With the holidays quickly approaching many of us are hosting or attending festive get togethers.
I thought that I would share a fun recipe if you're up for making something unique:
GREEN TEA DIP AND SPREAD
-3 green tea bags
-1 cup cream cheese or ricotta cheese
-2 Tablespoons finely chopped chives or basil
Place teabags in heatproof container & pour 1 cup of not-quite-boiling-water over bags. Allow to steep 3-5 minutes. Remove bags & allow tea to cool to room temperature. Place cheese & herbs in blender & mix on medium until well blended. Gradually add small amounts of tea until mixture is spreadable. Transfer to severing dish. Cover & refigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Bring back to room temperature before serving.
Can be used as a dip for veggies, tortilla chips, or crackers. Can also be a fun bagel spread.
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Go Greens
People often ask how they can become healthier, and I often say that a lot of your health is dependent on your diet and exercise. When it comes to diet, a lot of people want to make changes, yet don't have the time and energy it takes to make a wholesome, healthy meal. If I could make one suggestion to better your diet: consider Go Greens! Go Greens is a fruit & veggie based powder. They come in pocket-sized, individual packets that can be stashed in your desk drawer, purse, car, or kids' backpack. I tried one last week for the first time, and admit they are GOOD! You get 7 severing of fruits and veggies in one packet, they're packed with anti-oxidants, and made with organic ingredients. All natural -- Low calorie -- Low sugar -- Low sodium. You can find them at GNC, Costco, Whole Foods, and now even Walmart.
Try a box! I had my brother try one before reading the ingredients & he was amazed at how good it was!
Little steps add up to better health!
Try a box! I had my brother try one before reading the ingredients & he was amazed at how good it was!
Little steps add up to better health!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks
This week marks a time where people around the country gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Aside from the homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce, let's remember the reason behind the celebration: giving thanks.
This year try to mentally (or jot down on paper-- this helps you look back on it next year) 3 specific things that you are thankful for. An additional way to give thanks for what you have is to give to someone who has less than you. Consider dropping a can off at a food drive, make a small donation to a charity of your choosing, or just do something nice for someone. It can be as simple as dropping a few coins in a meter that is about to expire. It's the small things that add up to make a big difference.
This year try to mentally (or jot down on paper-- this helps you look back on it next year) 3 specific things that you are thankful for. An additional way to give thanks for what you have is to give to someone who has less than you. Consider dropping a can off at a food drive, make a small donation to a charity of your choosing, or just do something nice for someone. It can be as simple as dropping a few coins in a meter that is about to expire. It's the small things that add up to make a big difference.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Stay Well!
As the leaves fall and that weather turns colder we can't help but to think of Cold & Flu Season. Flu shot clinics, people sneezing and hacking at the grocery store, maybe a little sniffle of your own...now is the time to boost your immune system!
A few tips:
Use the sanitary wipes that grocery stores provide to clean your shopping cart handle! A recent 20/20 report showed an alarming amount of germs and bacteria (and blood...yuk!) on grocery carts....use the ones provided or bring your own!
Emergen-C packets are great! These are the little packets that you pour into a small amount of water...they turn the water fizzy and full of flavor. You can purchase a box of them at your grocery store or health food store. They's small enough to keep a stash in your drawer at work, your car, or your purse. They provide up to 1,000mg of Vitamin C along with Vitamins B12 & 6 for energy.
Consider taking Astragalus root as a supplement. Astragalus root is a great all natural way to boost both your immune system and your energy levels. A bottle will run you under $10, and can be found at your local health food store or grocery store.
Wash your hands! A recent Good Morning America story reported that germs can live on a door handle for up to 48 hours. In the height of cold and flu season washing one's hands can't be stressed enough. You can also use the portable anti-bacterial hand gels.
Be well! And Stay Well!
A few tips:
Use the sanitary wipes that grocery stores provide to clean your shopping cart handle! A recent 20/20 report showed an alarming amount of germs and bacteria (and blood...yuk!) on grocery carts....use the ones provided or bring your own!
Emergen-C packets are great! These are the little packets that you pour into a small amount of water...they turn the water fizzy and full of flavor. You can purchase a box of them at your grocery store or health food store. They's small enough to keep a stash in your drawer at work, your car, or your purse. They provide up to 1,000mg of Vitamin C along with Vitamins B12 & 6 for energy.
Consider taking Astragalus root as a supplement. Astragalus root is a great all natural way to boost both your immune system and your energy levels. A bottle will run you under $10, and can be found at your local health food store or grocery store.
Wash your hands! A recent Good Morning America story reported that germs can live on a door handle for up to 48 hours. In the height of cold and flu season washing one's hands can't be stressed enough. You can also use the portable anti-bacterial hand gels.
