As we approach Christmas and another New Year, most of us are experiencing higher levels of stress. Between shopping, decorations, family commitments and preparing food – it is hard to control anxiety, much less what you are eating. Unfortunately, the American Psychological Association reports 40% of Americans stress eat, regularly. These statistics are only amplified during the holiday season. The APA’s study confirms, people seem to recognize stress can have an impact on health, but they do not necessarily take action to prevent stress or manage it well. Time management seems to be the most popular excuse. Grabbing high-fat, sugar-filled processed food is easy and convenient, especially for families with…
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Kicking My Bread Addiction
Remember last week, I was going to change my eating habits. After revealing my weight frustration to my doctor, he explained cutting out carbohydrates was more beneficial than exercising. Cutting Out Carbs Better Than Exercise? So, I have really been working hard, avoiding potatoes and pasta; which has not been a problem. I have discovered a few things… I HATE steamed cauliflower which has been put through the food processor to replicate mashed potatoes. I have felt more tired this week than normal. There are only so many salads you can eat. But, more urgently…MY BIGGEST BATTLE HAS BEEN… MY BREAD ADDICTION I love sandwiches for lunch. They are relativity…
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Reducing Carbs Better Than Exercise
Visited my internal medicine doctor last week, for my six month check-up. Because I have high blood pressure, I like to keep it monitored. I was actually looking forward to the visit because it would be the first time I weighed, since staring my new power walking regime. Unfortunately, I GAINED 3 pounds! I was devastated! My doctor assured me, walking the 2.6 miles at least 3 times a week was great, but perhaps I had boosted my appetite with my new routine. He said eating carbohydrates would trump any exercise I had endured. Time for a CARBOHYDRATE CUT BACK. What are carbohydrates? Any food containing refined sugars, starches, fibers…
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Crazy for Crispy Celery
Earlier this year, Chef Curtis Stone developed a 9-course tasting menu centered around celery, for his restaurant Maude in California. He created a celery salad; reduced celery juice for an apple sorbet and braised some stalks for a celeri barigoule. Celeri Barigoule – a traditional Provencal dish of artichokes braised with onions, garlic and carrots in a seasoned broth of wine and water. Early culinary cooking, the artichokes were stuffed with mushrooms, however, modern cuisine no longer uses mushrooms. Some preparations are stuffed with spinach, carrots and cheese. Celery has a crunchy texture, slightly bitter, earthy flavor which has long been served as a cooling accompaniment to hot wings. …
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Simple Asian Dinner: Pork and Rice
This simple Asian dinner is my substitute for Chinese take out. Some Chinese take out is loaded in MSG, which I try to avoid. Although easy, this Pork and Rice dish is filling and a great option for a weeknight meal. It can be done in only one pot and one skillet, for less clean up. What is Monosodium glutamate? MSG is the salt-based compound used as a flavor enhancer in dishes that need a more intense “meaty” taste. Although deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, MSG is linked to severe headaches, bloating, and general discomfort. Found in many processed foods, it is harmful to those diagnosed with…
