Unhealthy Colas

Did you know that "cola" beverages can damage your kidneys?

Studies have been done that show that drinking 16 ounces or more daily (diet or regular cola) can double your risk of chronic kidney disease.

If you want to indulge in a soft drink, stick to non-colas such as Sprite and 7-up. However, water and 100% fruit and vegetable juices are best.


Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Applefest

It's Applefest time!!!!

Did you know that apples are high in fiber (if you eat the skin) and pectin? Fiber is great to lower cholesterol, aid in digestion and keep you feeling full longer. Pectin limits how much fat the cells in your body actually absorb. How awesome is that? So stock up on all of your favorites and aim for one a day.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Healthy Barbequing

The National Cancer Institute found that ingesting heterocyclic amines (HCA's) which form in the blackened crust when meat is cooked at very high temperatures, increases your risk of developing colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. To eliminate HCA's here are some helpful tips.
1. Don't char your meat. Cook until medium
2. Microwave first. Microwaving chicken or ground meat for 1 1/2-2 minutes can eliminate 90 percent of the HCA's.
3. Marinate. Marinating in a mixture of ginger, garlic, mustard, lemon juice and salt can cut your HCA's. Time does not matter as long as the meat is coated in marinade before grilling.
4. Try baking, roasting or stir frying
5. Grill seafood. It has fewer HCA's than red meat or poultry
6. Flip frequently to avoid charring.

Heart Health

Looking for another way to take care of your heart? How about adding a daily dash of "dark" soy sauce to your diet. It actually has been shown to have 10 times the antioxidants in wine. Try it as a marinade for meats or use in your favorite salad dressing or dipping sauce. Be careful of the sodium content. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure. Be sure to look for the reduced-sodium versions.

Heart Health

Looking for another way to take care of your heart? How about adding a daily dash of "dark" soy sauce to your diet. It actually has been shown to have 10 times the antioxidants in wine. Try it as a marinade for meats or use in your favorite salad dressing or dipping sauce. Be careful of the sodium content. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure. Be sure to look for the reduced-sodium versions.

Taco Burgers

Looking for a different way to serve your grilled hamburgers? Try these taco burgers. They are delicious and healthy!

Taco Burgers
1 ½ pounds 90% lean ground beef
One package of reduced-sodium taco seasoning
¼ cup breadcrumbs
One egg, beaten
Two ounces shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack (or your favorite) cheese
Six whole grain hamburger buns

Directions:
Combine beef, seasoning, bread crumbs and egg. Mix together and then form into 12 lean patties.
Top six of the patties with the cheese, evenly divided. Place remaining patties on top and seal the edges.
Place on preheated grill and grill for 10 minutes flipping once.Place on buns and serve with lettuce, tomato, onion, light sour cream avocado and salsa.

Healthy Lunch Box Tips

Here are some helpful tips for packing your child's lunch box:

1. Stock up on individual containers of yogurt, jello or pudding. These
make great lunchtime treats
2. Use a frozen juice box or ice pack to keep cold lunch foods chilled.
3. Use whole grain tortillas, bread or pitas to make healthier
sandwiches.
4. Help your child meet their fruit and vegetable servings by adding
them to their lunch.
5. Stock up on storage containers, plastic bags and foil to make packing
lunches easier.
6. Slip a little note or some stickers in your child's lunch box. This
will be a fun suprise.
7. Have your child help you shop for and prepare their lunch. They will
be more likely to eat what they helped make.