Sometimes I wonder if studies really show how unsafe it was for someone like me to stay obese....and how much better the quality of life is for me now! Most of the time we only hear the bad outcomes of Weight Loss Surgery not the wonderful benifits people have after Weight Loss Surgery. I thank God everyday that I had the opportunity to have Weight Loss Surgery! Take a look at this article.....
Hugs,
Ginger
Study Finds Weight-Loss Surgery Safer Than Thought
Death risk only 0.3 percent, chances of serious complications 4.3 percent
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_87501.html (*this news item will not be available after 10/27/2009)
HealthDay
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
WEDNESDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- For those considering bariatric surgery to combat significant obesity, a new study suggests the risk of complications may be much lower than what has previously been reported.
The study, which looked at both gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap-band surgery), found that the risk of death for these surgeries was 0.3 percent and the risk of a major adverse outcome was 4.3 percent.
"Bariatric surgery is safe," said study co-author Dr. Bruce Wolfe, a professor of surgery at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. "Certain factors [such as a history of blood clots, obstructive sleep apnea or impaired functional status] increase the risk of complications, but you can discuss these risks as well as the potential benefits with your surgeon."
Results of the study appear in the July 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
As obesity rates have risen, so, too, has the popularity of bariatric surgery. Although it is a major surgical procedure, the benefits to the severely obese generally far outweigh the risks. In fact, the risk of death over time is about 35 percent lower for someone who's had the surgery compared to someone who remains extremely obese, according to background information in the study.
However, the surgery isn't for everyone. "If you're five or 10 pounds overweight, bariatric surgery isn't for you," said Dr. Malcolm K. Robinson, an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, and the author of an accompanying editorial in the same issue of the journal.
"Basically, when I or my colleagues advise surgery, it's because the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks. In general, that's the case for someone with a BMI [body-mass index] of 35 and weight-related health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, or someone with a BMI of 40 or more," said Robinson, who added that as the risks of the surgery keep dropping, those BMI numbers may get even lower in the future.
The current study included 4,776 people who underwent one of the following types of bariatric surgery: lap-band surgery (1,198 patients), laparoscopic gastric bypass (2,975 patients), open gastric bypass (437 patients) or another procedure (166 patients). All of the surgeries were done by surgeons specifically qualified for this study. All of the surgeries took place between March 2005 and December 2007.
The average age of the study participant was 44.5 years old, 22 percent of the study volunteers were male and 11 percent were nonwhite. The average BMI in the study was 46.5. More than half of the study group had at least two coexisting medical conditions, the study authors noted.
In his editorial, Robinson points out that these procedures may represent "best-case scenarios" because they were done by experienced surgeons in high-volume bariatric centers. However, he said that because the field of bariatric surgery has advanced so much in the past few years, he believes these results are a "generally achievable phenomenon."
Both Robinson and Wolfe recommend that any person considering bariatric surgery should choose a facility that's been designated as a "Center of Excellence" because that means that the surgeon and the whole health-care team are qualified and experienced.
SOURCES: Bruce Wolfe, M.D., professor, surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Ore.; Malcolm K. Robinson, M.D., assistant professor, surgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; July 30, 2009, New England Journal of Medicine
HealthDay
Copyright (c) 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Monday, August 31, 2009
As Waistlines Widen, Brains Shrink
Now more than ever we read more and more studies of how obesity is so harmful to our health. I know that when I was obese not only did I look older, but I felt older because of the limited mobility I had and lack physical activity I was able to do.
Now, at average weight I feel like there is no limitation on what I can do physically. I realize I get older every day but since I feel so good, I forget I am almost 50 years old....It is only a number....and I intend to keep working hard and staying fit for a long time.
Read the article below and share with all you know how important it is to get the WEIGHT OFF AND KEEP IT OFF.
Much love,
Ginger
As Waistlines Widen, Brains ShrinkWEDNESDAY, August 26 (HealthDay News) – For every excess pound piled on the body, the brain gets a little bit smaller. That's the message from new research that found that elderly individuals who were obese or overweight had significantly less brain tissue than individuals of normal weight.
