Tuesday, September 29, 2009

10 Secrets of the Effortlessly Thin

I read this article, loved it and agreed with almost everything. Because I have a food addiction and it is to sweets/carbs I would not allow myself to indulge in a treat such as chocolate however, I do choose diet Dr. Pepper as my treat. And I do enjoy it very much. If we create a healthy way of thinking about food, eat healthy and exercise we can lose the weight and actually keep it off for a lifetime. Wow, isn't that a wonderful thing!!!! I am so looking forward to the next 50 years!!!

Hugs,
Ginger




The majority of thin people—whether they have been lean all their life or managed to lose weight and keep it off—share several healthy strategies that help them stay thin and healthy with seemingly little effort. Here are 10 secrets you need to know in order to join the ranks of the thin.


They don't diet

Or at least not in the traditional, all-or-nothing, deprivation sense of the word. "You need to get rid of that diet mentality and realize that what you are doing is making a permanent lifestyle change," says Anne Fletcher, M.S., R.D., author of the Thin for Life book series. She adds, "You do have to cut back on calories if you want to stay thin, but it's about reassessing what you eat and being more sensible in your choices, not about a quick-fix, crazy diet." Research has also shown that thin people tend to have a better quality diet than those who are overweight. They eat more fruits and vegetables and more fiber, and drink more water—all healthy things that provide more food volume for the number of calories.

By Sally Wadyka for MSN Health & Fitness


They keep track of their weight

Thin people know how much they weigh, and they monitor that number by stepping on the scale frequently. It's not about a having an unhealthy fixation on that number on the scale, but it's a way to catch a 5-pound gain before it suddenly turns into a 20-pound gain. "Aim to keep your weight within a five-pound range, and if you see it go above that buffer zone, make sure you have an immediate plan of action for how to address it," suggests Fletcher.

They exercise regularly

"In my research, nine out of 10 people who've lost weight and maintained it exercise regularly and make it a critical part of their lives," says Fletcher. Even if you've never been a fitness fanatic, it's not too late to get moving. Even taking a few 15-minute walks throughout the day will be a move in the right direction. Once you start to enjoy the mood-boosting and calorie-burning advantages of exercise, start looking for ways to keep your workouts interesting. Join a local gym and try a variety of classes and cardio machines, find friends to walk with, or experiment with at-home exercise DVDs.

They don't solve problems with food

Almost everyone is guilty of occasionally drowning their sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry's or taking out frustration on a batch of brownies, but thin people definitely don't make it a habit. "They tend not to eat purely for emotional reasons," says Fletcher. When you are upset (or bored, lonely, frustrated or angry), she suggests asking yourself: Is food really going to solve the problem, or will it just end up making you feel worse after you finish eating? Chances are, the food won't fix what's bothering you, so it's important to come up with a list of other small pleasures you can turn to instead of food. Some ideas include going for a walk, watching a movie, calling a friend, playing with your kids or taking a bubble bath.


They stop eating when they're full

Most thin people are not members of the clean-plate club. Instead of mindlessly eating however much they are served, they pay attention to internal hunger cues and satiety. "Thin people are tuned into noticing when they are satisfied, and they stop eating even if there is food left," says Jill Fleming, M.S., R.D., author of Thin People Don't Clean Their Plates (Inspiration Presentations Press, 2005). "They often report that they don't like that feeling of being uncomfortably full, so they've learned how to stop before they reach it."

They don't surround themselves with temptation

Rather than stocking the cupboards with junk food, thin people's kitchens tend to be filled with healthy foods. That doesn't mean you can never have any indulgences in the house, just that you shouldn't have so many that you're likely to overeat them. For example, if you love to bake, give most of your sweets away to friends, or have your kids bring them to school or soccer practice, leaving just a few behind to enjoy yourself.

They allow themselves treats

It's the opposite of the deprivation mentality that many overweight (but dieting) people espouse: Thin people let themselves eat what they crave, sometimes even indulging in a treat every day. "The difference is that they do it consciously, choosing exactly what they really want to eat and then eating slowly and enjoying it," says Fleming. So if it's chocolate you want, don't try to eat around the craving with an array of foods that don't really satisfy you. Instead, allow yourself to have a small but really delicious chocolate bar and put the craving to rest.

They eat breakfast

According to the National Weight Control Registry, which tracks the habits and strategies of more than 5,000 people who have maintained a significant weight loss, nearly 80 percent of these successful losers eat breakfast every single day. And most of their naturally lean counterparts do the same, and make sure that they eat within about an hour of waking up. "Breakfast is literally breaking the fast of the night," says Fleming. "Until you send food into your system, your metabolism doesn't really start to kick in."

They move, stand and fidget more

"Thin people are rarely sitting," says Fleming. Beyond their regular fitness routines, they simply move around more—and consequently burn more calories—throughout the day. And a study at the Mayo Clinic confirmed this: Researchers found that on average, a group of lean subjects sat for two hours a day less than the obese subjects, potentially burning up to 350 additional calories.


