Honey: Nature's sweet talker

We love honey. Especially this time of year.

Health Benefits
Research has shown that unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids as well as antioxidants. Honey's composition also makes it an effective antimicrobial agent. Research continues into the use of honey for treating minor burns and scrapes and for aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections. Honey is also a great pre-workout energy source, aiding an athlete's endurance and helping the athlete's muscles recuperate following a race or workout. Using local honey can help avoid seasonal allergies.

Store your honey at room temperature (not in the fridge).

Honey is not recommended for infants under age 1.


Source: Honey board

Easy as 1, 2, 3

A good way to get the kids on board with healthy eating is to get them involved.

For snacks, I bring out a variety of snacks for a trail mix party. Seeds, oat bran sticks, pretzels, raisens, nuts, cereal, dried fruit. Then I ask my 6 year old to count out 100 of each item and put in a container for the week. She has so much fun assembling the mix that she hardly notices that I also threw in an educational manipulative. My three year old does mix with counts of 20.

Just as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Healthy eating.

Shrove Tuesday

All I can think about today is pancakes! I thought I would pop in and give some quick ways to make pancakes healthier.

Truthfully, pancakes are not your healthiest option. but if you eat them every once in a while, here are some ways to be healthier.

Skip or less syrup
top with fruit or unsweetened applesauce
Add buckwheat to batter (Fibersure if you have a high fiber diet)
Cook in non stick pan with less oil
Use a Whole grain batter

Healthy eating!

TV cooking

Yesterday I caught a couple of glimpses at the Food Network. Barefoot Contessa, Robin Miller, and more. Mmmm. I love this channel. Ida had some delicious pea soup. but I am saving all green recipes and ideas for March. Robin Miller had a wonderful pesto sole (fish) recipe. But Ida's carrot pineapple cake was really calling me. So here is the link http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_104822,00.html No butter. and I would skip (or substitute) the frosting.

I challenge you to try a new recipe that is healthier for you. Maybe you will find inspiration in a cookbook or on tv.

Healthy eating.

Eat this.

Healthy choices. Healthier eating. that is what I want for 2008. Maybe you do too.

Superbowl parties are always a challenge because I LOVE good food.
So let's talk what to avoid first:
chicken wings
unlimited soda refills
pizza
fried cheese

Good options:
salsa
hummus
veggies
water
Becks light beer
white wine
Ice water
pretzels
pita chips
sweet potato fries
bean salad

Try to drink water in between snack trips.
Eat a little something before going. Don't begin partying hungry.
Moderation is the key.

Good luck.
and GO Giants!