Be well! And Stay Well!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Calming the Mind
Well, it seems like with the upcoming election nerves are running high and people are butting heads left and right. I figured that a few tips for helping to calm the mind might be an order:
1) Pause and Think before reacting
If someone says something that you don't agree with, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath before expressing yourself.
2) Try to refrain from television or emailing a half hour before bed.
These activities can excite our brains leading to sleep disturbances. Try to give your mind about a half hour to unwnind before hitting the hay.
3) A hot bath does wonders!
This can help ease both your muscles and your brain. Add a few drops os essential oil or epsom salts for a boost. I recommend a bath before bed. Baths not your thing? A shower will do the job too.
4) Exercise
Exercise can jump start your blood flow and your thoughts. Even a leisurely walk can help you sort through issues on your mind.
When in doubt, 3 deep breaths does the body good!
1) Pause and Think before reacting
If someone says something that you don't agree with, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath before expressing yourself.
2) Try to refrain from television or emailing a half hour before bed.
These activities can excite our brains leading to sleep disturbances. Try to give your mind about a half hour to unwnind before hitting the hay.
3) A hot bath does wonders!
This can help ease both your muscles and your brain. Add a few drops os essential oil or epsom salts for a boost. I recommend a bath before bed. Baths not your thing? A shower will do the job too.
4) Exercise
Exercise can jump start your blood flow and your thoughts. Even a leisurely walk can help you sort through issues on your mind.
When in doubt, 3 deep breaths does the body good!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Does anyone eat turnips anymore?
The other day I was out walking in our garden, and I noticed a crazy abundance of huge turnips. My husband does all the work in our garden, so I wasn't even aware they had been planted. I couldn't ever remember eating turnips, but had the assumption that I didn't like them. Well, after cooking them up I've discovered they're great! I decided to dedicate a blog entry to these lost vegetables...
Did you know?
A Turnip is:
* Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
*High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Potassium and Copper
Turnips are a good low calorie source of vitamin C and fiber. Turnip greens contain large amounts of vitamin A and especially large amounts of lutein, which has been shown to help prevent cataracts and cardiovascular disease.
Turnips have been unfairly singled out as an unpleasant vegetable, when in reality their taste is similar to radishes when raw, and very mild once cooked.
You can use turnip roots anytime you would use a potato, and then some. Try them mashed, baked, boiled, in stews, soups and stir-fries, or lightly steamed with some butter, salt or lemon juice for flavor.
You will often find turnips sold with their greens attached, so take advantage of them! Turnip greens are delicious sautéed or steamed as a side dish with garlic, onion, olive oil and lemon, or as an addition to soups, stews and pasta.
This is how I have been preparing the turnips:
Once diced toss with Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Pepper & fresh copped herbs
Place in a single layer on cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven
Stir or flip with a spatula every so often & cook about 25 minutes or until golden brown
Yum! I guess you never know until you try...
Did you know?
A Turnip is:
* Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
*High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Potassium and Copper
Turnips are a good low calorie source of vitamin C and fiber. Turnip greens contain large amounts of vitamin A and especially large amounts of lutein, which has been shown to help prevent cataracts and cardiovascular disease.
Turnips have been unfairly singled out as an unpleasant vegetable, when in reality their taste is similar to radishes when raw, and very mild once cooked.
You can use turnip roots anytime you would use a potato, and then some. Try them mashed, baked, boiled, in stews, soups and stir-fries, or lightly steamed with some butter, salt or lemon juice for flavor.
You will often find turnips sold with their greens attached, so take advantage of them! Turnip greens are delicious sautéed or steamed as a side dish with garlic, onion, olive oil and lemon, or as an addition to soups, stews and pasta.
This is how I have been preparing the turnips:
Once diced toss with Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Pepper & fresh copped herbs
Place in a single layer on cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven
Stir or flip with a spatula every so often & cook about 25 minutes or until golden brown
Yum! I guess you never know until you try...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Do you have a bucket list?
We tend to live in a to do-oriented society, and making lists helps us to organize our time effeciently. How about making a life list of goals and dreams? The list is not designed to put stress on you, but rather to help you define what you really want out of life. The goals can be related to your business, physical or emotional wellbeing. Have fun with it!
Here's a few tips:
1) Ask questions like: How do I want to be remembered?, How do I want to live my life?
2) Think about what already makes you happpy. ...Like to read? Make it a goal to join a book club.
3) Make sure your goals are things you're doing for yourself (and not for anyone else!)
4) Concentrate more on doing, rather than having.
5) Re-read your list & see how it makes you feel
Have fun with it!
Think: In the next 3 months I would like to...
Think: In the next 5 years I would like to...
Think: Before I die I would like to...
Here's a few tips:
1) Ask questions like: How do I want to be remembered?, How do I want to live my life?
2) Think about what already makes you happpy. ...Like to read? Make it a goal to join a book club.
3) Make sure your goals are things you're doing for yourself (and not for anyone else!)
4) Concentrate more on doing, rather than having.