"The brains of obese people looked 16 years older than their healthy counterparts while [those of] overweight people looked eight years older," said the senior author of the study published online in Human Brain Mapping. The findings could have serious implications for aging, overweight or obese individuals, including a heightened risk of Alzheimer's, the researchers said.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_88574.html
Now, at average weight I feel like there is no limitation on what I can do physically. I realize I get older every day but since I feel so good, I forget I am almost 50 years old....It is only a number....and I intend to keep working hard and staying fit for a long time.
Read the article below and share with all you know how important it is to get the WEIGHT OFF AND KEEP IT OFF.
Much love,
Ginger
As Waistlines Widen, Brains ShrinkWEDNESDAY, August 26 (HealthDay News) – For every excess pound piled on the body, the brain gets a little bit smaller. That's the message from new research that found that elderly individuals who were obese or overweight had significantly less brain tissue than individuals of normal weight.
"The brains of obese people looked 16 years older than their healthy counterparts while [those of] overweight people looked eight years older," said the senior author of the study published online in Human Brain Mapping. The findings could have serious implications for aging, overweight or obese individuals, including a heightened risk of Alzheimer's, the researchers said.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_88574.html
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust
Hello,
Some People call it a Tart I call it a cobbler. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!
Hugs,
Ginger
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust
Ingredients
Crust
1 cup crushed walnuts,
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon canola oil
Pinch of salt
Filling
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons splenda, divided
2 cups fresh blueberries
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust Ingredients Cont.
Instructions 1. To prepare crust: Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Coarsely chop walnuts in a food processor.
3. Whisk egg white in a medium bowl until frothy. Add the crumb mixture, butter, oil and salt; toss to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan. Set the pan on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and slightly darker around the edges, about 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
4. To prepare filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream and 1/4 cup splenda in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. When the crust is cool, spread the filling evenly into it, being careful not to break up the delicate crust. Arrange blueberries on the filling, pressing lightly so they set in. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons splenda over the berries. Chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust
Instructions Cont.
Tips
Refrigerate for up to 1 day. | Equipment: 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan
Tip: To toast walnuts, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes.
Some People call it a Tart I call it a cobbler. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!
Hugs,
Ginger
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust
Ingredients
Crust
1 cup crushed walnuts,
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon canola oil
Pinch of salt
Filling
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons splenda, divided
2 cups fresh blueberries
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust Ingredients Cont.
Instructions 1. To prepare crust: Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Coarsely chop walnuts in a food processor.
3. Whisk egg white in a medium bowl until frothy. Add the crumb mixture, butter, oil and salt; toss to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan. Set the pan on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and slightly darker around the edges, about 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
4. To prepare filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream and 1/4 cup splenda in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. When the crust is cool, spread the filling evenly into it, being careful not to break up the delicate crust. Arrange blueberries on the filling, pressing lightly so they set in. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons splenda over the berries. Chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust
Instructions Cont.
Tips
Refrigerate for up to 1 day. | Equipment: 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan
Tip: To toast walnuts, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sun Dried Tomato/ Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
I made this last night and my boyfriend couldn't stop eating it. It is very easy to make and the presentation was very eye appealing and the flavor was incredible.
Hope you enjoy it!
Ginger
Sun Dried Tomatoe/Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Boneless/skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 jar sun dried tomatoes (drained and patted dry)
Goat cheese (seasoned with basil and roasted garlic)
Italian sausage (optional)
½ Vidalia onion
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Parmesan Cheese
First cook and scramble sausage with onions in a pan drain and sit aside.
Spray glass baking dish with Pam. Place chicken (breast or thigh) in dish with room between each piece. Put sausage and onion on top of chicken. You are going to layer first 3 to 4 slices of sun dried tomatoes then sliced goat cheese and then place another piece of chicken on top.
Pour diced tomatoes with juice over chicken and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic.
Bake until chicken is done. Then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and and bake 5 more minutes.
Hope you enjoy it!
