Sunday, March 22, 2009

A Thick, Juicy Steak!


During the Colder, Winter Months Louie could many a night be seen brushing snow off the top of his trusty old barbecue grill and starting the fire. Louie was the consummate barbecue chef! He taught me everything - well, as much as my simple brain was capable of absorbing!

I don't think Louie ever over-cooked a piece of beef. It was almost as though he had a sixth sense telling him just the right moment to remove a cut of beef from the grill. Or any other meat for that matter.

During those early years - fresh out of college - we ate good. Fresh veggies steamed. Tossed salads. And barbecued meats.

Steak was plentiful and cheap in those days. We had a great little butcher shop just five minutes away where we'd pick up bacon wrapped filets on sale for just a couple bucks!

Now that Spring is officially here, it's a great time to dust off the barbecue - or brush off any snow and fire up your grill. Toss a thick, juicy steak on for your favorite guests and loved ones!

Here is an excerpt from an old, early 20th century book on cooking -

"The chief secret in preparing the family steak lies in selection. Choose a thick cut from the sirloin of a mature, well fatted, grass fed angus, avoiding any having dark yellow fat. Detach a portion of the narrow end and trim off any adhering inner skin. Place the steak upon a hot grill, and quickly turn it. Do this frequently and rapidly until it is thoroughly seared, without burning. It may now be cooked to any degree without releasing the juices. Serve upon a hot platter. Pour over a scant dressing of melted butter. Season. Whosoever partakes will never become a vegetarian."

"In broiling all meats, you must remember that the surface should not be cut or broken any more than is absolutely necessary; that the meat should be exposed to a clear, quick fire, close enough to sear the surface without burning, in order to confine all its juices; if it is approached slowly to a poor fire, or seasoned before it is cooked, it will be comparatively dry and tasteless, as both of these processes are useful only to extract and waste those precious juices which contain nearly all the nourishing properties of the meat."

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Eating Healthy Foods - The Quickest way to Lose Weight


A healthy eating plan is one that gives your body the nutrients it needs every day while staying within your daily calorie level. This eating plan will also lower your risk for heart disease and other conditions such as high blood pressure or high
blood cholesterol levels.

Foods that can be eaten more often include those that are lower in calories, total fat, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt). Examples of these foods include fat-free and low-fat dairy products; lean meat, fish, and poultry; high-fiber foods such as whole grains, breads, and cereals; fruits; and vegetables. Canola or olive oils and soft margarines made from these oils are heart healthy and can be used in moderate amounts. Unsalted nuts are a great source of good fats and minerals. Nuts can be part of a healthy diet as long as you watch the amount.

Foods higher in fats are typically higher in calories. Foods that should be limited include those with higher amounts of saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. These particular fats raise blood cholesterol levels, which increases the risk for heart disease.

Saturated fat is found mainly in fresh and processed meats; high-fat dairy products (like cheese, whole milk, cream, butter, and ice cream), lard, and in the
coconut and palm oils found in many processed foods. Trans fat is found in foods with partially hydrogenated oils such as many hard margarines and shortening, commercially fried foods, and some bakery goods.

Cholesterol is found in eggs, organ meats, and dairy fats. It’s also important to limit foods and beverages with added sugars such as many desserts, canned fruit packed in syrup, fruit drinks, and sweetened beverages (nondiet drinks). Foods and beverages with added sugars will add calories to your diet without giving you needed nutrients.

If weight loss is on your agenda for this year - the quickest way to lose weight is combining lots of exercise with healthy eating. Cut your calories and keep eating healthy foods!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Save your Money - Eating Healthy at Home!


Save your money - and your health. Enjoy eating healthy foods at home with your family and friends! Here are some easy ways that you and your family can eat better:

* Eat breakfast every day. Try a whole-grain cereal like raisin bran with fat-free or low-fat milk, or whole-wheat toast spread with jam. Enjoy some fruit with your breakfast too.
* Teach kids that healthy foods taste good. Make macaroni and cheese with fat-free milk and low-fat cheese. Try a peanut butter (spread thin) and jam or preserves sandwich instead of a burger and fries.
* Choose fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese instead of full-fat dairy products.
* Choose whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, or whole-wheat pasta more often than refined-grain foods, like white bread, white rice, and white pasta.
* Snack on fruits and vegetables. Keep a bowl of fruit on the table, bags of mini carrots in the refrigerator, and boxes of raisins in the cupboard.
* Do not keep a lot of sweets like cookies, candy, or soda in the house. Too many sweets can crowd out healthier foods.

You do not have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or a lot of money to eat well.

* Buy foods that are easy to prepare, like pasta and tomato sauce, rice and beans, or canned tuna packed in water.
* Plan ahead and cook enough food to have leftovers. Casseroles, meat loaf, and whole cooked chicken can feed your family for several days. (Be sure to freeze or refrigerate leftovers right away to keep them safe to eat.)
* Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Buy only as much as you will use, so they will not go bad.
* Buy frozen or canned vegetables (no salt added) and canned fruit packed in juice. They are just as good for you as fresh produce, and will not go bad.
* Try canned beans like kidney, butter, pinto, or black beans. They are loaded with protein, cost less than meat, and make quick and easy additions to your meals.
* If your local store does not have the foods you want, or the prices are too high, go to another store or your local farmers market. Share a ride or the cost of a taxi with friends.
* Involve your friends by having days of cooking and sharing healthy meals together. Cut the cost of the meals by buying the ingredients together.

TIP: Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel when you eat can help you understand your eating habits. You may be able to see ways to make your eating habits healthier. You can also use your diary to plan weekly menus, make shopping lists, and keep track of recipes you would like to try.

Dieting is Easier When You Love the Food. Delicious meals shipped to your door. It's a proven strategy that works!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Taste of Heaven Straight From Your Oven


Apples must be one of God's greatest blessings - right after children and wives! They are good for you and they taste delicious! While the weather is still chilly in many parts of North America why not enjoy something warm and healthy? Winter is a great time for baking.

Enjoy these baked apples and sweet potatoes at your next family gathering!

Here is all you need:

5 sweet potatoes
4 or 5 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup hot water
4 Tablespoons honey

So easy to make:

1. Boil 5 sweet potatoes in water until they are almost tender.

2. After the sweet potatoes cool, peel and slice them.

3. Peel the apples. Remove the cores, and slice the apples.

4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

5. Grease the casserole dish with butter.

6. Put a layer of sweet potatoes on the bottom of the dish.

7. Add a layer of apple slices.

8. Add some cinnamon, sugar, salt, and tiny pieces of butter to the apple layer.

9. Repeat steps 6, 7, and 8 to make more layers of sweet potatoes, apples, and sugar/salt.

10. On the top layer of apples, sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar and margarine pieces.

11. Sprinkle the top layer with nutmeg.

12. Mix the hot water and honey together. Pour the mix over the top layer.

13. Bake for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy this savory delight warm with your family and friends! Keep eating healthy!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Save Money and Your Health Eating Healthy Foods


When it comes to losing weight, there's no shortage of fancy diets promising fast, miraculous results. All too often these diets can be unhealthy, and fail to help you achieve lasting weight loss. Save your money! Make a few simple and very effective lifestyle changes and you'll soon start seeing incredible results!

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn't about short-term dietary changes. It's about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses.

Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you grow older. Evidence shows that people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off. Healthy weight loss isn't just about a "diet" or "program". It's about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating and exercise habits.

To lose weight, you must use up more calories than you take in. Since one pound equals 3,500 calories, you need to reduce your caloric intake by 500—1000 calories per day to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week.1

Once you've achieved a healthy weight, by relying on healthful eating and physical activity most days of the week (about 60—90 minutes, moderate intensity), you are more likely to be successful at keeping the weight off over the long term.

Losing weight is not easy, and it takes commitment. But if you're ready to get started, today is the perfect day to start eating healthy foods and get on the road to weight loss and better health.

A few ideas to help you replace unhealthy habits:

* Eat more slowly. If you eat too quickly, you may "clean your plate" instead of paying attention to whether your hunger is satisfied.
* Eat only when you're truly hungry instead of when you are tired, anxious, or feeling an emotion besides hunger. If you find yourself eating when you are experiencing an emotion besides hunger, such as boredom or anxiety, try to find a non-eating activity to do instead. You may find a quick walk or phone call with a friend helps you feel better.
* Plan meals ahead of time to ensure that you eat a healthy well-balanced meal.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Lose Weight Eating Healthy Foods


Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of any well-balanced, healthy eating program. There are many healthy, natural ways to lose weight. Eating more fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meats, nuts, and beans is a safe and healthy part of any healthy weight loss effort. Many health experts agree - the quickest way to lose weight is eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise.

Helping control your weight is not the only benefit of eating more fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are important for good health.

If quick, healthy weight loss is on your list of goals - you can start eating healthy foods, exercising more and lose that weight fast! And keep it off! Weight loss is often as simple as basic math. You want to eat less calories and burn more calories than you consume!

Eating healthy enables you to easily cut the calories number! Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. Create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients. The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories.

A few ideas for cutting calories and still eating healthy:

Substitute some spinach, onions, or green peppers for one of the eggs or half of the cheese in your morning omelet. The vegetables will add volume and flavor to the dish with fewer calories than the egg or cheese.

At Dinner time add in 1 cup of chopped vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, onions, or peppers, and leave out 1 cup of the rice or pasta in your favorite dish. Replace some of the meat, cheese, or white pasta, with peas, spinach, steamed broccoli, or another favorite vegetable. This will reduce the total number of calories in your meal. The vegetables will be just as satisfying and since they have fewer calories, won't add to your waistline!

There are plenty of healthy, natural ways to lose weight and keep it off! The quickest way to lose weight is eating healthy foods and burning more calories with daily exercise!