They don't skip meals

There are two problems with skipping meals—and thin people are careful not to fall prey to them. Going more than six hours without food will slow down your metabolism, plus you'll likely get so desperately hungry that you'll grab anything (as opposed to something healthy) and eat too much of it. "Thin people keep their gas tanks [i.e., their stomachs] between one-quarter and three-quarters full all the time," says Fleming. The best way to do that is to eat frequent mini-meals every three to four hours.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Climb the Mountain

Sometimes getting where you want to be and staying there is like Climbing a Mountain. You try and try and just can't seem to do it. Don't stop trying...it may take a while but you can climb that mountain!!! Just believe, plan, and never stop!!!

Hugs,

Ginger

Climb The Mountain

I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt out of breath and had to turn back.

I tried to climb the mountain today. But, It was so hot outside, I thought I had better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow's attempt.
I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.

I was ready to climb the mountain today. But I had so may other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of the much more important tasks; I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will have to wait.

I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in all it's majestic beauty, I knew I had no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even begin trying.

I had forgotten about climbing the mountain today, until an old friend came by and asked what I was up to lately. I told him about all my plans to climb that mountain someday. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish the task.
He stopped me and said, "I just got back from climbing that mountain. for the longest time I told myself I was going to try to climb it but never made any progress."

"I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn't make an attempt at this dream all my dreams would eventually die."
" The next morning, I started my climb. It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed, stop! I focused on my goal, never letting it out of sight. I kept moving forward. I could not quit because I knew I had come too far to stop now. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled mightily to make it to the top, but I CLIMBED THE MOUNTAIN."
"I have to be going," my friend said. "Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way what are you going to do tomorrow?"

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, "I HAVE A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB."Author unknown

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Like Susan Boyle; It's Never Too Lake To Fulfill Your Dreams!!!!

I was reading an article about; Career Lessons from Celebritie

Here's one about Susan Boyle AND I THINK IT IS AWESOME!!!!! And I do agree "It's never too late to fulfill your dreams!!!!!!

Ginger



Lesson: It’s never too late to fulfill your dreams.

Susan Boyle had a difficult start to life. She was born oxygen deprived, was later diagnosed with learning disabilities, and suffered incessant name calling as a child. She lived in her family’s Council Estate (the UK’s version of social housing) for the bulk of her life and was chronically unemployed. She almost didn’t audition for Britain’s Got Talent, fearing she was “too old and that it was a young person’s game." It’s a good thing she did. Her audition stunned the judges and audiences alike. Although she did not win the competition (she came in second), Ms. Boyle has seen a rapid rise to global fame and is now recording her first album. Sometimes, just when you think you’ve missed the boat, you get a second chance to turn your life — and career — around. Don’t ever let your age or past experiences stop you from trying.

http://allhealthcare.monster.com/benefits/articles/3798-20-career-lessons-from-celebrities-?page=2&utm_content=ah_r1_20090922_cele


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Healthier Eggplant Parmesan and Unjury Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Healthier Eggplant Parmesan
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Servings: 9

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


3 eggplants, peeled and sliced 1/4 in thick
4 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, (I like Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1-2 large eggs beaten or ½ cup egg substitute
2 Tbsp skim milk or water


Place the eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes. Blot eggplant dry with clean paper towels.


Mix the following into a bowl (add extra seasoning if desired)
pepper Italian breadcrumbs
salt Italian seasoning
Break eggs into bowl and beat with milk:
Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, then coat with bread crumbs and place on baking sheet. (Eggplant slices are baked, instead of fried) Spray baking sheet with Pam and place in a single layer of Eggplant on baking sheet and then spray Eggplant with Pam. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Take out and spray eggplant with Pam and then turn eggplant over. After you turn eggplant over spray eggplant with Pam. Bake for 10 minutes, or until eggplant is tender.


In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.


Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown



Tip: Bake the eggplant and then freeze it before adding the cheese or sauce. This way it's quick and easy to pull out whatever you need. Just thaw and put it together.






UNJURY Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls


Use Reduced Fat Creamy Jif Peanut Butter, 1 recipe makes 11 balls

Measure 3/4 cup Reduced Fat Peanut Butter and add to mixing bowl

Add 3 scoops of Chocolate UNJURY, 1 scoop at a time, stirring well after each scoop until dough is formed

Roll dough into 11 balls

Freeze overnight

Optional additions: dried fruit (raisins, cranberries or cherries), spices (cinnamon or nutmeg), oatmeal, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)

Nutrition Facts per ball (makes 11):

10 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrate, 6.5 grams fat, 3 grams sugar, 131 calories


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Other varieties of peanut butter may be used. Nutrition facts are based on using Reduced Fat Creamy Jif Peanut Butter. Be sure to check the label for variation in nutrition facts.

2 Store in freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve. The peanut butter will soften when left at room temperature.




© UNJURY Protein 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Spices and Herbs A Surprising Source of Antioxidants

I Knew there was a reason I love to use spices in my recipes. You can take something so bland and turn it into a delicious recipe just by adding some spices. Go to the website to see how spices and herbs compair to fruits in giving you a source of antioxidants.



Really Interesting!!!

Take care,

Ginger

SPICES AND HERBS
A SURPRISING SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

ANTIOXIDANT COMPARISONS OF SPICES AND OTHER FOODS
New Reasons to Season



When you hear the word "antioxidants," what foods come to mind? Blueberries? Pomegranates? How about cinnamon?
That's right. When it comes to antioxidant prowess, cinnamon vies for top billing along with blueberries and pomegranate juice. You may be surprised that spices and herbs are extremely rich in antioxidants – with levels comparable to many fruits and vegetables, including today’s popular "super foods."
Spices and herbs make food taste great. You already know that. And you're probably aware of how they can help you eat healthier by cutting down on salt, fat and sugar when cooking. Now there's emerging evidence that these kitchen essentials may help protect your health. With each pinch, dash and spoonful, spices and herbs can help boost the antioxidant power of practically everything on your plate.
So what exactly are these things called antioxidants and why should you care? Antioxidants are extraordinary workhorses in our bodies. Studies suggest they provide a range of benefits, including giving our immune system a boost. They also appear to reduce inflammation, which is increasingly recognized as a first step in heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic disease.
Preliminary studies indicate that spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that may hold tremendous potential in promoting good health. Other studies suggest spices and herbs may help curb your hunger and boost your metabolism – which might make it easier for you to manage your weight.
Now more than ever, there are new reasons to season.

SOURCE: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods – 2007. Nutrient Data Laboratory
USDA, November 2007. www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata/ORAC.
* Wu X, Beecher GR, Holden JM, Haytowitz DB, Gebhardt SE, Prior RL. Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant
capacities of common foods in the United States. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.2004;52:4026-4037.
** Centre for Phytochemistry and Pharmacology, Southern Cross University, Australia.




www.spicesforhealth.com
SERVING ORAC

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Fall Recipes

I love the fall and especially love to cook in the fall. Hope you enjoy the recipes.

Hugs,

Ginger



Light Pumpkin Mousse


Ingredients

1 cup Canned pumpkin
1/2 cup COLD milk
1 3 oz. Package vanilla instant pudding
1 tsp. Pie spice or
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. ginger
3 1/2 cups Fat Free Cool Whip

Preparation
Combine pumpkin, milk, pudding, and spices. Beat on lowest speed for 1 minute. Fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into dessert dish.



Walnut Macaroons

2 cups quick cooking oats
2 Tbsp. sugar substitute
2 tsp. vanilla
½ cup canola oil
1 egg substitute equivalent
½ cup finely chopped walnuts


Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, sugar substitute, salt,
vanilla and oil. Mix thoroughly, refrigerate over night. Add eggs and walnuts to mixture, blend thoroughly.

2. Place cookie mixture into a teaspoon level, and push out onto un-greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Transfer cookies to racks and cool.




White Chili

2 lbs Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast
1 T olive oil
2 med. Onions chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 4 oz cans chopped mild green chilies
2 T ground cumin
1 tsp. oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
3 16 oz cans great northern beans
6 cups chicken stock or 3 14 oz cans chicken broth
2 cups Monterey jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste


Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions sauté 5 minutes; add garlic, chilies, oregano, cayenne pepper and cumin and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add broth, stir. Add Beans bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Add shredded chicken and cheese.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Top with extra cheese.

**** (I boil boneless, skinless chicken breast and then shred with a fork)



Pumpkin Tea Bread

Preheat oven to 325 degrees


2 cups sugar (or splenda)
1 cup oil (you can replace with 1 cup applesauce)
3 large eggs (or egg substitute)
2 cups canned pumpkin (or fresh)
3 cups self rising flour
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 ½ t. ground nutmeg
1 t. ground cloves
½ t. ground mace
1 t. ground ginger

Blend the sugar and oil (or applesauce) well with mixer. As you are beating add the eggs one at a time, beat lightly. Add pumpkin and mix well. Sift the flour and spices into the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until blended.

Pour batter into a greased, floured pan. (This batter will make 2 loaf pans)

Bake 1 hour on 325 degrees or until lightly brown. When done leave in pan for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on wire racks before serving.

*Test with toothpick, when toothpick comes out clean, loaf is done.




Baked Apples

2 apples, cored
4 teaspoons chopped dried fruit, (cranberries, raisins or dates)
4 teaspoons chopped toasted nuts, (pecans, walnuts or almonds)
1 teaspoon splenda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine fruit, nuts, splenda and cinnamon; spoon into the apples. Place the apples in a baking dish (If you have small individual baking dish it works better). Cover with foil. Bake until tender, about 45 minutes.

Serve topped with yogurt.