A.D. or Winter Depression Happen?</h3>Scientists have determined that the cause of seasonal mood variations and winter depression are often light related, a result of inadequate bright light and low levels of Vitamin D. The symptoms may be an evolved human adaptation that can be compared to the hibernation patterns of wild animals.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="color: #1b1374;">Biological Factors Involved in Winter Depression</h3>A very simplified explanation is as follows:<br />
<b>Melatonin</b>, a hormone that induces sleep, is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is affected by light. Decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter triggers <i>increased</i> levels of melatonin making us want to sleep more. On the other hand, <b>seratonin</b>, a chemical found in the brain, is a neurotransmitter that allows us to feel more rested, energetic, and generally happy. It is also adversely affected by light. Reduced daylight means a <i>reduction</i> in the production of seratonin. The combination triggers the symptoms of winter blues.<br />
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<h3 style="color: #1b1374;">Five Ways to Battle Depression</h3>Since an increase in seratonin causes us to feel more rested, energetic and 'upbeat', it follows that if we can increase the levels in our bodies, then the negative effect of winter blues can be diminished.<br />
<h4 style="color: #1b1374; margin-left: 40px;"> How to Fight Winter Blues</h4><ul><ul><li>Increase outdoor activity on sunny days to increase solar exposure</li>
<li>Establish a workout regime. Exercise itself increases seratonin levels. Ideally, you will benefit most by exercising outdoors in the daylight, but exercise indoors will still be beneficial.</li>
<li>Eat healthy foods. Stay away form sugar. If you are craving carbs, go for complex carbs including complex carbs, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, fruits, corn and potatoes<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Vitamin-1000-Tablets/dp/B001G7R54K/?tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Vitamin D</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twinlab-Stress-B-Complex-Vitamin-Capsules/dp/B0000531CQ/?tab=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Vitamin B complex</a> increase seratonin levels. Add these supplements to your diet. They have other multiple health benefits as well.</li>
<li>Use Light Treatment Photo Therapy. Decrease fall and winter depression through regular exposure to full spectrum or fluorescent light.</li>
</ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ePqPzZcWgk1FDr0zCIg5lcAVh4ykjwO1XSs4TgrXhXuRymI9ucKHcSPXu2lCnvi0Ani1GofejHAUQ-7gyiMyFTbLfgJjkBUoutupqJtdd7sdJGzcrNeXLT4BYBD9ZVkGL9HIVtpbsxcw/s1600/light+therapy+lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ePqPzZcWgk1FDr0zCIg5lcAVh4ykjwO1XSs4TgrXhXuRymI9ucKHcSPXu2lCnvi0Ani1GofejHAUQ-7gyiMyFTbLfgJjkBUoutupqJtdd7sdJGzcrNeXLT4BYBD9ZVkGL9HIVtpbsxcw/s320/light+therapy+lamp.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><h4 style="color: #1b1374; margin-left: 40px;">Using a Light Therapy "Box" or Lamp</h4><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Get a light therapy lamp that gives off 2500 to 10,000 lux (the measure of illumination). Use it regularly in the morning and mid afternoon for 15 minutes to 2 hours at the recommended distance. Over a few weeks time, or less, you will feel happier and less moody. (Don't use the light therapy lamp in the evenings, as you want the diminishing light of day to allow for your meletonin levels to rise again, assuring that you will be able to fall asleep at night.)<br />
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I recommend two different lights, each with its own advantages, depending on what appeals to you.<br />
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I personally use this one and have been very happy with it: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H1YL6G??tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">BlueMax 70w Full Spectrum Dimmable Desk Lamp</a></b>. This one serves double-duty as a desk lamp, and is very convenient for me, as I spend a lot of time in front of the computer. It is heavy and sturdy, is very well made and has a dimmable light so that you don't have to use it strictly for therapy purposes.<br />
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This is another that I have and use: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I45XL8??tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device</a></b>. This one is compact and comes with a travel case. It has a clock and a light timer. It's great to take to the office, or if you travel a lot, it packs easily and is also helpful for jet lag. Read <b><a href="http://wp.me/p1Kd5n-9K" target="_blank">my review of the Philips goLite BLU</a></b>.<br />
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<h4 style="color: #1b1374;">Recommended Reading for Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Winter Blues</h4><div style="margin-left: 40px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1593851162??tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1572303956??tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is and How to Overcome It</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470139994??tag=healthyfitageless777b-20" target="_blank">Seasonal Affective Disorder For Dummies</a><br />
</li>
</ul></div><br />
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</div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-44583071752858715572011-12-11T21:08:00.036-05:002011-12-11T23:57:36.439-05:0010 Tips to Get a Better Night's Sleep<div style="font-family: inherit;"><title>Tips for a Good Night's Sleep</title></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Do you often have trouble with falling asleep, or waking up during the night, and then have trouble getting up in the morning? Lack of sleep, (or in more extreme cases - insomnia) can bring on a variety of undesirable symptoms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGj62LVao3bVfwHi2_Oie3s6OWeo_cl1YPyf83WuATkm1oA04ikKGuCU05d3GelB_7SWDmXXVXFGN6A01CBp8FhhNuf5EUP961mw1RSqKRSazCN0YXGjTHlsdVhsvcAgFKGumJ2Ujb1MG/s1600/sleepless+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGj62LVao3bVfwHi2_Oie3s6OWeo_cl1YPyf83WuATkm1oA04ikKGuCU05d3GelB_7SWDmXXVXFGN6A01CBp8FhhNuf5EUP961mw1RSqKRSazCN0YXGjTHlsdVhsvcAgFKGumJ2Ujb1MG/s400/sleepless+night.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<h3>Symptoms of Sleep Loss or Sleep Deprivation</h3><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li>You wake up exhausted, feeling "hungover" or spacey</li>
<li>You are sleepy, sluggish or drowsy during the day</li>
<li>You are unable to think clearly or accomplish tasks efficiently</li>
<li>You feel "tired all the time"</li>
<li>You are often irritable, angry, depressed or anxious, for no<br />
particularly good reason</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;">Lack of sleep can cause your immune system to become compromised because the body has not had enough time to heal and rejuvenate itself. As a result you are more likely to succumb to seasonal</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">infections and take longer to recuperate from illnesses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ml1guWOk2cvspusuzM7NwgcffiFO1V6YUTc78aRl9O56UFdJdrrbSmXN4gQKIEYS2npaJkhcLr7MxvEEChGZlh4w6a7sAHpQZk35PlAKZkBDRNTWKApM6SSAkAiDALbcTUYEJbcouTVR/s1600/sleeping+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ml1guWOk2cvspusuzM7NwgcffiFO1V6YUTc78aRl9O56UFdJdrrbSmXN4gQKIEYS2npaJkhcLr7MxvEEChGZlh4w6a7sAHpQZk35PlAKZkBDRNTWKApM6SSAkAiDALbcTUYEJbcouTVR/s400/sleeping+well.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="font-family: inherit;">Sleep Tips to Incorporate into Your Life to Help You Get a Good<br />
Night's Sleep</h3><ol style="font-family: inherit;"><li>Sleep only at night. Taking naps during the day will only make you less tired in the evening.</li>
<li>Get on a consistent sleep/wake-up schedule. Get up at the same time on weekends as you do during the week. This will help your body to develop a natural sleep rhythm.</li>
<li>Exercise during the morning or daytime. Exercise in the evening does not help your body to relax.</li>
<li>Try taking a hot bath or shower before bedtime to help relax you.</li>
<li>Keep the bedroom slightly cooler.</li>
<li>Read a light novel or listen to soft music to help you unwind and relax.</li>
<li>Don't eat a big meal within two hours of going to bed. Instead, eat light, and choose food with a high content of L-tryptophan. Tryptophan helps the body to produce seratonin which is a hormone that the brain releases for a calming effect. Food such as shrimp, turkey, tuna, chicken, salmon, <a href="http://wp.me/p1Kd5n-a" target="_blank">asparagus</a>, cheese, eggs, <a href="http://wp.me/p1Kd5n-7r" target="_blank">kale</a>, whole wheat, black beans, kidney beans and <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/12/natural-sleep-remedy-ground-pumpkin.html" target="_blank">pumpkin seeds</a> contain high levels of L-tryptophan. You can also try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-L-Tryptophan-500mg-Tablets/dp/B000GFHPNY?_encoding=UTF8&s=hpc&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323664439&camp=1789&sr=1-3&creative=9325" target="_blank">L-Tryptophan supplements </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />in 1000-1500mg doses for the same result.</li>
<li>Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and sugar within 2 hours of bedtime. These are all stimulants.( Contrary to popular belief, alcohol will not help you to seep better, as it wears off it puts your body in a very restless state.) Instead try drinking <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alvita-Valerian-Root-Tea-Bags/dp/B00125Z9Z8?_encoding=UTF8&s=hpc&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323664595&camp=1789&sr=1-2&creative=9325" target="_blank">Valerian tea</a><img alt="valerian tea" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. The Valerian root has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal herb to treat anxiety and insomnia. It will not leave you groggy or foggy feeling in the morning. Use it daily for 2-4 weeks for best results.</li>
<li>Try taking Vitamin B3 (niacin) about 20 minutes before bedtime. Take between 100 and 500 mg. It may give you a warm tingly feeling (niacin flush) which will subside quickly. If it bothers you, lower the dosage a little. You can also purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-No-Flush-Niacin-Tablets/dp/B001G7R6MQ?_encoding=UTF8&s=hpc&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323664848&camp=1789&sr=1-2&creative=9325" target="_blank">no flush niacin supplements</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />.<br />
</li>
<li>Sleep in silence and complete darkness. Your body will produce more melatonin, a sleep inducing hormone if you keep the room as dark as possible. If you have an alarm clock with a bright face, turn it to the wall or, even better, cover it with something so that there is no light in the room. If you wake up at night you won't know what time it is, which can make it harder to fall back to sleep, knowing how soon you have to get up. You can also try taking a <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-3mg-Tablets/dp/B000GFPCRU?_encoding=UTF8&s=beauty&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323663812&camp=1789&sr=1-1-catcorr&creative=9325" target="_blank">melatonin supplement</a><img alt="melatonin" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> (3-6 mg) about an hour before bedtime.</li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit;">Finally if you are a person who may or may not have had a good night's sleep, but hate being jarred awake by a blaring alarm clock, consider looking into a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hf3470-60-Wake-up-Light/dp/B003XN4RIC?_encoding=UTF8&s=hpc&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323665151&camp=1789&sr=1-1&creative=9325" target="_blank">Light Therapy wake-up lamp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It wakes you in a natural way with light that increases gradually, providing a more pleasant and natural way to wake up in the morning. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hf3470-60-Wake-up-Light/dp/B003XN4RIC?_encoding=UTF8&s=hpc&tag=healthyfitageless777b-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323665151&camp=1789&sr=1-1&creative=9325" target="_blank">Wake Up Light</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=healthyfitageless777b-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> simulates the sunrise to help you face the morning with a better mood and energy level. It also has a power down mode that you can use before bedtime to simulate nightfall. That should help you get a better night's sleep as well.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-48743634885150955082011-12-01T11:20:00.006-05:002011-12-13T21:32:16.248-05:00Natural Sleep Remedy - Raw or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds<title>Sleep Better Naturally - A health Benefit of Pumpkin Seeds</title><br />
<h3 style="color: #b45f06;">Improve your Quality of Sleep - A Natural Home Sleep Remedy</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1FUGpnhJXlxEoTdR4BWOjmk6ZW3gOeZsEMOhtQPWCVsnythDLBkrX0toIDJPXgkpHBXENrRB2xLGvaCOghFHVbJ3hRFPl_mfaJkK1IWhKZkOeofzfoGzc34PZQoGcHhfmiVrrjEjVxTp/s1600/remedy+for+insomnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1FUGpnhJXlxEoTdR4BWOjmk6ZW3gOeZsEMOhtQPWCVsnythDLBkrX0toIDJPXgkpHBXENrRB2xLGvaCOghFHVbJ3hRFPl_mfaJkK1IWhKZkOeofzfoGzc34PZQoGcHhfmiVrrjEjVxTp/s320/remedy+for+insomnia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Do you have trouble falling asleep at night in spite of being tired? Or do you wake up during the night? Lack of sleep over an extended period of time not only affects your mental health and cognitive abilities, but also wears on your physical health as well.<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #b45f06;">Sleep Better Naturally</span> </h3><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">A natural solution to sleep disorders</span> is clearly a better choice for your health than over the counter or prescription drugs.<br />
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As odd as it may seem, eating pumpkin seeds regularly and in particular before bedtime will help you to sleep. Pumpkin seeds are an exceptionally high source of tryptophan. Tryptohan is a natural substance, an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. Tryptohan helps the brain to manufacture the hormone/neurotransmitter seratonin. Seratonin is the chemical that helps you to maintain a "happy feeling". It keeps your moods under control, calms anxiety, and <b>helps you sleep</b>.<br />
Low levels of seratonin in your system can lead to insomnia and fatigue.<br />
<br />
When you combine tryptophan with a carbohydrate, you will find that you will fall asleep relatively quickly and reduce the time awakened in the middle of the night by about 50%.<br />
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Pumpkin seeds, with their high content of trypotophan, have a calming effect on the body, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress, allows for improved mental function, and increased, more relaxed sleep.<br />
Making a habit of eating pumpkin seeds, whether you eat raw pumpkin seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds will be beneficial to you in other ways. The health benefits of pumpkin seeds are many.<br />
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<h3 style="color: #b45f06;">Other Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds</h3><span style="font-weight: bold;">Protein and Essential Fatty Acids</span> – Pumpkin seeds are high in both. Essential fatty acids provide numerous health benefits: protection against, high blood pressure, arthritis, and cancer, and promote healthy skin.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Vitamins</span> – The high amount of Vitamin A, C and E contribute to healthy glowing skin. A cup of pumpkin seeds per day will keep your skin hydrated and nourished and help prevent wrinkles. Additionally the beta-carotene in pumpkin seeds is an antioxidant and can provide relief from<br />
inflamtion, without the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Minerals</span> – Pumpkin seeds are a good dietary source of magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc.<br />