Ginger
Sun Dried Tomatoe/Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Boneless/skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 jar sun dried tomatoes (drained and patted dry)
Goat cheese (seasoned with basil and roasted garlic)
Italian sausage (optional)
½ Vidalia onion
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Parmesan Cheese
First cook and scramble sausage with onions in a pan drain and sit aside.
Spray glass baking dish with Pam. Place chicken (breast or thigh) in dish with room between each piece. Put sausage and onion on top of chicken. You are going to layer first 3 to 4 slices of sun dried tomatoes then sliced goat cheese and then place another piece of chicken on top.
Pour diced tomatoes with juice over chicken and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic.
Bake until chicken is done. Then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and and bake 5 more minutes.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What I think about the Times article "Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin"
What I do know and I know from my own experience is.....eating healthy alone or exercise alone will not make me lose weight and keep it off in the long run. If I exercise regularly and eat healthy I am able to lose the weight and maintain it. I lost over 200lbs doing this and I have been able to maintain the weight loss for 8 1/2 years.
It is all about a Lifestyle change, not a temporary diet. We have to learn what works for us and do it!
I have attached an article below from MSN Health & Fitness "Is Exercise a Waste of Time? Addressing the same topic. I think it has a lot of really good information.
Is Exercise a Waste of Time?
Why Time magazine is wrong about working out.
Posted by David Zinczenko on Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:16 PM
Sometimes, when a news report seems to defy logic, it’s because someone hasn’t done their homework. And that’s what’s happened over at Time magazine with its latest cover story, “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin.” The article claims that working out is not only useless for weight loss, but can actually lead to weight gain.
This contention hinges mostly on a recent study done at Louisiana State University. Scientists there divided sedentary women into four groups: One group didn’t exercise, and three others performed different amounts of physical activity. All of the groups were told to stick to their typical diet.
The results: The women who exercised the most didn’t lose any more weight than those who didn’t exercise at all over six months. How can this be?
Well, first understand how much exercise these women were doing. The group that exercised the most burned around 1000 calories a week, or about 140 calories a day. The other two exercise groups burned around 700 and 350 calories a week, respectively.
This isn’t a tremendous amount of exercise—you might burn around 140 calories vacuuming your house—so no one would anticipate a tremendous amount of weight loss. Even so, the researchers calculated how many pounds they would expect each woman to lose, and their predictions were spot-on for the two groups that did lesser amounts of exercise. For these ladies, the exercise did indeed work.
However, the other group of exercisers fell about two-and-a-half pounds short of their predicted weight loss. The Time story states: “Whether because exercise made them hungry or because they wanted to reward themselves (or both), most of the women who exercised ate more than they did before they started the experiment.”
Not so, according to the published data. The writer of the Time story either misread the results, or conveniently skipped over the parts that didn’t support his assertion. The study authors clearly state that the women in all four groups ate fewer calories on average.
To be fair, the calorie-intake numbers probably aren’t accurate. The study’s lead author, Timothy Church, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., admits that since this data was attained from a survey—and not measured directly—it’s not very reliable.
This further muddles the findings. And given that the non-exercisers lost weight, too, one could conclude this study proves that sitting on the couch causes weight loss. But Time magazine isn’t reporting that. At least not this week.
Instead, the Time author tries to support his notion that exercise doesn’t help you lose weight by pointing out that some women gained more than 10 pounds over the six-month study. “What the article fails to report is that other women lost even more weight than we expected,” says Dr. Church.
Bottom line: Our responses to diet and exercise are all highly individualized, explains Dr. Church. Sure, some people might compensate for their exercise by eating more, but according to Dr. Church, this isn’t the fault of exercise. More likely, he says, it’s because people don’t realize how easy it is to consume 1,000 calories at the drive-thru compared to burning just 250 calories on a treadmill. “If your weight is a concern for you, exercise is important. But it doesn’t give you license to eat what you want,” cautions Dr. Church. “You still need to pay close attention to what you’re putting in your mouth.”
Even so-called “healthy” food can have a surprising number of calories. Check out our list of the worst salads in America, including a 2,115-calorie salad from California Pizza Kitchen.