5) Re-read your list & see how it makes you feel
Have fun with it!
Think: In the next 3 months I would like to...
Think: In the next 5 years I would like to...
Think: Before I die I would like to...
Saturday, August 30, 2008
What can I do to improve my brain health?
There's a few things that you can do to help keep you brain sharp as a tac...
1) EAT SMART -- Like you've always been told, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the antioxidants. Also, omega-3 fats from high quality olive oil and fish are a must. You should also include a multivitamin and fish oil capsules. I've found a *great* Omega 3 Fish Oil capsule: http://www.procaplabs.com Peppermint oil is added to the capsules, so no fishy aftertastes or burps!!! Yeah!
2) THINK SMART -- There's some evidence that crossword puzzles and learning a new skill can help fend off Alzheimer's. On my "links" page of the website I link to a free, daily, online crossword puzzle. If puzzles aren't your thing then consider picking up a new hobby. Painting? Learn a new language? Try out a new sport?
3) FEEL SMART -- Studies show that optimists live longer and have better mental energy than pessimists. Try to turn off negative thoughts. Make a conscious effort to feel joy and gratitude. Even a friendly smile to the grocery check out clerk will make you feel better.
1) EAT SMART -- Like you've always been told, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the antioxidants. Also, omega-3 fats from high quality olive oil and fish are a must. You should also include a multivitamin and fish oil capsules. I've found a *great* Omega 3 Fish Oil capsule: http://www.procaplabs.com Peppermint oil is added to the capsules, so no fishy aftertastes or burps!!! Yeah!
2) THINK SMART -- There's some evidence that crossword puzzles and learning a new skill can help fend off Alzheimer's. On my "links" page of the website I link to a free, daily, online crossword puzzle. If puzzles aren't your thing then consider picking up a new hobby. Painting? Learn a new language? Try out a new sport?
3) FEEL SMART -- Studies show that optimists live longer and have better mental energy than pessimists. Try to turn off negative thoughts. Make a conscious effort to feel joy and gratitude. Even a friendly smile to the grocery check out clerk will make you feel better.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Welcome to my blog! Thanks for visiting!
Hello! Welcome to the global release of my website and blog! Yahoo! I am esctatic to finally be launching this! I've worked so hard all summer on my website, and feel like it's completion is a milestone for me.
Check back often-I will be continually updating this with nutritional information, healthy living tips, and fun things to make your day a little brighter.
Seeing that I named my blog The Green Tea Diaries we should probably dedicate this first posting to the health benefits of this wonderful beverage.
Green Tea has been used medicinally in China for over 4,000 years. The health benefits are awesome!
The American Institute for Cancer Research recently declared that an active substance in green tea targets a specific stage in the cancer process *more effectively* than current cancer drugs do.
Did you know that green tea can lower your total cholesterol levels & keep blood pressure in check?
Other health benefits of green tea are:
*Increased immunity
*Helps to stabilize diabetes
*Aids your digestion
*Helps manage rheumatoid arthritis
What makes Green tea so special compared to my regular Lipton black tea bags?
*It's all in how the tea leaves are processed. Green, Black, and Oolong tea all come from the same plant. The difference with green tea is that the leaves are *steamed*, which prevents delicate compounds from being oxidized.
So, enjoy a cup of green tea today and do something good for yourself! You only have one body...be good to it!
I have a link to a great on-line tea shop on the "Links" page of my website -- otherwise a couple of other high quality tea sources are: http://www.teanobi.com
http://www.hibiki-an.com
Oh, yeah...Take the Poll in the top right corner! Come on! Polls will change weekly!
Check back often-I will be continually updating this with nutritional information, healthy living tips, and fun things to make your day a little brighter.
Seeing that I named my blog The Green Tea Diaries we should probably dedicate this first posting to the health benefits of this wonderful beverage.
Green Tea has been used medicinally in China for over 4,000 years. The health benefits are awesome!
The American Institute for Cancer Research recently declared that an active substance in green tea targets a specific stage in the cancer process *more effectively* than current cancer drugs do.
Did you know that green tea can lower your total cholesterol levels & keep blood pressure in check?
Other health benefits of green tea are:
*Increased immunity
*Helps to stabilize diabetes
*Aids your digestion
*Helps manage rheumatoid arthritis
What makes Green tea so special compared to my regular Lipton black tea bags?
*It's all in how the tea leaves are processed. Green, Black, and Oolong tea all come from the same plant. The difference with green tea is that the leaves are *steamed*, which prevents delicate compounds from being oxidized.
So, enjoy a cup of green tea today and do something good for yourself! You only have one body...be good to it!
I have a link to a great on-line tea shop on the "Links" page of my website -- otherwise a couple of other high quality tea sources are: http://www.teanobi.com
http://www.hibiki-an.com
Oh, yeah...Take the Poll in the top right corner! Come on! Polls will change weekly!
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