Women: Life-changing tips for better health and energy

(ARA) – Moms, career women, singles enjoying life with close friends and family, and even women approaching their retirement years – women at every life stage can benefit from adding simple activities to improve their happiness and health. Activities can range from enjoying a delicious breakfast to incorporating a cardiovascular workout to limbering up and stretching those muscles.

In honor of National Women’s Health Week, May 13 to 19, consider incorporating a new element to your day to enrich your lifestyle, improve your digestive health and give you energy to tackle the rest of your day. Need some ideas? Try one of these options:

* Flexible body – Healthy stretching can improve flexibility, and help reduce joint or muscle pain. Target core muscles in the legs – such as hips, thighs and calves – and in the upper torso including the lower back, neck and shoulders. While stretching, don’t bounce, or push the stretch past the point of pain. Gently hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.

* Fun workouts – Exercise can be a very negative word for some women, but there are several ways to enjoy a physical workout. Like to dance? Sign up for an adult jazz, ballroom dance or even Zumba class. Don’t like to sweat? Take your workout to the pool with some water aerobics. Bored? Bring a friend or family member with you for some exercise like a bike ride, inline skating, a walk or maybe even a yoga class.

* Breakfast treats – What you consume at the beginning of the day can determine how the rest of your day goes. Getting good amounts of fiber and protein through fruits and dairy products is a great way to target heart health, and maintain high energy levels throughout the day. Enjoy a fruit smoothie at the start of your day, and add some Sunsweet Prune Juice a good source of six vitamins and minerals naturally found in California-grown prunes. This all natural, high quality juice is a great way to introduce more fiber, potassium and magnesium into your diet. Try this smoothie recipe to kick start your day:

Sweet and Sassy Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain or vanilla low fat yogurt
1/2 cup Sunsweet Prune Juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 medium banana, peeled
* For an extra boost of protein, add 1/4 egg substitute or 2 tablespoons protein powder
3 ice cubes

Directions:
In a blender container, combine all ingredients except the ice cubes. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes, cover and blend until ice is chopped.

* Me time – The constant on-the-go of children, careers, spouses and thousands of activities can wear a woman down. Add a little “me time” into the daily schedule. Try setting the alarm 10 minutes earlier for stretching before tackling the day. Over the lunch hour, take a walk to a local park in nice weather, or call your best friend for a quick catch up. Or take the time before bedtime to paint your toenails or read a novel. Consider adding a half hour of interrupted time for an at-home spa treatment. This “me time” is very important for a female’s mental and emotional well-being, and should cater to her specific indulgences.

Adding a new healthy living event on a daily basis should be a goal for every woman to boost her health, her energy levels and even emotions. For additional general health tips, recipes and information from dietitians, purchase two Sunsweet Juice products and receive a free Healthy Mornings Guide. Visit www.facebook.com/SunsweetJuice to learn more.

Related posts:

1. Tasty tips for eating for heart health (ARA) – When it comes to your heart, what you...
2. Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine (ARA) – Eating right and exercising are the two most...
3. Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family’s health (ARA) – A visit to your local grocer provides thousands...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Fisher Grilled Asian Steak Salad

(ARA) – As summer approaches, you’re more inclined to opt for fresher foods and simpler meals. But lighter fare doesn’t mean a boring bed of lettuce. There are plenty of delicious ways to get creative with your leafy greens, making your salad the star of the cookout.

Here are a few tips to make your salad worthy of top billing:

* Go nuts: Almonds, pecans and walnuts provide flavor, body and crunch, giving your salad the perfect boost. Nuts are some of the most versatile salad add-ins, as they go well with both sweet and savory flavors. Keep re-sealable packs of Fisher(R) Pecan Halves, Walnuts and Slivered Almonds on hand for a fresh and easy addition to any salad.

* Sass up your salads: Leafy greens are often the foundation of any salad, but don’t forget to add other veggies. Snap peas provide a fresh and delicious crunch, and cucumbers are a cool and refreshing addition during the hottest summer months.

* A fruitful effort: Dried or fresh fruits provide sweet and tart flavors to complement the more bitter varieties of leafy greens, like arugula. Adding something like Fisher Dried Cranberries can really help even out the flavor of a salad that’s heavy on the veggies. Try mixing in dried cranberries and Fisher Chopped Walnuts for a great one-two punch.