As for exercise making you hungrier, Dr. Church doesn’t think that’s the case. And overall, the research is mixed on the matter. But even if exercise does stoke your appetite, you still have the power of choice. Are you going to reach for an apple—or a big bowl of ice cream?
Dr. Church insists that we have much to learn on this topic, and wants you to know this: “When you look at people who lose weight and keep it off, what you find is that almost 100 percent of them not only watch what they eat, but are also regular exercisers.”
Want even more reasons why Time is wrong about exercise? Keep reading.
Exercise can protect your muscle. A Penn State University study found that people who lifted weights along with a program of diet and aerobic exercise had the same weight loss as those who only dieted (or who dieted and performed aerobic exercise). The difference? The lifters lost 5 pounds more fat because almost none of their weight loss came from muscle. Read: Resistance training didn’t improve weight loss, but it did improve fat loss. And isn’t that what really matters?
Exercise may help you stick to your diet. University of Pittsburgh researchers studied 169 dieters for 2 years and found that the participants who didn’t follow a 3-hour-a-week training plan ate more than their allotted 1,500 calories per day. The reverse was also true—sneaking snacks sabotaged their workouts. “One healthy behavior without the other will not work—you need to diet and exercise to maintain long-term weight loss,” says lead study author John Jakicic, Ph.D. That’s because both actions can act as a reminder to stay on track.
Exercise may target belly fat. While weight loss was similar among all four groups in the LSU study, only the groups that exercised saw their waist size decrease. The Time story downplays this finding, but isn’t it relevant? Think about it: This study actually shows that even a small amount of low-intensity exercise—performed in, say, just three 24-minute sessions a week—could help your jeans fit better. In other words, it makes you thinner. Doesn’t sound like a waste of time to me.
It is all about a Lifestyle change, not a temporary diet. We have to learn what works for us and do it!
I have attached an article below from MSN Health & Fitness "Is Exercise a Waste of Time? Addressing the same topic. I think it has a lot of really good information.
Is Exercise a Waste of Time?
Why Time magazine is wrong about working out.
Posted by David Zinczenko on Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:16 PM
Sometimes, when a news report seems to defy logic, it’s because someone hasn’t done their homework. And that’s what’s happened over at Time magazine with its latest cover story, “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin.” The article claims that working out is not only useless for weight loss, but can actually lead to weight gain.
This contention hinges mostly on a recent study done at Louisiana State University. Scientists there divided sedentary women into four groups: One group didn’t exercise, and three others performed different amounts of physical activity. All of the groups were told to stick to their typical diet.
The results: The women who exercised the most didn’t lose any more weight than those who didn’t exercise at all over six months. How can this be?
Well, first understand how much exercise these women were doing. The group that exercised the most burned around 1000 calories a week, or about 140 calories a day. The other two exercise groups burned around 700 and 350 calories a week, respectively.
This isn’t a tremendous amount of exercise—you might burn around 140 calories vacuuming your house—so no one would anticipate a tremendous amount of weight loss. Even so, the researchers calculated how many pounds they would expect each woman to lose, and their predictions were spot-on for the two groups that did lesser amounts of exercise. For these ladies, the exercise did indeed work.
However, the other group of exercisers fell about two-and-a-half pounds short of their predicted weight loss. The Time story states: “Whether because exercise made them hungry or because they wanted to reward themselves (or both), most of the women who exercised ate more than they did before they started the experiment.”
Not so, according to the published data. The writer of the Time story either misread the results, or conveniently skipped over the parts that didn’t support his assertion. The study authors clearly state that the women in all four groups ate fewer calories on average.
To be fair, the calorie-intake numbers probably aren’t accurate. The study’s lead author, Timothy Church, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., admits that since this data was attained from a survey—and not measured directly—it’s not very reliable.
This further muddles the findings. And given that the non-exercisers lost weight, too, one could conclude this study proves that sitting on the couch causes weight loss. But Time magazine isn’t reporting that. At least not this week.
Instead, the Time author tries to support his notion that exercise doesn’t help you lose weight by pointing out that some women gained more than 10 pounds over the six-month study. “What the article fails to report is that other women lost even more weight than we expected,” says Dr. Church.
Bottom line: Our responses to diet and exercise are all highly individualized, explains Dr. Church. Sure, some people might compensate for their exercise by eating more, but according to Dr. Church, this isn’t the fault of exercise. More likely, he says, it’s because people don’t realize how easy it is to consume 1,000 calories at the drive-thru compared to burning just 250 calories on a treadmill. “If your weight is a concern for you, exercise is important. But it doesn’t give you license to eat what you want,” cautions Dr. Church. “You still need to pay close attention to what you’re putting in your mouth.”
Even so-called “healthy” food can have a surprising number of calories. Check out our list of the worst salads in America, including a 2,115-calorie salad from California Pizza Kitchen.
As for exercise making you hungrier, Dr. Church doesn’t think that’s the case. And overall, the research is mixed on the matter. But even if exercise does stoke your appetite, you still have the power of choice. Are you going to reach for an apple—or a big bowl of ice cream?
Dr. Church insists that we have much to learn on this topic, and wants you to know this: “When you look at people who lose weight and keep it off, what you find is that almost 100 percent of them not only watch what they eat, but are also regular exercisers.”
Want even more reasons why Time is wrong about exercise? Keep reading.
Exercise can protect your muscle. A Penn State University study found that people who lifted weights along with a program of diet and aerobic exercise had the same weight loss as those who only dieted (or who dieted and performed aerobic exercise). The difference? The lifters lost 5 pounds more fat because almost none of their weight loss came from muscle. Read: Resistance training didn’t improve weight loss, but it did improve fat loss. And isn’t that what really matters?
Exercise may help you stick to your diet. University of Pittsburgh researchers studied 169 dieters for 2 years and found that the participants who didn’t follow a 3-hour-a-week training plan ate more than their allotted 1,500 calories per day. The reverse was also true—sneaking snacks sabotaged their workouts. “One healthy behavior without the other will not work—you need to diet and exercise to maintain long-term weight loss,” says lead study author John Jakicic, Ph.D. That’s because both actions can act as a reminder to stay on track.
Exercise may target belly fat. While weight loss was similar among all four groups in the LSU study, only the groups that exercised saw their waist size decrease. The Time story downplays this finding, but isn’t it relevant? Think about it: This study actually shows that even a small amount of low-intensity exercise—performed in, say, just three 24-minute sessions a week—could help your jeans fit better. In other words, it makes you thinner. Doesn’t sound like a waste of time to me.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
On-Q PainBuster; Pain relieve after surgery
I just came across this and wanted to share it. When I have had surgery I have had side effects such as being groggy,itching and nausea. This form of pain control can be used with many different types of surgery and you wouldn't have some of the side effects other pain releivers give you. So, if you are expecting to have surgery I think it would be worth checking into and talking to your surgeon.
Take care,
Ginger
ON-Q is put in place by your surgeon and provides continuous pain relief in those important first days after surgery.
ON-Q is a small high-tech balloon that holds local anesthetic (a pain numbing medication) and delivers it through a tiny specially-designed tube directly into the surgical incision site. The medication is delivered continuously and slowly for up to five days after surgery.
Similar to your dentist injecting novocaine into your mouth to create a numbing effect, ON-Q soaks the surgical site to create a numbing effect. Because ON-Q directs the medication only into the area where you have pain, the rest of your body stays in your normal, comfortable state.
The result? Your pain is relieved and you avoid the nausea, breathing problems, drowsiness, grogginess, constipation or sleepiness - all of which are side effects of narcotic painkillers.
Feel better faster with ON-Q. Less pain, more smiles.
For more information go to
Take care,
Ginger
ON-Q is put in place by your surgeon and provides continuous pain relief in those important first days after surgery.
ON-Q is a small high-tech balloon that holds local anesthetic (a pain numbing medication) and delivers it through a tiny specially-designed tube directly into the surgical incision site. The medication is delivered continuously and slowly for up to five days after surgery.
Similar to your dentist injecting novocaine into your mouth to create a numbing effect, ON-Q soaks the surgical site to create a numbing effect. Because ON-Q directs the medication only into the area where you have pain, the rest of your body stays in your normal, comfortable state.
The result? Your pain is relieved and you avoid the nausea, breathing problems, drowsiness, grogginess, constipation or sleepiness - all of which are side effects of narcotic painkillers.
Feel better faster with ON-Q. Less pain, more smiles.
For more information go to
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hummus Recipes
Hummus is very easy to prepare. There are so many flavors you can choose from. And it is healthy and really tasty. You have many options to eat with Hummus such as baked pita chips, veggies, etc.
My children were coming over for dinner and I had Garlic Hummus as an appitizer. They said Hummus...Yuk and then tried it and loved it. Now they say Mom I hope you have Hummus. Also, my boyfriend said, do we have anything to munch on. I said, yes, we have Hummus. He too said Yuk, then tasted it and loved it. We were going to an outdoor concert and he said, Let's get some Hummus....so you see you can turn them around and they are eating healthy and don't even know it.
Enjoy,
Ginger
Black Bean Hummus
1 can black beans – rinsed and drained
2 tbl of tahini
1 garlic clove chopped
½ cup olive oil
Cayenne pepper
Mix in food processor. Taste. Adjust seasoning and oil as needed
Spicy Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo
beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red
peppers
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini 1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh
parsley
DIRECTIONS:
1. In an electric blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas, red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Process, using long pulses, until the mixture is fairly smooth, and slightly fluffy. Make sure to scrape the mixture off the sides of the food processor or blender in between pulses. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before serving.)
2. Sprinkle the hummus with the chopped parsley before serving.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
1 head garlic
1 19-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed, or 2 cups cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Paprika for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove the loose papery outside skin from the garlic head without separating the cloves. Slice off the top 1/2 inch. Wrap in a small square of foil and roast until the garlic is very soft, about 40 minutes. Unwrap and cool slightly. Separate the cloves and peel.
2. Puree the garlic, chickpeas, lemon juice, soy sauce, tahini and water in a food processor. Add more or less water as necessary to make a fairly firm dip.
3. Transfer to a small serving bowl, stir in parsley and season with salt. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkling of paprika.
Per 2-tablespoon serving: 47 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 121 mg sodium; 74 mg potassium.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
My children were coming over for dinner and I had Garlic Hummus as an appitizer. They said Hummus...Yuk and then tried it and loved it. Now they say Mom I hope you have Hummus. Also, my boyfriend said, do we have anything to munch on. I said, yes, we have Hummus. He too said Yuk, then tasted it and loved it. We were going to an outdoor concert and he said, Let's get some Hummus....so you see you can turn them around and they are eating healthy and don't even know it.
Enjoy,
Ginger
Black Bean Hummus
1 can black beans – rinsed and drained
2 tbl of tahini
1 garlic clove chopped
½ cup olive oil
Cayenne pepper
Mix in food processor. Taste. Adjust seasoning and oil as needed
Spicy Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo
beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red
peppers
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini 1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh
parsley
DIRECTIONS:
1. In an electric blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas, red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Process, using long pulses, until the mixture is fairly smooth, and slightly fluffy. Make sure to scrape the mixture off the sides of the food processor or blender in between pulses. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before serving.)
2. Sprinkle the hummus with the chopped parsley before serving.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
1 head garlic
1 19-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed, or 2 cups cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Paprika for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove the loose papery outside skin from the garlic head without separating the cloves. Slice off the top 1/2 inch. Wrap in a small square of foil and roast until the garlic is very soft, about 40 minutes. Unwrap and cool slightly. Separate the cloves and peel.
2. Puree the garlic, chickpeas, lemon juice, soy sauce, tahini and water in a food processor. Add more or less water as necessary to make a fairly firm dip.
3. Transfer to a small serving bowl, stir in parsley and season with salt. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkling of paprika.
Per 2-tablespoon serving: 47 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 121 mg sodium; 74 mg potassium.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Egg Verus The Bagel
The Good Egg
I really like this website check it out. They have great tips on eating healthy and doing thing to keep your body feeling young.
Below is another reason for us to eat our protein versus a bagel (or carb). RealAge live life to your youngest
The Good Egg Here's some welcome news for breakfast lovers: Eggs may help reduce your weight.
Eggs already have been reinstated as a health food (the major Nurses' Health Study cleared eggs of upping heart attack and stroke risk). Now there's evidence that people who scramble, boil, or poach one for breakfast -- versus eating a bagel with the same number of calories -- bypass junk-food cravings and eat fewer calories for at least 24 hours, without even trying.
Thanks to what turned out to be a bad cholesterol rap, you may have avoided eggs for years. But eggs have always been a good source of nutrients and protein. And for reasons that aren't completely clear, it turns out that they make the body feel fuller longer. In one study, people with weight problems who started the day with an egg were still eating fewer calories than normal by lunch the following day. You know that line about "the incredible, edible . . ."? Looks like the jingle writer had a clue. RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger. ReferencesPShort-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight.
http://www.realage.com/ct/my-realage/
http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/2991
I really like this website check it out. They have great tips on eating healthy and doing thing to keep your body feeling young.
Below is another reason for us to eat our protein versus a bagel (or carb). RealAge live life to your youngest
The Good Egg Here's some welcome news for breakfast lovers: Eggs may help reduce your weight.
Eggs already have been reinstated as a health food (the major Nurses' Health Study cleared eggs of upping heart attack and stroke risk). Now there's evidence that people who scramble, boil, or poach one for breakfast -- versus eating a bagel with the same number of calories -- bypass junk-food cravings and eat fewer calories for at least 24 hours, without even trying.
Thanks to what turned out to be a bad cholesterol rap, you may have avoided eggs for years. But eggs have always been a good source of nutrients and protein. And for reasons that aren't completely clear, it turns out that they make the body feel fuller longer. In one study, people with weight problems who started the day with an egg were still eating fewer calories than normal by lunch the following day. You know that line about "the incredible, edible . . ."? Looks like the jingle writer had a clue. RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger. ReferencesPShort-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight.
http://www.realage.com/ct/my-realage/
http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/2991
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Self-Esteem Workbook
Sometimes we need help with the way we feel about ourselves; learning to love ourselves. Yesterday my daughter told me about this self help workbook. I thought it was worth sharing. I bought it at Barnes and Noble for her for $20.00 but I did find it on line at amazon.com for $13.57.
Remember the surgeon only does surgery on our stomach we have to do the rest. I am over 8 years out and sometimes my “Fat Girl” (feelings of insecurities) still come out. There are many books out there that can help us build our Self-Esteem. And there is also counseling. Do the work you need to do to make yourself a better person inside and out! Learn to love you!!! You are worth it!!!
Hugs,
Ginger
The Self-Esteem Workbook
Glenn Schiraldi
The Self-Esteem Workbook is based on the author's original new research, which has shown that self-esteem can be significantly improved through the use of self-help materials.
Now psychologist and health educator Glenn Schiraldi has shaped these tested resources into a comprehensive, self-directed program that guides readers through twenty essential skill-building activities, each focused on developing a crucial component of healthy self-esteem.
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Esteem-Workbook-Glenn-R-Schiraldi/dp/1572242523
Remember the surgeon only does surgery on our stomach we have to do the rest. I am over 8 years out and sometimes my “Fat Girl” (feelings of insecurities) still come out. There are many books out there that can help us build our Self-Esteem. And there is also counseling. Do the work you need to do to make yourself a better person inside and out! Learn to love you!!! You are worth it!!!
Hugs,
Ginger
The Self-Esteem Workbook
Glenn Schiraldi
The Self-Esteem Workbook is based on the author's original new research, which has shown that self-esteem can be significantly improved through the use of self-help materials.
Now psychologist and health educator Glenn Schiraldi has shaped these tested resources into a comprehensive, self-directed program that guides readers through twenty essential skill-building activities, each focused on developing a crucial component of healthy self-esteem.
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Esteem-Workbook-Glenn-R-Schiraldi/dp/1572242523
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