Monday, June 29, 2009

Superfoods

Looking for some nutritional superheroes to add to our diet? Try these superfoods to not only help you slim down but to keep your body healthy.

1. Walnuts--Great source of Omega 3 fat. Keeps your heart healthy and your brain in tip-top shape.
2. Mushrooms--Great source of phytochemicals which help prevent cancer. Any variety is good!
3. Kiwi--Super high in vitamin C. Can help lower cancer, keep your heart healthy, improve eyesight and keep wrinkles less noticeable.
4. Red Beans-Great source of fiber and phytochemicals. Can help protect against cancer and heart disease. The extra fiber can fill you up without filling you out.
5. Watermelon;;Contains more than twice the lycopene of a fresh tomato. Can help reduce your risk for heart disease and certain cancers.
6. Pumpkinseeds-Can elevate your mood, improve your immune system and strengthen your bones.
7. Swiss Chard-Helps fight Alzheimer's and protect your brain.
8. Raspberries-Can help prevent cancer, increase bone-mineral density, and keep your heart healthy. A great source of fiber too!

Resource: Health Magazine

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fun Meals to Make With Your Kids

Hi Everyone,

I just finished up doing a kids cooking class this morning and it was great. We made Parmesan pork chops; green beans with garlic and grape tomatoes; and parmesan corn on the cob. I wanted to share the recipes with you since they were so tasty.

Green beans With Garlic and Tomatoes

1 pound of fresh green beans, cleaned and ends removed
1 pint of grape tomatoes
2 cloves of chopped garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup water
1tbsp. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

1. Sauté green beans in a tsp. of olive oil until seared.
2. Add a l/2 cup of water and steam for 3-4 minutes.
3. Move the beans to the side of the pan and add a pint of grape tomatoes along with two chopped garlic cloves.
4. Add 1 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar and cook for 3 minutes or until beans are tender and tomatoes start to burst.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Parmesan Corn on the Cob

4 hot cooked ears corn on the cob
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
4 fresh lime wedges
1. Spread corn evenly with butter.
2. Sprinkle each with 1 Tbsp. of the cheese.
3. Serve each with a lime wedge to squeeze over the corn.

Parmesan Pork Chops
Serves 4
1/2 cup of egg substitute
1 cup panko Italian flavored bread crumbs
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 (1/2inch-3/4inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (10-12 ounces) each
salt and pepper
6 tbsp. of olive oil
lemon wedges
1. Place egg substitute in pie plate
2. Place bread crumbs in another pie plate.
3. Place the cheese in a third pie plate.
4. Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper.
5. Coat the chops completely with the cheese.
6. Dip the chops into the eggs and then coat with bread crumbs, patting to adhere.
7. Heat 3 tbsp. of olive oil in 2 large, heavy skillets over medium heat. Add 2 pork chops to each skillet and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates and serve with lemon slices

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, June 8, 2009

Vacationing Without Gaining!

With summer just around the corner and a lot of us planning vacations, I thought I would offer some tips on how to ward off weight gain while on vacation.

1. Make sure to cut down on your calorie intake a few days before you leave and when you get back. This will help you get back on track.
2. Try to stay active during your trip. Hike, sightsee, bike, swim, play sports, etc.
3. Plan your indulgences. If you know you want to have a high calorie treat at dinner then make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and lunch.
4. Stay hydrated. Sometimes we can confuse thirst for hunger so it's important to keep our bodies hydrated. Water and green tea are great.
5. If you overdo it just make sure to get back on track with your next meal. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
6. If you make healthy choices and indulge occasionally you shouldn't gain much at all.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, June 1, 2009

Spice Up Your Life!

Looking for a healthy way to add flavor to your favorite summertime foods? Why not try McCormick seasonings?
Spices are a great way to add a lots of flavor without sacrificing your waistline. Here are some great ways to spice up your summer:

1.Make a healthy taco salad using lean ground beef, ground chicken or ground turkey seasoned with McCormick 30% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning. Add some lettuce, salsa, reduced-fat cheese and black beans.
2. Season some Just Bare Chicken Breasts with McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning. Grill and serve with grilled vegetables and corn on the cob.
3.Skewer some fresh vegetables and season with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and McCormick Garlic Pepper Seasoning Grinder.
4. Try using McCormick Italian Herb & Cheese Crusting Blend to add a wonderful flavor to your favorite fish. Brush fish fillets with olive oil and then coat with Crusting Blend on both sides. Bake or place in foil and grill.
5. Marinate flank steak with McCormick Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade. Add a 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Grill and serve with a tomato caprese salad.

Hope Danielson
Health and Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods