Produce, pesticides, and "How to Pick a Peach"

The Environmental Working Group has set up guidelines for shopping for produce to minimize pesticide content in our foods. Here is the link: http://www.foodnews.org/EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf

They have an entire list rated worst to best and reccommendations on what to always purchase organic. Shopping in season will give you the best flavor and prices on these items.

"How to Pick a Peach" by Russ Parsons (Green Valley Book Fair for $5) gives tips on shopping in season for the best flavors of foods and has recipes and information on what to look for and the best places to find things. It also includes how to select, store, and prepare fruits and vegetables in season.

April is fast approaching

My how the last few months have flown. I purchased a bridesmaid dress in January for a wedding and need to take it to be altered the last week in April. It is still a little snug on top and I will be going into another cycle of the 30 day Curves Weight Management plan, with a few adjustments. (See update #3 to check my current progress.) I will be trying to up my intake of vegetables and fruits and minimize sweetners (arificial or regular) in order to break my sugar cravings. (If you can't go without it for 3 days, you are probably addicted. I have a nutritional therapist who will be helping me with necessary dietary adjustments as well.






(See me at the club if you would be interested in talking with her.)

"Food Rules" and more

I just got the book "Food Rules: an Eater's Manual" by Michael Pollan, auther of "The Ominvore's Dilemma". He gives basic priciples to help identify real, whole foods. He is a journalist, not a nutritionist, but has done thorough research on where our food comes from, and how it is processed. Many of the "rules" are just common sense, based on a web survey in several major cities. They are based on his synopsis that you should "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." The reality is that most western cultures eat too much food, but are slowly starving themselves and becoming succeptable to various obesity related disease due to lack of nutrient-dense whole ingredients. The rules vary from the basic "Don't eat anything that your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food." to the silly, but true "It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car.". It is a fairly simple read with easy to understand concepts. The reality is that everyone needs to be aware of what is in your food (reading labels) and if possible, where it originated. The farther the food has to travel to the store, the less fresh it is.

One another note the Green Valley Book Fair is open until 3/28. You can find more info at www.gvbookfair.com Here is the 2010 schedule:
March 13 thru 28
May 15 thru 31
July 3 thru 18
August 21 thru September 6
October 9 thru 24
Nov. 26 thru Dec. 18, 2010

Open Only during Scheduled Dates
from 9am - 7pm Daily (including Sundays)

Often I can get nutrition books, cookbooks, and other resources for less than $5 per book. People come from all over to check out their great selection.

Progress Update 3

March is underway and a progress report is in order. Since January 1, I have lost a total of 7 pounds, 4.5 inches, and 2.5% body fat. I still have about 34 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, but I can tell a huge difference in my overall health and energy levels. Since I became a fitness instructor, I have lost a total of 15 inches and 8.5 pounds all of which are body fat, and 3% body fat. Curves does work, but consistency and hard work are vital keys in making it happen.

Disclaimer

I just want everyone to know that while I enjoy blogging and sharing about nutrition, health, and fitness, I am not medical personnel. I am only sharing information that I have found valuable, but it is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to starting a new fitness or health regime. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own health and should take many factors into account when making health related decisions. Please do your own research as well in order to make the most informed decisions possible. Thank You.

Healthy recipes for a sweet treat.

Here are a couple of recipes for some healthy sweet treats

Chocolate Satin

2 avocados
2 Tbs. coconut cream concentrate
1/4 c. cacao powder
1 Tbs. vanilla
1/2 to 3/4 c. agave nectar or honey
1 pinch sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Serve as a fruit dip or just enjoy it plain. (You can find inexpensive coconut cream concentrate at your local Asian market. I prefer honey added to taste instead of agave nectar.)


Here is a recipe from Laura at Heavenly Homemakers

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/healthy-treat-for-today-peanut-butter-raisin-balls

Peanut Butter Raisin Balls

1 cup natural peanut butter (with salt), smooth or chunky
2 Tbs. to 1/3 cup honey (to taste)
2/3 cup raisins
2 tsp. carob powder or cocoa powder (optional)
big pinch of cinnamon (optional)
1/2 to 2/3 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut (divided) (You can substitute another form of coconut here, but it won’t be the same-this stuff should add a nice texture and crunch)

Mix together peanut butter, honey, cocoa and cinnamon. Fold in 1/3 of the coconut and all of the raisins. Chill thoroughly. Roll the mix into little balls. Roll the balls in the remaining coconut. You may need to roll them twice and press the coconut in a little. Cover them with plastic wrap or put them in a ziplock bag and serve them well chilled.