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<b>Phytosterols</b> – Pumpkin seeds have a significant amount of this compound which acts to reduce cholesterol in you blood and is therefore helpful in reducing the risk heart disease.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prostate Health</span> – Men who eat pumpkin seeds regularly reported reduced symptoms of <b>BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)</b> which causes urinary problems, particularly in men over age 50.<br />
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<h3 style="color: #b45f06;">Eat Raw Pumpkin Seeds or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds</h3><br />
From a total health perspective, like many fruits and vegetables, it is better to eat raw pumpkin seeds than roasted pumpkin seeds. However, if you prefer the taste of roasted pumpkin seeds you will be more likely to eat more of them.<br />
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That being said, here is a very <span style="font-weight: bold;">easy recipe for <span style="color: black;">Roasted Pumpkin Seeds</span></span>.<br />
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<h3 style="color: #b45f06;">How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds</h3>You can use store bought raw pumpkin seeds, or the seeds removed from a fresh pumpkin. In the latter case, you should wash the seeds in cool water before the pulp dries on the seeds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUHVhIrhjo7TAoiFmgTpSDR3cXhew81eyLvBK2YyvnM_lNaMpK08FJpi68mKG9cEnOBtX2vuhd75vsgayYAHil71d8Pc3BJbWcUbEGBCPmni5SYRwlmnBK8si6tA43fCxoAsehvFqIvhV/s1600/roasted+pumpkin+seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUHVhIrhjo7TAoiFmgTpSDR3cXhew81eyLvBK2YyvnM_lNaMpK08FJpi68mKG9cEnOBtX2vuhd75vsgayYAHil71d8Pc3BJbWcUbEGBCPmni5SYRwlmnBK8si6tA43fCxoAsehvFqIvhV/s400/roasted+pumpkin+seeds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>Preheat oven to 325 degrees.</li>
<li>In a bowl, toss the seeds with some olive oil, until they are lightly coated. Here is where you can get creative. The basic version is to add salt and toss some more. However, you can try garlic salt instead, or minced garlic with regular sea salt. Or you can try then coated with cinnamon and nutmeg.</li>
<li>Spread the seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet.<br />
Non-stick cooking spray is fine too.</li>
<li>Sprinkle with salt (coarse salt works great) and bake in the oven<br />
for about 25 minutes. Remove from oven after about 10 minutes, to<br />
check and stir the pumpkin seeds.</li>
<li>Let them cool and store in an airtight container.</li>
</ul>Here's wishing you a better night's sleep, naturally. Make pumpkin seeds a regular part of your diet. You should sleep better, allowing your body to have more time to repair itself to better health. You will reap the other health benefits of pumpkin seeds as well.<br />
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<div style="color: #b45f06;"><i>What seasonings have you used on pumpkin seeds? Would love to hear some recommendations! </i></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-59503509401806552512011-11-09T13:24:00.002-05:002011-12-04T16:11:05.291-05:00Roasted Pumpkin Crostini Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTVJIlt3xM/TrqzcXMk1zI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lBTMSegp3Ko/s1600/pumpkin+crostini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTVJIlt3xM/TrqzcXMk1zI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lBTMSegp3Ko/s320/pumpkin+crostini.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Halloween has past but its still <span style="color: #b45f06;">Pumpkin</span> season. Pumpkins have more value and uses than just being a happy, or scary, face for trick-or-treaters. The flesh of this member of the squash family can be boiled, baked, steamed, pureed, mashed or cubed and roasted. And they are a healthy vegetable as well. So look for a small pumpkin in your grocery store labeled "cooking", and give some different pumpkin recipes a try.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This Roasted Pumpkin Crostini Recipe makes a great little appetizer before a holiday meal. I served it to the "football fans" in my house while they were watching the games this weekend and it was a hit.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The pumpkin and goat cheese are both healthy and vegetarian. I will list the nutritional benefits at the end of this post. </span></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Roasted Pumpkin Crostini Recipe <span style="color: black;">- </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">SERVES 8-10</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients: </span></span></div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 2-lb. "pie" or "cooking" pumpkin</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 ounces of goat cheese, room temperature</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (optional)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">salt and pepper to taste</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">cinnamon</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 whole grain baguette, sliced and toasted</span></span></span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMqJ66vcLCYtxh-u5tT3KRfFOQJxLsWH5gOyY6P9mnUhgguROEBeKk0Hl3J7HrCQOZCW9HWXMsqRdD6rjiMFGtNVjJ-e1Fv0vhzFCsUWqM5JNcExKTZkkSammLJMT-PHxDiGor0oBILIO/s1600/pumpkin+crostini+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMqJ66vcLCYtxh-u5tT3KRfFOQJxLsWH5gOyY6P9mnUhgguROEBeKk0Hl3J7HrCQOZCW9HWXMsqRdD6rjiMFGtNVjJ-e1Fv0vhzFCsUWqM5JNcExKTZkkSammLJMT-PHxDiGor0oBILIO/s400/pumpkin+crostini+pieces.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pumpkin Cubes, before roasting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spread pumpkin cubes on a large baking tray. If you have parchment paper you can line the tray with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with some cinnamon. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Check about half way through, to see how it's progressing and to toss the cubes a bit as well. You want them to have consistency similar to a cooked baked potato or sweet potato. When they are done, set aside.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soften and "cream" the goat cheese in a medium bowl using a fork. (You can also put it in the microwave for several seconds on a lower power.) Add thyme, lemon peel, lemon juice, and about a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. (I added a little nutmeg to mine as well.) Season with salt and pepper.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spread a tablespoon or so of the goat cheese mixture on the toasted baguette slices. Top with a few pieces of the pumpkin, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and sprinkle on a dash more cinnamon. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTVJIlt3xM/TrqzcXMk1zI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lBTMSegp3Ko/s1600/pumpkin+crostini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkTVJIlt3xM/TrqzcXMk1zI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lBTMSegp3Ko/s640/pumpkin+crostini.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Pumpkin Crostini</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The bright orange color of pumpkins is a tip off that they are loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids. They are a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, and contain lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron. Additionally: </span></span></span></span><br />
<ul style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">They are high in fiber (aids in digestion) and low in calories (about 100 calories per cup).</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins offers protection against various forms of cancer and </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">promotes the production of collagen which helps your skin </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">by assisting in preventing appearance of wrinkles </span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">Pumpkin is high in potassium and Zinc. A potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. </span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;">The Beta carotene (Vitamin A) present in pumpkin flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: small;"> Regular consumption of pumpkin can protect against joint inflammation and arthritis. </span></li>
</span></span></ul><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN">For the <span style="color: #b45f06;">Nutritional Benefits of Goat Cheese</span>, please see my <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/06/basil-pesto-veggie-wrap-recipe-my.html" target="_blank">previous post - Basil Pesto Veggie Wrap</a>. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN"> </span>And what about <span style="color: #b45f06;">Cinnamon's Health Benefits</span>?</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Studies show that a half teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help to lower LDL Cholesterol, and has a regulating effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial to those with Type 2 Diabetes.</span></span></span></div></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-24068792393621203792011-10-12T21:50:00.005-04:002011-12-04T16:11:05.294-05:00Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie with White Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pt3jfQszDqcdufJVyFEndF81PnqXEf0KrXiNZ08StP5kevlw3k-qWbdEoM3etL8vty8jrOItLZw8Ni2CWGMJGBs7pYK-3Urk_r7lwDl3fyyaJMw6EveppJANDupiYbs6si03_t25pDhP/s1600/strawberry++banana+mango+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pt3jfQszDqcdufJVyFEndF81PnqXEf0KrXiNZ08StP5kevlw3k-qWbdEoM3etL8vty8jrOItLZw8Ni2CWGMJGBs7pYK-3Urk_r7lwDl3fyyaJMw6EveppJANDupiYbs6si03_t25pDhP/s200/strawberry++banana+mango+smoothie.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Strawberries, mangoes, and bananas top the list of my favorite fruits. Here is an excellent replacement for a breakfast that might be too carb-heavy or too time consuming. You can fix this smoothie quickly before leaving for work in the morning. With the added Greek yogurt, this delicious smoothie is </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">packed</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">with</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">antioxidants and protein. It </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> both fills you up and provides an energy boost. This smoothie recipe has enough natural sugars to wake you up, as well as protein and fiber to sustain you til you break for a healthy mid-morning snack</span>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfVcPwrLwHnHsM3Oif8GHqgCn01ZrURA2FJUQqbZsCSIGNReP1SM1bpF5TbiRmUIHqeGccXDShakUFnoptPxDSw-tjNRx25E-nL97HVuAfH69gtuBbpxsxWrT8_JEC1IPUmmbFTL7EvL/s1600/chobani+greek+yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfVcPwrLwHnHsM3Oif8GHqgCn01ZrURA2FJUQqbZsCSIGNReP1SM1bpF5TbiRmUIHqeGccXDShakUFnoptPxDSw-tjNRx25E-nL97HVuAfH69gtuBbpxsxWrT8_JEC1IPUmmbFTL7EvL/s200/chobani+greek+yogurt.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(The best Greek Yogurt EVER)</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span> <br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 White Tea bag steeped in1/3 cup of hot water</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup of almond milk</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 banana and 1/2 diced mango (frozen is fine - and more convenient)</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup of frozen or fresh strawberries</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup of low fat plain Chobani yogur</span>t</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 scoop of vanilla flavored protein powder, if desired </div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 teaspoon of honey</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_jOcnaqxC_jtAwsN25vvmgXZ9PcQRpJnifN4Pl9FHctNIgeEJtahOqWMJh-cMXFZBnHfvM-w0-WATtVIAYYx0vzfTZzl0oAPrJ6LjrOPsAHWM5duwQ86eM8yfAqMMyV4g5srO8TtdJL7/s1600/strawberry++banana+mango+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_jOcnaqxC_jtAwsN25vvmgXZ9PcQRpJnifN4Pl9FHctNIgeEJtahOqWMJh-cMXFZBnHfvM-w0-WATtVIAYYx0vzfTZzl0oAPrJ6LjrOPsAHWM5duwQ86eM8yfAqMMyV4g5srO8TtdJL7/s320/strawberry++banana+mango+smoothie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Directions</span>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heat approximately 1/3 cup hot water in the microwave and steep the White Tea bag while preparing other ingredients for your breakfast smoothie. Ideally the tea should be cooled somewhat before you add it to your smoothie. Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're serving this to others at home and not on your way out the door to work garnish the rim of your glass with a strawberry if desired.</div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why the White Tea? </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The simple answer: <i><b>Lots of Antioxidants</b></i></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's how you can <b>benefit from white tea</b> and the antioxidants it contains:</div><ul style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body from damage by free radicals. </li>
<li>Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones.</li>
<li> White tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. It helps lower high blood pressure, guarding against the chances of a stroke.</li>
<li>Catechins, another group of antioxidants, have been found to reduce cholesterol, and white tea is full of these. This helps prevent hardening of the arteries and poor blood flow.</li>
<li>Studies show that people who drink 2 or more cups of tea a day are almost 50% less likely to die after suffering a heart attack. </li>
<li>The antioxidants in white tea strengthen the entire immune system helping to ward off bacteria and viruses. </li>
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</div></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-68879001090250529992011-10-05T19:22:00.012-04:002011-12-04T16:10:59.387-05:00Brown Rice Pasta with Eggplant Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3BgQaLQQyCqKkergDY5xL0Mjt7GEudNnpH88h_vLxpG4Nj8XXyDZtWNekj-tsRFKjCIr_WYp3QDnTgLLFVZfHbbSo8J7DcoauR2Fm8pURX80Nn7oSe57LMo9hSCSMFAoWlUorzNUqPcQ/s1600/rice+pasta+with+eggplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3BgQaLQQyCqKkergDY5xL0Mjt7GEudNnpH88h_vLxpG4Nj8XXyDZtWNekj-tsRFKjCIr_WYp3QDnTgLLFVZfHbbSo8J7DcoauR2Fm8pURX80Nn7oSe57LMo9hSCSMFAoWlUorzNUqPcQ/s320/rice+pasta+with+eggplant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Since I seem to be hooked on eggplant these days, (it seems I go through phases on having favorite things to eat, and then I tire of them and move on to a new temporary favorite) I was on a mission to find another dish in which to use eggplant. Eggplant Parmesan is my all-time favorite but is very labor intensive, and I wanted something a little less so</span>.<br />
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I came across this recipe in an old <i>Cooking Light Magazine</i>, and as usual, made a few changes to it to suit what I had on hand.<br />
<a name='more'></a>It turned out to be very simple, healthy (a prerequisite), filling , and tasted great. I will post the nutritional value at the end. <b>Whole wheat pasta</b> could easily be used and this would still be a healthy recipe, however <b>brown rice pasta</b> instead of whole wheat pasta makes this eggplant recipe into a <b>gluten-free</b> dish. Gluten free is healthy for all, but especially necessary for those individuals with <b><a href="http://www.celiac.com/">Celiac disease</a>.</b><br />
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<div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients for Brown Rice Pasta with Eggplant and Sauce</span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">1 (16-ounce) package brown rice penne (or ziti) - I used brown rice past <i>shells</i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon olive oil </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3 cups cubed eggplant (about 1 small) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">3 garlic cloves, minced </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon salt </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 (26-ounce) jar fat-free pasta sauce (such as <a href="http://www.muirglen.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat=1">Muir Glen Organic</a>) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) pre-shredded Italian-blend or Parmesan cheese, divided ( I sprinkled grated <a href="http://www.essortment.com/asiago-cheese-41964.html">Asiago cheese</a> on the top just before serving)</li>
