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Hottest Healthy Recipes Blog: Meet Jeanette Chen

Published on by mariadorfner4 Comments
Today, I’m talking to Jeanette Chen. I absolutely love her blog called, Jeanette’s Healthy Living.  That said, I’m excited Jeanette is joining Healthy Within Network (HWN) as our resident food expert.  Her blog is my pick for the Hottest Healthy Recipes Blog.
Be sure to check it out for simple, yet amazing recipes that appeal to all your senses.  If you stock your pantry with the right healthy foods, you can whip them together in a jiffy.

Here’s a little background on how she got started:

Prior to becoming a Healthy Living Blogger, Jeanette worked in corporate finance at GE for 15 years.  But after having children, she found herself not only caring for her kids, but her husband’s ailing parents. That’s when she switched from the Board Room at the office to the cutting board in the kitchen.

While caretaking family members, she noticed what a huge role nutrition plays on how they felt each day. So, she began testing different healthy dishes and loved creating ones that were nutritious.

People began raving about her healthy recipes telling her she should blog, so she gave it a whirl.

Like me, she was a reluctant blogger. Four years ago, Stephen Meade told me to start blogging. I looked at him like he told me to extract a tooth. He said I was the Arianna Huffington of Health. I replied, Yeah OK.  I can’t do anything unless I feel it. Like a calling.  Finally, six months ago, I felt the inner calling and never looked back.

And Jeanette just won the award for TOP FOODIE MOM 2012.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR BLOG?

My husband, Michael, who is my college sweetheart that I’ve been married to for 25 years, encouraged me to start my blog. The inspiration behind Jeanette’s Healthy Living have been all the people I have been cooking for over the years, including friends with cancer, my father-in-law who had Parkinson’s disease and lived with our family for 8 years, and my youngest son who has food allergies. While I’ve always loved cooking, out of these experiences I developed a passion for cooking that is health-focused while never compromising on the need to be full of flavor.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM READING YOUR HEALTHY RECIPES BLOG?
My blog includes not only healthy recipes, but also stories about how I’ve gotten my kids to try new foods, some of the challenges I faced when we first discovered my youngest son had food allergies, and my experience cooking for friends with cancer. My goal is to inspire people to eat healthier by realizing that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on flavor, with the hope of helping to prevent illness and disease. My blog has lots of healthy family friendly recipes, allergy-free recipes (gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free), and recipes I’ve made for friends with cancer.

CAN YOU SHARE 3 EASY HEALTHY RECIPES ANYONE CAN PREPARE AT HOME?
   
HOW CAN PEOPLE CREATE A HEALTHY PANTRY AT HOME? 
Creating a healthy pantry can be daunting at first, so you can either do it little by little, or in one fell swoop. Here are a few tips:
  • Get rid of white flour and substitute white whole wheat flour which is milder in flavor than regular whole wheat flour (start off with 50% white flour and 50% white whole wheat flour in recipes, and eventually use 100% white whole wheat flour).
  • Get rid of processed foods (cookies, crackers, cereals, soda, artificially flavored fruit drinks).
  • Buy whole grain pastas (start with pasta made with 51% whole grain and eventually transition to 100% whole grain pasta) instead of regular pasta. Gluten-free options include corn pasta, quinoa pasta and brown rice pasta.
  • Buy more whole grains (a variety of brown rice, steel cut oats, rolled oats, barley, farro, quinoa, wild rice, wheat berries).
  • Buy more fruits (great in smoothies) and vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, napa cabbage, kale, spinach) to your daily diet; buy organic whenever possible to minimize pesticide exposure. Stir-frying and roasting are easy, healthy ways to prepare vegetables.
  • Buy heart-healthy nuts to snack on (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans).
  • Add more beans to your pantry and make a meatless meal or substitute half of the meat with beans in a recipe.
  • Bump up the flavor in foods with aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, celery), spices (my favorites include cinnamon, cumin, oregano, thyme, turmeric, chili powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, curry powder, herbes de provence) and herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cilantro).
  • Buy heart healthy oils (I use olive oil) and use in place of butter when cooking.
  • Stock up on basic Asian stir-fry pantry items such as soy sauce, sesame oil and rice wine. Stir-frying is a great way to make a one-dish meal with vegetables and less meat.
  • Buy hormone-free, antibiotic-free meat and seafood whenever possible.
  • Read ingredient labels; a rule of thumb I follow is that there should be a minimal number of ingredients, and everything on the label should be recognizable.
  • Avoid foods with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors, natural flavors (these still contain a lot of chemicals), hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, wheat flour (this is the same as white flour; look for whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour).
  • Also, ingredients are listed in order of dominance, so if sugar is listed first, that is the most predominant ingredient.
She gets our thumbs up for being a Top Foodie Mom.  If you are looking for easy healthy recipes while you or your kids are poolside or at the beach, be sure to check in.
Be Sure to Follow Jeanette Chen’s incredible award-winning Blog: http://www.JEANETTESHEALTHYLIVING.com
Also, Check out Jeanette’s son, Alex as he shows you how to make a healthy popsicle that is also a good treat for chemotherapy patients:

The family that cooks healthy together stays healthy together!! 

