Chicken Breasts with Savory Apple Stuffing
From: The Good Carb Cookbook
4 Skinless Bone-in Chicken Breast halves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Stuffing:
4 slices firm whole wheat bread
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1/4 c finely chopped celery
1 c chopped, peeled granny smith apple (1 med)
1/2 tsp fines herbs or 1/4 tsp each thyme and sage
1/4 c + 2T chicken broth
Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Tear bread into pieces and put in a blender and process into coarse crumbs.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add the onion, celery, apple, herbs and 2T chicken broth and place skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 min. or until vegetables and apples start to soften. Remove from heat and toss in bread crumbs.
Tossing gently, slowly add enough of the remaining broth to make a moist but not wet stuffing that holds together. Set aside.
Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray and lay the chicken in the pan with the bone side up. Mound a quarter of the stuffing into the depression of the breastbone of each piece of chicken. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. Remove the foil and bake for 20 additional minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4 servings
248 cal, 3.1g fat, 82 mg chol, 2.9g fiber
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Chicken Breasts with Savory Apple Stuffing
Monday, August 4, 2008
Zucchini Oven Chips
Zucchini Oven Chips
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
2 1/2 cups (1/4-inch-thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 425°.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place milk in a shallow bowl. Dip zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place coated slices on an ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)
NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 61(28% from fat); FAT 1.9g (sat 1g,mono 0.5g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 3.8g; CHOLESTEROL 5mg; CALCIUM 87mg; SODIUM 231mg; FIBER 1g; IRON 0.6mg; CARBOHYDRATE 7.6g
Linda Oldenburg
Cooking Light, AUGUST 2005
Friday, June 13, 2008
Community - CookingLight.com - View Single Post - Has anyone tried this Bobby Flay sweet potato salad?
Community - CookingLight.com - View Single Post - Caramelized Onion Sweet Potato Salad
Caramelized Onion Sweet Potato Salad
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay
Recipe Summary
Yield: 4 servings
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 red onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon finely chopped orange zest
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
3 sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-thick slices
Vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook onions slowly until golden brown. Add mustard and vinegar and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add honey, orange zest and thyme, stir to combine. Let cool.
Preheat grill, Brush the potato slices on both sides with the vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the potatoes on each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until just cooked through. Place potatoes in a bowl and fold in onion mixture.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Chipotle-Kissed Pinto Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
Chipotle-Kissed Pinto Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1-2 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 lbs sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups broth or water
salt
1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo
Directions
1. Heat oil in a big skillet over medium heat; add in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cover and cook 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the chili powder; cook 30 seconds.
3. Add in the sweet potatoes; stir to coat with the spices.
4. Transfer mixture to a large slow cooker; add in the tomatoes, beans, broth; season with salt; cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
5. When ready to serve, stir in the chipotles; taste to adjust seasonings.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Spring break starts tomorrow, no gym for two weeks. I will be major spring cleaning!
I will stay on my eating plan, back in full swing on the 31 st.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Checking in: Monday I was 209.2, yesterday 206.4. I didn't weigh today , my DD is home sick. I worked out on Monday- 1 hour split on track and on elliptical. Yesterday 1 hour split, track and treadmill incline HIIT. No workout today because of poor sick baby. Eating on track. Last Friday was hubby's birthday so I was off track this past weekend. I can do better!
Rants continued......Friday, February 29, 2008
Spanish Whole Wheat Couscous
Spanish Whole Wheat Couscous
I used all organic products in this except the Couscous
30 min | 25 min prep | SERVES 6
3/4 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup chopped tomatoes -fresh or canned
1/4 cup minced cilantro
3/4 cup whole wheat couscous
Saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
Stir in cumin and chile powder, and cook for 1 minute.
Add broth, peas, tomato and cilantro, and bring to a boil.
Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat.
Let stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork before serving.
Serving Size 1 (117g)
Recipe makes 6 servings
Calories 137
Calories from Fat 25 (18%)
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Fat 2.8g 4%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 1.8g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 6%
Potassium 172mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 22.6g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g 10%
Sugars 2.4g
Protein 5.2g 10%
Vitamin A 696mcg 13%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg 5%
Vitamin B12 0.0mcg 0%
Vitamin C 7mg 12%
Vitamin E 0mcg 1%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0mg 5%
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Spicy Mole Oatmeal Chili
Spicy Mole Oatmeal Chili
Serves 8 to 10
By substituting cholesterol-busting rolled oats for fatty ground beef-and bumping up the anti-inflammatory quotient with chili powder and chipotles-this crowdpleaser ensures second helpings.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (one large yellow onion)
½ cup diced carrots (two small carrots)
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with cilantro and lime or with basil and garlic
2 15.5-ounce cans low-sodium dark-red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
1½ cups rolled oats
7 ounces water
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (I would use reduced fat)
Directions
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavybottomed pot.
Cook onions and carrots until onions are translucent but not brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt.
Add tomatoes to the pot, then add rinsed beans.
Add cocoa and chili powder until the powders are completely incorporated into the mixture. Add chipotle.
Add the rolled outs and about half the water. Cook for about 5 minutes and add water as necessary. You want a thick consistency.
Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes more, until oats break down. (It will actually start to look a little like ground turkey.)
Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 243 calories, 9 g fat (3 g saturated), 29 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein, 7 g fiber, 540 mg sodium (24% Daily Value).
http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/spicy_mole_oatmeal_chili/healing_foods/healthy_recipes/150
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Roasted Ratatouille Pasta
Roasted Ratatouille Pasta
Ingredients
Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
1 head garlic
1 medium eggplant, ends removed, peeled and cut into small chunks
2 to 3 medium zucchini, ends removed, quartered and into small chunks
2 red bell peppers, cored, seeds removed and cut into small chunks
1 large onion, cut into small chunks
4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
1 pound whole wheat penne
1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 cup (a large handful) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more to pass at the table
Yields: 4 servings
Preparation
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.
Cut a sliver off the top of the garlic head just large enough to expose the cloves. Tear off a large square of aluminum foil and place the garlic in the center. Drizzle a small amount of EVOO over the head and wrap the foil up around it. Place in the oven and roast until golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes.
While the garlic is roasting, cut up the veggies and place everything except the tomatoes on one or two large baking sheets, along with the thyme leaves.
Once the garlic has been roasting for about 15 minutes, drizzle the veggies with EVOO and season them with some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
Once the veggies have been in the oven about 10 minutes, place the tomatoes onto another baking sheet, drizzle them with EVOO and hit them with some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss them into the oven with the other veggies and roast until they've burst and shriveled up slightly, 15-20 minutes.
Once the veggies have about 10 minutes left to go, drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook to al dente according to package directions. Before draining the pasta, ladle about 3/4 cup or so of the pasta cooking liquid into a large serving bowl. Drain the pasta and reserve.
Once the garlic is done roasting, allow it to cool enough to handle, then hold the head in your hand over the bowl with the pasta water and squeeze out all of the roasted cloves into the bowl. Add the tomatoes and mash everything together.
Add the roasted veggies, drained pasta, parsley and grated Parmigiano to the bowl and toss it all to combine.
Pass some additional Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table along with the bowl of pasta.
Recipe from Rachael Ray
Friday, February 15, 2008
Turkey Chili Joes
Turkey Chili Joes
Increase the ground chipotle powder if you prefer more heat.
Cooking spray
1/2 pound ground turkey breast
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder or to taste
1/2 cup ketchup (Heinz reduced sugar ketchup made with splenda)
2 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green pepper and onions, undrained
6 whole wheat hamburger buns
6 tablespoons shredded sharp cheddar cheese reduced fat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray pan with cooking spray. Add turkey to pan; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add cumin, chili powder, and chipotle chile powder, and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ketchup, beans, and tomatoes; cook 6 minutes or until slightly thickened. Spoon about 2/3 cup turkey mixture over 6 bottom bun halves, and top each with 1 tablespoon cheese. Top with the remaining bun halves.
Adapted from a cooking light recipe-by Chari
Thursday, February 7, 2008
203.8
Forgot to weigh in yesterday. Went to the gym did 30 minutes fast pace on the track , lower body weight machines, and 10 minutes on the bike....It was really hard, I got my heart rate up and I will be adding it to the routine. BBL with todays info.
I went to whole foods to replace all our personal care products with toxic free, let me tell ya...it was very spensive :) but so worth it, my new favorite item in Jason herbal body wash!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
204.8
Went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the track (fast pace), 20 minutes HIIT on the treadmill. Eating was good, all and all a good day!
Rants continued......Monday, February 4, 2008
205.0
Went to the gym, did 30 minutes on the track (fast pace), 10 minutes HIIT on the elliptical, and weight machines upper body. Eats were the usual fair.
Good day!
Tuscan minestrone
Tuscan minestrone
Ingredients:
1/2 head savoy cabbage, quartered
1 large red onion, chopped
1 celery rib chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 large carrot sliced
olive oil for sauteing the veggies
1/2 bunch of kale, stems removed, leaves sliced, about 3 cups tightly packed
1 large potato, (Yukon Gold) cut into 1/2 inch cubes
6 cups chicken stock
1 cup drained, chopped, canned tomato
1 fresh rosemary sprig
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 bunch of parsley
1 cup of dried cannellini or borlotti beans, soaked and cooked, about 3 cups cooked.
1 bunch of spinach, stems removed and sliced into strips if big, about 1 cup packed.
salt
small whole wheat croutons baked in an oven until crisp
grated Parmesan
Boil cabbage for about 5 minutes and then drain it well. Rinse with cold water.
In a large pot, cook the onion, carrots, garlic and celery in the olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the cabbage, kale, potatoes, broth, herbs, and tomatoes. Bring soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
Add the pureed and whole beans to the simmering soup. Simmer soup about 5 minutes more.
Toss the spinach in at the end. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Top with croutons and cheese
Sunday, February 3, 2008
205.2
Went to the gym today, not a usual day for me. It was filled with children , they where on the track (ages 3-13) and it was really hard to one lap in without almost stepping on them. I managed to get in 30 minutes and then decided to get on the treadmill. The only one open , seemed to be broken. One finally got on an elliptical and did 20 minutes there. Menu is here. Good day, ate well and had a bonus exercise day!
Rants continued......Saturday, February 2, 2008
Chicken Gumbo Recipe
Chicken Gumbo Recipe
This recipe serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
flour for dredging {I would use whole wheat flour}
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 pound low-fat spicy chicken sausage, such as anduoille or chorizo, cut into small pieces
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
4 ribs celery, finely chopped
16 whole okra, thinly sliced
2 15-ounce cans chopped low sodium tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Tabasco sauce to taste
filé gumbo powder
2 cups hot, steamed brown rice
Cooking Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and brown on all sides.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and dredge them in flour. Turn the heat to medium-high, add the chicken to the skillet and brown on both sides. Transfer the sausage and chicken to a platter once they are nicely browned.
3. Turn the heat down to medium and add the onion, celery, green pepper, okra and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, sausage and chicken and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Season to taste with Tabasco, salt and pepper.
6. Ladle the gumbo into serving bowls, sprinkle each serving with filé powder and add a spoonful of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bowl with 1/2 cup rice
Calories 462
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Protein 37 g
Total Carbohydrate 48 g
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Sodium 660 mg
Percent Calories from Fat 27%
Percent Calories from Protein 31%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 41%
Friday, February 1, 2008
More health stuff
Personal Care Products for Kids
Pamela Lundquist
Healthy Child Healthy World
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Kids of all ages have naturally wonderful skin and hair. Generally, keeping it clean is all that’s needed. Nevertheless, children use quite a few personal care products in addition to soap and shampoo, such as toothpaste, bubble bath, lotion, sunscreen and insect repellents. Parents may wonder what is in all these products and if they might affect children’s health.
Since many skin and hair care items contain a long list of ingredients with strange chemical names, it’s easy to understand the concern. A complex mix of fragrances, preservatives and colors are used in many hygiene and beauty products. In fact, a number of ingredients commonly used in products for children, such as parabens and quaternium 15, can cause skin and eye irritation or allergic reactions, such as hives, watery eyes, and breathing difficulties.1 Some chemicals, such as phthalates, and contaminants, like formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, have been linked to more serious health problems, including endocrine disruption and cancer.1
Despite these health concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government agency in charge of regulating personal care items, is limited in what it does to ensure safety of personal care products. FDA does not even require pre-market testing of personal care products. However, some ingredients are restricted from use in personal care products: nine are strictly prohibited by law, while industry trade associations recommend that manufacturers voluntarily avoid the use of nine additional chemicals. Any other raw ingredient — including hundreds of chemicals — can be used, without government testing or approval.
For the most part, FDA can only take action against products that contain prohibited ingredients, have been mislabeled, or are proven to be harmful to users.
There’s also the environmental impact to consider. Many chemicals used in personal care products are derived from petroleum and may pollute during production. Even synthetic chemicals derived from plants can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production, which can affect air quality. Some chemicals also pollute the environment when they’re washed down the drain or simply thrown away.
Special Concerns About Fragrance Ingredients
Among the most problematic ingredients are fragrances, which are added to a wide range of grooming products. Like other ingredients found in personal care products, fragrances can cause allergic reactions and may trigger asthma attacks, but much is unknown about the health effects of fragrance ingredients. Consider that only within the past few years was it discovered that phthalates, used to extend the life of a fragrance on the skin, could interfere with hormonal activity.
Some fragrance facts:
Fragrances are not only inhaled, they’re also absorbed into the skin.
Tens, if not hundreds, of different chemicals can make up one fragrance formula.
Most fragrance chemicals have not been tested for safety, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of foreign substances than adults.
Though ingredients must be listed on personal care products, the law permits manufacturers to use the generic term "fragrance" rather than specific fragrance ingredient names.
"Food" fragrances like strawberry may confuse a child into thinking it’s okay to eat the product.
Washing Up from Head to Toe
Probably the first product you’ll use on your child is soap. Many pediatricians recommend washing newborns and young infants with only warm water. As they get older, choose glycerin and castile soaps, traditionally made with olive oil, as they are generally mild.
Antibacterial soaps are unnecessary in most cases and can cause resistance to antibiotics and other germ fighters. (See Antibacterials and Disinfectants: Are They Necessary?) Soap and water work perfectly well for loosening dirt and germs so that they can be rinsed away.
As your child grows, there’s no doubt he or she will want to take bubble baths. Choose products that are intended for babies or children, since these generally have milder ingredients than those for adults. Some bath products, even those made specifically for children, contain harsh detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate. Bubble baths have been associated with higher rates of urinary tract infections, so save them for special occasions.
Young children struggle to avoid the dreaded shampoo at bath time. Even baby shampoos can contain ingredients that irritate eyes. Shampoo is made up of one or two surfactants (detergents that lather well) and water. Other ingredients include additives that create the proper pH level so hair stays smooth, detanglers, thickeners, preservatives, scents or foaming agents.
Surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine or cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine are among the mildest, causing the least eye or skin irritation. Harsher surfactants include sodium laureth sulfate, a chemical relative of sodium lauryl sulfate. In addition to being a strong detergent, the FDA lists it as an ingredient that may be contaminated with the probable carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. Another group of surfactants that have raised concern are alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). These detergents break down slowly in the wild and form compounds that are known to disrupt the endocrine systems of and cause reproductive effects in fish, birds, and mammals.
Brushing Up for a Perfect Smile
Regular brushing with toothpaste helps prevent cavities. But did you know that some toothpastes contain saccharin? Repeated tests on saccharin show that it causes cancer in laboratory animals.
Fluoride in toothpaste is a controversial ingredient. It is added to toothpaste because it’s been clinically shown to prevent tooth decay. However, if too much fluoride is ingested, it can cause fluorosis (white spots on permanent teeth), a condition which develops only when teeth are forming during childhood. Kids may be more likely to swallow artificially flavored toothpaste if it has an "edible" flavor like bubble gum or fruit flavor.
There are many unanswered questions about fluoride and its health effects. Fluoride Action Network and the American Dental Association are two reliable sources of information that have opposite views. After browsing both sites, you can make an informed decision for your own family.
Just for Baby
Baby wipes are often loaded with alcohol, fragrances or other ingredients that can irritate baby’s skin. Instead of these commercial products, you can use (and reuse) thin cotton washcloths to wipe baby’s bottom. Buy them by the dozen and you’ll always have one handy. A small spray bottle of gentle liquid baby soap or a wash of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of water helps clean the area.
Baby powders are often recommended to keep baby dry, since they absorb moisture. But talc can irritate the lungs and there is some suggestive evidence that it may cause cancer, especially with long-term usage in the genital area. Cornstarch is one alternative. You can dry baby’s bottom with a small cotton washcloth, as well.
To prevent or avoid diaper rash, keep the area dry and expose it to fresh air whenever possible. The baking soda wash mentioned above will keep yeast from growing, especially when your child is taking antibiotics. Aloe vera gel, available in tubes or bottles at natural foods stores, applied to the occasional rash is naturally soothing.
Using oils or creams can also help prevent a rash from developing. "They keep the skin protected by creating a barrier between the baby’s skin and everything else. This barrier keeps poop and pee off the skin, which naturally is irritating to the skin and harbors bacteria," says Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and HCHW board member, in Mothers & Others’ Guide to Natural Baby Care. Look for these oils, or products made with them: almond, apricot kernel, avocado and calendula.
The Great Outdoors
Covering up is the best protection from sun exposure and biting insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry disease. Chances are, though, your child will protest wearing long pants in the heat of summer, especially at the beach, so sunscreens and insect repellents are the next best choice.
Unfortunately, there is no natural sunscreen, and botanical insect repellants (such as those containing citronella or herbs) are just not always as effective as their chemical counterparts, according to studies. The benefits provided by sunscreens and insect repellent typically outweigh the harm. What’s important is to use the products properly to minimize the risks.
In terms of sunscreen, the most effective "active ingredients" are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and/or parsol. Put your baby in protective clothing including a hat, though, because sunscreen is not recommended for use on infants younger than six months.
Try natural insect repellants as a first recourse to battle bugs. If they seem ineffective in the given circumstance, apply DEET-free insect repellant (not on children under 6 months). Try applying it only on clothing to reduce direct skin absorption. NEVER spray it on a child’s face.
Stay away from combination sunscreen/insect repellants. Sunscreen is most effective when applied every two hours, but applying insect repellant this often could lead to overexposure.
Label Language
Many of the terms used on the labels of personal care products are not regulated. By that we mean that there are no government-recognized definitions for terms like natural, hypoallergenic, no synthetic chemicals, and other similar claims on personal care products. Different manufacturers may have different ideas about what these terms mean.
Sometimes, natural ingredients may be processed so much that they do not resemble what is found in nature. It’s also important to note that natural ingredients are not always necessarily safer ingredients. For example, some essential oils contain natural terpines that can cause headaches. Some herbal ingredients are allergens, respiratory irritants, or they may cause rashes or more serious health effects! One such natural ingredient is citrus oil. The active compound is d-limonene, which can cause breathing difficulty in asthmatics.
The Certified Organic label has been extended to cover personal care products in addition to food by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Certification, as regulated by the USDA, is supposed to mean that at least 70 to 100 percent of the ingredients are organic. The Organic Consumers Association has discovered that some companies are using the certified organic claim by using an ingredient called organic hydrosol, which is basically water "flavored" with an organic substance. Since these products are mostly water, only a small amount of organic ingredients may be present. In fact, many organic grooming products also contain the same preservatives, colors and fragrances found in their non-organic counterparts!
Indulge in Pampering
Like the rest of us, kids enjoy a little pampering now and then. It’s perfectly fine to have a hot bubble bath once in a while. Basically, the idea is to look for products with the mildest ingredients, fewest chemicals and fragrance-free formulas.
Other Resources
source
My pursuit to get and stay healthy
Ok this info is for me to save and if anyone out there would like to comment that's fine, please don't be anonymous.
Q. What is talc?
A. Talc is a mineral, produced by the mining of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Processing eliminates a number of trace minerals from the talc, but does not separate minute fibers which are very similar to asbestos.
Q. What kinds of consumer products contain talc?
A. Talc is found in a wide variety of consumer products ranging from home and garden pesticides to antacids. However, the products most widely used and that pose the most serious health risks are body powders Talc is the main ingredient in baby powder, medicated powders, perfumed powders and designer perfumed body powders. Because talc is resistant to moisture, it is also used by the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture medications and is a listed ingredient of some antacids. Talc is the principal ingredient home and garden pesticides and flea and tick powders. Talc is used in smaller quantities in deodorants, chalk, crayons, textiles, soap, insulating materials, paints, asphalt filler, paper, and in food processing.
Q. Why is talc harmful?
A. Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos. Responding to this evidence in 1973, the FDA drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like fibers in cosmetic grade talc. However, no ruling has ever been made and today, cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated by the federal government. This inaction ignores a 1993 National Toxicology Program report which found that cosmetic grade talc, without any asbestos-like fibers, caused tumors in animal subjects.1 Clearly with or without asbestos-like fibers, cosmetic grade talcum powder is a carcinogen.
Q. What kind of exposure is dangerous?
A. Talc is toxic. Talc particles cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become imbedded in the lining of the ovary. Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumors and have found that women with ovarian cancer have used talcum powder in their genital area more frequently than healthy women.2
Talc poses a health risk when exposed to the lungs. Talc miners have shown higher rates of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses from exposure to industrial grade talc, which contains dangerous silica and asbestos. The common household hazard posed by talc is inhalation of baby powder by infants. Since the early 1980s, records show that several thousand infants each year have died or become seriously ill following accidental inhalation of baby powder.3
Q. What about infants?
A. Talc is used on babies because it absorbs unpleasant moisture. Clearly, dusting with talcum powder endangers an infant's lungs at the prospect of inhalation. Exposing children to this carcinogen is unnecessary and dangerous.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE:
1. Do not buy or use products containing talc. It is especially important that women not apply talc to underwear or sanitary pads.
2. Contact your pediatrician and/or local hospital and find out if they have a policy regarding talc use and infants.
3. Write to the FDA and express your concern that a proven carcinogen has remained unregulated while millions of people are unknowingly exposed.
References:
1.National Toxicology Program. "Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of talc (GAS No 14807-96-6) in F344/N rats and B6C3F, mice (Inhalation studies)." Technical Report Series No. 421. September 1993.
2. Harlow BL, Cramer DW, Bell DA, Welch WR. "Perineal exposure to talc and ovarian cancer risk." Obstetrics & Gynecology, 80: 19-26, 1992.
3. Hollinger MA. "Pulmonary toxicity of inhaled and intravenous talc." Toxicology Letters, 52:121-127, 1990.
More…
The link for this
Part two-
Parabens and breast cancer, I have been telling everyone I love to stop buying antiperspirant, because it contains aluminium.
Link to Parabens
Just found out today this crap is in my beloved Tresemme. shoot!
206.6
Link
Celebrate the kick-off to American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 1, 2008, by wearing red in support of women’s heart health.
I wore red to the gym, sadly I was the only one.
Did 30 minutes fast pace on the track, 20 minutes incline on the treadmill, and leg machine and 1 back machine.
Todays eats
Thursday, January 31, 2008
207.4
Today's Eats here.
Did 30 minutes om the track fast pace, 20 minutes HIIT on the elliptical. and weight machines (arms). about 400 calories burnt.
Great day!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
207.8
Did 60 minutes on the track , fast pace (shins are better today). Last lap before cool down was a run. Here is the menu.
I did well today!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
209.8
Did 25 minutes on the track fast pace (my shins hurt).
30 minutes- HIIT on the elliptical. 400 calories burnt.
Menu is here.
I did well!
Monday, January 28, 2008
211.8
Today I made a major You-turn.
Went to the gym and did leg weight training, 30 minutes on the track with one lap running.
Menu is here, I think I did well!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Creamy Pumpkin Oatmeal
Creamy Pumpkin Oatmeal
2 c steel cut oats, rinsed
1 12 oz can fat free evaporated milk
1 15 oz can pumpkin
5 1/2 c water
1 c splenda (depends on how sweet you like it)
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Spray slow cooker with pam. Mix everything in the slow cooker until there are no chunks of pumpkin left. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Makes about 10 1 cup servings
Evaporated milk is real, fresh milk that has been gently heated to remove half the water, which makes it richer. The sugars are naturally occurring, not ADDED. Also, be sure your canned pumpkin doesn't have any ADDED sugar. Pumpkin also has naturally occurring sugars. You can tell what's natural and what's added by checking the ingredients. If you see sugar of any kind in the first 5 ingredients, look for a better alternative. Be especially wary of High Fructose Corn Syrup. BAD STUFF!! If you see no added sugars in the list of ingredients, you can safely assume these sugars are naturally occurring and THESE sugars are A- O.K.
BON APETIT
Flash
Thanks Flash-from the Realage site
Monday, January 7, 2008
Pork Chops Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Pork Chops Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1 (10-ounce) bag of frozen spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup (2 ounces) goat cheese
1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
4 (4-ounce) center-cut pork chops
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 lemon, zested
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Warm the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until combined, about 2 more minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Add the goat cheese and the cream cheese. Stir to combine and set aside.
Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the thickest portion of the pork chop. Stuff each pocket with 1/4 of the spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture and close the pork around the stuffing. Season the outside of the pork with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl combine the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and mustard.
Warm the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot add the pork. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to a side dish and tent with foil to keep warm. Add the chicken broth mixture to the skillet over medium-high heat. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan as the chicken broth simmers. Reduce the broth by half to make a light sauce, about 8 minutes. Spoon some sauce over the pork before serving.
Episode#: EI1103
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
1/2 pound whole-wheat spaghetti pasta
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (4-ounce) pieces salmon
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons capers
1 lemon, zested
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Add the fish to the pan and cook until medium-rare, about 2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Remove the salmon from the pan.
Add the basil, capers, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the spaghetti mixture and toss to combine. Set out 4 serving plates or shallow bowls. Place 1/2 cup spinach in each bowl. Top with 1/4 of the pasta. Top each mound of pasta with a piece of salmon. Serve immediately.
Episode#: EI1103
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Easy Chicken-Mushroom Quesadillas
Easy Chicken-Mushroom Quesadillas
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
8 ounces white button mushrooms, (about 3 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked chopped skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups baby spinach leaves, sliced into ribbons
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 (10-inch) whole-grain flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese mix or Cheddar [I would use reduced fat cheese to make the sat. fat below lower]
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Heat the oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and cook until the mushroom water is evaporated and they begin to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add chicken, cumin, chili powder and oregano and stir until all spices are incorporated. Add spinach, salt and pepper and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
Lay 1 tortilla on a flat work surface and sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Spoon 1/2 chicken and vegetable mixture on top of cheese, then top with an additional 1/4 cup cheese. Top with another flour tortilla. Heat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray over medium heat. Carefully place 1 quesadilla in pan and cook 3 minutes. Using a large spatula, gently flip quesadilla and cook an additional 3 minutes until lightly browned and cheese is melted. Repeat with second quesadilla. Slice each quesadilla into quarters. Place 2 quarters on a plate with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 2 tablespoons salsa.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving Calories 440
Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 7g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Protein 23g Carbohydrates 46g
Fiber 8g Cholesterol 51mg
Sodium 1150mg
Ellie Krieger's Healthy Appetite
Episode#: EK0402
Why I have been away
Had a death in the family over the Holiday's ...I have been away too long. I hope to get back in the game starting tomorrow. I forgot my monthly weigh and measure, so I just put in my weight today, it's up anyway so it really doesn't matter.
Rants continued......
MTV