</ul><h3 style="color: #0b5394;">Preparation</h3><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant and onion; sauté 8 minutes or until onion is browned. Stir in garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and pasta sauce; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Toss eggplant mixture with pasta. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese; toss gently. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Serve immediately.</li>
</ul>Let me mention here that I'd never cooked brown rice pasta before and followed the directions, using a timer - but multi-tasking and not checking the pasta in between. My pasta shells were over-cooked (though still edible) and some fell apart as I rinsed them. If you have never cooked brown rice pasta before, I suggest you check the pasta every 5 minutes or so, to make sure it does not get beyond al dente.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVa7Zi_isJE/TozhM36tB9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/za1KS_5D3qo/s1600/brown+rice+pasta+with+eggplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 3em; margin-right: 3em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVa7Zi_isJE/TozhM36tB9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/za1KS_5D3qo/s1600/brown+rice+pasta+with+eggplant.jpg" /></a></div>For the sake of comparison, here is the actual picture of the completed eggplant and pasta dish from the magazine, showing the penne pasta, as opposed to my semi-mushy rice shells.<br />
<ul type="disc"></ul><h4 style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nutritional Information</span></h4><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Amount per serving</b> </div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Calories: 353 </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Calories from fat: 18% </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Fat: 7.1g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Saturated fat: 3.1g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Monounsaturated fat: 2.7g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Polyunsaturated fat: 0.4g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Protein: 11.5g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Carbohydrate: 56.3g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Fiber: 5g </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Cholesterol: 17mg </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Iron: 4.2mg </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Sodium: 430mg </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Calcium: 202mg </li>
</ul>Whether you end up using brown rice pasta or whole wheat pasta, this is a hearty, filling meal for fall, while eggplants are still available. It's healthy, relatively low in calories, and relatively inexpensive.<br />
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<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=22"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Health Benefits of Eggplant</span></b></a>:<br />
Eggplant is high in fiber and potassium, a good source of B1 and B6. It also contains important phytonutrients,and flavonoids, many which have antioxidant activity, lessening free radical and cellular damage. For more complete information, see <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=22">Eggplant Health Benefits</a>.<br />
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Another idea to add some for this recipe would be to add some sauteed shrimp in with the eggplant. I will try that the next time I make it.<br />
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If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please let me know! <br />
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<ul type="disc"></ul>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-67463561200211883412011-08-31T11:21:00.001-04:002012-05-13T00:06:43.792-04:00Eggplant Mini Pizzas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwtS_SOxctkSfsqem0rjE5nFflpS9KltGNzQ5NxV9W_kH4wiUrMACcP2UJRXdDVBh_5WbxWlGL5bN7jcC-WpGRz-NzfTzvSXsrcSRQt60JVCDK5U-ICh6w6vS9fhZUwQCJUXCOmSimZ2W/s1600/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Asiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwtS_SOxctkSfsqem0rjE5nFflpS9KltGNzQ5NxV9W_kH4wiUrMACcP2UJRXdDVBh_5WbxWlGL5bN7jcC-WpGRz-NzfTzvSXsrcSRQt60JVCDK5U-ICh6w6vS9fhZUwQCJUXCOmSimZ2W/s200/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Asiago.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On my weekly grocery shopping excursion, I always try to stick to my usual shopping list, which consists mainly of fresh vegetables, fruit and whole wheat pastas and breads. I always search, though, for something a little different as well. This time the eggplants looked especially nice, so I got one. The next day I realized there was no way I was going to have time to make Eggplant Parmesan. I decided to get creative and came up with these Eggplant Mini Pizzas. I think these would be a great healthy item for kids too, and they might even enjoy helping to make them.<br />
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<u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eggplant Mini Pizza Recipe: </span></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJF5D_oqzv106VahkABUUDLoyuxi47jp60qeDqn8S8CZsuImwi4QowHUPOBgtrED9RfxmmpXIV8zG-zuyaCEH4U_q1JM8QGPE7gY1_4-HHEVvA1hqg4-36QNUimreFzk37oh5XgEMgLMDu/s1600/Mini+Eggplant+Pizzas+Moz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJF5D_oqzv106VahkABUUDLoyuxi47jp60qeDqn8S8CZsuImwi4QowHUPOBgtrED9RfxmmpXIV8zG-zuyaCEH4U_q1JM8QGPE7gY1_4-HHEVvA1hqg4-36QNUimreFzk37oh5XgEMgLMDu/s320/Mini+Eggplant+Pizzas+Moz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>1 medium sized eggplant - uniformly cylindrical, if possible</li>
<li>your favorite pasta sauce (I used <a href="http://www.barillaus.com/Pages/Home.aspx">Barilla Tomato & Basil</a>)</li>
<li>1 8oz bar of <a href="http://www.belgioioso.com/FreshMozz.htm">Mozzarella</a> cheese, or <a href="http://www.belgioioso.com/Asiago.htm">Asiago</a> cheese</li>
<li>Approx. 1/8 of a "log" of <a href="http://www.laurachenel.com/">Goat's Milk Cheese </a></li>
<li>Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Thyme, salt and pepper</li>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. <br />
Cut the ends off the eggplant and take the skin off with a potato peeler. (Working from one cut end will make it easyier to start a strip to peel. Cut the peeled eggplant crosswise into 1/4 inch thick pieces and place on a cookie sheet.<br />
Spoon your pasta sauce onto each slice (about a tablespoon full of sauce on each). Sprinkle on seasonings. Top with thin slices of Mozzarella or Asiago (or perhaps a combination on the two). Asiago is a hard enough cheese that you can actually use the potato peeler to shave off pieces.<br />
Sprinkle crumbled Goat Cheese on top. I used a fork to scrape the goat cheese log while holding it over the eggplants and let the crumbles fall where they willed.<br />
Place in the oven on the middle rack and cook for 40 minutes. (Check for browning edges after about 30-35 minutes.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa9Q6ohnIZMBClnWzVTiwJm6J3b5AREBoCg0ZrPjEjYGxAgeMbDPppFHk_Qkk4nr8DId7G0BPpeu4FBIJHB3Firv4oI45g0mUZ7MNAoQyeaU3lwjtXEhjpvBKIj76Yr12yTnQ39Y17oeF/s1600/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Mozzarella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa9Q6ohnIZMBClnWzVTiwJm6J3b5AREBoCg0ZrPjEjYGxAgeMbDPppFHk_Qkk4nr8DId7G0BPpeu4FBIJHB3Firv4oI45g0mUZ7MNAoQyeaU3lwjtXEhjpvBKIj76Yr12yTnQ39Y17oeF/s400/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Mozzarella.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella and Goat Cheeses</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwtS_SOxctkSfsqem0rjE5nFflpS9KltGNzQ5NxV9W_kH4wiUrMACcP2UJRXdDVBh_5WbxWlGL5bN7jcC-WpGRz-NzfTzvSXsrcSRQt60JVCDK5U-ICh6w6vS9fhZUwQCJUXCOmSimZ2W/s1600/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Asiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwtS_SOxctkSfsqem0rjE5nFflpS9KltGNzQ5NxV9W_kH4wiUrMACcP2UJRXdDVBh_5WbxWlGL5bN7jcC-WpGRz-NzfTzvSXsrcSRQt60JVCDK5U-ICh6w6vS9fhZUwQCJUXCOmSimZ2W/s400/Eggplant+Mini+Pizza+with+Asiago.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant Mini Pizzas with Asiago and Goat Cheeses</td></tr>
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I preferred the mini pizzas with the Asiago. Give these a try and let me know which you prefer. Or if you make any changes that make them even more tasty, please let me know. I know I will be making these again, because the leftovers, like most Italian style foods, were even better, just heating them up in the microwave!hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-47921103798265267732011-08-14T09:13:00.154-04:002011-12-04T16:10:59.389-05:00Best Childrens Laptop Computers - Educational Toys for Toddlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cwQK7L-dV6ljvf3sVOtbQSFksFo7CB0NFh6NgZ1xFovi5VaXOe6GmPc8wvjkKq2uM4nIbBpKyGPqTVP8xPCL1PL6QqN2jo4x6J73i1oWz7pJkZCW9xMI_wvBQWzqg-33nPK8_kFp7AEc/s1600/VTech+Tote%2527n%2527Go+Laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cwQK7L-dV6ljvf3sVOtbQSFksFo7CB0NFh6NgZ1xFovi5VaXOe6GmPc8wvjkKq2uM4nIbBpKyGPqTVP8xPCL1PL6QqN2jo4x6J73i1oWz7pJkZCW9xMI_wvBQWzqg-33nPK8_kFp7AEc/s200/VTech+Tote%2527n%2527Go+Laptop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/little-einstein-toys">Educational Toys for Toddlers - Best Childrens Laptop Computers</a></b><br />
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I am convinced that children can start learning reading, writing phonics, and the like much sooner than society allows them. Granted, I'm not saying kids should be sent off to school sooner than we do, but I am saying that the time they are still at home could be used to allow them to advance more quickly, and be ahead of the game when they do enter school. I also think that with the importance of computers in the world these days, it is equally <b>important to introduce children to computers</b> at an early age as well.<br />
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As a child, my parents were friends with a couple from South America (I can't remember where exactly) who had two young girls, about 3 and 5 years old, who were taught both English and Spanish. The kids were already fluent (as fluent as a child is at that age) in both languages.<br />
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I was fortunate enough to go to a private elementary school where I was taught French starting in the 1st grade and was fairly fluent both speaking and reading by the 6th grade. <br />
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The point I am making is that, foreign languages aside, a young child's brain is like a new sponge and I believe it is capable of consuming more than we often allow. Parents often don't have the time to spend with their children due to work.<br />
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There are so many awesome <b>educational toys</b> on the market now that are reasonably priced, it makes it easy for to provide your child with opportunities for early, fun learning experiences even with the time constraints of your busy life. Being the computer geek/addict that I am, the idea of introducing a computer for children at an early age, combined with teaching them the basics - alphabet, reading, writing, and basic math seems an ideal combination. If you can throw in starting to learn a second language, it's just an added bonus.<br />
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So when it came time to get a birthday present for my best friend's toddler, I went into research overdrive, and decided to present my results online: <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/little-einstein-toys"><b>Educational Toys for Toddlers - Best Children's Laptop Computers</b>.</a> This site will give you several options, as well as a couple <b>learning toys</b> that impressed me that aren't <b>kid's laptop computers</b>.<br />
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Here are my top three favorites (see my <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/little-einstein-toys">site mentioned above</a> for more info.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14vmq-HC3jPCv8UZGZionEcymssqVTxmN0N78SilzX5hbztL8-HvXQY_oRPZwdWSIcdQhfAbCH3oHLGMslCtyEbq6n0WEbGWLyTokziwXjZwupgcrEvcjP4sx48OyBrorK09yc5IA6dtG/s1600/VTech+Tote%2527n%2527Go+Laptop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14vmq-HC3jPCv8UZGZionEcymssqVTxmN0N78SilzX5hbztL8-HvXQY_oRPZwdWSIcdQhfAbCH3oHLGMslCtyEbq6n0WEbGWLyTokziwXjZwupgcrEvcjP4sx48OyBrorK09yc5IA6dtG/s400/VTech+Tote%2527n%2527Go+Laptop2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vtech-Preschool-Learning-Tote-Laptop/dp/B000E1PY6U?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">VTech Tote and Go Child's Laptop</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000E1PY6U" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000E1PY6U&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 2px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1PY6U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000E1PY6U%22%3EVtech%20Tote%20and%20Go%20Laptop%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000E1PY6U&camp=217145&creative=399369%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b>Vtech Tote and Go Laptop</b></a> has some great features, including a functional mouse that will work for a right or left-handed child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dvY-A_2t18/TkvVE0OYQcI/AAAAAAAAAHw/YL3ivhIIhkw/s1600/Handy+Manny+Laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dvY-A_2t18/TkvVE0OYQcI/AAAAAAAAAHw/YL3ivhIIhkw/s400/Handy+Manny+Laptop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Licensed-Learning-Mannys-Construction/dp/B00241KLKC?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Handy Manny Construction Laptop</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00241KLKC" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td></tr>
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I like the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00241KLKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00241KLKC%22%3EHandy%20Manny%20Laptop%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00241KLKC&camp=217145&creative=399369%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b>Handy Manny Laptop</b></a> because it teaches your child basic Spanish as well. I feel knowing Spanish will become more and more important.<br />
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And here is another excellent kid's computer - <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00153IVV6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00153IVV6%22%3EVtech%20Cars%20Lightning%20McQueen%20Learning%20Laptop%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00153IVV6&camp=217145&creative=399369%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Vtech Cars Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop.</span></span></a></b><br />
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<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="parseasinTitle"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00153IVV6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00153IVV6%22%3ECars%20Lightning%20McQueen%20Learning%20Laptop%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00153IVV6&camp=217145&creative=399369%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span id="btAsinTitle">Cars Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop</span></a></span></h1></td></tr>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00153IVV6" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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The Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop features fifteen activities that teach letters, words, math and logic. It comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, LCD screen, and a fun tire-shaped mouse. Since it does have the QWERTY keyboard, it might be best for a child who already knows the alphabet, and it ready to learn the actual layout and design of a computer keyboard.<br />
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I hope these recommendations for an <b>educational toy for a toddler</b> are helpful.. For some additional excellent children's laptop computer options take a look at: <b><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/little-einstein-toys">Best Children's Laptop Computers</a>.</b> You will certainly be able to find one to suit your child.<br />
Your child's mental health, as well as general health should be as important to you as your own!hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-16139247211161470292011-08-03T13:10:00.007-04:002012-05-13T00:12:25.615-04:00Alaskan Crab Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5V_DevrQcHApVzG_kOd5TSWXt4LkjsEYJYJQ78DqlGU05tYrlteUB8fgcjk2iX9ipjLygS8lwjzGQvnx2Guakkaw_bzdOwemy_y02bWh7VJ9VSNvrP8BwNK_d3fPZL_cB8AEjaMZ9Nqw/s1600/crab+grapefruit+avocado+salsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5V_DevrQcHApVzG_kOd5TSWXt4LkjsEYJYJQ78DqlGU05tYrlteUB8fgcjk2iX9ipjLygS8lwjzGQvnx2Guakkaw_bzdOwemy_y02bWh7VJ9VSNvrP8BwNK_d3fPZL_cB8AEjaMZ9Nqw/s200/crab+grapefruit+avocado+salsd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul>I found this Alaskan Crab Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado Recipe in a local grocery store magazine. It was originally posted in <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/">FoodandWine.com.</a> It is healthy, light, and refreshing. I made some changes to the original, as noted. <a name='more'></a> </ul>
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<u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ala</span></u><a class="composeTab" href="javascript:void(0)" id="postingComposeTab"></a><u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">skan Crab Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado</span></u><br />
<ul>
<li>4-5 leaves of Romaine Lettuce </li>
<li>1 red or pink grapefruit</li>
<li>1 tbsp small red onion, chopped fine</li>
<li>1/2 tsp soy sauce</li>
<li>1 tsp fresh lemon juice</li>
<li>3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>1/2 lb cooked, shelled king crab meat (3/4 lbs in the shell) cut into 3x ½ inch pieces</li>
<li>1 Hass avocados, peeled, halved lengthwise, and very thinly sliced</li>
<li>16 raw almonds, cracked</li>
<li>2 tbsp cilantro leaves</li>
<li>12-16 fresh raspberries </li>
</ul>
Using a sharp paring knife, peel the skin and bitter white pith from the grapefruits. Working over a bowl, cut in between the membranes to section the grapefruit. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl. You will have 1/3 to 1/2 cup juice.<br />
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In another bowl, mix the onions, soy sauce, lemon juice, 4 tbsps. of olive oil, and half the grapefruit juice. Season with salt and let stand for 10 minutes. This will be your salad dressing.<br />
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In a skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsps. oil til shimmering. Add the crab and cook over high heat, turning once, 30 seconds. Add the remaining grapefruit juice, and sautee the crab about 10 more seconds. Remove from heat.<br />
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Tear romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces and arrange on plate. Arrange the grapefruit sections on top, followed by the avocado slices then the crab. Garnish with almonds, cilantro and raspberries, drizzle with the dressing, and serve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5V_DevrQcHApVzG_kOd5TSWXt4LkjsEYJYJQ78DqlGU05tYrlteUB8fgcjk2iX9ipjLygS8lwjzGQvnx2Guakkaw_bzdOwemy_y02bWh7VJ9VSNvrP8BwNK_d3fPZL_cB8AEjaMZ9Nqw/s1600/crab+grapefruit+avocado+salsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5V_DevrQcHApVzG_kOd5TSWXt4LkjsEYJYJQ78DqlGU05tYrlteUB8fgcjk2iX9ipjLygS8lwjzGQvnx2Guakkaw_bzdOwemy_y02bWh7VJ9VSNvrP8BwNK_d3fPZL_cB8AEjaMZ9Nqw/s640/crab+grapefruit+avocado+salsd.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Crab, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As an aside, If you don't want to go through the trouble of making your own dressing, or if you don't like this one, certainly your favorite flavor of vinaigrette (maybe even with just the grapefruit juice added to it) would work perfectly fine. Also - I had no almonds on hand (unusual for me) so you will not see them in this picture.<br />
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<u><b>Health Benefits</b></u>:<br />
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<b><i>Health benefits of Avocado</i></b> - see my previous post<a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/06/basil-pesto-veggie-wrap-recipe-my.html"> Basil, Pesto, Veggie Wrap Recipe</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1UY1CXZvBeXGtPaX2V0Zc_SBhbSioY5eRT7wMvhPWfEHzJ7SEQfn3PZuIx-X-8KAX2Vwo4v-DPR0E3FoRBMNpt-7YajZunolfKhYJF2ie9yOGK4MQ0e0uN6KrlvpI2brPLB2S2xDkBi4/s1600/pink+grapefruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1UY1CXZvBeXGtPaX2V0Zc_SBhbSioY5eRT7wMvhPWfEHzJ7SEQfn3PZuIx-X-8KAX2Vwo4v-DPR0E3FoRBMNpt-7YajZunolfKhYJF2ie9yOGK4MQ0e0uN6KrlvpI2brPLB2S2xDkBi4/s200/pink+grapefruit.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><b>Health benefits of Pink Grapefruit</b> </i>- the most valuable antioxidant ingredient in grapefruit is Vitamin C. YOu can satisfy you r entire daily requirement by eating just one grapefruit. It is great is great for your skin as it stops free radicals from causing damage and triggering inflammation. The red color in fruits comes from lycopene, a type of cartenoid. Cartenoids boost your immune system and also fight free radical damage. Grapefruit jucice ranks towards the tip as one of the best fruit juices for your skin, not far behind Concord grape juice.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGQ3k-jQylE/Tjl63vCH7nI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/A9xKwlapRgk/s1600/raspberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGQ3k-jQylE/Tjl63vCH7nI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/A9xKwlapRgk/s200/raspberries.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><b>Health benefits of Raspberries</b></i> - Raspberries are a great source of manganese and Vitamin C. Mangansese helps keep your bones strong, your nerves healthy, and your blood sugar levels normal. The vitamin C also helps improve iron absorption, and regeneration of Vitamin E, another skin-health nutrient. The antioxidant capacity of raspberries is almost 50% greater than that of strawberries, 3 times that of kiwis, and 10 times that of tomatoes. <br />
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Hope you enjoy this salad. Feel free to make variations to your liking.<br />
It is healthy for your body and skin, low-cal, and refreshing! <br />
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Another summer flower for you from my potted hibiscus:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8v8Gpo__6AA_iJDkqdrbBw2uVL6RNLoPymty-DWZZCjZzyyqW_M2nXZXMuwhyphenhyphen6CfWb9fkyeZp4qMerMvcagWKalRkkC8rgMu3YAUVL3ft60ps9DQU88xuZxm9xTeHO36BAt20dCMR-TR/s1600/apricot+colored+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8v8Gpo__6AA_iJDkqdrbBw2uVL6RNLoPymty-DWZZCjZzyyqW_M2nXZXMuwhyphenhyphen6CfWb9fkyeZp4qMerMvcagWKalRkkC8rgMu3YAUVL3ft60ps9DQU88xuZxm9xTeHO36BAt20dCMR-TR/s400/apricot+colored+hibiscus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot-colored Hibiscus</td></tr>
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<br /></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-25833672901498501212011-07-06T12:28:00.015-04:002012-08-28T19:00:50.663-04:00Honey Mango Smoothie Recipe - Yes, Another One!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2TUc58rtHqKJjyRK9jfo3K_QlmMyvTY-4gMzaYy20fo6k9KT4cvuxWjEYzOifC8z_miJreOLPHNKzeIB68ZBAWRRaH3h7NZPgCYDJz5hG6E5d0BUlaG4GsIZcIBwDzqmAuPEZRgUgzRa/s1600/mango+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2TUc58rtHqKJjyRK9jfo3K_QlmMyvTY-4gMzaYy20fo6k9KT4cvuxWjEYzOifC8z_miJreOLPHNKzeIB68ZBAWRRaH3h7NZPgCYDJz5hG6E5d0BUlaG4GsIZcIBwDzqmAuPEZRgUgzRa/s200/mango+smoothie.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Here's another yumm<span style="font-size: small;">y <b>Mango Smoothie</b> I whipped up the other day with variations to one I posted a few months ago. I made this one without my usual addition of plain low fat Greek yogurt, so maybe it could be classified more officially as a slushy but, call it what you will, it was delicious, very refreshing, and low in calories.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Honey Mango Smoothie Recipe:</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup of chopped mango - fresh or frozen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3 oz of <a href="http://www.chobani.com/">Chobani Greek Yogurt</a> - plain or vanilla (actually yogurt can be optional)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 cup orange juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp honey</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">a squirt of lime juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">half a dozen ice cubes</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine in your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPB-300PK-SmartPower-Portable-Blending/dp/B003WIZ99Y?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Smoothie Blender</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003WIZ99Y" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><b>. </b>Process until smooth. Serve immediately, and enjoy! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKhZUcvBwAqOD1KTwzJPcO-SKoEqqKyU3YHcalWEW68RbjOBHruDgwL1QsOmf-Fw0434KTMJAI_gJ_Z3REcWzgep4JrOWz4ZfysFFUZTtP-H9g2NdGQi0wSqd8_w2BiaAYBy9o9joZA_g/s1600/mango+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKhZUcvBwAqOD1KTwzJPcO-SKoEqqKyU3YHcalWEW68RbjOBHruDgwL1QsOmf-Fw0434KTMJAI_gJ_Z3REcWzgep4JrOWz4ZfysFFUZTtP-H9g2NdGQi0wSqd8_w2BiaAYBy9o9joZA_g/s320/mango+smoothie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Mango Smoothie<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, I think adding dairy (the yogurt, in this case) causes the mango to lose some of its rich flavor and sweetness, though it will obviously be a smoother, creamier consistency. If the mango is not frozen, it will certainly blend easily without the yogurt. The addition of the yogurt will give you more protein. I also think the lime juice helps to bring out some more flavor of the mango.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So as you can see, you can play with the options a little. No matter what you decide you like the best, this is a healthy and refreshing Honey Mango Smoothie. Of course you can also use Florida Mangoes, but I am now sold on the Honey Mango, or Champagne Mango for its sweetness and less fiberous consistency.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the Health Benefits of Mango please visit my previous post: <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/honey-mango-fruit-smoothie-recipe.html">Honey Mango Fruit Smoothie Recipe</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's today's flower from my garden:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_2NPyKf4FMY48p6NnGskAbru38m3f_Ff_oWsLiiTTkJMDIGcJ00pB9quJ9QS-2oDtsoY0NXa851LC8v4KghCY-BQ4D_gKBWhSIVZhi1VJsl_HQr-yPPoBxqUOaNwIl8jm3dXNSge82hC/s1600/Chorus+Line+Day+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_2NPyKf4FMY48p6NnGskAbru38m3f_Ff_oWsLiiTTkJMDIGcJ00pB9quJ9QS-2oDtsoY0NXa851LC8v4KghCY-BQ4D_gKBWhSIVZhi1VJsl_HQr-yPPoBxqUOaNwIl8jm3dXNSge82hC/s400/Chorus+Line+Day+Lily.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smokeysdaylilygardens.com/">Chorus Line Day Lily</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtNpo7ze7sOo-ovaBXFB8m_l2khjfFax22SFOEPc-w9J6_qT8v2p620M_zC-U6qLnOvSzHZUvaNiBzUajqHdxuYKSqWyOhj2fHqAh5yoHjddbQX_VH2NjLDeBTWKsSvppCr4SRT64qnKU/s1600/New+Toy+Day+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-63361650924379957102011-06-29T14:47:00.009-04:002011-12-04T16:10:51.289-05:00Basil Pesto Veggie Wrap Recipe - My Favorite Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RAphJvieJOFP8nPONKGk7d1bt0eh161FVFVU7ktO54mMy9zGCUSKxjYf3u29xhJT4Qfy9DENkMHmpJX1ouJfspqPuIfRsv7wbVloBt6wcy9I8uItTedhZAUEVlFPzl85Go7nsKtHPbKe/s1600/basil+pesto+veggie+wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RAphJvieJOFP8nPONKGk7d1bt0eh161FVFVU7ktO54mMy9zGCUSKxjYf3u29xhJT4Qfy9DENkMHmpJX1ouJfspqPuIfRsv7wbVloBt6wcy9I8uItTedhZAUEVlFPzl85Go7nsKtHPbKe/s200/basil+pesto+veggie+wrap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This <b>Pesto Veggie Wrap </b>is a great refreshing, light recipe for lunch or even dinner, especially appealing for a hot day. Healthy, and low in calories you could even eat two of these for dinner and would not be going overboard on calorie intake, as long as you've been practical about your other meals that day. I love this wrap, but knew I had really created a winner when I served it to a bachelor friend of mine who is normally a meat lover.<br />
<a name='more'></a>He asked me for seconds after I served him the first. To give you an idea of his "bachelor" qualifications, I recently found a grocery store receipt on his kitchen counter itemized as follows: "scoop" chips, queso dip, Amstel Lite 12-pack, Haagen-Daz ice cream. And I can vouch that there is not much more in his refrigerator than that. Need I say more?<br />
<span id="goog_1578354221"></span><span id="goog_1578354222"></span><br />
So here is the recipe, and you may notice that many of the same ingredients are used in my <b><a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/ceasar-salad-recipe-with-twist.html">Caesar Salad with a Twist recipe</a></b>. I keep many of the same foods on hand all the time and look for ways to incorporate and re-create them into new meals.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="color: #0b5394;">Basil Pesto Veggie Wrap Ingredients: </u></span><br />
<br />
(makes 2 wraps)<br />
2 whole wheat wraps<br />
Basil Pesto (see my <b><a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/03/garlic-basil-pesto-my-favorite-recipe.html">Pesto Recipe</a></b>) - (approx 3 tbsp)<br />
1 Roma tomato - chopped<br />
1/2 to 1/3 avocado wedge sliced into 1/2" x1/8" pieces<br />
Grated Parmesan Cheese - shake or sprinkle to your liking<br />
2 Tbsps. Lite Vinaigrette Dressing (on each wrap)<br />
Goat Cheese - hard to measure out, exactly - see photo and do it to your taste. (Approx 1 1/2 tbsp on each)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7phAs6BftnUvShgQHQcOwLlkQKXhGzYoji40EQOZCl7OUA0ybMeN-Hk1eAfG1y7qGGLtlO24A-OFWgKDKZpZdYLBbJEst3zyULV9HB7n-9UzdeG1rqmthRtRDgk7Sc1QSvy7sKGyEgAg/s1600/whole+wheat+soft+tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 0.5em;"><img border="1" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7phAs6BftnUvShgQHQcOwLlkQKXhGzYoji40EQOZCl7OUA0ybMeN-Hk1eAfG1y7qGGLtlO24A-OFWgKDKZpZdYLBbJEst3zyULV9HB7n-9UzdeG1rqmthRtRDgk7Sc1QSvy7sKGyEgAg/s200/whole+wheat+soft+tacos.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhUy9wbofplI4yqFeAyxifaVQh3xbWlwE98fTqx33ViqUR9H6tYaKD5zSJKOfN4sbtRxWhUfAgo2ZlRHSvN7s-bCAQcJ59esmNHgJcFGB-MSiUb9ABdXP8a0PvyF-0SlEeoQyHqIYeTt8/s1600/whole+wheat+tortilla+nutrition+facts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0.2em;"><img border="1" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhUy9wbofplI4yqFeAyxifaVQh3xbWlwE98fTqx33ViqUR9H6tYaKD5zSJKOfN4sbtRxWhUfAgo2ZlRHSvN7s-bCAQcJ59esmNHgJcFGB-MSiUb9ABdXP8a0PvyF-0SlEeoQyHqIYeTt8/s320/whole+wheat+tortilla+nutrition+facts.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ik1dJX9d0W553NdSrICki-vL3Iu0IWHMytvrkZ-SmERTJf_8xtpTNetnPUKMHiC6l43RrpE_7Ji4uuvNsHwDT0YkZIDoAtrIDd9jDGTyX8kyrHAZ-hzt1-yyIOikQCu46S7HUCPpOdtl/s1600/Ken%2527s+sun-dried+tomato+vinagrette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0.5em;"><img border="1" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ik1dJX9d0W553NdSrICki-vL3Iu0IWHMytvrkZ-SmERTJf_8xtpTNetnPUKMHiC6l43RrpE_7Ji4uuvNsHwDT0YkZIDoAtrIDd9jDGTyX8kyrHAZ-hzt1-yyIOikQCu46S7HUCPpOdtl/s200/Ken%2527s+sun-dried+tomato+vinagrette.jpg" width="153" /></a><br />
<br />
Spread the Pesto down the center of the wrap with a thin coat, about an 1/8" inch thick. Add the chopped tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle on the vinaigrette dressing and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. Crumble and add the goat cheese. Roll up the wrap and enjoy!<br />
<br />
Go for the <b>whole wheat tortilla</b> for more protein and fiber - better than the overly processed white flour tortillas. You can check out the spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps as well and compare nutritional ingredients. but I found these to have the best combination of good ingredients with the lowest calories. The Ken's Lite salad dressing (you can try some different flavors in this, too) <br />
Here's my <b>Pesto Veggie Wrap</b> before rolling it up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RAphJvieJOFP8nPONKGk7d1bt0eh161FVFVU7ktO54mMy9zGCUSKxjYf3u29xhJT4Qfy9DENkMHmpJX1ouJfspqPuIfRsv7wbVloBt6wcy9I8uItTedhZAUEVlFPzl85Go7nsKtHPbKe/s1600/basil+pesto+veggie+wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RAphJvieJOFP8nPONKGk7d1bt0eh161FVFVU7ktO54mMy9zGCUSKxjYf3u29xhJT4Qfy9DENkMHmpJX1ouJfspqPuIfRsv7wbVloBt6wcy9I8uItTedhZAUEVlFPzl85Go7nsKtHPbKe/s640/basil+pesto+veggie+wrap.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil Pesto Vegetable Wrap with Goat Cheese</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Okay, it may not look too impressive. but roll this baby up and take a bite! Trust me, it is light and very refreshing, great on a hot summer day. If you get a chance to try this out, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Hope you enjoy it as much as my bachelor friend did.<br />
<br />
A quick review of the health benefits of the main ingredients:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJSax9u7kcOSVEZTjqO_FdQtiNRiM5gKJA5FZwWV8O178f0Plu0fDV7Ajaj4sKQgSBVkj9ngIcd3PicPJoOf3Tiy31sdtJy4usuKfxS_Rm_CCGmrYjxrOdVP6SPslEzENf6ZVRbHB4lW/s1600/avocado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.2em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJSax9u7kcOSVEZTjqO_FdQtiNRiM5gKJA5FZwWV8O178f0Plu0fDV7Ajaj4sKQgSBVkj9ngIcd3PicPJoOf3Tiy31sdtJy4usuKfxS_Rm_CCGmrYjxrOdVP6SPslEzENf6ZVRbHB4lW/s200/avocado.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Avocado</b></u>: First off, a reminder that the fats in avocado are good, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Compared to butter, 2 tablespoons of avocado has 50 calories, and the same amount of butter has 240 calories! Recent studies show that because carotenoids are fat-soluble, absorption of two key carotenoid antioxidants—lycopene and beta-carotene—increases significantly when fresh avocado is added to salad. Hence it make sense to combine them with tomatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. Avocados are high in Vitamin K (helps with bone health) and dietary fiber, and have 60% more potassium than bananas. They contain a long list of antioxidants, including alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (a fat that helps moisturize the skin), all instrumental in supporting heart health. All these antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties which may help with the symptoms of arthritis, as well. Avocados are also rich in B vitamins that help with metabolism and energy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44D8F2-YvUUB5oFhmxISuWWYrQd9Eppbec88vnA-O_kdYeG8qBcY_rsPZaRDf_1Cp2HhJVOf_oZpdPt-Dc7XZebM0Ff0qHvDcNwdK-kiwdaOMsk9JdSw2-GY72qYHXo6fG4PtrTXK1i32/s1600/goat+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.2em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44D8F2-YvUUB5oFhmxISuWWYrQd9Eppbec88vnA-O_kdYeG8qBcY_rsPZaRDf_1Cp2HhJVOf_oZpdPt-Dc7XZebM0Ff0qHvDcNwdK-kiwdaOMsk9JdSw2-GY72qYHXo6fG4PtrTXK1i32/s200/goat+cheese.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Goat Cheese</u>: </span></b>A good source of calcium, protein, phosphorus, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and potassium. Studies have shown that calcium is not only good for strong bones but may help to protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals, and prevent migraine headaches in those sufferers. Calcium also prevents the bone loss that can occur as a result of menopause or certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. <br />
<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=90">Potassium</a> is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. And, once again, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is important for energy function. Goat cheese supplies low-cost, high-quality protein to the body.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeVss0_NT5VDZ10KTdI6VqsKlU9r8ObqdyEekEeN4gaJyQkf7VQMtBXhyphenhyphenhJ1NGhjXqxrpon7i8hPsosItHRR6xVjpvCQoknWRu6CqW8d5dUGtBlQGZ09yRJ8JNwnnFgW-zf0eiNTckhgt/s1600/roma+tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeVss0_NT5VDZ10KTdI6VqsKlU9r8ObqdyEekEeN4gaJyQkf7VQMtBXhyphenhyphenhJ1NGhjXqxrpon7i8hPsosItHRR6xVjpvCQoknWRu6CqW8d5dUGtBlQGZ09yRJ8JNwnnFgW-zf0eiNTckhgt/s200/roma+tomato.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><u style="color: #0b5394;">Tomatoes</u></b>: Perhaps the most important hand well known antioxidant in tomatoes is lycopene. Studies of the effects of lycopene in humans show it to be protective against a variety of cancers including colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It is also good for your skin, with anti-aging properties more effective than Vitamin A (beta-carotene). They are also high in Vitamin C and fiber.<br />
One thing to note is that cooked tomatoes yield more lycopene to the body than raw ones, and that lycopene is better absorbed by the body when in the presence of a healthy fat. Adding extra-virgin olive oil to your tomato sauce will increase your lycopene absorption. <br />
<br />
As I have made this a habit, here is another flower photo from my yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB75Jm1QzEpqOgfb6AFJP9ZtSX_NZKOj-TGDB28VQg1OKgvjXDMm3EW1Ugt77ChKqxs6iofgzBYuuGFwBPHI6BAgIqKs8Ykm0NQLWVikUFtTX_Ow7FIgKZHz4Ayb_zjR-CeTKEB7tysDPI/s1600/gardenia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB75Jm1QzEpqOgfb6AFJP9ZtSX_NZKOj-TGDB28VQg1OKgvjXDMm3EW1Ugt77ChKqxs6iofgzBYuuGFwBPHI6BAgIqKs8Ykm0NQLWVikUFtTX_Ow7FIgKZHz4Ayb_zjR-CeTKEB7tysDPI/s640/gardenia.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardenia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> It's a shame you can't smell it, too. Have a great day!</div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-38566134128949531792011-06-15T14:37:00.006-04:002011-12-04T16:10:38.962-05:00Successful Deer Repellent Solution<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkYCEkkjMstiUUX1VfR5Equt7PXB8KE3Y-gOe4QVXRZyCkEDnOihPABe7WHwNFIn2MSaxRKayfic-JyCOq76T-ssWYoFWXynOvCAPDlLv9gMjJGDfsOqIXZIs1fZvujeluGxGizh2A9a/s1600/Deer+Repellent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkYCEkkjMstiUUX1VfR5Equt7PXB8KE3Y-gOe4QVXRZyCkEDnOihPABe7WHwNFIn2MSaxRKayfic-JyCOq76T-ssWYoFWXynOvCAPDlLv9gMjJGDfsOqIXZIs1fZvujeluGxGizh2A9a/s200/Deer+Repellent.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><i><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DXVK2O" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DXVK2O" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />I think I've found a winning combination of tactics to keeping the deer from eating my plants and flowers!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a previous post I was venting that the deer had made a meal out of my hostas, newly planted impatiens, and daylilies, and had asked if anyone had some suggestions for solutions. A well-meaning (?) Facebook friend suggested a gun. Not a reasonable solution. I went on search for a better alternative as I had just ordered 50 day lily plants from <a href="http://smokeysdaylilygardens.com/">Smokey's DayLily Gardens</a>, and was not looking forward to losing my investment.<br />
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My packing-heat friend then came back with a more reasonable suggestion to try<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cayenne-Pepper-Powder-40M-H-U/dp/B002DXVK2O?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Cayenne Pepper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DXVK2O" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DXVK2O" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DXVK2O" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It made sense that after a couple of sniffs resulting in burning nostrils might be a good deterrent. And Cayenne Pepper is something organic and all natural, so I wouldn't be spreading any harmful chemicals.<br />
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Then a helpful clerk at my local Home Depot suggested <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MILORGANITE-DIVISION-MMSD-36-FERTILIZER/dp/B000UGPK9U?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Milorganite</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000UGPK9U" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, <i>MILwaukee ORGAnic NITrogEn</i>. It is a slow-release, non-burning organic, all-purpose fertilizer. It is Eco-friendly, rich in non-staining iron, and can even be applied in the heat of summer, and does not need water to activate. So besides it being an excellent all-around fertilizer that has been used on golf courses for decades. it just happens to also be disliked by deer. So I see this as a great product for my gardening and landscape in general. Check out <a href="http://www.milorganite.com/">their website</a> for more information.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkYCEkkjMstiUUX1VfR5Equt7PXB8KE3Y-gOe4QVXRZyCkEDnOihPABe7WHwNFIn2MSaxRKayfic-JyCOq76T-ssWYoFWXynOvCAPDlLv9gMjJGDfsOqIXZIs1fZvujeluGxGizh2A9a/s1600/Deer+Repellent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkYCEkkjMstiUUX1VfR5Equt7PXB8KE3Y-gOe4QVXRZyCkEDnOihPABe7WHwNFIn2MSaxRKayfic-JyCOq76T-ssWYoFWXynOvCAPDlLv9gMjJGDfsOqIXZIs1fZvujeluGxGizh2A9a/s320/Deer+Repellent.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweeney's Deer Repellent has been working for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally, my neighbor suggested <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweeneys-5600-6-Deer-Repellent-Stations/dp/B001UL62UK?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sweeney's Deer Repellent</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UL62UK" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></b>. She was using the "bait stations" and hadn't had any nighttime raids. (No wonder the deer were coming into my yard to <strike>nibble</strike> chomp.)<br />
I decided to try them as well. There are six cylindrical units per package and you mount them on a metal wire stake about the thickness of a metal coat hanger. Use the full length of the wire, as the manufacturers directions advise you to put the repellent canister at plant height, and move it up as the plant grows taller. The canisters are weatherproof and are said to last 6-8 months.<br />
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I cannot swear that any of these products solely are a successful solution. But being somewhat obsessive-compulsive, I am now using all three simultaneously!<br />
I sprinkle the Cayenne Pepper in the morning after the automatic sprinklers come on . I'm applying the <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MILORGANITE-DIVISION-MMSD-36-FERTILIZER/dp/B000UGPK9U?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Milorganite</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000UGPK9U" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> once every couple of weeks.<br />
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The 50 daylily bareroot plants that I put in the ground are all doing fine and haven't been touched by any four-legged friends. My Impatiens plants are starting to grow and get blooms. Here you will see the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweeneys-5600-6-Deer-Repellent-Stations/dp/B001UL62UK?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Deer repellent</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UL62UK" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> canister amongst the finally-blooming Impatiens.<br />
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You may be wondering how this fits in health blog. Well, for me, I now have less stress and aggravation. Gardening is a soothing activity to me, and enjoying the flowers is relaxing and rewarding. If this 3-part solution to avoiding stress continues to work, I will have the added satisfaction of winning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdaNO9vOJ_BvxhTNc6Ahe6wrnBHnyWYPR4g2z_Exe329iHp6ZTMGsxEn5bnPq_OPw9HH9fOO9TzYLQcuXHjtyRSwwlEAjNIfTbEAhGJhqCSgZ5NJyhy6GjX1uwjzX0kXYLKCr7mZX-smZ/s1600/Impatiens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdaNO9vOJ_BvxhTNc6Ahe6wrnBHnyWYPR4g2z_Exe329iHp6ZTMGsxEn5bnPq_OPw9HH9fOO9TzYLQcuXHjtyRSwwlEAjNIfTbEAhGJhqCSgZ5NJyhy6GjX1uwjzX0kXYLKCr7mZX-smZ/s400/Impatiens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Repellent among the Impatiens and Ferns</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The Daylilies that I planted last season have been safe from deer attack.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigGSK9N3buJEB3qXjDjVlQNDEyKyc_0x1QNfNuUUiYd-tMRhMvYOA0BWmyZaw0hyphenhyphenHqw_8aw2zik4C_0VNn2-1f3BqBoN_OLFDfAcrMChw1gG6v4EXEZpIleV9Yiz0rHmrkG1emPRpn1s8/s1600/Pretty+Pastel+Day+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigGSK9N3buJEB3qXjDjVlQNDEyKyc_0x1QNfNuUUiYd-tMRhMvYOA0BWmyZaw0hyphenhyphenHqw_8aw2zik4C_0VNn2-1f3BqBoN_OLFDfAcrMChw1gG6v4EXEZpIleV9Yiz0rHmrkG1emPRpn1s8/s640/Pretty+Pastel+Day+Lily.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "Pretty Pastel" Day Lily </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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</div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-83982950762610990782011-06-03T10:19:00.005-04:002011-12-04T16:10:38.963-05:00Kiwi, Banana, Honey Mango Smoothie Recipe<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPphc7XO1giIRGWf_9tRqPGNHU8g903TletUuzuVPR6P5G8VQe8mq16nHFcWynmM7KfQPIXm9JRwCoXQAef9PmfrWgGawibiBZMv-SV1T_w6SA5mtjua4ExN8N8gch31MCPQnjBj4UJQeX/s1600/kiwi+mango+banana+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPphc7XO1giIRGWf_9tRqPGNHU8g903TletUuzuVPR6P5G8VQe8mq16nHFcWynmM7KfQPIXm9JRwCoXQAef9PmfrWgGawibiBZMv-SV1T_w6SA5mtjua4ExN8N8gch31MCPQnjBj4UJQeX/s200/kiwi+mango+banana+smoothie.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><i>Here's a great fruit smoothie recipe that requires no extra sweetener, and is therefore low-calorie in addition to it being healthy and delicious! </i></div>The beginning of June and it's already July-hot and August-humid out. After a 20 minute bike ride today and then going straight into the <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beachbody-P90X-Extreme-Fitness-Workout/dp/B000TG8D6I?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ab Ripper X</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000TG8D6I" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <b>workout DVD</b> from <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beachbody-P90X-Extreme-Fitness-Workout/dp/B000TG8D6I?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">P90X</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000TG8D6I" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, I was hot and sweaty (or perhaps "perspiring" is the proper ladylike term). After drinking a big glass of water, I still wanted something else to reward myself, so I decided to whip up a <b>smoothie</b>, and relax for a few minutes.<br />
<a name='more'></a>I happened to have a fresh <b>kiwi fruit</b> and a <b>banana</b> on hand, and plenty of frozen <b>honey</b> <b>mango</b> in the fridge since I keep buying the honey mangoes like I'm an addict.<br />
Here's what I came up with. It tasted great!<br />
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</b><br />
<b><u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kiwi, Banana, Honey Mango Smoothie Recipe</span></u></b><br />
<table class="body"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td>Prep Time: </td><td>8 minutes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cook Time: </td><td>none - (no hot oven to turn on!)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Serves: </td><td>1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHxQphWJiiNiNK3MG5nm0o08rbjv8_lxOFDeIOx51lUkZWsurtBEfsJgq6ciIlTyhljmO5KZTvOkl5zdTXb94HmDkrandRls1mYXAvQEap4AH5FBGAmDhbTjJlWeFM_rN3taSOQSzG5ic/s1600/smoothie+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHxQphWJiiNiNK3MG5nm0o08rbjv8_lxOFDeIOx51lUkZWsurtBEfsJgq6ciIlTyhljmO5KZTvOkl5zdTXb94HmDkrandRls1mYXAvQEap4AH5FBGAmDhbTjJlWeFM_rN3taSOQSzG5ic/s320/smoothie+ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1 Fresh <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/05/deer-repellent-ideas-needed-and-kiwi.html">Kiwi fruit</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1 <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/honey-mango-fruit-smoothie-recipe.html">Honey Mango</a>, fresh or frozen</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1 Banana, fresh or frozen</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">3 oz. Chobani Greek fat-free plain yogurt</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1-2 oz. fruit juice like cran-raspberry or similar </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1 "scoop" of vanilla protein powder, if desired</span></span></li>
</ul><span class="bodyCopy" id="lblRecipe"><span class="body">Place all ingredients in a blender, start at low speed until it starts to mix and then change to the medium and high speeds until blended.</span></span><br />
<span class="bodyCopy" id="lblRecipe"><span class="body"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The fruit juice is added to thin out the mixture enough to get it to blend better, especially if you happen to use a frozen banana in addition to frozen mango. If all your fruits are fresh, you may not even need it. As for the protein powder, I ended up not adding it to my smoothie, because I had chocolate flavored <b><a href="http://www.evitamins.com/affiliates/aw.asp?B=2&A=4020&Task=Click&TargetURL=product.asp?pid=9202">Whey Protein Powder</a></b> and didn't think that would mix so well with all the other added fruit flavors. </span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDszBEb75CwhxDkBxe8dL0uvXL3avDmxaD0P6uxairf5bOD5PzOSJAJgcgvvF2mZeeVAxp5B-nXIKo2JwqeZt9ENbeRYAWz0B0Al8tFzFEB_eXafRjfJ8oToGEgeXe2zegk1Lpwh5t_kto/s1600/kiwi+mango+banana+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDszBEb75CwhxDkBxe8dL0uvXL3avDmxaD0P6uxairf5bOD5PzOSJAJgcgvvF2mZeeVAxp5B-nXIKo2JwqeZt9ENbeRYAWz0B0Al8tFzFEB_eXafRjfJ8oToGEgeXe2zegk1Lpwh5t_kto/s320/kiwi+mango+banana+smoothie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwi, Banana, Honey Mango Smoothi<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">e</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I only added 3 ounces of the <b><a href="http://chobani.com/">Chobani Greek Yogurt</a> </b>because I was afraid it would make it taste too tart. However, even without adding any kind of sweetener, this smoothie was plenty sweet, and I probably could have added even more yogurt and it would have been fine (and added an extra dose of protein).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Health Benefits of Bananas:</b></u></span></span><br />
Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium which help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=disease&dbid=4">atherosclerosis</a>. Compounds in bananas called <i>protease inhibitors</i> help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of stomach ulcers.<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are high in fiber, which improves digestion. </span>Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of a <i>prebiotic</i> compound called fructooligosaccharide. When fructooligosaccharides are fermented by these friendly bacteria, numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, as does the body's ability to absorb calcium and other nutrients. Bananas are high in vitamin B6 and are also a good source of vitamin C and manganese. For more detailed information see <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7#healthbenefits">World's Healthiest Foods</a>.</div>See my previous posts for <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/05/deer-repellent-ideas-needed-and-kiwi.html">Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit</a> and the <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/honey-mango-fruit-smoothie-recipe.html">Health Benefits of Mangoes</a>.<br />
One other thing to note: "Data reported in a study published in the <i>Archives of Ophthalmology</i> indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration." So this recipe satisfies that, while satisfying your taste buds as well!<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The flowers in my yard are starting to bloom like crazy! I'm loving it. They make me happy and bring me serenity. And the deer haven't been back for snacks (knock on wood). I think I've found a solution to that problem. I will have to post about that soon. Soooo, here's today's flower:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnt88niARniykWAyL5aZKRKtOlBHoRestlbHlRvjB8vZ0A0MCmVeMMuDzWisp_5jnzmCJGBKoGuiRrTaS0F8UUh6TRZMF4-OELuKoz2N0B454uX5rzAZdrfcqaQ6DmTaqb7SZRnToBTw_/s1600/double+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnt88niARniykWAyL5aZKRKtOlBHoRestlbHlRvjB8vZ0A0MCmVeMMuDzWisp_5jnzmCJGBKoGuiRrTaS0F8UUh6TRZMF4-OELuKoz2N0B454uX5rzAZdrfcqaQ6DmTaqb7SZRnToBTw_/s640/double+hibiscus.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Hibiscus</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHxQphWJiiNiNK3MG5nm0o08rbjv8_lxOFDeIOx51lUkZWsurtBEfsJgq6ciIlTyhljmO5KZTvOkl5zdTXb94HmDkrandRls1mYXAvQEap4AH5FBGAmDhbTjJlWeFM_rN3taSOQSzG5ic/s1600/smoothie+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDszBEb75CwhxDkBxe8dL0uvXL3avDmxaD0P6uxairf5bOD5PzOSJAJgcgvvF2mZeeVAxp5B-nXIKo2JwqeZt9ENbeRYAWz0B0Al8tFzFEB_eXafRjfJ8oToGEgeXe2zegk1Lpwh5t_kto/s1600/kiwi+mango+banana+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></u>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-49021919678000679942011-05-25T23:42:00.004-04:002011-12-04T16:10:24.737-05:00Frittata with Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Herbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U45qVhmNnQyVjPSm3fywo6sLadr7PztBYMl5pNbUuyvULdDAdqUBCJs_qMlw_bZhuuYh0gcqd7xMQ8kXK6d6y_iab37NGE867O8pZwwCddTlFENF6NME39vkedVMgqi9_5Biq8nfmkk9/s1600/asparagus+frittata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U45qVhmNnQyVjPSm3fywo6sLadr7PztBYMl5pNbUuyvULdDAdqUBCJs_qMlw_bZhuuYh0gcqd7xMQ8kXK6d6y_iab37NGE867O8pZwwCddTlFENF6NME39vkedVMgqi9_5Biq8nfmkk9/s200/asparagus+frittata.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I discovered a new magazine that looks like it will become another often-referenced source of information for me.It is called "<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Living-1-year-auto-renewal/dp/B002PXW1O8?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Whole Living - body + soul in balance</a></b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002PXW1O8" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />". There are plenty of healthy recipes and I found one that I decided to cook for dinner tonight. Once again, it seemed fairly simple, had ingredients that are healthy, and that I already had on hand. I modified it somewhat and halved the recipe. I will post the original version and include the changes I made.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><u><b>Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Herb Frittata: </b></u></span><br />
Let me say first that I wasn't exactly sure exactly what a frittata is, and after reading the ingredients realized it was somewhat a cross between an omelette and a quiche. Sure enough, Wikepedia says " <b>Frittata</b> is an egg-based dish similar to an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omelette" title="Omelette">omelette</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiche" title="Quiche">quiche</a>, enriched with additional ingredients such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meat" title="Meat">meats</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese" title="Cheese">cheeses</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable" title="Vegetable">vegetables</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasta" title="Pasta">pasta</a>. It may be flavored with herbs. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_language" title="Italian language">Italian</a> word <i>frittata</i> derives from <i>fritto</i>, the past participle of "to fry" (<i>friggere</i>).... Italy's version of an open-face omelette.<br />
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So, that's the language lesson for the day - and here's the <u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Ingredients</b></u>:<br />
(Serves- 6-8)<br />
1/2 bunch of asparagus (8 oz.), trimmed,spears cut into 2 in. pieces, remaining stalks cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
(<span style="color: #073763;">I used about a 1/4 bunch.</span>)<br />
salt and pepper <br />
12 large eggs (<span style="color: #073763;">I used 5</span>.)<br />
4 scallions, thinly sliced ( <span style="color: #073763;">I used a 1/4 inch thick slice of Vidalia onion.</span>)<br />
2 tbsp. minced chives (<span style="color: #073763;">I used 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary I had in the garden - </span><a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/05/deer-repellent-ideas-needed-and-kiwi.html" style="color: blue;">deer</a><span style="color: #073763;"> don't like rosemary</span>.)<br />
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (<span style="color: #073763;">I used 1</span>)<br />
4 tbsp. goat cheese (<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">I used just slightly more - because I love i</span>t</span>!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJFa8p5mBj-VblCS_sytSrFxC475_K8jPMXm3TY9RaQsVrOaboXW2SoIR39vGWy81wyovfj23GasBXc26O7w7G-LvUfwWJsJQxmb6PahMVe4w4g_QGK8Aeq19oXjn81mn-EhBlquYUakQ/s1600/frittata+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJFa8p5mBj-VblCS_sytSrFxC475_K8jPMXm3TY9RaQsVrOaboXW2SoIR39vGWy81wyovfj23GasBXc26O7w7G-LvUfwWJsJQxmb6PahMVe4w4g_QGK8Aeq19oXjn81mn-EhBlquYUakQ/s400/frittata+ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Ingredients - besides the Eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Drop asparagus in boiling water to blanch, approximately 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stems. Drain and transfer them to an ice water bath to cool, then set aside.<br />
Preheat oven to 425 °. <br />
Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, then add the chopped onions, herbs and asparagus stalks.<br />
Heat olive oil in a 10-inch oven proof pan over medium heat. Pour egg mixture in and cook until the edges begin to set. Push edges toward the center of the pan with a spatula, and continue cooking until the center begins to set, about 1-2 minutes more. Dollop the goat cheese over the top and sprinkle with the remaining asparagus spears. Bake in the oven until the eggs are completely set, about 8-10 minutes more.<br />
Let cool slightly and cut as if cutting a pizza to serve.<br />
<i>Per serving: 216 cal, 16 g fat(5 g sat fat), 376 mg chol, 2 g carbs, 400 mg sodium, 15 g protein, 1 g fiber.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frittata with Asparagus and Goat Cheese</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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My comments</b>: This was very good, mild tasting, but the goat cheese added some nice necessary flavor. I had it for dinner, but definitely think it would make a better Sunday morning breakfast, with some hearty whole wheat, high fiber toast and fresh fruit on the side.<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002PXW1O8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
I was impressed that <b>Whole Living</b> offers solid advice on <b>nutrition, fitness, skin care</b> and additionally offers techniques to reduce stress, improve mental awareness, and enhance overall health. It has a balance of articles with the goal of leading you to a happy, satisfied life where you look and feel great. (Kind of what I hope to offer in this blog!)<br />
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<b style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Health Benefits</u></b> :<br />
<b>Health Benefits of Eggs</b>:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eggs have gotten a bad rap with the word being that they contribute to high cholesterol. In fact recent studies show that moderate consumption of eggs (2 per day) have no negative effect on cholesterol. It is saturated fat that raises bad cholesterol. Eggs are a good source of low-cost, low calorie, high-quality protein, providing 5.5 grams of protein (11.1% of the daily value for protein) in one egg at only 68 calories. Eggs are a good source of lutein which is shown to prevent macular degeneration an cataracts. Additionally, eggs are an excellent source of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. It is helpful in reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to conditions including heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's, and type-2 diabetes. More than 90% of Americans are choline-deficient. Choline is an important nutrient for pregnant women because choline is necessary for brain and memory development in the fetus</span>.<br />
More detailed information can be found at "<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=92">The World's Healthiest Foods</a>".<br />
<b>Health Benefits of Asparagus</b>: Please refer to my post "<a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-roasted-asparagus-recipe.html">Easy Roasted Asparagus Recipe</a>".<br />
<b>Health benefits of </b><b>Onions</b>: Onions are a member of the Allium family and therefore have many of the same health benefits as <b>garlic</b>. As well, please refer to my post on "<a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/03/garlic-basil-pesto-my-favorite-recipe.html">Garlic Basil Pesto</a>" and my lens, "<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/health-benefits-of-garlic">The Health Benefits of Garlic</a>".<br />
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My Hydrangea bush is doing great this season. Tons of blooms! Here is one of them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtZYe6MFZ0d2NihKpPLyq2GlIxOqWnz9erh6QtqZrL6eqYzALqvZ9MqnYBy46OSjxQ-B3LNGROANpPWzUwfJVJa69C3QbkvuA6M89OIaMh3W3Ty4DfxPQxh_t2cy3svAumtKloaioiDha/s1600/hydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtZYe6MFZ0d2NihKpPLyq2GlIxOqWnz9erh6QtqZrL6eqYzALqvZ9MqnYBy46OSjxQ-B3LNGROANpPWzUwfJVJa69C3QbkvuA6M89OIaMh3W3Ty4DfxPQxh_t2cy3svAumtKloaioiDha/s400/hydrangea.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea Bloom</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I will be super busy at work for the next several days, and most likely won't have a chance to post. So Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all. Get outside, get active, stay safe and have fun!hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-23479894300174396532011-05-22T00:34:00.022-04:002011-12-04T16:10:10.467-05:00Basil Pesto Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4SrxGR8hzox9aioVR3KssRlWeswrztK7mRVfER3-IdkUTCk6VolQadqDdZR5YNMCsTda8c7dV3TekgKDNNKQOXPRD3ixzC7x28_DpYPcCgiGu4Pddwhi0fMNhyphenhyphen7nbh_fTw9wAlCcRdLV/s1600/basil+pesto+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4SrxGR8hzox9aioVR3KssRlWeswrztK7mRVfER3-IdkUTCk6VolQadqDdZR5YNMCsTda8c7dV3TekgKDNNKQOXPRD3ixzC7x28_DpYPcCgiGu4Pddwhi0fMNhyphenhyphen7nbh_fTw9wAlCcRdLV/s320/basil+pesto+chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last night I had a friend over for dinner - a rarity for me, and decided make this recipe that I'd been meaning to try and was just looking for a good excuse. I liked all of it's ingredients, though I don't eat chicken often (I am "mostly vegetarian"). Best of all, the recipe seemed pretty simple, and not too time consuming.<br />
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</div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Basil Pesto Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta</b></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">Original Recipe Yield 4 servings<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ingredients:</span> </b></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1 (8 ounce) package whole wheat angel hair pasta </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>2 teaspoons olive oil ( I ended up using about twice that)</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1/2 cup finely chopped onion (I used a Vidalia onion)</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1 clove garlic, chopped </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>2 1/2 cups chopped Roma tomatoes </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>2 cups boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed </li>
<li> 3 tablespoons of basil pesto - See <a href="http://healthy-fit-ageless.blogspot.com/2011/03/garlic-basil-pesto-my-favorite-recipe.html">My Recipe for Pesto</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>1/4 cup chopped fresh basil </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span> 1/2 teaspoon salt<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>1/4 cup Parmesan cheese </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 5pt 0in; page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook angel hair pasta until it is al dente, about 5 to 8 minutes.<br />
Drain, and set aside. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic and onions to saute.Add tomatoes,chicken, basil, pesto, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium, and cover skillet.<br />
Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is hot and tomatoes are soft. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Toss sauce with hot cooked angel hair pasta. Serve with Parmesan cheese.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">I made this recipe for 2 and was happy to have some leftovers. I had cooked the pasta and cooked and cubed the chicken when my friend arrived with fresh basil and oregano from his garden as I was sauteing the onions and garlic. I am fortunate that he likes to cook even more so than I (and it doesn't hurt that he's also adorable). He took over from that point, with no arguments from me. He chopped and added the basil and oregano. Oregano is not in the recipe, but we figured it could only be an added bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_164777845"></span><span id="goog_164777846"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It smelled great, and was delicious!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My new daylilies from Lowe's are blooming. I haven't even had a chance to plant them yet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aztec Gold Daylilies</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span id="goog_1269237636"></span><span id="goog_1269237637"></span>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-22970382129538986332011-05-20T14:41:00.007-04:002011-12-04T16:10:10.470-05:00Awesome Anti-Aging Skin Cream - Source Naturals Skin Eternal DMAE Cream - A ReviewAs much fun as it is to talk about (and eat) food, and as much as we might try to eat the right foods, we often need supplements, i.e. vitamins and minerals added to our diet to assure it's complete. Eating the right foods can also help our skin, (the largest organ in out body, by the way) but supplements also come into play here as well.<br />
There is a great <b>facial skin cream</b> that I love, that contains necessary "nutrients" to keep skin healthy and younger looking. This is the stuff: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Eternal-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000GFSVOQ?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><b>Source Naturals Skin Eternal DMAE Cream</b></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZJ2cMuijMJ2pLCSLpMVT5C7FfOc-LvVo7IdGbhNJgCcZ1gFIuYWVgRvAZfbSlK6QsKCBzUCPkPWoS6kYZPu5WZL_m1Pyg5wryV41VIHYs6lErlM6owqgSiyNumF0izQFitGd0SqSEPb4/s1600/DMAE+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZJ2cMuijMJ2pLCSLpMVT5C7FfOc-LvVo7IdGbhNJgCcZ1gFIuYWVgRvAZfbSlK6QsKCBzUCPkPWoS6kYZPu5WZL_m1Pyg5wryV41VIHYs6lErlM6owqgSiyNumF0izQFitGd0SqSEPb4/s400/DMAE+cream.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Eternal-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000GFSVOQ?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Skin Eternal DMAE Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>DMAE is for dimethylaminoethanol, a nutrient that is coincidentaly found in salmon. DMAE acts as a building block for neurotransmitters which communicate with the muscles. These neurotransmitters decline as we age, resulting in decreased muscle tone. Additionally, DMAE acts as an antioxidant, stablizing cell membranes and protecting them from free radical damage. As cell membranes deteriorate, the skin starts to age. DMAE helps the skin cells to be renewed and restored.So much for technical explanations.<br />
<br />
I like <b>Skin Eternal DMAE Cream</b> because I feel my skin has more elasticity while looking firmer - if that makes sense. It seems to have a plumping effect and has improved my fine lines and wrinkles. I use it all over my face and neck before I go to bed at night, and in the morning I put it specifically on my crow's feet, under my eyes (be careful not to get it in your eyes) and in my nasolabial folds (smile lines).<br />
It seems a little greasy at first when you apply it, but absorbs quickly into your skin. It is a buttery yellow color with very little smell. A little goes a long way, and a jar will last you several months. I really think that using this religiously has improved my skin and given it a younger appearance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Eternal-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000GFSVOQ?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><b>Source Naturals</b></a> carries a whole line of products, many of which I haven't tried, because I like to switch things up and give other product lines a try as well. But I would feel confident purchasing other products in their line as I am so impressed with the results from this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Eternal-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000GFSVOQ?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><b> DMAE Cream</b></a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div> I will be blogging in the future bout some other products - from different companies that I also love.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read up more on DMAE, as well as other anti-aging topics, I reference this book often, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perricone-Prescription-Physicians-Program-Rejuvenation/dp/B004KAB4MO?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Perricone Prescription</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004KAB4MO" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />".<br />
<br />
Please always remember that it is important for your skin to stay hydrated. Drinking eight or so glasses of water a day is a simple habit not just for your skin, but for your body in general.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-22990528486579492932011-05-11T11:01:00.005-04:002011-12-04T16:10:01.073-05:00Chilled Melon Soup RecipeYesterday I attended the yearly Women's Club Luncheon at the local Country Club in my neighborhood. The best thing they served was the starter - Chilled Melon Soup. The women at the table were all raving about it, and trying to detect the flavors we were tasting. After the luncheon, I cornered one of the servers to see if he could let me know what was in it. He was kind enough to let me talk to one of the chefs, who gave me a basic recipe for a "home-based" quantity off the top of his head. I am very excited about this recipe, as it is so very refreshing, as well as healthy and low-cal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZpodtkluzyWvfJz7p_ffcLyG7IEjnfayRU4Qzfl0NYWeOwfRw1jiWus6gh1EltoBZGJ1WijpDRUGBoZENiW-V6otEbfbs97S0t2G62XKDlblJK9PBgjCVEeQjV5lWoxWveGxZrJvzMQA/s1600/canteloupe+and+honeydew+melon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZpodtkluzyWvfJz7p_ffcLyG7IEjnfayRU4Qzfl0NYWeOwfRw1jiWus6gh1EltoBZGJ1WijpDRUGBoZENiW-V6otEbfbs97S0t2G62XKDlblJK9PBgjCVEeQjV5lWoxWveGxZrJvzMQA/s400/canteloupe+and+honeydew+melon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chilled Melon Soup Recipe</span></b></u></div><ul><li>2 cups chopped cantaloupe</li>
<li>2 cups. chopped honeydew melon</li>
<li>2/3 cup orange juice</li>
<li>1/2 cup lime juice (2 limes)</li>
<li>6-8 ice cubes</li>
</ul> Puree melons with orange and lime juice in food processor. Add ice cubes and blend smooth. Garnish with mint leaves. Serves 4-6.<br />
<br />
I pureed the melons separately and poured the two halves in the bowl separately and tried swirling it with a knife. It ended up as kind of a yin-yang thing. I put it in the freezer for awhile to get it really cold and it was delicious. The hint of citrus kept it from being too sweet, and made it a little tangy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5ma1MroHCDmG-TVMOJ6rEs7abqxr62ldbQjdm-A9T8gY4g4pD_LWp1HYTtPWRZdD6A0ldMvnkc7BHemEmprUAXvTDz3yq9WJ3bysZdHjTOhsQ-VqPxwd-ClM6UfA4k4tsDjhD5gC5T9B/s1600/chilled+melon+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5ma1MroHCDmG-TVMOJ6rEs7abqxr62ldbQjdm-A9T8gY4g4pD_LWp1HYTtPWRZdD6A0ldMvnkc7BHemEmprUAXvTDz3yq9WJ3bysZdHjTOhsQ-VqPxwd-ClM6UfA4k4tsDjhD5gC5T9B/s400/chilled+melon+soup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilled Melon Soup<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Health Benefit of Cantaloupes</b></u></div>Cantaloupe as an excellent source of beta-carotene which, inside the body, can be converted into vitamin A. When you eat cantaloupe it's like getting both these nutrients at once. One cup of cantaloupe is just 56 calories, but provides 100% of the daily value for vitamin A. Both vitamin A and beta-carotene are important for vision health.<br />
One cup of cantaloupe also contains 110% of the daily value of Vitamin C, another antioxidant. Cantaloupe is also very good source of potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, folate, and niacin . This makes cantaloupe a good fruit for supporting energy production. good metabolism and blood sugar stability.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, here's my little snapdragon that the deer thankfully did not find!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhDPjkdzgz-yYyYT1J6S_W4h6cW0Ur1g1p6qYzqbViCblDGZOBOsch4qiO87NO6rc8KpOyuAoEuKGfypjt6YOc0C5ItKaTXfiM_W7A5Gfw1IwE1ZNiUb9rwI36MmuzcWYD3RrpGmFIqrL/s1600/snapdragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhDPjkdzgz-yYyYT1J6S_W4h6cW0Ur1g1p6qYzqbViCblDGZOBOsch4qiO87NO6rc8KpOyuAoEuKGfypjt6YOc0C5ItKaTXfiM_W7A5Gfw1IwE1ZNiUb9rwI36MmuzcWYD3RrpGmFIqrL/s400/snapdragons.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapdragons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-29210130946560149692011-05-10T18:23:00.044-04:002011-12-04T16:10:01.073-05:00Kiwi Smoothie Recipe - (and Deer Repellent Ideas Needed)I got up early this morning to do some yard work and gardening, as I knew it was going to be hot outside today. As I did my usual survey of the yard to determine what was the priority for the morning , I found that sometime last night, a deer had snacked on my tiny (and now tinier) newly planted Impatiens, nibbled on my newly planted Day Lilies, and took a good hunk out of my Hostas from last season, that were just starting to look impressive and pretty. I like deer and I think they are pretty animals, but I wish they would stay away from my few things that I have to attempt and make my yard look pretty too!<br />
<br />
<table align="left" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijel-sicAcYqGAhuCBie29RSv296swt7R6UdCtAgACH65PioeWTtn-TqeRsHfcUlrEgmpyOhUyauwW_6DzdzgBcS9kQAp1EV152YX41EA81gvjRZAHJYyAALhXt63YOMveDqK4IoSzfAJD/s1600/half+eaten+hostas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijel-sicAcYqGAhuCBie29RSv296swt7R6UdCtAgACH65PioeWTtn-TqeRsHfcUlrEgmpyOhUyauwW_6DzdzgBcS9kQAp1EV152YX41EA81gvjRZAHJYyAALhXt63YOMveDqK4IoSzfAJD/s400/half+eaten+hostas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half-eaten Hosta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If anyone has some good deer repellent solutions, please post them for me, as that now has to be added to my ever-growing project list. I recently ordered 50 day lily bulbs from <a href="http://www.smokeysdaylilygardens.com/">Smokey's Daylily Gardens</a> for a barren area in the back yard that I don't want to be turned into a midnight buffet stop for the neighboring deer. So any suggestions will be appreciated.<br />
<br />
Yard work is now done, for the day at least, and I decided it was a good time to treat myself to a refreshing smoothie. I bought a couple kiwi fruit yesterday, so the decision was easy:<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> A Kiwi Smoothie</span>.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
<u style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Kiwi Banana Smoothie Recipe</span></u></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeKjnbOgmei9ATI4QxAwsmXJg7zeC9rvlDzdmJf630kS4_X2ZGP_08YCI4Ol5_-3ga-3pEgvkbT2Nx06Rd_CWkq0rGCkPOZ3kbQCvyWa47o9b8ch71ruFezKt-rifCYZnHQ8XtKzSdH0N/s1600/fresh+kiwi+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeKjnbOgmei9ATI4QxAwsmXJg7zeC9rvlDzdmJf630kS4_X2ZGP_08YCI4Ol5_-3ga-3pEgvkbT2Nx06Rd_CWkq0rGCkPOZ3kbQCvyWa47o9b8ch71ruFezKt-rifCYZnHQ8XtKzSdH0N/s320/fresh+kiwi+fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Cut Kiwi Fruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">2 very ripe Kiwi, peeled and chopped</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">1 ripe banana ( mine was pre-cut and frozen)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">1/2 cup cold plain almond milk (vanilla would be good too)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">1/2 cup Chobani plain, non-fat Greek yogurt (or something similar)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">1 tbsp. pure organic honey</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">throw in a few ice cubes, if you'd like </span></span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<br />
Add all the ingredients to your <a href="http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?sku=300655&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fpost-edit.g%3Fblogid%3D1579406656908750847%26postid%3D1543424673479309820">smoothie blender</a> and blend on low power til smooth. Serve immediately, and enjoy!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Q6B5qoaiOwDuZyYDM2mUbzsUTk6Dr6waY_DegTSIvyEwNtbbOWAwQZuB85V6xvMLzbzGAvPpAYuTJmFUq4GVMm8AmF9w8f7tR0ymTrlBBP3u3ypbQneS74-E9b2aoIY5EReu6CDycRY/s400/kiwi+smoothie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwi Banana Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0b5394; text-align: left;"><u><b>Kiwi Fruit Health Benefits</b>:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiwi Fruits are are rich in antioxidant Vitamins C, A and E , flavonoids and minerals. In particular, they contain more Vitamin C than oranges, as much potassium as bananas, and a good amount of beta-carotene. They have a high content of dietary fiber. High fiber helps improve diseases such as diabetes, by controlling sugar levels, and colon cancer, since fiber binds to toxic compounds in the colon and helps to expel them. All in all, a tasty and healthy fruit! (Check out more of my healthy <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/healthy-fruit-smoothie-recipes">Smoothie Recipes here</a>.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>As promised in my last post, <b>here is today's flower</b> to enjoy. The <b>first Day Lily bloom</b>! - Fortunately I took this photo before the deer sneak attack. Now, who knows how long it will be before I get new blooms.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67I6hJ-WLYFlixHmV6VJ_IVmX94in1iQsWE92q-ghYLNgSuLAprUhG8L-iQNDSqVKcKUEERL9W-x965ysDnHN6BS_8EqWqjMFRKkBBsix1kFpQxM2hRFCPaUaYJ9MK-__ys9AEdAwBKW1/s1600/first+day+lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67I6hJ-WLYFlixHmV6VJ_IVmX94in1iQsWE92q-ghYLNgSuLAprUhG8L-iQNDSqVKcKUEERL9W-x965ysDnHN6BS_8EqWqjMFRKkBBsix1kFpQxM2hRFCPaUaYJ9MK-__ys9AEdAwBKW1/s640/first+day+lily.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2 class="special-title"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stella De Oro Day Lily</span></span></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-43478033463536400782011-05-05T00:22:00.004-04:002011-12-04T16:09:49.296-05:00Wild Caught Salmon/Grilled Salmon and Asparagus SaladWow, I just tried this recipe and LOVED it! A great light and healthy dinner to have on a warm day, it takes no time to fix. This Grilled Salmon and Asparagus Salad is a variation of a recipe I found in Coastal Living Magazine - one of my favorite magazines not only for recipes, but for the beautiful coastal water photos and the great design ideas for coastal (or non-coastal) homes if you desire a relaxed beachy feeling. But I digress. Here is my recipe:<br />
<br />
<b>Serving Size</b>: for 2; <b>Prep</b>: 8 minutes; <b>Cook</b>: 11 minutes<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grilled Salmon and Asparagus Salad</b></span></u></div>Two 6-7 oz Alaskan salmon fillets<br />
6-8 leaves of romaine lettuce<br />
1/2 lb. asparagus spears<br />
2 tbsp. olive oil<br />
2 Roma tomatoes<br />
1/2 Vidalia Onion cut into a couple "chunks"<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
A Lite vinaigrette dressing of your preference<br />
(I used Ken's Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette)<br />
<br />
Brush salmon and toss asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill salmon over medium-high heat (350 to 400 degrees) for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until desired degree of doneness. Grill asparagus and onion, turning occasionally, 3-5 minutes, or until tender.<br />
<br />