* Say cheese: The right cheeses provide a rich and savory boost to your salad. Feta works well with a vinaigrette dressing, and freshly shredded Parmesan is a great way to top off almost any salad.

* Fire up the grill: Even if you’re going lighter with your main course, you can still grill something tasty for your get-together. Beef up your salad with a cut of fine meat, marinated in your favorite dressing. Then, drizzle the dressing on your salad too. Try this Grilled Asian Salad from Fisher Nuts and let your salad dressing do double-duty.

Fisher Grilled Asian Steak Salad

Marinade and dressing:
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Salad:
8 ounces boneless beef top sirloin steak, about 3/4-inch thick
1 package (10 ounces) hearts of romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped red or green bell pepper
1/4 cup julienne sliced carrot
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup Fisher Chef’s Naturals Whole Almonds, toasted

Directions:
1. For marinade, combine all ingredients in small bowl; whisk until blended. Reserve 2/3 cup for salad dressing.
2. Place steak and remaining marinade in resealable plastic food storage bag; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator several hours or overnight; turning occasionally.
3. Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium coals. Remove steak from bag; discard marinade. Place steak on grid of grill. Grill, uncovered, 12 to 15 minutes turning occasionally or until preferred doneness.
4. Remove steak from grill to cutting board. Carve steak crosswise into thin slices.
5. Meanwhile, place lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, carrot, and onion in large bowl; toss. Arrange salad on large serving platter; top with steak slices. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve with reserved dressing.

For more summer recipes, go to www.fishernuts.com/recipes. Visit Fisher Nuts on Facebook and share your summer entertaining ideas.

Related posts:

1. Set the scene – and the table – for a perfect summer party (ARA) – Simply put, summer is entertaining season. Patio parties...
2. Summer grilling meets healthy potato salad (ARA) – Surprise and delight the family by combining two...
3. How to host a girls’ night in ‘pairing party’ (ARA) – You can always find a good reason to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wasa Crisp 'N Light Wholesome Wheat with Fresh Fruit and Yogurt

(ARA) – Hunger pangs between breakfast, lunch and dinner can strike even those with the most nutritious meal regimens. In fact, snacking has increased in popularity; 97 percent of Americans snack daily, up from 71 percent four decades ago, according to a recent study from the Journal of Nutrition. That makes for a lot of snacking.

For those who believe snacks are off-limits, here’s a pleasant surprise – snacking can actually benefit a diet. In addition to curbing hunger, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that healthy snacks help keep your metabolism on track, stabilize blood sugar and provide the opportunity for supplementary nutrient intake. The Academy recommends consuming snacks with less than 200 calories.

Try these tips below for guidance on how to snack smart, while not sacrificing great taste.

* Mix ‘n match. Choose versatile snack options to keep up your new snacking habit. Wasa’s new Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat Crackerbread offers fewer calories and portion control. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed by itself, with a variety of toppings or as a bread substitute. One slice of bread is about 100 calories while three Crackerbread slices total only 70 calories.

When a savory craving kicks in, pair two slices of Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat with a thin layer of low-fat cream cheese, a slice of smoked salmon and sprinkle capers and chives on top. The salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to heart health, and the crunch of the Crackerbread offers a feeling of satiety.

If you have a sweet tooth, try this delicious recipe that boasts approximately 110 calories, three grams of protein and only two grams of fat.

Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat with Fresh Fruit and Yogurt

Ingredients:
1/2 orange, segmented
1/2 kiwi, thinly sliced
1 strawberry, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon mint, chopped
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 slices Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat Crackerbread

Directions:
Mix together all fruit and lime zest with lime juice and mint. Spread 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt on each Crackerbead slice. Top with a few tablespoons of the fruit mixture.

* Prepare. Instead of grabbing calorie-laden chips or candy, think of snacks as mini-meals and integrate them into your overall meal plan. By planning ahead and only eating when you are hungry, you will also avoid eating out of boredom or stress, according to The Academy.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend two to three cups of vegetables daily, so as you purchase vegetables for the week, set aside some for snack time. Try spicing up your normal veggie routine of broccoli and carrots by considering bell peppers or jicama, a root vegetable low in calories and high in vitamin C and potassium. Pair your veggies with a hummus dip for a fiber-packed snack.

* Go (a little) nuts. The Academy highlights that, in addition to providing protein, folic acid and zinc, nuts have been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Two tablespoons of raw or dry roasted slivered almonds, walnuts or pecans offers less than 200 calories and can be a great portable option.

For more snack ideas, visit www.Facebook.com/WASA.

Related posts:

1. Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine (ARA) – Eating right and exercising are the two most...
2. Is fruit juice good for you? Learn what the experts have to say (ARA) – Fruit juice is something people of all ages...
3. Bring a dragon home this Chinese New Year (NC)—“Gung Hay Fat Choy!” Happy Chinese New Year. This year,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine

(ARA) – Eating right and exercising are the two most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. We hear it time and again that these simple principles hold more power than the latest fad diet, and for those who heed the advice, the proof is in the results. However, it’s not always easy to figure out what’s really good for you in the process of building – or maintaining – a healthy body.

There’s no question about it: if you’re exercising regularly, the food you eat should support your workout routine. Whether you’re a casual visitor to the gym three times a week or training for your first 100-mile bike ride, proper nutrition is essential. That means paying attention to the nutrient content of the foods you’re eating, as your body will use and demand them differently than if you were living a sedentary lifestyle. And don’t be fooled – there are lots of foods which are packed with sugar and calories, with no or few important nutrients, aimed at athletes.

For fitness fanatics and newcomers alike, smart snacking options can provide an added boost of nutrients that the body needs – even when you’re on the go. Consider making a combination of these snacks a regular part of your routine.

* Pistachios. Not all nuts are the same, and studies are increasingly finding that these little green treats might just be an athlete’s best friend. Pistachios are packed with nutrients that rank among the most important for optimal performance and health. They provide wholesome protein that is crucial for building and repairing muscle, in addition to gamma-tocopherol (a member of the vitamin E family) that has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant nutrients, which can be sapped during intensive exercise. The healthy fats in pistachios, which are the “Official Snack” of the USA Water Polo Men’s and Women’s teams, are no threat to your workout results, either – in fact, they’ll bolster your routine because they are a fuel for endurance.

* Fruits and vegetables. The USDA’s new dietary guidelines make no bones about it – fruits and vegetables are an incredibly important part of a healthy diet. And for athletes, they’re a great source of vitamins and minerals that are important when your body is subjected to the extra demands of exercise. Choosing fruits and vegetables over juices can also give you added fiber to keep your body healthy. Whether you pack fresh or dried fruits and veggies for your pre- or post-workout snack, you can be sure that you’re giving your body the extra vitamins it needs for top performance.

* Whole grains. No, you don’t need to carry a loaf of bread with you. Instead, look for small, portable bars that offer the multiple benefits of natural whole grains. They’re yet another source of healthy fiber that can help keep you going and will keep you from feeling hungry again shortly after you’ve eaten. And because they’re whole, these grains retain much of their vitamin content that your body craves. If you can find bars that incorporate honey, so much the better, as it is yet another great source of energy.

Taking care of your body will help it serve you well over the years, whether you’re a student athlete, an active senior or anywhere in between. To do so, keep in mind that fitness and nutrition always go hand in hand and you’ll be able to get the results you really want. For more information about healthy snacking, visit www.AmericanPistachios.org, where you’ll also find delicious recipes like Thyme and Garlic Pistachios.

Thyme and Garlic Pistachios by Chef Grant MacPherson

1 pound American pistachios, in-shell
4 sprigs thyme, chopped
1/2 ounce garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons canola oil
Sea salt to taste
Warm canola oil in roasting pan on the stovetop, add the pistachios and toast. Add the sliced garlic and thyme sprigs, continue toasting until the garlic and thyme have coated the pistachios; season with sea salt to taste. Remove from heat, serve warm in the vessel of your choice.

Related posts:

1. Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family’s health (ARA) – A visit to your local grocer provides thousands...
2. Is fruit juice good for you? Learn what the experts have to say (ARA) – Fruit juice is something people of all ages...
3. Healthy children’s options are now appearing on restaurant menus (ARA) – Today’s youth might be the first generation of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Healthy children's options are now appearing on restaurant menus

(ARA) – Today’s youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What’s encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating – and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive.

The restaurant industry is supporting those efforts by doing its part to address the nation’s healthy living challenges and to help improve children’s nutrition offerings.

