Apr 29, 2010

Do YOU want to LOOK 12 years YOUNGER?


CHICAGO — Four common bad habits combined — smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet — can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests.
The findings are from a study that tracked nearly 5,000 British adults for 20 years, and they highlight yet another reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Overall, 314 people studied had all four unhealthy behaviors. Among them, 91 died during the study, or 29 percent. Among the 387 healthiest people with none of the four habits, only 32 died, or about 8 percent.
The risky behaviors were: smoking tobacco, downing more than three alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than two daily for women, getting less than two hours of physical activity per week and eating fruits and vegetables fewer than three times daily.
These habits combined substantially increased the risk of death and made people who engaged in them seem 12 years older than people in the healthiest group, said lead researcher Elisabeth Kvaavik of the University of Oslo.
Source: Deseret News

Apr 27, 2010

Healthy Recipe of the Week: Honey Lime Fruit Salad














*Note: This fruit salad is best served right away (or at least within an hour of making) because the strawberries tend to stain the light colored fruit. It does not affect the the taste at all but is a slight bummer for presentation.

  • 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well
  • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained well
  • 2-3 ripe kiwi, peeled and sliced into thick half moons
  • 1 cup green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup strawberries, quartered
  • Zest from one lime, about 1 tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

Combine the fruit in a medium-large serving bowl. Add the lime zest and poppy seeds, if using, and gently toss. Drizzle the honey over the fruit and again, gently mix until the fruit is evenly coated with the honey. Serve and Enjoy!!

Recipe Source: My Kitchen Cafe

Nov 13, 2009

Healthy Recipe of the Week

Moroccan Chicken with Fruit & Olive Topping

Ingredients
  • 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil, divided
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Dried Thyme
  • 4 (6 ounce) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 
  • 1/2 Cup of Pre-chopped Onions
  • 2 Teaspoons Bottled, Minced Garlic
  • 3/4 Cup Dried Mixed Fruit
  • 1/2 Cup Fat-Free, Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped, Pitted Green Olives
  • 1/8 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/8 Teaspoon of Black Pepper 
Preparation

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and thyme evenly over chicken. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; cover and keep warm.

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes until tender. Add garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Add fruit and remaining ingredients to pan; cook 5 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates.

Nutrition Information
Calories: 346
Fat:         7.5 grams
Protein:   40.6 grams
Carbs:     26 grams
Fiber:       21 grams
Cholesterol: 99 mg
Iron:          2.4 mg
Sodium:     591 mg
Calcium:    45 mg

This recipe is from cookinglight.com

Nov 9, 2009

Don't Forget to Sign Up For Your Yearly Assessment

We will be holding our yearly health assessments soon so don't forget to sign up! Just go to www.appleprogram.com and click on the "assessments" button to pick a time that works for you.

Why sign up for Healthy Lifestyles?
  • Earn up to $750 per year!
  • Improved Health & Wellness
  • Personal Health Coaching
  • Lower Your Risk of Chronic Disease
  • Quarterly Competitions with Great Prizes
  • Avoid Future Health Care Costs

Nov 4, 2009

Healthy Snack Ideas

Here are some healthy snack ideas that are sure to satisfy the munchies.
  • Low-fat plain yogurt with fresh fruit
  • Half of a whole grain bagel wih peanut butter
  • Edamame
  • Hummus with carrots
  • Olives
  • Fat-free microwaveable popcorn
  • Any type of whole fruit
  • Roasted or Raw almond
When you are feeling hungry for a snack reach for some of these healthy foods!

Nov 2, 2009

Holiday Weight Loss Challenge


Every holiday season Americans put on an extra 1-3 pounds of weight and keep it there throughout the year! Join us in the fight against extra holiday weight by participating in the Holiday Weight Loss Challenge. Here is how is works:
  • Utah County will compete against other companies over a 7 week period to see who can lose the most weight. 
  • Participants will track their progress on eHealthCompete to see how we compare to other companies. 
  • The company who loses the most amount of weight will earn the coveted Champion's Trophy. 
Here are the details:
  • When: November 18th - January 8th
  • What: Company weight loss challenge competing against other companies in Utah. Weight loss will be calculated as a percentage of body weight lost. Actual weight will be kept private and confidential.
  • Where: Weigh in will be:
    • Mon, Nov 16th 7:30-8:30 am Public Works Front Foyer
    • Mon, Nov 16th 11:30-1:00 ADMN Lower Level Break Room
    • Mon, Nov 16th 1:30-5:00 pm H&J 2601
    • Tues, Nov 17th 11:30-1:00 pm UT Co Jail EOC Training Room
Help us beat the other companies and avoid Holiday Weight gain!

Oct 26, 2009

Healthy Recipe of the Week

Roasted Fall Vegetable & Rocotta Pizza

Recipe and picture from Marthastewart.com
Pizza Ingredients
  • Olive oil, for baking sheet and drizzling
  • Flour, for dusting surface
  • 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, fresh, or thawed if frozen
  • 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
  • 6 cups (about 1/2 recipe) Roasted Fall Vegetables, drained and coarsely cut
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (optional)
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
Pizza Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Brush a large baking sheet (preferably rimless) with oil, or line with parchment paper, if desired, for easy cleanup.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll and stretch dough into a 12-by-16-inch oval (or as large as will fit on baking sheet); transfer to sheet.
  3. Sprinkle dough with half the mozzarella. Scatter vegetables on top, and dollop with ricotta; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and, if using, rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake until bubbling and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve.   
Roasted Vegetables Ingredients
  • 2 pounds (about 1 medium) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 pounds red new potatoes (12 to 14), well scrubbed and quartered
  • 1 pound medium red onions (about 2 to 3), peeled and quartered
  • 1 pound carrots (6 to 8 medium), halved lengthwise, if thick, and cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
  • 4 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
Roasted Vegetables Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Divide vegetables and garlic between two rimmed baking sheets (or line with parchment paper, if desired, for easy cleanup); dividing evenly, toss with oil, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  2. Roast until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, 40 to 50 minutes, tossing them and rotating sheets from top to bottom halfway through. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Oct 14, 2009

"Healthy Backs"

We are having a brown bag presentation on "Healthy Backs" Wednesday, October 21st and 12:00 p.m. in the Health & Justice Buiding Room 2500.

Brent Wall from Advanced Spinal Care will be speaking about how to have and maintain a "Healthy Back" So if you have back pain or are curious as to how to prevent back injuries com join us!

There will be great door prizes as well as points for Healthy Lifestyles

Oct 12, 2009

Tips for a Healthy Halloween

With all of the sugar and candy that surrounds Halloween, it is important to remember that there are still healthy alternatives. Here are some healthy alternatives to handing out sugar-filled candy:
  • Coloring books
  • Chex Mix
  • Raisins (Individually Packaged)
  • Goldfish (Individually Packaged)
  • Sunflower Seeds (Individually Packaged)
  • Stickers
  • Whole Grain Crackers
  • Fruit Roll-ups 
  • Trail Mix (Individually Packaged)
  • Finger Puppets 
  • Sugar-Free Gum
Here is a fun recipe that is festive and healthy:
Spider Pretzels

 Ingredients
  • 2 round crackers
  • 2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter
  • 8 small pretzel sticks
  • 2 raisins
Directions
With the peanut butter, make a cracker sandwich. Insert 8 pretzel "legs" into the filling. Spread a little peanut butter onto top of cracker and place raisins on top for "eyes".

Oct 9, 2009

Tips for Eating Out

MyPyramid.gov has some great tips for eating healthier while eating out. Here of some of them:
  • Ask for whole wheat bread.
  • Get your salad dressing served on the side and only eat what you want.
  • Choose main dishes that include fruits and vegetables such as stir fries or kabobs.
  • Order broiled, steamed, or grilled dishes instead of fried or sauteed.
  • Choose smaller portions.
  • Only eat until you are full. Don't feel like you have to clean your plate.
  • Avoid "all you can eat" buffets. Order a menu item instead to help control your portions.
  • Share a main dish with a friend.
  • Order an appetizer instead of a main dish if the portion sizes are too large.
  • Take the left-overs home instead of trying to eat everything on your plate.
  • Before you start eating your food, pack half of it in a to-go box for later.
  • Ask for low-fat salad dressing or low-fat milk.
  • Don't add extra butter to your food.
  • Choose healthy sides such as steamed vegetables and fruit instead of fries.
 For more info on eating healthy visit  MyPyramid.gov