Divide chopped Romaine evenly on two plates, top with flaked salmon, asparagus, onion and tomatoes. Serve with vinaigrette dressing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY-_34fXGU13-12EIcRRfxTVgmHU1RzLqyPtVIBbfI2biOF4C8AkWP-DeLBxf-wtWSlQvjPUNoqC9msydNTLY07Ssu2eKTKwbrG4AuYkNb-tNHqfoky43ENbOlT_XKIH0xDFOpLhi2gtk/s1600/grilled+salmon+salad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmY-_34fXGU13-12EIcRRfxTVgmHU1RzLqyPtVIBbfI2biOF4C8AkWP-DeLBxf-wtWSlQvjPUNoqC9msydNTLY07Ssu2eKTKwbrG4AuYkNb-tNHqfoky43ENbOlT_XKIH0xDFOpLhi2gtk/s320/grilled+salmon+salad+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is not the clearest picture I've ever taken! I blame the 2 glasses of wine I had before we even started eating. Won't do that again..... But you get the gist.<br />
<br />
The recipe from Coastal Living used arugula instead of romaine, yellow cherry tomatoes, and didn't include the onions. They also left the asparagus spears whole, but my friend chopped them up before I had a chance to stop him. (Guys aren't too great about reading directions or, in this case, even looking at the picture.) No matter, still came out pretty darn delicious!<br />
<div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><u>Health Benefits of Salmon </u></span><br />
First and foremost, go for the salmon labeled Pacific or wild caught, as opposed to Atlantic or farm-raised. One store I went to for this salmon had only "Color-infused, Chilean farm raised Salmon". Nothing about that sounded good, nor did the $10.99/lb price tag. I went to another grocery and found wild caught salmon on sale for $5.99/lb. Wild caught salmon have fewer toxins than farm raised, as they are not kept in confined pens and are also leaner as they get more exercise in open waters through their migration patterns.<br />
<br />
Salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids which protect against heart disease and reduce inflammation. They are a rich source of niacin, magnesium, and vitamin B12. One serving contains more than the daily requirement of selenium, said to regulate thyroid function and boost the immune system.<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Global 5.5-in. Fish Bone Tweezers</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is a really cool gadget if you eat fish often, and especially if you have a fisherman in your household who brings you fresh fish to fillet. These fish bone tweezers are the kind used by many sushi chefs. The fish bone tweezers will help you quickly and easily remove pesky bones and such from whole fish. The textured handle that makes it extra easy to grip and maneuver. It's made of stainless steel so it will remain new looking forever. This is a great gift for a kitchen aficionado or even for the fisherman who will clean his "catch" for you. (Available from Cooking.com. Coupon offers of this page!)</span><br />
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<br />
In my continuous quest for less stress, gardening is one of my solutions, so I will try to start a trend here, following up on my post with the dahlia photo. Here is my first hibiscus bloom of the season.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAbSdaHm_rhzFPhd9Btmp_xO3njIFdEmxHzSyWgICv0WOQ1Hw2STGFSr3RGg5w7FmtRQRMLozgF66Mwu5yp3pJetOgHsDKkP6fe3FumfOYx9kcPKmTwZ5Vl7neBjUDSQ6mjSy7eM4FSLy/s1600/hibiscus+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAbSdaHm_rhzFPhd9Btmp_xO3njIFdEmxHzSyWgICv0WOQ1Hw2STGFSr3RGg5w7FmtRQRMLozgF66Mwu5yp3pJetOgHsDKkP6fe3FumfOYx9kcPKmTwZ5Vl7neBjUDSQ6mjSy7eM4FSLy/s640/hibiscus+flower.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-17052059993227351942011-04-27T14:06:00.010-04:002011-12-04T16:09:49.297-05:00Easy Roasted Asparagus Recipe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't take credit for this <b>Asparagus Recipe</b>. I got it from the Food Network. But it is easy (important in my cooking world) and really tasty (also extra important). The photo is also courtesy of the Food Network (as it is better than the photo I took).</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMztFmXK8ICY3cZ-h-8g67Z9RTvLn3S9ri2dNPMciliypAVhXtFaM176WU1vNU476hf7pmN2WmTBrda31zaJpIM62axDQNPkcNvavCaa9RaB3lRMDpmfxFxvIh_zEqL41A06rym95y1rBc/s400/FNM_040110-W-N-Dinners-023_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photograph by Food Network Magazine</span></div></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the recipe as it was given - then I'll add the changes I made: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 lb fresh <b><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/asparagus/index.html">asparagus</a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon <b>olive oil</b></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>salt</b> and <b>pepper</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup toasted <b>pine nuts</b><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup chopped <b><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/parsley/index.html">parsley</a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">grated zest of 1 <b><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/lemon/index.html">lemon</a></b><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toss the trimmed asparagus<b> in the olive oil and place on a baking sheet. </b>Roast at 450 degrees until lightly browned, approximately 15 minutes. Mix 1/3 cup toasted <b>pine nuts</b>, 1/2 cup chopped <b><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/parsley/index.html">parsley</a></b>, the grated zest of 1 <b><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/lemon/index.html">lemon</a></b>, and salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the asparagus.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the changes/additions I made: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I added some lemon juice, a fresh clove of garlic, finely chopped and some thyme tossed with the asparagus and olive oil and put it in a baking dish. I didn't have pine nuts, so I used organic raw sunflower seeds. Just before eating I topped it off with some grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses (both staples in my refrigerator). Delicious!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, as per the point of this blog, here are the <b style="color: #0b5394;">health benefits of asparagus</b>. This is a great, healthy veggie loaded with nutrients.</span></div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"> It is one of the foods highest in vitamin K. Vitamin K aids in bone formation and repair. Asparagus is therefore helpful in preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. </span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Asparagus is high in folate. (Folate is the natural form of folic acid, the latter being the supplemental form). Folate helps the body reduce inflammation and is therefore an important protection against cancer. Folate has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. For pregnant women folate is very important as it reduces the risk of birth defects (such as Spina Bifida) and low birth rate. Folate helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">The high alkalinity of asparagus, as well as an abundance or the amino acid asparagine acts as a detox. They reduce the acidity of the blood and help to cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste. Its high fiber content helps to clean the digestive system.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus </span>help prevent and treat urinary tract infections and <span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"> prevent or dissolve kidney stones. It helps break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">As an anti-aging vegetable it is rich in </span>potassium, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C and thiamine. It also contains an amino acid compound called <span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">glutathione. it has strong antioxidant properties, protecting cell from free radical toxins.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Asparagus has </span>no fat or cholesterol and is very low in sodium.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I keep asparagus as a regular part of my diet. I'll be posting some more asparagus recipes in the weeks to come. (And don't worry about it making your pee yellow and smelly - that's just asparagus doing its part to clean out toxins!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not a fan of asparagus? Then consider folic acid supplements for your health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00103C0CM&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001G7R45A&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001G7QW6W&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003DGZRNS&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><br />
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</span></div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-27870624688969888942011-04-20T00:28:00.009-04:002011-12-04T14:51:59.395-05:00Bike Riding for Fitness - Dahlias for SerenityGoing by the definition of a blog, I'm not exactly doing a bang-up job of keeping up with daily, or even almost daily posting. But considering I was just scheduled to work 18 evenings in a row (yes, I mean NO days off), and doubles on the weekend, I'm beginning to know what an air traffic controller must feel like. I'm just trying to keep up with regular household chores, still work out and have time leftover to eat, and maybe get enough sleep.<br />
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I try to ride my bike for 20-25 minutes a day, three times a week. It is not a leisurely ride, but rather a "sprint workout". This is a high intensity workout in which you aim to raise your heart rate by pushing yourself to ride as fast as you can for 20-30 seconds, and then allow yourself 90 seconds to recover. The cycle (no pun intended) is repeated 8 times. It is best to have about a 3 minute warm up riding at a comfortable speed, and then a 2 minute cool down. The best part of this for me, with my time constraints, is that instead of an hour long cardio workout, I'm done in about 20 minutes!<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=34thseshowosb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0971663386&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I didn't come up with this plan all on my own but read about this system in Phil Campbell's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Go-Synergy-Fitness/dp/0971663386?ie=UTF8&tag=34thseshowosb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=34thseshowosb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0971663386" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. The idea he presents is that <b>anaerobic exercise</b>, - or sprint style interval training - will promote the release of the Human Growth Hormone in our bodies. This will lead to weight control and a reversal of the metabolic slow down associated with aging beginning in our middle years. And I am <i>all about</i> the <b>anti-aging</b> thing. <br />
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After the bike ride, and especially on days that I don't ride, I try to get in anywhere from 20-40 minutes of targeted exercises and/or weights. But that will be the subject of another blog.<br />
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I'm all about a little of getting in the anti-stress thing too, which for me these days is some time spent gardening and working in the yard - which isn't really work to me, but rather enjoyment. So I have to post this picture of an <b>Awaikoe</b> <b>dahlia plant</b> I just bought and re-potted. I find the flowers so amazingly beautiful that just sitting and looking at it is peaceful and relaxing to me. I snapped a bunch of pictures of it, mainly because I am camera-challenged, and got a few good ones out of the lot. Here's a couple:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbK8rX-7lVPDZjl7p2nMmC6ECi13JA5xow1eFKhVx817xysfxb8HhvQZ0J7uTiZxkLVK6tMq_u7TtrDQ4ItM-9ru9ptcgZqHSgfsbhKXTz6a8yl4Zc5ZM6kVbFHFmHeJZlcUW2jI61qZi/s1600/dahlias1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbK8rX-7lVPDZjl7p2nMmC6ECi13JA5xow1eFKhVx817xysfxb8HhvQZ0J7uTiZxkLVK6tMq_u7TtrDQ4ItM-9ru9ptcgZqHSgfsbhKXTz6a8yl4Zc5ZM6kVbFHFmHeJZlcUW2jI61qZi/s640/dahlias1.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4sDAmnU9strGVhanuFBea0jXXpxNwbAHVCcBskurkdN_wAzFJYrjckL4LlvRQIE7xJEcWtJjbVFR16_0uf1AWHxTl0dpF2op3lRBcUOBjoy654B15pH0vhBxzKy_WL3jOGeH3JsI0mOJ/s1600/dahlias2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4sDAmnU9strGVhanuFBea0jXXpxNwbAHVCcBskurkdN_wAzFJYrjckL4LlvRQIE7xJEcWtJjbVFR16_0uf1AWHxTl0dpF2op3lRBcUOBjoy654B15pH0vhBxzKy_WL3jOGeH3JsI0mOJ/s640/dahlias2.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awaikoe Dahlia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I Hope these brighten your day! They definitely brighten mine!</div>hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579406656908750847.post-13594183956679475812011-04-13T17:27:00.010-04:002011-12-04T16:09:49.298-05:00Caesar Salad Recipe with a TwistI am a creature of habit - so I've made an effort to work at creating <b><i>good</i></b> habits. I have this salad type almost every day for lunch , and never tire of it. I love Caesar salads, and the romaine lettuce in them is definitely healthy (better than Iceberg lettuce - the greener the leaves you eat, the better.) I started eating Caesar salads and then kept adding things to them to get more of a variety of healthy foods all at the same time The flavors in the different ingredients go really well together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAIkjwGLDXb11NZsYBwQdd4CWxl-8sT9ldPG1RV9WqUvQCDfXI8uXS7dkGVu6WRQInBGlJJANndmICkQuHzeVko506KfAX8mU0XJr3IRM2Eu-hb7cZIkdzQexDtlaGWHiLVKNJ7p1rz0T/s1600/caesar+salad+with+a+twist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAIkjwGLDXb11NZsYBwQdd4CWxl-8sT9ldPG1RV9WqUvQCDfXI8uXS7dkGVu6WRQInBGlJJANndmICkQuHzeVko506KfAX8mU0XJr3IRM2Eu-hb7cZIkdzQexDtlaGWHiLVKNJ7p1rz0T/s400/caesar+salad+with+a+twist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Caesar Salad Recipe with a Twist:</b></u></span></div><br />
Romaine lettuce, 3-4 leaves<br />
1 Roma tomato<br />
1/6 wedge of avocado, sliced into small pieces<br />
A few "shakes" of grated Parmesan cheese<br />
"Shaved" pieces of Asigo cheese - to your taste. I just shave pieces off of a big chunk of cheese with a paring knife.<br />
2 tablespoons of Lite vinaigrette dressing, I use balsamic vinaigrette, or sun-dried tomato-basil<br />
(whatever you like)<br />
2 teaspoons of Caesar dressing<br />
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Here's the dressings I use that go great together:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfVp-AdII1SNu_ladWZl50iXL5GVTqrK_YWnJ2-NGNPwGiiET7Z8CqV0xNuP_0XxZGfF_AcKKPrzKb3v1jv4HeYNxsO23ECT_Y9h_S_iQ6QiPgut0J0bzjkwMwGTna9O9nXZFTNixvGXW/s1600/sun-dried+tomato+vinagrette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfVp-AdII1SNu_ladWZl50iXL5GVTqrK_YWnJ2-NGNPwGiiET7Z8CqV0xNuP_0XxZGfF_AcKKPrzKb3v1jv4HeYNxsO23ECT_Y9h_S_iQ6QiPgut0J0bzjkwMwGTna9O9nXZFTNixvGXW/s200/sun-dried+tomato+vinagrette.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCIvkbZVsegyd4UIlqQwoYb54hY6JPiajrcK4Xv8QwJla1PFJ3eeK4dW2Mscv5CN7SIwUjYeYMfEctxNqZyPOU18RqoUXUb546cWGdK0ILQG3OmtAr4sX_mh41CXh2Sc6f5VS0F0YouO6/s1600/caesar+dressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCIvkbZVsegyd4UIlqQwoYb54hY6JPiajrcK4Xv8QwJla1PFJ3eeK4dW2Mscv5CN7SIwUjYeYMfEctxNqZyPOU18RqoUXUb546cWGdK0ILQG3OmtAr4sX_mh41CXh2Sc6f5VS0F0YouO6/s200/caesar+dressing.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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Ken's Lite dressing has only 60 calories per 2 tablespoons but pack a punch as far as flavor, while this yummy Caesar dressing has 85 calories per teaspoon - hence why I use both - love the flavor of the Caesar, but don't love the calories.<br />
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So a quick rundown of <b style="color: #0b5394;">health benefits</b>:<br />
<b style="color: #0b5394;">Romaine lettuce</b> - high in Vitamins K, A, and C: good source of fiber, low,low calories<br />
<b style="color: #0b5394;">Tomatoes</b> - high in Vitamin C and Lycopene, an antioxidant<br />
<b style="color: #0b5394;">Avocado</b> - high in Vitamin E. The "fat" is monounsaturated fat - the good kind which, along with oleic acid, helps to lower cholesterol.<br />
<b style="color: #0b5394;">Parmesan cheese</b> - high in Vitamin B12 and protien<br />
<b style="color: #0b5394;">Asiago cheese</b> - low in fat, and high in protein <br />
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Try this for your lunch or include this as a side salad with your dinner. As a side, the recipe is enough for two.hhislandgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606956762071602569noreply@blogger.com2