Autumn Sausage Casserole

Day 285.

I found this recipe in the Taste of Home Halloween magazine. It traditionally is baked in the oven, but was easily translated to crockpot cooking. This was the first dinner in a long time that we all ate.

The planets must have been in proper alignment.

The Ingredients.


--1 pound sausage (I used chicken with artichoke and garlic)
--1 large, or 2 small apples, chopped (no need to peel)
--1 yellow onion, chopped
--1/2 cup chopped carrots
--3 cups already cooked long-grain rice (I had white basmati leftovers)
--1/2 cup raisins
--1 T dried parsley flakes
--1 T brown sugar
--1/2 tsp allspice
--1/2 tsp cinnamon
--1/4 tsp black pepper (start with 1/8 if your kids dont tolerate a touch of spice)
--1/3 cup chicken broth or water (I used water)

The Directions.

The amount of ingredients fit nicely in a 4 quart crockpot. Id say this comfortably feeds a family of 4-5 with a bit of leftovers. If you have a large family or teenagers, add more rice and sausage. Its a pretty easy recipe to adapt to your needs.

If you are going to use uncooked pork sausage, Id recommend browning on the stove top, and draining before adding to the crockpot.

Otherwise, dump all the ingredients into the crock, and stir well.

Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, or on high for 3-4. Youre really only heating through, and allowing the vegetables to soften.

This will not stick together like a gloppy casserole; it has the consistency of fried rice. Use bowls to serve rather than plates.

The Verdict.

We decided that eating this felt exactly like eating a bowl full of Fall. The spices are spot-on, and are comforting and hearty. Adam and I each had two servings, and then picked more while cleaning the dishes. I will make this again, often.

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The brand-new ELume Crock-Pot give-away is still going strong. Leave a comment on the give-away post by Sunday, 5pm pacific to be eligible to win.
xox
steph

HCG Diet Look Elsewhere for Weight Loss

You won’t see me promoting quick fixes or fad diets anytime soon. But every once in awhile something comes along that seems so dangerous I have to call it out. That’s why I’m going to help reveal the truth behind the HCG diet.

What it is: HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the cells that form the placenta. This hormone is detected in the blood around 11 days after conception; it is detected in the urine around 12-14 days after conception. While it is most commonly associated with pregnancy, it is present in both genders.

What it does in the body: HCG signals the hypothalamus (area of the brain that affects metabolism) to mobilize fat stores. In pregnancy, this helps the body bring nutrients into the placenta, fueling the fetus with the energy to grow.

The weight loss claim: The HCG diet (using daily hcg injections) will help you lose 1-3 pounds per day.  The HCG-diet combines the daily injections with a very low-calorie diet (500 calories per day).

500-calories per day is severely restrictive! In fact, it is not enough calories to support normal brain function. Your body will compensate by using stores of glycogen, protein (muscle) and some fat, which lowers your resting metabolism. Before you can lose true weight, you will be so irritable, lightheaded, and cranky that you’ll reach for whatever food you can get your hands on and have a field day.

Scientific evidence: There is no scientific evidence supporting HCG injections as a weight loss strategy. In addition, these injections have not been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss. In fact, since 1975 the FDA has required all marketing and advertising of HCG to state the following: “HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ‘normal’ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.”

“HCG is a hormone extracted from urine of pregnant women. It is approved by FDA for treatment of certain problems of the male reproductive system and in stimulating ovulation in women who have had difficulty becoming pregnant. No evidence has been presented, however, to substantiate claims for HCG as a weight-loss aid.” via the FDA

HCG ban: The hormone was recently added to the list of “banned substances” in Major League Baseball, as it was becoming increasingly popular among steroid users. Athletes turned to this, among other “performance enhancing drugs” because it “mitigates the side effects of ending a cycle of steroids.”

Negative side effects: The common side effects include headaches, mood swings, depression, blood clots, confusion, and dizziness. Some women also develop a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS); symptoms of this include pelvic pain, swelling of the hands and legs, stomach pain, weight gain, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting/nausea, and/or urinating less than normal.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Weight loss is hard work and it won’t come in a potion, pill, or injection. The most “dangerous” thing you should be doing to your body is trying a new exercise that intimidates you like rock climbing or completing a marathon.

Source: http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/07/hcg-diet-look-elsewhere-for-weight-loss/

Foods That Help Prevent Cataracts And Decrease Their Rate Of Progression Recipe For Anti Cataract Smoothie!

If you have eyes, read this post!

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Important Information about your Eyes
Even if your eyes are perfect right now, you should read this post. Why? Because the statistics on cataracts are shocking. 

* 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts
* 50% of individuals 80 years and older have them.
* 3 million cataract surgeries are performed each year.

What Are Cataracts?
When the proteins in the lens of the eye are damaged, the lens can become cloudy making it difficult to read. Driving, especially at night, can also become difficult due to the increased sensitivity to light and glare. Vision can become blurred and clouded and the need for new eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions may be more frequent. This condition can eventually get bad enough to require surgery, a procedure where the natural lens is replaced and an artificial intraocular lens is implanted.  

My Personal Experience
Over ten years ago, during an eye exam, a doctor told me I was developing cataracts. I totally freaked out thinking I would soon be blind - and at such a young age (I was about 48 at the time). I probably developed these because, in my youth, I laid in the sun like a little salamander. I even smoked. But I didnt have any of the other risks such as diabetes, excess consumption of alcohol, family history of cataracts, high blood pressure, obesity or prolonged use of corticosteroids. I was, however, getting older and that certainly is a big risk factor.

I immediately started researching natural cures. I couldnt just sit around and wait for my lenses to become opaque. And even though cataract surgery is pretty common with a 98% success rate, the thought of someone cutting into my eyeballs sent chills down my spine.

The bad news is that once cataracts have formed, you cant get rid of them with diet but you can do a whole lot to prevent them or stop them in their tracks. But most doctors wont tell you that. Their advice is to wear sunglasses and stop driving at night. Gee, thanks.

But you can do more. Studies have shown a link between antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and the prevention of cataracts as well as a decrease in their progression. In addition, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin appear to have a protective effect. (In fact, lutein and zeaxanthin are the only two carotenoids found in the retina and lens of the eye). Research has linked the high consumption of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin with a reduced risk of cataracts. 

Vitamin C
The RDA for vitamin C for women is 75 mg and its 90 mg for men. If you smoke, add another 35 mg to the daily requirement. 

This vitamin is very easy to get from food. Fruits like guava, kiwi, papaya, strawberries, blueberries, lemons, oranges, and grapefruit are good sources of vitamin C as are vegetables such as bell peppers, mustard spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and tomatoes. 

Vitamin E
The RDA for natural vitamin E, for adults, is 22 IU (15 mg).

Vitamin E is a bit harder to get from food but the best sources are sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ oil and avocado. Other sources include kiwi, dandelion greens, peppers, butternut squash and parsnips. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Although there is no RDA for lutein and zeaxanthin, experts suggest that a minimum of 6 to 8 mg be consumed daily to achieve health benefits. 

Getting sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin is easy if you eat your greens. A single cup of cooked or raw kale provides over 20 mg! Other great sources are spinach, collards and turnip greens. Broccoli, corn, peas, lettuce and Brussels sprouts also contain these critical carotenoids. But to increase their absorption, always eat them with some healthy fats such as cold-pressed flaxseed or hemp oil, extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts or avocados.

Note: Although carrots are great for the eyes, I left them out of this smoothie because they are high in beta-carotene. Recent studies show that beta-carotene can interfere with the absorption of lutein and zeaxanthin. So if its lutein and zeaxanthin you are after, it may be best not to consume vegetables high in beta-carotene in the same meal. 


           *                        *                         *                      *

This simple smoothie can give you your daily requirement of the antioxidant vitamins C and E and 20 mg of the critical carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin per serving.


Anti-Cataract Smoothie
Vegan, Mostly Raw, Gluten Free
[makes 2 servings]
Requires High Speed Blender (such as a Vitamix or Blendtec)

1 cup frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups raw kale
1 orange, peeled, seeds removed
2 cups cold, Almond Breeze almond milk
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cold pressed flaxseed oil

Blend all ingredients, except the flaxseed oil,  in a high speed blender until smooth. 
Add flaxseed oil and blend briefly to combine.
Serve immediately.

Anti-Cataract Smoothie

Per serving: 206 calories, 11 g total fat, 0.7 g saturated fat, 1,388 mg omega-3 and 2,513 omega-6 fatty acids, 0 mg cholesterol, 5 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, 6 g dietary fiber and 203 mg sodium. It also provides 20 mg lutein/zeaxanthin, 97 mg vitamin C and 14 mg vitamin E.

Dieting With A Partner Doesnt Work — One of You Will End Up Lighter The Other Upset

Dieting is a miserable practice that can easily leave anyone irritable, unhappy, and hungry, so it makes sense to think that dieting with a partner will make it easier and more enjoyable. Well, you might want to hold off on the buddy system for now; a new study found that dieting with a partner doesn’t work.

The study, published in Eating Behaviors, surveyed 50 overweight couples that had made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. The survey asked questions about how much confidence the participants had in controlling their food portions when they were alone and when they were eating with company. Participants were asked if they agreed with statements like “When eating out with friends, they influence how much I eat” and “I feel confident that I can leave food on my plate if I think a serving size is too large.”

