Are you addicted to Diet Soda's....

You should read this...http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/study-diet-soda-increases-risk-diabetes-why-still-192600358.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CQoOCVR1UwAoDchmolQ

How much do you know about Fish Oil and Omega 3's?...Take this quiz to find out!
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/rm-quiz-fish-oil-facts?ecd=wnl_din_021813&ctr=wnl-
din-021813_ld-stry&mb=

More healthier comfort food recipes!

Heard it's supposed to snow again this weekend.....What a perfect time to stay indoors and cook some yummy warm, hot meals!
This link has healthy recipes for all your favorite comfort foods!!
http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101_basics_and_techniques/comfort_food_makeover_challenge?sssdmh=dm17.652370&utm_source=EWHNL&esrc=nwewh021413

3rd Healthier Cold Weather Comfort Food Recipe!

Parmesan Flax Onion Rings

You will need :

• 4 Tbsp Ground Flax Seeds
• 1 Vidalia Onion 
• 3 Tbsp Reduced Fat Parmesan
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Egg White

-Chop off top and bottom of onion. Peel.

-Turn the onion to the side, slice into rings.

-Separate egg white.

-Combine Flax and Parmesan. 

-Dip onion slices into egg white.
-Coat the dipped onion in the flax mixture. 

Heat frying pan to medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil. 
When oil is hot, add coated onions to the frying pan.
Cook both sides until golden brown. 
After removing from the frying pan, lie on paper towel to crisp. 

Nutrition: (5 Onion Rings) 

58 Calories, 2g Fat, 8g Carbs, 1.4g Protein, 0g Sugar, 2.5g Fiber

2nd Healthier Cold Weather Comfort Food Recipe!

Last-Minute Chili

Ingredients:

   1 teaspoon canola oil
2 tablespoon water 

   12 to 16 ounces braised beef tips (small lean cubes)

 1 1/2 teaspoons minced or chopped garlic (or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder)

    1 yellow or white onion, chopped

  2 cups cubed vegetables (whatever you have on hand such as eggplant or zucchini)

   2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (crumble while adding)

   1 teaspoon dried oregano

     1 teaspoon chili con carne seasoning

 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (add more to taste)

  24 ounce can stewed Mexican style tomatoes (or 2 cans, 14.5-ounce each)

     1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed well

   2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional—if you have it on hand)

Preparation:

1.     In large, nonstick skillet or saucepan, heat oil and garlic over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and let saute for a minute, stirring constantly. Add water and stir.

2.     Stir onions and vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, etc.) into beef mixture and simmer about a minute. Stir in spices and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in tomatoes with juice, tomato paste (if desired), and beans.

3.     Cover skillet and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 246 calories, 22.5 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat, 2.2 g saturated fat, 3 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 41 mg cholesterol, 7 g fiber, 538 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 25 percent. Omega-3 fatty acids = 0.2 gram, omega-6 fatty acids = 0.4 gram.

Cold Weather Comfort Food...

It's cold, it's dark, it's dreary....I don't know about you but sometimes the only thing that makes me happy on those dark, cold nights is comfort food.  It doesn't have to be unhealthy comfort food though....
Try these yummy, but healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods....
Here's the first one:

Healthy French Fries Recipe

This healthy recipe for French fires leaves regular French fried potatoes in the dust.  

All it takes to make a delicious and healthy side dish are a few key ingredients you already have in your pantry, no extra trip to the store required.

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES

Makes 4 Servings, about 6 ounces each

1 1/2 pounds potatoes3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Wash potatoes; cut lengthwise into thin strips.

3. Combine remaining ingredients in plastic bag.  Put potatoes in bag; seal; shake to coat potatoes.

4. Arrange potatoes in single layer on baking sheet.

5. Bake until crisp and golden, about 30 minutes.

PER SERVING:

Calories 255
Total fat 14 grams
Saturated fat 2 grams
Cholesterol 0
Sodium 156 milligrams 

Make this year a Heart-Healthy Valentines Day!

Click on this link for some great tips on how!
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Heart-Healthy-Valentines-Day-Tips_UCM_322023_Article.jsp

Impacts of the home environment on health....

The home environment is influential in children’s lives and can help determine body weight, physical activity levels, and types of food consumed. When children’s television and junk food is limited, and their fruit and vegetable intake is higher, their BMI tends to be lower.

Parents play an important role. Parents should model healthy behaviors by being active and placing importance on a healthy lifestyle for children. Modeling healthy behaviors for children can benefit the whole family and be a powerful factor in increasing an individual’s present and future wellness.

Article by Kelli Oligney, Associate Editor

Reference: Masse, L., et. Al. (December 13, 2012). Association Between Self-Reported Household Practices and Body Mass Index of US Children and Adolescents, 2005. Preventing Chronic Disease. Retrieved on January 9, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0149.htm

Wellsteps.com is up and running!

You can now login to your Wellsteps account at www.wellsteps.com!
1.  Go to www.wellsteps.com/welcome
2.  Click register
3.  Enter your email address as your username
4.  Complete the registration, select next and it will take you directly to your Personal Health Behavior Risk Assessment!

Want to Boost your metabolism???

Here's a few ideas for you to try....
http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-boost-your-metabolism?ecd=wnl_din_012813&ctr=wnl-din-012813_ld-stry&mb=