Last July, the National Restaurant Association launched Kids LiveWell, a first-of-its-kind voluntary program in which participating restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of menu items for children that meet established nutritional criteria based on current dietary recommendations, including the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Well-balanced lifestyle habits established early in childhood, including healthy eating and physical activity, can help to reduce weight gain and the potential risk of disease later in life. The goal is to provide more healthful meal options for children, including a variety of nutrient-rich food groups, when families are dining out. Through Kids LiveWell, parents are provided with the confidence that they can take their families out to eat and enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal.

Across the country, participating restaurants have increased the variety and number of offerings on the children’s menu when it comes to fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, while limiting unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. By offering more options and pairing healthful foods together on one plate, restaurants are providing a real-life opportunity for parents to educate children about well-balanced nutrition choices while eating away from home.

Since last year’s kick-off, the number of restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program has more than tripled and now stands at 68 restaurant brands representing more than 22,000 locations nationwide. The brands range from casual dining such as Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s to neighborhood eateries, from quick serve restaurants like Burger King to fine dining establishments, and the variety and volume of brands is slated to grow as the program further evolves.

Parents can learn more at HealthyDiningFinder.com, which also has a mobile website for parents on the go. Follow the program on Twitter @KidsLiveWell and Facebook to stay informed of new participating restaurants and other health and wellness news.

Everyone can play an important role in turning the tide and nourishing the health and well-being of children and families. For restaurants, providing and highlighting healthful menu options can help parents and children select menu choices that help young patrons grow and thrive. Make yourself a part of the solution too by supporting the menu items and restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program and, if you don’t see your family’s favorite dining spot on HealthyDiningFinder.com, urge the restaurant to join the cause. By committing to healthful eating and encouraging kids to be more physically active, you are helping to provide healthier futures for children – one meal at a time.

Related posts:

1. How food safety knowledge can affect your health (ARA) – Whether you’re feeding yourself or feeding your family,...
2. School lunch fuels success for spring sports (ARA) – Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests,...
3. Simple ways to make dinner at home a special night (ARA) – Dining at home has many advantages, from saving...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

How food safety knowledge can affect your health

(ARA) – Whether you’re feeding yourself or feeding your family, it’s important to know that the food you’re eating is safe and nutritious. But perceptions about finding a balance between those two essential factors have become muddled in recent years. While there is an increased effort to promote the consumption of healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, there are also conflicting messages about their safety.

Concerns about food safety range widely, from the use of pesticides to medications given to livestock to outbreaks of diseases. Unfortunately, those concerns can affect the amount of healthful foods in Americans’ diets. “Feedback from consumers and practicing nutritionists is beginning to show that concern about pesticide residues is having a negative impact on consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” says registered dietitian Dave Grotto. “What we need to do is encourage – not discourage – greater consumption of healthful produce.”

It might seem that the most logical solution would be to research whether foods are safe. A lot of information about this subject is available on the Internet, but that’s not always a practical option. Busy families that have schedules filled from morning to night don’t often have time to add an extensive research project into the mix. Luckily, there are some new resources available – often on mobile platforms – to help you make sense of the food safety headlines.

One resource, the website www.safefruitsandveggies.com, developed and operated by the nonprofit Alliance for Food and Farming provides consumers with scientific data that’s been translated to a user-friendly format. For instance, scientific research available to consumers about the amount of pesticide residue on foods can be filled with confusing numbers and terminology. But this site’s pesticide residue calculator gives you information about how much of a particular food item you could eat without any effects at all from any small amounts of pesticide residues that may be present. This can be based on either gender (for adults) or age (teens and children). For example, according to the calculator, a child could consume 154 servings of apples – even with the highest pesticide residue recorded by the USDA – in a day without any effect, or an adult woman could eat 2,332 servings of kale. The calculator is also available for download as a smartphone app.

“Of course we know a child couldn’t consume 154 servings of apples in a day, but by providing more science and perspective on the safety of produce, we are hoping to give consumers more information to help them when making purchasing decisions in the produce aisle,” says Marilyn Dolan, executive director of the Alliance for Food and Farming. “And, we are also hoping to halt the trend toward continuing decline in consumption of fruits and vegetables in America by reassuring consumers about the safety of both organic and conventionally grown fresh produce.”

If consumers are still concerned, they can simply wash their produce before eating.

The benefits of nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits are so far reaching that excluding them from your diet can adversely affect your health. With new resources that aim to help consumers understand the facts about food safety, it’s easier than ever to ensure that the meals you serve your family are full of healthy, delicious ingredients.

Related posts:

1. Should I stay away from fruits and vegetables on the dirty dozen list? (NC)—Every year the Environmental Working Group out of the United...
2. Seafood is the new ‘fast food’ (NC)—Did you know a serving of Pad Thai from a...
3. Getting to the bottom of food intolerance (NC)—There’s a reason food intolerance is known as the “hidden”...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Getting to the bottom of food intolerance

(NC)—There’s a reason food intolerance is known as the “hidden” condition: Triggers and symptoms can be difficult to identify and nearly impossible to solve without proper testing and guidance. Lactose and gluten intolerance are well-known triggers, but there are over 100 more food triggers to consider. It’s important to understand that the path to relief is a lifestyle change that that can change your quality of life for the better.

“I recommend beginning a food intolerance program which tests the blood for problem foods and gives patients the tools to put those results into action,” says Dr. Gordon Ko, director, fibromyalgia integrative treatment clinic at Sunnybrook HospitalThere is a difference between food allergy and food Intolerance

Food intolerances are different from food allergies. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening. However, they can be the cause of chronic pain and discomfort. Food allergy symptoms have a short reaction time whereas food intolerance symptoms can take hours, or even days, to appear. This is where it gets tricky. When symptoms don’t occur right after eating, patients may attribute pain to the wrong foods or not even realize they are related to food. Common symptoms of food intolerance include bloating, headaches and migraines, eczema and fatigue, which can be attributed to any number of medical issues.

Guessing your food intolerances can be nearly impossible

In order to identify food intolerances, patients must be committed to cutting problem foods out of their diet for at least three to four weeks. Problem foods can range from fruits and vegetables, to nuts, fish and meat. “Food intolerance programs like the YorkTest FoodScan begin by testing patients for more than 100 different foods,” says Dr. Ko. It only takes a few minutes to collect a simple finger-prick blood sample, and this test can be done by the patient from the comfort of their own home. Imagine how long it would take you to cycle through all the foods in your normal diet using a trial and error method.

Identifying your intolerances is the first step on your road to recovery

“It’s important to begin a food intolerance program that also includes counselling and nutrition sessions that teach patients how to put their test results into action,” says Dr. Ko. A proper food intolerance program should guide patients as they implement their new diet plan and track progress over a four-to-six week period. “I have seen success stories in my practice. One of my patients that suffered from chronic lower back pain found relief by simply identifying and cutting out problem foods from his diet,” says Dr. Ko.

More information about food intolerance and the YorkTest FoodScan Program, is available at www.canlabs.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Related posts:

1. Is fruit juice good for you? Learn what the experts have to say (ARA) – Fruit juice is something people of all ages...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Green Festival™ hits Washington, D.C., November 8 & 9 at the Washington Convention Center, and San Francisco, Calif., November 14, 15 & 16 at the Concourse Exhibition Center.

Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, is akin to a walk through a sustainable community.

The festival features more than 125 renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music. There’s also a unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses—everything from all-natural body care products and organic cotton clothing to Fair Trade gifts and beautiful kitchen tiles made from renewable resources.

See the most recent developments in renewable energy and green technology; sample Fair Trade chocolate and coffee; and learn how to invest in your community, green your home and avoid products made in sweatshops.

Green Festival Facts:

Green Festival is the largest sustainability event in the world and continues to grow year after year. 
Green Festival is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance and social justice using Co-op America’s green business standards.
Green Festival offsets 100% of its electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy.
Green Festival walks its talk: each year it gets closer to being a zero-waste event. 

Look for Green Festival in 2009, when it will be visiting Seattle March 28 & 29; Denver May 2 & 3; and Chicago May 16 & 17.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Here’s a quick lesson on beans, which pack quite a powerful healthy punch (they are high in protein, and may also help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and obesity).

Kidney Beans (pictured above)
These red beans are often found in chili and contain almost as much antioxidant power as wild blueberries.

Navy Beans
These small, white beans provide high fiber and calcium, and are often used  soups such as minestrone.

Black Beans
These small black beans are related to kidney beans and help fight heart disease. They are often found in Mexican foods.

Chickpeas
These beans are a staple in Middle Eastern foods, such as hummus and falafel. They are also known as garbanzo beans (their Spanish name). The beans contain folate and selenium. Use them in soups and stir frys to add a nutty flavor.

Lima Beans
Also called butter beans, these large, white starchy beans offer potassium and selenium, and are often used in succotash.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.