10 Foods Turn On Genes Related to Fat Burning

Published on by mariadorfner3 Comments

1.  Olive Oil

2.  Eggs

3.  Yogurt

4.  Sweet Potatoes

5.  Kiwi Fruit

6.  Edamame (Green soybeans)

7.  Wild Salmon

8.  Apples

9.  Quinoa (People always ask what this is: Quinoa are seeds that an be prepared like whole grains, such as rice or barley. You can find them in any grocery store where you find rice.  Friends who have tried it say it’s yummy.)

10.  Lentiles (Legumes)

T0 find out WHY these 10 foods have super powers, please visit SELF Magazine by copying/pasting this web address into your browser:  http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2012/04/drop-10-top-superfoods-slideshow#slide=5

The above tips are part of a new book published by SELF: http://www.self.com/drop10diet/buy_the_book

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Stay healthy!

13 Hot & Healthy Chinese, Japanese & Thai Choices

Published on by mariadorfner1 Comment

1.  Brown rice

2.  Summer rolls

3.  Soybeans steamed in water (rather than oil)

4.  Lobster sauce

5.  Shrimp Lo Mein

6.  Broccoli (stir-fry veggies, light on oil)

7.  Snow peas

8.  Peppers

9.  Steamed veggie dumplings

10.  Soft or Plain tofu (not deep fried)

11.  Request a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, almonds or cashews inside or outside your sushi roll

12.  Request crispy salmon skin in your sushi roll

13.  One Chinese or Thai dish can serve 3 people, so split your dishes

14.  Steamed vegetables

Green tea is a good choice too.

Source

HEALTH.COM “Lean to Go”  

Be sure to check out the full article here:  http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20579042,00.html

 

Enjoy!  Stay healthy. ~Maria

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Hot Healthy Recipe: Panini!

Published on by mariadorfner3 Comments

When I was in Paris years ago,  I couldn’t help notice people eating panini’s.

Panini is plural for panino, which means sandwich in Italian.

After trying one, I recall exclaiming I want to open Panini carts in NYC!

Delicious. Like a grilled cheese sandwich all grown up.
The only place I’ve had one since then is in Union Square in New York City. A place called Bite.
Grab a hot healthy panini to go for $7.50.  Location in SoHo too.  http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/bite/menu
 Back to making a Healthy Panini at home.  Use a Panini Press (link below).

Use natural ingredients, like fresh garden vegetables.

Ingredients:

Sweet Red Pepper

Eggplant

Beefsteak Tomato

Vidalia Onion

Portobello Mushroom

Fresh Spinach Leaves

Your Favorites Cheese

Your Favorite Lean Meat

A Firm Whole Wheat Bread

  • Start by scraping off the black area of the Portobello mushroom. Then, sauté in imported Italian Virgin Olive Oil and Thyme.
  • Next, you slice open a sweet red pepper horizontal wise, take out seeds and core. Once your onion is sliced into large rounds, it too should be roasted. Slice a firm tomato in a semi-thick round.   Set aside.
  • The eggplant should be skinned, seeded and sliced lengthwise. Each slice should be dipped in flour, and sautéed in olive oil until soft.
  • As for the spinach leaves, lightly blanch them in water until it turns a darker green.

Add a thick slice of cheese and your choice of lean meat. The final step is to layer the sandwich with the meat first, cheese and the vegetables in any order you like.

Panini Press and Grill until the cheese and meat are well done.

Fun to do on weekends.  Add soup and you’re all set. Buon Appetito!
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Panini grills range in price from $25. to over $500.  You can check them out or order on-line here:

1a. George Forman Panini Grill | Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen

  1. Waring WPG250 14 1/2″ x 11″ Panini Supremo Grooved Top & Bottom Panini Sandwich Grill 120V

    $379.99 – WEBstaurantStore.com, Commercial Waring® Items at Lower Prices!

  2. Breville Panini Press | Williams-Sonoma

    $119.95 – Williams-Sonoma  Orders Over $49 Ship Free w Code ship4free

  3. Wolfgang Puck Panini Duet & Multipurpose Grill

    $44.99 – Sears Buy Online, Pickup in Store
  4. Calphalon 1759546 Grill, Panini Press

    $139.99 – Macy’s Free Shipping w/ $99 Order Today!

2012 BEST RATED PANINI GRILLS:

http://www.housekool.com/shopping/?shkw=panini%20grill&keywords=grill&gclid=CPWG6o_ira8CFacRNAodmwmWpg

Happy & Healthy Weekend!  I just learned it is the Thai New Year. Happy Thai New Year!

Healthy Recipe: Wrap It Up!

Published on by mariadorfnerLeave a comment

I love this wrap from EATING WELL Magazine.  It’s stuffed with chicken tenders and couscous (recipe below) with a hit of lemon and a healthy dose of fresh herbs.  You can also use veggies instead of chicken.  Serve with:  Mixed green salad

 4 servings

Active Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
Preparation
  1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in couscous and remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, combine parsley, mint, lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Toss chicken tenders in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of the parsley mixture and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place the tenders in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked though, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Cut into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle.
  4. Stir the remaining parsley mixture into the couscous along with tomato and cucumber.
  5. To assemble wraps, spread about 3/4 cup of the couscous mixture onto each wrap. Divide the chicken among the wraps. Roll the wraps up like a burrito, tucking in the sides to hold the ingredients in. Serve cut in half.

Nutrition

Per serving: 479 calories; 17 g fat ( 3 g sat , 11 g mono ); 67 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 34 g protein; 5 g fiber; 653 mg sodium; 382 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (57% daily value), Folate & Vitamin A (40% dv), Iron (32% dv).

Carbohydrate Servings: 3

Exchanges: 3 starch, 4 lean meat, 2 fat

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More From EatingWell

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60

Published on by mariadorfner1 Comment

                                                                                                                              

60.  Minimum # of days it takes to change an unhealthy eating habit.

HOW TO CHANGE AN UNHEALTHY EATING HABIT TO A HEALTHY ONE:

1.  AWARENESS – Be mindful of the unhealthy eating habit.  Think of WHY you reach for certain unhealthy foods. Then, exchange it for something healthy.  See list below.

2.  PLAN MEALS – If you have no time for lunch and that is when you grab something unhealthy, prepare a healthy meal the night before and bring it to the office with you.  If you work from home, put it in the refrigerator for easy grabbing the next day.

3.  REDUCE STRESS – Meditate. Reducing stress will also improve your sleep.  Mediatating just twice a week can help with sleep problems.  Turn off all electronic equipment and find a quiet place with no distractions and simply breathe and stretch.  Nature is wonderful to quiet the noise.

4.  TAKE IT SLOW SO YOU DON’T CRASH – Slow-and-Steady is best.

 20 SMALL CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE THAT ADD UP in 60 DAYS:

  1. Start each day with a nutritious breakfast.
  2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep because lack of sleep can cause you to overeat.
  3. Drink more water instead of sugary drinks, sodas, soft drinks or energy drinks.
  4. Don’t eat meals on the run.
  5. Eat when you’re really hungry.  Stop when you’re comfortably full.
  6. Say no to second helpings.
  7. Eat healthy snacks every few  hours: fruits, veggies, almonds, walnuts.
  8. If you eat dairy, switch to soy or lower-fat dairy products.
  9. If  you eat white bread, switch to whole-grain bread.
  10. Use mustard instead of  mayo.
  11. Instead of sauces, flavor your foods with herbs, vinegars, mustards, or lemon.
  12. If you drink coffee, switch to cafe au lait, using strong coffee and hot skim milk instead of cream.
  13. Limit alchohol to 1 or 2 drinks a day.
  14. Eat larger portions of water-rich foods and less of calorie-dense foods.
  15. If you never exercise –start with walking each day.  Stretch and walk.
  16. Replace unhealthy snacking foods in your house with healthy ones. 
  17. Replace ice cream with  yogurts.
  18. Replace salty pretzels and chips with cereals, almonds, walnuts or popcorn.
  19. Stock your refrigerator with fresh fruits & veggies for snacking.
  20. Make your goal feeling healthy,  rather than a certain weight.

60 DAYS.   TWO MONTHS.  LONGTERM CHANGE.  BE PATIENT.

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10 Hot iPhone Apps for New Parents

Published on by mariadorfnerLeave a comment

Image

Parenting in the internet age certainly still has its challenges, but tech-savvy parents have several options in the App Store that can help ease some of the stress. Storing important information, accessing records and even entertaining your newborn can all be done with a tap of the screen; here are ten iPhone apps that all new parents should check out.

1. Baby Tracker: Diapers – If your pediatrician asks you to keep a record of Baby’s diapers, the Baby Tracker: Diapers app is a must-have. The simple interface includes a color swatch and texture options, and even has a Notes feature for in-depth documentation.
2. White Noise Lite – Many parents swear by sound machines to soothe babies and help them sleep soundly; the White Noise Lite app offers several options, including nature sounds and traditional white noise. The best part? It’s free.
3. Baby Tracker: Nursing – The folks at Baby Tracker hit another home run with their Nursing app. Mothers who choose to breastfeed can keep track of nursing times, duration and left/right nursing sides. As an extra bonus, there’s also an option for tracking bottle feedings as well.
4. Baby Brain – Created by a team of experienced OB/GYN nurses and moms, the nap-tracking app Baby Brain helps new parents calculate ideal nap times. Entering the time and duration of baby’s daily naps help the app to analyze the information and provide estimates for when subsequent naps should occur. Parents with multiples can track more than one baby, and the interface allows for easy schedule-sharing via email with caregivers.  This one is TOUGH to find but we love it!
5. Parenting Ages & Stages – Popular magazine PARENTING offers a free app to track developmental milestones from birth to school-age, keeping it relevant for years to come. The high-tech version of the baby book.
6. FeverMeds – Unfortunately, low-grade fevers are part of any new parent’s life. The FeverMeds app calculates age and weight to return the ideal dosage of medication to combat those fevers, and also displays pictures of over-the-counter medication boxes in order to eliminate the possibility of choosing the wrong product. It also tracks dosage time and counts down to the next scheduled dose.  Another tough one to find… Sorry, but it’s great!
7. What to Expect – Baby – Generations of moms-to-be have relied upon the wisdom of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. The beloved line of books also extends into early parenting and development. The What to Expect – Baby app makes carrying the book everywhere a snap, and also includes daily updates and trackers.
8. BabyPhone Deluxe – Instead of packing a baby monitor for trips or carting it from room to room, consider the BabyPhone app. If noise levels in the room exceed a designated level, the app automatically dials a secondary number to alert parents.
9. Infant Visual Stimulation – With one hundred and twenty black and white images designed to stimulate babies vision, the Infant Visual Stimulation app is a great resource for new parents.
10. Baby Rattle 123 – Leaving Baby’s favorite rattle at home is no longer cause for concern with the Baby Rattle 123 app, which transforms your phone into a visually and auditory stimulation tool.

All new parents need some help, so it is a great idea for the iPhone to serve multiple purposes. Check out the App Store for these and other great apps for new parents. You never knew a phone could do so much.

THANK YOU NANNY NET  – Debbie Denard

BEST NEW PARENTING BLOG: NANNY NET –   http://www.nanny.net/blog/10-iphone-apps-for-new-parents

 

RELATED LINKS:

HOW A BABY TAKES SHAPE INSIDE YOUR BODY:  http://www.babycentre.co.uk/video/pregnancy/baby-takes-shape/

WONDERFUL PBS DOCUMENTARY recommended by author, Michael Gonzalez Wallace:  http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-secret-life-of-the-brain/

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Health Benefits of Sushi

Published on by mariadorfner3 Comments
 
    

 
Sushi– Sushi Nutrition Facts – Health Benefits of Sushi
   

English: Western Sushi found at Wegmans Superm...
Image via Wikipedia

For a person with normal health, sushi has many health benefits. All dishes (excluding eel, and some fusion style sushi) are low in saturated fat and high in protein. There may be a slight load in carbohydrates in thick sushi rolls, but it is negligible for nigiri sushi since they are small in amount.

High content of fish oil is the main health factor which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. The hikarimono, or shiny fishes (mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sardine, Pacific Saury) contain the highest amounts of EPA and DHA omega3 fats. (Ironically they are the least expensive fishes). These fishes are also high in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant.

Nori contains a great source of minerals found in the ocean and vinegar acts as an important factor in promoting cell metabolism. People who use vinegar frequently (to dress salads, blend with soy sauce, or drink in small amounts (please refer to rice vinegar in choosing the best ingredients) have lower percentages of body fat.

Unfortunately, people with type I or II diabetes should stay away from sushi, and stick to sashimi. Individuals with high blood pressure must limit their use of soy sauce (see: how to eat sushi).

Source:  sushiencyclopedia.com

Sushi bento, with the sashimi on the top.
Image via Wikipedia

THE 6 BEST LOW-CALORIE SUSHI ROLLS ARE:

1.  VEGGIE ROLLS – 170 CALORIES, 5G FAT

2. MACKEREL – 232 CALORIES, 2G FAT

3. RAINBOW – 330 CALORIES, 8G FAT

4. SALMON – 231 CALORIES, 4G FAT

5. SASHIMI – 33 CALORIES, 1G FAT

6. SHRIMP – 199 CALORIES, OG FAT

FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE:  http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/meal-ideas/6-best-low-calorie-sushi-rolls

Many types of sushi ready to eat.
Image via Wikipedia

Here’s a breakdown from Men’s Health on the healthiest and unhealthiest sushi options:

Healthy Sushi

Brown rice
Brown rice is increasingly becoming an option on sushi menus. This deviation from traditional sushi comes with health benefits: Brown rice maintains many of the nutrients lost while processing white rice (iron, vitamins B1 and B3, and magnesium). The bran layer of brown rice grain contains the fiber that lowers cholesterol and helps in keeping you regular. The fact that brown rice takes longer to break down in the body means it has a lower glycemic index, so it stabilizes and maintains blood glucose levels instead of causing rapid spikes.

Nori
The brown rice in sushi will still be wrapped in nori, the black layer that keeps sushi rolls together. Nori is dried seaweed and contains a dictionary’s worth of health benefits: It’s high in many vitamins and minerals including iodine; zinc; calcium; vitamins A, E, C, and K; fiber; and protein.

Wasabi
For those who like spice, wasabi is a healthy sushi condiment. This hot green paste is Japanese horseradish and is usually served alongside sashimi. It is a smart pairing because wasabi may help protect you from food poisoning due to its antimicrobial properties. It may prevent platelets from forming blood clots, asthma and cavities, but contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t “clear the sinuses.”

Ginger
A healthy sushi ingredient that does relieve sinus congestion is ginger. Served in a pickled form, it’s used to cleanse the palate after each piece of sushi. Ginger contains the compounds gingerols and shogaols. These oils stimulate digestive juices and neutralize stomach acids, which is definitely a plus when you ingest raw fish. Maybe you’ve had to fetch a ginger ale for your partner suffering from morning sickness, and that’s because Japanese researchers have found that ginger may be responsible for blocking the body’s reflex to vomit. Ginger can also lower cholesterol levels and limit blood clots in the same way aspirin works in the body.

Mackerel
Of all the raw fish you could eat, mackerel sashimi is a healthy sushi choice. Mackerel is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. The small size of the fish means it’s low in mercury. It is also a high-protein fish; there are 25 grams of protein in a 4-ounce serving, and only 160 calories. This healthy sushi choice also contains selenium, which works along with omega-3s to neutralize free radicals.

Unhealthy Sushi

Bluefin tuna
Deep red bluefin tuna is a popular sushi ingredient, but unfortunately it’s one of the unhealthiest fish to eat, raw or otherwise. It has among the highest mercury contents, not to mention chemical PCBs. Eating bluefin tuna is also bad for the environment: Due to overfishing, bluefin is now being replaced on many sushi menus with more common (and inexpensive) yellowfin or albacore tuna.

Tobiko sushi
Tobiko sushi is made full of eggs — fish roe and quail eggs. Those quail eggs, however, are an unhealthy sushi choice. Similar to chicken eggs, quail eggs are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. There is also the risk of salmonella poisoning since the eggs are eaten raw. There is folate in quail eggs, but that won’t do you any good if you get sick.

Tempura
Lovers of deep-fried goodies live by the motto, “if it aint fried, it aint food.” Tempura is the usual sushi menu choice for those averse to raw fish. Both seafood and veggies can be served with tempura, meaning deep-fried in tempura batter. The batter consists of water, flour and eggs. Frying anything raises the total calorie and total fat content.

Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a high-sodium condiment served with sushi, making it an unhealthy sushi ingredient. Anyone with high blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet should not eat soy sauce. Despite the fact that it’s made from soy beans, the sauce does not contain soy isoflavones and has negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals, except sodium (Na+). One tablespoon of soy sauce has 1,006 milligrams of sodium — nearly half the recommended daily value.

sushi sensibility

The next time you head out for sushi, don’t assume you’re doing your body a favor. Although Japanese cuisine is among the healthiest in the world, Western preferences have added all sorts of unhealthy elements to sushi (cream cheese, anyone?), and some of sushi’s most innocent-seeming ingredients, like tuna, can take their toll on you if ingested in large quantities. Remember that the more veggies in your sushi, the better off you’ll be, and when in doubt, order the mackerel, and load up on the wasabi.

Link: http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_250/259b_healthy-unhealthy-sushi-ingredients.html#ixzz1mgwj2VTV

Registered dietitian Zannat Reza says sushi, like any meal, can be healthy if you choose wisely. Here are some of her Sushi eating tips:

• Many rolls are low in protein, which may bring on hunger pains two hours after eating. Reza suggests augmenting your sushi roll with a small, plain latte or a small yogurt.

• Look for sushi made with minimal ingredients and be wary of the rolls with the yummy extras, such as mayonnaise, barbecue sauce and tempura. These, of course, add extra fat and sodium to the meal.Women who are pregnant and who are breastfeeding and young children should avoid fish high in mercury, including tuna, king mackerel and orange roughy.

• Like all takeout food, sushi can sometimes be high in sodium. Reza points out that even the otherwise healthy brown rice California roll has 750 mg of sodium, about half of what your body needs in a day.

• Soy sauce is laced with sodium. One tablespoon contains about 1,000 mg of sodium, so Reza suggests going light on the soy or skipping it all together.Verdict: Sushi can be a diet delight or a diet disaster — depending on what you pick.

Brown rice California roll

This is the classic Cali roll — that’s imitation crab, rolled with avocado and cucumber and sprinkled with sesame seeds — made with nutty brown rice.  SERVING SIZE 9 pieces CALORIES 310 FAT 6 grams SODIUM 740 mg PROTEIN 7 grams CARBOHYDRATES 58 grams (4 grams fibre)

Verdict: Reza likes this roll’s calorie content and its dose of heart healthy avocado and fibre-rich, whole grain brown rice.

The veggie version — carrots replace the ‘crab’ — also gets two thumbs up. The roll contains similar amounts of calories, fat, protein and fibre, but has 240 mg less sodium. Multi-grain salmon avocado rollPink pieces of salmon and wedges of avocado rolled in nori and multi-grain rice.  SERVING SIZE 9 pieces CALORIES 330FAT 7 grams SODIUM 520 mg PROTEIN 15 grams CARBOHYDRATES 51 grams (7 grams fibre) 

Verdict: This is superhealthy sushi. Reza notes the 15 grams of hunger-busting protein is higher than most other rolls, while the 520 mg sodium is lower than many rolls. The avocado and salmon also make it a heart health booster, while the addition of multi-grain rice — and with seven different kinds of grain, including rye berries, purple barley and black japonica rice, it is truly multi-grain — adds an impressive 7 grams of fibre.

Volcano roll.  For those unfamiliar, this is a roll of cucumber, avocado and cream cheese topped with, among other things, spicy tuna, panko and two kinds of mayo. SERVING SIZE 5 piecesCALORIES 560FAT 29 gramsSODIUM 810 mgPROTEIN 16 grams CARBOHYDRATES 60 grams (3 grams fibre)

Verdict: This is sushi at its most decadent. Five bites of food contain one quarter of your daily calories, half the sodium your body needs in a day and more fat than two large chocolate sundaes from Dairy Queen. Yikes.

Chicken udon soup Pieces of chicken and thick udon noodles float in a savory broth with baby bok choy, broccoli, carrot and seaweed. SERVING SIZE 1 bowl, about 200 grams CALORIES 250FAT 1 gramSODIUM 5,970 mgPROTEIN 14 gramsCARBOHYDRATES 15 grams (1 gram fibre)

Verdict: By looking at the ingredient list, the soup’s minimal calories and fat and its 14 grams of belly filling protein, you would probably guess this is a comforting and healthy meal. Unfortunately, the 5,970 mg of sodium quickly renders this meal a dietary danger. The salt-soaked soup — the equivalent of 150 shakes with the salt shaker! — has four times more sodium than your body needs in a day.

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE

Men/Women Calories: 2,500/2,000 Fat: 60 to 105 grams/45 to 75 grams Sodium: 1,500 to 2,300 mg Carbohydrates: 281-325 grams

(Souce: The Dish, Megan Ogilvie)

 
Related Articles for Fellow Sushi Lovers:
Sushi Deluxe at Sushi Ten
Image via Wikipedia

Aphrodesiacs for Valentine’s Day, Romantic Dining in NYC, Musings from Mom & Dad

Published on by mariadorfner1 Comment

“Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” ~Steve Jobs

“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie — it’s amore.” ~Dean Martin

Ah,  love.  And pizza.  And love of pizza.   When I was a bright-eyed kid, my Dad made pizza for a living when he wasn’t working in “construction.”  Fellow Brooklynites will get the quotations joke.   While in grade school, I waited up for him for three reasons.  One, he brought home the next day’s New York Post and Daily News.  I loved feeling like I knew what was going in the world while everyone was sleeping.  Yes, New York was the WORLD.  Two, he always brought home large fresh pizza pies and three, quality time with Dad talking about  news and pizza.  So naturally, I associate pizza with love.

English: Picture of an authentic Neapolitan Pi...
Image via Wikipedia

Turns out, pizza made Reader’s Digest list of Top 10 Love-Foods for Valentine’s Day.  Saying “Love Foods” the way Don Cornelius would say, “Soul Train” in his honor today.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, aphrodisiacs are based in “folklore, not fact.”  Still, people continue to believe in the love-inducing effects of certain foods, herbs and extracts.

Some say if you believe something, you’re halfway there.  Ah, the placebo effect.  None of these attract a mate, but if you already have one, they may help improve  your love life.

                                 “Love each other.” ~Nonna Angelina

Discovery Health listed some of these:

  • Asparagus: The vitamin E in this vegetable is said to stimulate sex hormones.
  • Chili peppers: Some researchers say that eating hot peppers makes us release endorphins, which might lead to “other things.”
  • Chocolate: This favorite for Valentine’s Day contains phenylethylamine, one of the chemicals your body produces naturally when you’re in love (see The Chemistry of Love).
  • Oysters: Oysters contain high levels of zinc, which reportedly increased the production of testosterone. Testosterone increases libido for both sexes.

Others include Ginkgo, Spanish fly (dead beetle parts) and Damiana.

Back to pizza.  READER’S DIGEST also compiled a list of sexy foods to boost your libido.  This one includes pizza pizza. Lots of ’em are yummy, so enjoy!   The first 6 are in my favorite snacks.  The link that follows it describes the health benefits of each.

  1. WATERMELON
  2. SPANISH OLIVES
  3. STRAWBERRIES
  4. CHERRIES
  5. ARTICHOKES
  6. CHAI TEA  (See 15 health benefits of chai tea according to science, which includes 5 chai tea recipes at https://www.jenreviews.com/chai-tea/
  7. PROMEGRANATES
  8. PIZZA
  9. WHIPPED CREAM
  10. STEAK
Reader's Digest
Image via Wikipedia
CLICK BELOW FOR READER’S DIGEST LIST with HEALTH REASONS to ENJOY THESE FOODS:

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-more-aphrodisiacs-for-valentines-day/

Reader’s Digest Magazine: Only $4.00 per Year! (livingrichwithcoupons.com)

You could stay in with your  love and one of the yummy items on the list above OR if you’re in NYC you can check out these special 2012 NYC Valentine’s Day deals and prix fixe menus OR do both.

By , About.com Guide

1. 21 Club

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at New York’s landmark ’21’ Club, where the romantic upstairs dining room has been the site of numerous wedding proposals. For Valentine’s Day 2011, ‘21’ is serving a sumptuous three-course dinner, including a Veuve Clicquot champagne toast, for $125 per person.

(We had Rush’s book signing at 21 Club and I found it a tad stuffy.  Although, it may have been in  a different room than the dining room they speak of)

2. Agave

Enjoy a laid-back Southwestern Valentine’s Day at Agave with a special three-course menu and a premium tequila tasting for $120 per couple.

3. Aureole

For Valentine’s Day 2011, Aureole is serving a sumptuous five-course, prix-fixe dinner featuring foie gras and lobster for $175 per person ($100 wine pairing supplement). While there are certainly more affordable Valentine’s Day options, Aureole is a great choice for a special occasion splurge.

4. Bouley

The legendary Chef David Bouley is offering a six-course tasting menu for $195 per person ($295 with wine pairings) this Valentine’s Day. You can also take your Valentine to lunch at Bouley for just $36 per person for the tasting menu.

5. Bun Soho

This fabulous Grand Street Vietnamese spot is serving up a four-course prix-fixe menu with specialty cocktail and dessert for just $45 per couple. It’s the most affordable Valentine’s Day deal we found in Manhattan for the second year running.

6. Bryant Park Grill

At Bryant Park Grill, Valentine’s Day specials include the seafood raw bar for two, romantic cocktails (Budding Romance for Two features raspberry vodka and an edible orchid), and a complimentary box of hand made truffles. The regular menu is also available.

7. Chez Josephine

Chez Josephine, the restaurant inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker, offers a romantic setting complete with red velvet walls and chandeliers. Pianist/vocalist Christ Curtis will serenade diners as they enjoy a prix-fixe menu of French American bistro favorites for $75 per person.

8. COMMERCE

Enjoy incredible food in this historic Greenwich Village space. The three-course Valentine’s Day menu  offers options for $69-$98 per person (depending on entree choice).

9. Gentleman Farmer

Make it an intimate local Valentine’s Day at Gentleman Farmer on the Lower East Side. This cozy 20-seat restaurant serves a menu that combines traditional French cuisine with fresh local ingredients. The Valentine’s Day 2011 prix-fixe menu is $55 for three courses.

10. Guantanamera

Make it a Cuban Valentine’s Day with a three-course dinner, live music, and hand-rolled cigars for $69 per person.

If you want to impress someone special, choosing the right restaurant can make all the difference. These restaurants offer romantic atmosphere, as well quality food and service that are sure to impress — whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or another special occasion.
(Some of the following seem like nothing special when you’re  a local. Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe don’t seem particularly romantic to me.  The Sea Grill gets lots of tourists.)
More Romance in New York City:

1. Gramercy Tavern

Gramercy Tavern Dining RoomPhoto by Ellen Silverman, used with permission
Danny Meyer’s restaurants are reknowned for impeccable service, and Gramercy Tavern is no different. Serving creative American fare, Gramercy Tavern is the perfect place for a perfect meal, from start to finish. Reservations suggested, though the tavern area has reduced prices and a no-reservation policy.Gramercy Tavern Basics:
42 E. 20th St.
Between Broadway and Park Ave. So.
212-477-0777

2. Union Square Cafe

Union Square CafePhoto by Nathan Rawlinson, used with permission.
Another Danny Meyer destination, Union Square Cafe offers great service and delicious fare in a comfortable setting. Union Square Cafe is friendly to vegetarians. Reservations suggested, though the bar area offers you an in without a reservation.Union Square Cafe Basics:
21 E. 16th St.
Between Fifth Ave. and Union Sq. West
212-243-4020

3. One If By Land, Two If By Sea

One If By Land, Two If By SeaPhoto Courtesy of One If By Land, Two If By Sea, used with permission
Often considered the most romantic restaurant in New York City, One if By Land, TIBS is housed in a former carriage house that features nightly live piano music and working fireplaces. Exposed brick and dim lighting make this a great destination for a romantic evening.One If By Land, Two If By Sea:
17 Barrow St.
Between 7th Ave. S. & W. 4th St.
212-228-0822

4. Balthazar

I must admit, I’m a bit prejudiced, since Balthazar is where I went for dinner after I got engaged, but if being transported to a bustling Parisian bistro is your idea of romance, this is the perfect destination. Steak frites are fabulous, as is the onion goat cheese tart.Balthazar Basics:
80 Spring St.
Between Crosby & Broadway.
212-965-1785

5. Daniel

If you really want to dazzle your date, Daniel is among New York City’s most impressive restaurants, with prices to match. Decor reflects Daniel Boulud’s appreciation for Italian Renaissance design, but the menu features creative French cuisine. 3 Course Prix-Fixe $96.Daniel Basics:
60 E. 65th St.
Between Park and Madison Aves.
212-288-0033

6. Blue Hill

With an annual Valentine’s Day tradition of serving a “hands-free” meal, Blue Hill offers an off-beat take on your typical romantic evening. Serving American cuisine, Blue Hill builds a menu focused on seasonally available produce from the Hudson Valley.Blue Hill Basics:
75 Washington Pl.
Between Sixth Ave. and MacDougal St.
212-539-1776.

7. Savoy

This warmly lit restaurant feels more like a country inn — complete with a roaring fire in the colder months. Dine on fine American cuisine and if you’d really like to impress, reserve for the chef’s special menu.Savoy Basics:
70 Prince St.
Between Crosby and Lafayette Sts.
212-219-8570

8. The Sea Grill

Overlooking the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, The Sea Grill is a great choice for a romantic evening, assuming your date likes seafood. From oysters and clams to herb crusted skate, the menu offerings reflect a range of seafood options all well prepared and very fresh.The Sea Grill Basics:
19 W. 49th St.
Between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
212-332-7610

If it’s the perfect view that makes you feel romantic, you can do no better than The River Cafe on Brooklyn’s waterfront. Featuring delicious food combined with professional, attentive service, The River Cafe is well worth leaving Manhattan for the food alone, but the view of downtown Manhattan makes this an irresistable choice.The River Cafe Basics:
1 Water Street, Brooklyn
718-522-5200

10. The Place

This West Village restaurant offers all of the romance of New York’s finest restaurants, but with a more affordable price tag. The menu features both American and pan-European cuisine.The Place Basics:
310 W. 4th St.
Between Bank and W. 12th Sts.
212-924-2711

If anyone had a personal great experience at any restaurants listed –please let me know in comments.

More Romantic New York City

MUSINGS FROM MOM & DAD

MOM:      Love isn’t about getting roses or going to restaurants.
ME:          What is it?
MOM:      I don’t know.  Ask your father. (married 50 years and she doesn’t know)
ME:          Dad, Mommy said to ask you what is love?
DAD:       She’s crazy.
ME:          Well, what is it?
DAD:        What?
ME:           Love.  Amore!!!
DAD:       When you want to be with one person so you can be crazy together.
ME:           Brilliant.
Actually, Mom gave me a beautiful answer when I asked her once before. I always ask them that question.  If they have an epiphany, I want to be the first to know.  Mom said love was about two people who want to grow a garden together, water it every day, watch it grow, thorns and all.  Something like that. I wrote it down somewhere.
Post note:  If you’re single and alone on Valentine’s Day — you can’t go wrong with the pizza.     One of the few things you can still find for one dollar a slice.  Pizza = Love.   😀

Link below to find .99 cents pizza anywhere in NYC or click on City/State to find elsewhere:

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”                      ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery