Recharge Your Resolutions

February is nearly over.  Do your New Year’s Resolutions seem like a far off dream, a hazy memory of an agreement you made with yourself a few months ago? It’s not too late to reignite your goals and get back on track. February is the month for Heart Health awareness and a good time to review where you are at, and where you want to go. Also, habits that are good for the heart are good for the rest of the body too.  Here are a few tips to get started.

• Set Realistic Goals for weight loss, exercise and diet:
• Weight Loss – Did you plan to lose 15 pounds in 8 weeks (by the end of February) and you realized you have only lost 2 pounds thus far? Lofty plans can easily get sabotaged and lead us to giving up entirely. Reset your goal for a 4 pound loss in 8 weeks,which is one half (1/2) pound per week. This is much easier to achieve and better reflection of reality.
• Exercise – Did you aim for daily exercise and found it was too much and have now stopped exercising all together?  Reset your goal for exercising to 3 days per week for one month.  Once you have worked that into your schedule and get use to it, you can add a 4^th day per week for the 2^nd month, a 5^th day the 3^rd month etc.; adding another day per month until you reached your goal of 6 or 7 days per week of exercise. 

• Diet – You wanted to eat healthier and know that one of the best ways to do that is packing a healthy lunch for work or school every day containing fresh produce, whole grains and lean proteins.  If daily brown bagging is too much for you, start off with 2 days per week. Just as with the “exercise” plan above, add another day per week each month, until it becomes 2^nd nature for you to plan healthy meals and pack your lunch. You will save money too.

*Contact your doctor before beginning any weight loss, exercise or diet program.

• Medical and Dental Checkups – Have you scheduled your annual physical/preventative care visit with your doctor? How about your next dental cleaning and check up? These are important for everyone; both males and females at every age for health maintenance, to obtain preventative care and also important to catch any problems that may be developing that require testing and, or, treatment.
• Sleep – Are your getting 7 hours of sleep per night? Chronic Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, depression, hypertension and predispose you to Type II Diabetes. It also decreases your cognitive function during the day. Adults should try to get 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night for optimum health. Infants, children and teenagers need more than that.

For a quick acronym to help keep you on track, see this link: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/01/doing-these-5-things-leads-to-better.html

Make this year the best yet, by reaching the goals you have set for yourself and your health! *Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you have about your health.

Healthy Heart Habits

There is more you can do help your heart in addition to healthy eating and not smoking. Research has shown that the following tips help lead to higher levels of happiness which can enhance your overall sense of well being, work to keep your mind sharp and in turn, help your physical health and mental health. 

Make and take time to:

• Nurture yourself – whatever that means to you, whether you want to treat yourself to a weekly soak in your bathtub or go to an art museum to view great paintings or sculptures; take time to do treat yourself on a regular basis.
• Nurture your cherished relationships – Spend time with loving family members and friends who make your life complete and provide love and support to you as well as you to them.
• Follow your dreams and pursue your goals whatever they are, such as, finishing your degree, changing jobs or careers, studying a musical instrument, or learning a foreign language.  This will help keep your mind sharp and your attitude positive.
• Exercise daily which improves blood circulation helping to enhance your cardiovascular system as well as your mental health such as outlook on life and lower stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes daily of  aerobic exercise daily such as walking, cycling, swimming, running, etc. *Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• Incorporate Omega 3’s in your daily diet which helps cardiovascular health and can increase feelings of happiness and sharpen the mind. Foods such as Olive Oil, Fish, and walnuts contain omega 3’s.

Happy Valentine’s Day! More on heart health here: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-is-heart-month-get-start-and.html

For more info on foods with Omega 3’s, see these other websites at:

http://www.tufts.edu/med/nutrition-infection/hiv/health_omega3.html 

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3

February is Heart Month: Get a Start and Help Your Heart

Cardiovascular disease, which includes diseases of the heart, brain and blood vessels,  is the number one killer of both men and women (yes, women, too) in the United States. February is “American Heart Month”. Start now with healthier habits that work towards enhancing your heart, brain and vascular health and help reduce your risk of developing Type II Diabetes. 

• If you smoke, STOP! Not only does smoking cause various cancers and COPD; it damages blood vessels which leads to high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height and frame size.
• Monitor your blood pressure. For optimal health, blood pressure should be below 120/80. High blood pressure damages blood vessels setting the stage for heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease (like smoking does).
• Eat a healthy diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and is low in fat, excess salt and sugars. Try to incorporate healthy monounsaturated fats in your diet such as olive oil.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily most days of the week.
• If you drink alcohol, consume in moderation.
• Talk to your doctor about fish oil and low dose aspirin therapy to see if these are right for you.

Check out these links for more healthy living tips:
http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/01/foods-that-lower-your-blood-pressure-3.html
http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/01/6-tips-to-prevent-dining-out-from.html

*Contact your doctor prior to starting any exercise program and for any questions or concerns you may have about your health or the points above.

See the websites below for more web based information:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120

6 Tips to Prevent Dining Out from Derailing Your Diet

1. Have a light low calorie snack about one to two hours before, such as a piece of string cheese and an apple.  If you are super hungry when you dine out, you are more apt to overeat and less likely able to resist appetizers, fatty foods and condiments such as dips, french fries and butter.
2. Don’t eat the bread: If the restaurant is known for their bread and it is so delicious you have to have it, forgo the starch with your meal. Instead of potato, pasta or rice with your meat or fish, opt for grilled vegetables.
3. Limit your alcohol intake to one or none.  Not only will this save you money, but it will save you calories (not to mention your liver).  If you decide to drink, have only one, or, opt for a half glass of wine, as some restaurants now offer this as an option.
4. Ask for a “light” menu. Many places now offer a lighter fare with foods that are grilled or made with olive oil instead of butter and heavy sauces.
5. Don’t get dessert. Just as with alcohol, it will save you money and save your waist and rear end from expanding. Plus, you will have the added benefit of feeling proud of yourself that your willpower won out to overcome the temptations.
6. If the portions are large, cut it in half and take half home when you leave, or share it with your dining partner; one entree and two salads with 2 sides of grilled vegetables.

Doing These 5 Things LEADS to Better Health

Here are 5 tips (in an easy to remember acronym) that can help LEAD you to an improved level of health. 

L – Lose Weight if you are overweight or obese.

E – Exercise at least 20 minutes per day most days of the week.

A – Alcohol in moderation (or not at all).

D – Diet: Try to eat lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, go easy on the salt and eliminate fatty junk foods and sugary drinks.  See this article for more info on foods that help maintain and regulate blood pressure at: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/01/foods-that-lower-your-blood-pressure-3.html

S – Stop Smoking (if you currently smoke).

Lead yourself to healthier you by trying to incorporate these steps above into your lifestyle. Contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program, for diet advice and info on smoking cessation. 

Foods that Lower your Blood Pressure: 3 Minerals that Matter

Did you know there are minerals in tasty foods that can help to lower your blood pressure? Most people are aware of the bad effects of taking in too much salt (sodium chloride) on their blood pressure. Salt raises blood pressure.  On the flip side, there are foods you can eat that can have the opposite effect and help lower and regulate your blood pressure.  They work to counteract the salt you consume. Try to get a variety of some of the following foods every day as part of an overall healthy diet that is beneficial for blood pressure, heart, muscle and brain function, bone health and cancer prevention.

• Potassium: Found in bananas, oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, prunes, milk and yogurt.
• Magnesium: Found in almonds, cashews, peanuts, peanut butter, milk, yogurt, some wheat products, brown rice, raisins and spinach.
• Calcium: Found in diary Products (use non-fat or skim for less fat); milk, cheese and yogurt

It is possible to have too much just as too little of these 3 minerals above.  For example, people with Kidney Disease need to LIMIT (restrict) their Potassium intake. Contact your doctor regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your diet, medications or medical conditions.

For more web based info, check out: http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0705c.shtml

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium  

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/minerals.html 

www.heart.org

Delicious and Nutritious: Eggplant Parmesan

Happy New Year! Here is a great way to fulfill your New Year's diet resolution with a tasty and healthy dish. Eggplant contains fiber and is low in calories, tomato sauce is packed Vitamin C and Potassium and Ricotta Cheese is high in protein (whey). It is also vegetarian (if you use Marinara style tomato sauce) and low in fat.

Carole’s Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

2 Small Eggplants (approximately 6 - 8 inches in length by 3 inches in width)

3 - 4 Large Eggs (2 - 3 for dipping the eggplant in, 1 for use in the Ricotta Cheese Mixture)

2 cups of Italian Style Bread Crumbs

1 pound container of Fat Free or Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
8 ounces of Shredded Mozzarella (Part Skim)

2 teaspoons of oregano, salt and pepper to taste

2 - 3 cups of Italian style Marinara Tomato Sauce (depending on preference)

1/4 - 1/2 cup of Olive Oil or Canola Oil 
2 Small to Medium bowls to prep/dip the eggplant
Pan spray; olive oil or canola, for prepping the baking dish.
1/4 - 1/2 cup of Grated Italian Parmesan Cheese (Romano will work too).
Wax paper (for use in preparing the eggplant)

1 Medium mixing bowl (to prepare the Ricotta Cheese)

1 large non-stick style fry pan, 12 inch size

1 large baking dish, 13 x 8 inches in size

*Try to use:

• Eggs with Omega 3 (it will be on the label/carton)
• Bread Crumbs without hydrogenated oil
• Marinara Sauce (if you're buying prepared sauce) without high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oil
• Ricotta cheese that is fat free or part skim and Mozzarella that is part skim

*Doing these 4 things above will yield an even healthier final dish.

Cut the eggplant in ¼ inch size width slices.  Start with one egg and whip in a small bowl. Place ½ cup of bread crumbs in a separate small bowl.  One by one, dip each eggplant slice in the egg bowl, coat both sides in the bread crumbs. Once each eggplant slice is dipped in both, place on a separate platter, separate the layers of prepared eggplant with wax paper so they don’t stick together.  (Add the 2^nd egg as needed to the egg bowl and add more bread crumbs to that bowl, depending on your preference/how thick a layer of bread crumb you want to coat each piece with).

After all of the eggplant is prepared, place approximately 1 - 1 1/2 Tablespoons of oil in the pan, now you can begin to lightly saute them on the stove top, approximately 3 minutes on each side or until soft to the touch and slightly browned on the outside.  Place the cooked eggplant in a separate dish (different from the one used for the uncooked eggplant), separate each layer with wax paper as you proceed (as above).

Helpful Hints:

• Add a little more oil each time you add new pieces of eggplant as needed if the oil dries up.  However, if using a good non-stick type of fry pan, you won’t need too much oil. The goal is for the olive oil to add to the taste of the dish. If you use canola, it is a healthy oil also, but it won't add any flavor. 
• The pan will get hotter the longer you cook the eggplant, lower the heat accordingly when this occurs, so the eggplant will not burn. *if using olive oil, please remember is has a lower "smoke point", so you will need to maintain a low to medium heat to prevent smoking and burning.

Once the eggplant is prepped above, mix the ricotta cheese with one egg, the package of mozzarella cheese and the oregano. Keep on the side for your next step, layering in the baking dish with the eggplant.

Spray the inside of the baking dish with Olive oil pan spray (or canola). Spread 2/3 cup of tomato sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. (You may need to use slightly less or more, depending on the thickness/consistency of your sauce). Add one layer of eggplant over the sauce.  Now add all of the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading evenly over all of the eggplant. Spread another 2/3 cup of tomato sauce over this.  Now place a 2^nd (and final) layer of eggplant evenly over the pan.  Top with another 2/3 cup of tomato sauce. Add and spread the grated cheese on top of the sauce. 

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for one hour. Rotate the pan carefully in the oven at 30 minutes (half way through the total cooking time), so it cooks evenly

Helpful Hint: 

• Place your eggplant baking dish on a larger baking dish, such as a cookie sheet with sides, to help prevent burning yourself from splash burns. The contents can become very bubbly and hot sauce can spill easily when moving the pan. I also  recommend you wear good quality oven mitts as a second level of precaution when handling this hot dish). 

Cool slightly and serve with extra tomato sauce and grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on the table; so guests can add extra sauce and cheese to their liking. If you plan on serving the eggplant with a small side of pasta, plan for a little extra tomato sauce. Add an Organic Romaine based salad on the side to complete this great Italian meal.

New Year’s Eve Party Strategy: 4 Tips to Stick to Your Diet

For most people, New Year’s Resolutions usually include goals pertaining to diet, such as eating healthier foods, reducing alcohol intake, and, or, eating less  food overall to facilitate losing weight. Why wait, start now. Here are 4 tips, beginning with that New Year’s Eve Party or New Year’s Day Dinner you may be attending.

1. Scope out the healthier choices and include them on your plate such as fresh veggies/crudites, green salads and fresh fruits. Be careful regarding high fat/high calorie dips. Use salsa or hummus. They both taste good and are healthier, lower calorie alternatives to sour cream and mayonnaise based dips.
2. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is high in calories.  Drink water or diet sodas as low calorie alternatives to fill you up. *Don't drink and drive and and prevent others from doing so.
3. Prioritize: If you are going to indulge, go with a small portion of something you don’t routinely have.  Pass on the usual high calorie foods that you can eat anytime. This will help prevent you from taking in too many empty calories at the event.
4. Don’t go to the party hungry.  If you do, you will set yourself up to overeat and pig out when you arrive. It is difficult to restrain ourselves when we are starving. It is easier to control ourselves if we are not famished, but  slightly to moderately hungry. *Try to eat a healthy snack approximately one to two hours beforehand, such as; organic peanut butter on whole wheat crackers (look for products that do not contain hydrogenated oil), string cheese (part skim) and a piece of fruit, or some Greek yogurt with a piece of fruit.

Happy New Year!