Overall, the study found that when couples diet together, only one person is successful. The main reason for this is because as one partner is accomplishing their goal, the other loses confidence in their own efforts. It seems counter-intuitive, because partners are supposed to be support systems for one another, but it turns out that being close to someone who is successful in a similar goal undermines the other’s confidence.  It also appears as if women have a disadvantage in couple’s dieting form the get-go; the women who participated in the study reported being less confident then men in their ability to control portions.

It’s easy to scoff at the outcomes of this study, especially for those who view dieting as an exercise in vanity. However, this information is useful for those who are dieting in order have a healthier lifestyle.  And it’s not easy! As author of the study Jennifer Jill Harman points out, portion sizes have increased 700 percent over the last 30 years, so understanding portion control and eating healthier is more important than ever. So for those of you who are serious about losing weight, do yourself a favor and don’t ask the significant other to join in your diet…you’ll be more successful on your own.

By Alanna Greco

Source: http://www.bustle.com/articles/54204-dieting-with-a-partner-doesnt-work-one-of-you-will-end-up-lighter-the-other

Arsenic In Apple And Grape Juice Why We Should Avoid It Anyway!

Apple juice is high in sugar and should be saved for special occasions - like making toasts!
Also water it down with bubbly or filtered water.

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Latest Food Safety Issue
Consumer reports magazine tested 88 samples of apple and grape juice from grocery store shelves. Ten percent of them had arsenic levels that exceeded 10 parts per billion, the U.S. federal drinking water standards. Most of the arsenic was inorganic which is a known carcinogen that has been linked to bladder, lung and skin cancer. Twenty five percent of the juice samples also exceeded the 5 parts per billion level for lead.


Arsenic - Not the Real Issue
The associated press ran an article yesterday reminding us that its not the arsenic in the apple and grape juice we should be worried about. Im not saying that we shouldnt be concerned that the juice industry is supplying products with dangerous carcinogens. I am just agreeing with the main point of the article which is:
THE SUGAR IN THE JUICE IS THE REAL DANGER!
So instead of giving your children juice, give them a piece of fruit. Pop some apple or orange slices or grapes in their lunch sac instead of a juice box. Not only does the whole fruit provide fewer calories and grams of sugar, it also provides 3 to 6 times the fiber. The fiber in the fruit will stabilize their blood sugar instead of spiking it. If youre at home sipping wine with your spouse and the kids want a "special" drink too, give them bubbly water with just a splash of juice. 


The Numbers
Since most of you will agree that sugar in excess quantities is bad for your kids, I need not dwell on that. I will, however, show you why fruit is so much better than its juice.


* 1 cup of apple slices has only 1/2 the calories, 5 times the fiber and less than 1/2 the sugar as 1 cup of unsweetened apple juice!

1 cup of unsweetened apple juice has:
114 calories, 1/2 g fiber and 24 g sugar.
1 cup apple slices has:
57 calories, 2.6 g fiber and 11 g sugar.

* 1 Navel orange has only 62% of the calories, 6 times the fiber and 57% of the sugar as 1 cup of unsweetened orange juice!

1 cup of unsweetened orange juice has:
112 calories, 1/2 g fiber and 21 g sugar.
1 navel orange has:
69 calories, 3.1 g fiber and 12 g sugar.

* 1 cup of grapes has 1/3 fewer calories, 3 times the fiber and 1/3 less sugar as 1 cup of unsweetened grape juice! Frozen grapes can be a real treat and a great low calorie dessert but be aware that for young children, these could be a choking hazard. 

1 cup of grape juice has:
152 calories, 1/2 g fiber and 36 g sugar.
1 cup grapes has:
104 calories, 1.4 g fiber and 23 g sugar.

Another Advantage of Eating the Whole Fruit
Besides having more nutritional value and less sugar, eating the whole fruit should make you feel safer. Safer because you can see what you are eating! You can tell the fruit is fresh and clean. We dont know the condition of the fruit that goes into making juice. Of course, we can assume the best apples and other fruits are sold as fresh produce. The ones that fall off the trees and have dents and worms (what a disgusting thought) are probably the ones that end up in the juice!  Add to that the fact that 83% of the apple juice sold in the U.S. is produced in other countries, (60% of which is from China), where we have little control of their food safety practices. I think Ill stick to eating nice local apples.


How to Get Kids to Eat Fruit
Eating fruit is all about convenience. I would never think of biting into an apple when I was at work. But every morning my husband put a little bag of sliced apples in my Hello Kitty power lunch box and I munched on them all morning. I would bet that your kids are the same way. If you stick an apple or an orange in their lunch box, theres a good chance that it will still be there when they get home. But apple slices, peeled orange slices and grapes plucked and ready to eat might get more attention!


So you and your children should enjoy juice as an occasional treat, not a daily beverage. Dilute it with filtered or bubbly water and use it more as a flavoring. Skip the juice boxes in the lunch sac and put in sliced, peeled or plucked fruit for your child to conveniently enjoy!

What To Do With That Crazy Looking VegetableCreamy Celeriac Potato and Pear SoupVegan And Gluten Free

Celeriac and pears combine beautifully in this fall soup.

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Whats this Crazy Looking Vegetable in my CSA Box?
Did you receive a weird looking vegetable in your CSA box that looks like someone crossed a large jicama with the head of Medusa? Or did you pass something like that in the produce section of your grocery store and wonder what it was? Well, this knobby jewel is called celeriac, also known as celery root. 

After many years of passing them by, I finally worked up the courage to buy one this weekend. After tasting it, both raw and cooked, I really regret having waited so long.

Beneath the knobby skin, the inside flesh has the consistency and flavor of celery only a bit milder and without the annoying strings. Nutritionally, its a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, manganese and magnesium and very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, phosphorus and potassium. A cup of celeriac is only 66 calories and is virtually fat free. Slice it into salads, mash it, puree it, roast it or throw it into a soup. This vegetable is quite versatile.

Celeriac (celery root) after peeling

Since the temperature is dropping across the country and the holidays are approaching, I thought a fall soup recipe would be welcomed. Enjoy!

        *                      *                        *

Creamy Celeriac, Potato and Pear Soup
Vegan and Gluten Free
[makes 6 servings]

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
4 cups peeled and diced celeriac (about 1 1/2 pounds before peeling)
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
2 medium pears, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 thin lemon slices
1 teaspoon Earth Balance buttery spread
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Mediterranean pine nuts 
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 

Heat the oil in a soup pot or 5-quart Dutch oven and cook the onion, on medium-low heat, until it softens, about 5 minutes. 

Stir in the celeriac, potatoes, pears and thyme and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes. 

Add the broth, salt, pepper, and lemon slices and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. 

Remove the lemon slices and blend the soup, either using a hand blender or a regular blender (you may have to process in batches) until smooth.

I find using an electric hand blender is a lot simpler than using a blender.

Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the Earth Balance and, after it melts, the lemon juice. If its too thick, add a bit more broth or hot water. Adjust the salt and pepper and amount of lemon juice if necessary.

I usually like to use raw nuts in all my recipes but I find that pine nuts are much tastier in a recipe like this if they are briefly toasted in a heated frying pan for just a few minutes. 

Pour the soup in individual soup bowls and top with pine nuts and parsley.

Each bowl is only 223 calories!

Per serving: 223 calories, 4 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 31 mg omega-3 and 895 mg omega-6 fatty acids, 5 g protein, 41 g carbohydrate, 8 g dietary fiber, and 311 mg sodium.

8 4 2012 Update Coming Down the Pipe

Greetings all. My Spirits are soaring and my Energy is good.

What next? Is there a next? Does there have to be a next? Do you have to keep repeating the word "next" so many times?  OK, we dont have to be rude! HA!!!

What "next" indeed! If I did not know better I would think "Cyber Mom" is poking fun at me. I know it cant be those "voices" again. Or is it?



Back to business or should I say fun. OK then, what is next for the future? Yes, I said future. With me you never know. One minute I ready to "Sign Off" for good, the next I am creating a new blog knee deep in an experiment. Go figure.

Right, anyway I am really working hard in my oh so little spare time on a new... new... oh, I dont know what to call it. I guess an idea or ..... again I dont know what to call it. It wont be anything fast, but it wont be forever. It will take a lot of work and at present time is not what I have a lot of unfortunately.

That being said this is sometime that I feel I need. Something that will help me put things in prospective. It will be something that will help me achieve good if not great health. I hope. Most of all I dont mind sharing it with you my Friends and Family. It is just who I am. How much will it cost you?

Hmm...... let me see. How much is it worth? A lot to some, nothing to others I guess. OK, the price: PATIENCE.

Hey the support I get from those who are willing to share are payment enough. Not everyone shares on the blog though. Many share through email. I really wish they would share "anonymously" online so all can benefit from their input. Even if it is just a question. You will be surprised how that helps others. And "others" is one of the big reason I continue this blog or blogs or whatever. Hey I am not trying to pressure anyone to go public. HA! Continue to do what makes you feel comfortable. The choice is always yours.

Again, I am working on something that will put together what I have been working on for the last two years and to a degree things I have been working on my whole adult life. Will it be all diet? No. Diet is oh so important, but life has a balance.

Yes, my Friends and Family a Balance Indeed! What is my version of balance you may wonder? Well I kinda lead on to it in some of my responses in my comments to my dear Friends and Family that took time out to respond to my latest posts.

Riddle me this: Diet, Food, Exercise, and Spirituality.

Did I leave something out? Probably. I do feel that I did, but at the moment I cant think of it.

Have a Healthy Day my Friends and Family. No Surrender, No Retreat and Battle On!!!

I See the Light

Cheers,

Dave