Friday, February 26, 2010

GG Scandinavian Bran Crispbread


"The Appetite Control Cracker"


GG gained great respect while maintaining a reputation for excellence, endorsed by countless nutritionists, doctors and dieticians. Additionally, it was officially adopted by the Norwegian summer and winter Olympic teams in 1980.
GG has been recommended in cookbooks, newsletters and books for diabetics and dieters. It is perfect for the health conscious and dieters alike; especially those following low carbohydrate and low calorie diets. With only 12 calories per slice and low carbohydrates, GG Bran Crispbread is the best bran product on the market. It is not only the lowest in calories, but the only bran bread available that contains low net carbohydrates per slice. 




Why GG is the High Fiber Champion:

  • Only 2.0g net carbs per slice
  • Recommended by leading nutritionists, doctors and dieticians worldwide.
  • The only bread product with 85% bran content.
  • An all- natural and safe laxative, alleviating
    constipation and aiding digestion.
  • 50% dietary fiber

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Perfectly Portioned Pasta


What a great gadget for the fitness enthusiast or anyone watching their weight.  Perfectly portioned pasta!  Our family enjoys Angel Hair Pasta a few times a week and this is such a great find.

With the Joseph Joseph Spaghetti Measure you'll never accidently eat more than you fill again.  Set the device's camera-like aperture for the number of 2-ounce portions you want (up to four) and place dry pasta in the opening to get a healthy helping every time, voila!

The average plate of noodles serves up more than 1,000 calories, as published in the American Journal of Public Health.  The recommended serving size - 1 cup cooked has 221 calories.  You can order it on Amazon or Joseph Joseph, their website.  This is my Kitchen Gadget of the month!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Not Sweet for Your Heart


February Heart Healthy Month, some not so sweet news!  Do you start your day with sugar in your coffee or tea?  Maybe then a cookie or two in the afternoon?  Chances are you easily exceed the 6 teaspoons of added sugar recommended daily.  Your sugar intake may put your heart at risk.

University of Colorado researchers found that when people consumed more than 42 teaspoons of added sugar a day, their blood pressure rose five points in two weeks.

"An excess of fructose (found in table sugar) causes cell damage, which may increase blood pressure," says researcher Richard Johnson, M.D.  A good start:  Sprinkle less sugar in your coffee and tea.


Try Stevia, you can buy it at Trader Joe's.  Great for coffee, oatmeal or anything else you would normally add table sugar too.  Check it out!
 

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fresh Blueberry Muffins





These muffins are amazing and so nutritious!  Still working on perfecting the recipe!  They smell wonderful!  130 cal, 2.5 g Fat, 7 g Fiber.  All fresh ingredients, including Fresh Blueberries, Whole Eggs and Olive oil.  Incredible!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Flour Power


This is a great product to try if your baking for a special occasion or if baking is your passion.  To sum it up:  Traditional cake flour is bleached to hold moisture and bind with fat for moist tender cakes.  This all-natural cake flour produces the same results without peroxide or bleach.


The only way to get the same result without bleaching the flour is a longer processing time.  This new cake flour King Arthur has developed is left to oxidize naturally.  Most millers aren't willing to add this step, which takes three weeks.


This oxidizing process doesn't make this flour as crisp-white as it's bleached counterpart.  But if your not fussy about aesthetics, this isn't really a concern.  I like using this flour for my Whole Wheat Devils Food Cake, Blueberry Crumb or Blueberry Protein Muffins, which I am making today.  Try it out!





Monday, February 1, 2010

February Heart Healthy Month


Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in our nation and it is important that men & women do what they can to keep their hearts healthy. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by taking steps like eating healthy, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and getting regular health exams.

February is Heart Healthy Month, the following foods can lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and generally reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are a few of my favorite ingredients for a Heart Healthy Kitchen.

Flaxseeds
Rich in ALA, a fatty acid that may help regulate blood pressure, blood fat, and inflammation.

Blueberries
Antioxidants in these berries help fight inflammation and lower bad LDL cholesterol, blood fats, and blood sugar.

Legumes
Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol and can help improve insulin resistance.

Curry
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon on cooked cauliflower, or add to chicken salad.

Spinach
B vitamins and antioxidants fight heart disease; magnesium can help lower blood pressure.

Sage
Dip a whole-grain roll in olive oil instead of butter, with a sprinkle of sage and black pepper.

Red Wine and Grape Juice
Contain high levels of antioxidants that help protect the vascular system.

Crushed Red Pepper
Dust 1/8 teaspoon on hummus for a kick, or saute 1/4 teaspoon with 1/2 cup light coconut milk for a shrimp-and-broccoli stir-fry.

Ginger
Toss 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger with 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, and 1/2 cup 100 percent pineapple juice for a zesty marinade.

Salmon
Omega-3s help reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol and make blood flow smoothly, lessening the chance of clotting.

Nuts
Packed with heart helpers, like omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, potassium, and vitamin E.

Peppermint
Puree 2 tablespoons fresh mint with 1/2 cup yogurt or ricotta cheese. Serve with berries.

Oatmeal
A great source of soluble fiber and full of heart-friendly B vitamins.

Cinnamon
Mix 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons honey with 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Spread on sliced apples or pears.

Olive and Canola Oil
High in heart-smart monounsaturated fats; lower in saturated fat than other oils.




Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.
Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

Stand up and speak out against heart disease in women by wearing red on Friday, Feb. 5.