Fun Salads--Make a Face!

Free KitchenAid Mixer!

Check out this blog site to enter a free KitchenAid mixer! It is a beautiful appliance and is listed at a retail price of $399.00

http://www.fabfrugalfood.com/frugal-tips/fab-frugal-foods-first-anniversary-giveaway/comment-page-3/#comment-1721

Why Chocolate is Good for You

Chocolate is a wonderful food. According to a survey done at the University of Pennsylvania, “chocolate is the most craved food among females” and is also highly craved among males. This is probably not surprising to most people. Over the years, chocolate has been labeled as a “stimulant, relaxant, euphoriant, aphrodisiac, tonic, and antidepressant.” Chocolate creates good feelings in people, because it increases the level of serotonin in the body, which is a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Aside from putting you in a good mood, chocolate can also have many health benefits. It is good for your heart because it increases the responsiveness of blood vessels. Also, it is an anti-oxidant and can help prevent cancer. Chocolate even helps control blood sugar, because it contains Chromium. Some people claim that chocolate is bad for you; and when not taken in moderation, it probably is. However, it is undeniable that there can be many health benefits associated with this wonderful and desirable food.

Sources:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/3-24-2005-67582.asp

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T2X-4JHMXTV-3&_user=464852&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1081380510&_rerunOrigin=scholar.google&_acct=C000022310&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=464852&md5=5ae1ce4cef98fe557ee2bb6dce3b02ff

http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=174630

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Effects-Of-Chocolate-On-The-Emotions&id=235610

Foods That Every Runner Should Eat

How well your body is functioning plays a huge role in how well runners perform; and as diet is one of the biggest factors affecting bodily function, it is important that runners choose healthy foods. Here are some of the best foods that a runner can eat to enhance their running abilities.

#1: Almonds

Almonds are a great food for runners because they contain vitamin E, which is an ant-oxidant that many people do not get enough of. Eating almonds three to five times a week helps lower cholesterol levels, which can improve circulation

#2: Eggs

Ten percent of your daily protein needs can be met by eating a single egg. According to Runnersworld.com, “Egg protein is the most complete food protein short of human breast milk, which means the protein in eggs contains all the crucial amino acids your hard-working muscles need to promote recovery.” Also, eggs contain vitamin K, choline, and leutin, which are all important to help keep your body healthy.

#3: Whole-Grain Cereal with Protein

Runners should select cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein.

#4: Oranges

Oranges can decrease muscle soreness after hard workouts, because they contain more than 100 percent of the DV for vitamin C, which is another anti-oxidant. This may be valuable to runners because “a recent study from the University of North Carolina Greensboro showed that taking vitamin C supplements for two weeks prior to challenging arm exercises helped alleviate muscle soreness.”

#5: Salmon

Salmon is a great source of high-quality protein as it contains 30 grams in a serving of four ounces. It is also one of the best sources of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats help regulate the body’s inflammation response, which can actually reduce asthma and other diseases. This was shown in a recent study where “people with exercise-induced asthma saw an improvement in symptoms after three weeks of eating more fish oil.”

SOURCE: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-301--10200-4-1X2X3X4X6X7-7,00.html

What to do With Zucchinni

Do you ever find yourself with so much zucchini that you just don't know what to do with it all? This is often a problem for many people who have a garden or know someone who does. Maybe you went to your parents' house for the weekend and found yourself driving home with a car full of long, dark green vegetables. On the other hand, you may have bought some on your last trip to the store thinking that it would be a healthy addition to your diet. Whatever the case, the question is what to do with all of your zucchini once you get it home.

First of all, don’t underestimate the greatness of zucchini. The nutritional value of zucchini makes it a great choice to help with weight loss and to increase optimal health. Not only is it low in calories, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, but it is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. For more information on the nutritional value of zucchini visit: http://www.great-workout.com/nutrition/vegetables/zucchini-nutrition-facts.cfm.

Zucchini is a great vegetable but many people struggle knowing what to do with it. Here are just a few great and easy ways to use up that zucchini so it doesn’t go to waste.

ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE

What you need:

Zucchini

1 can of cream of chicken soup

Cheddar cheese

Bread, toasted and cut into 1” squares

Garlic salt

Cooked chicken (for a heartier meal)

Onion (optional)

What you do:

Poke holes in zucchini several times with a fork. Cook in microwave for 6-10 minutes (depending on size of zucchini) or until soft. Cut it up into 1” cubes; the skin can be left on as long as it is not tough. Warm up cream of chicken soup on stove top or in microwave. Also, if using onions, cook them until tender; it is easiest to cook them in the microwave in a small bowl of water for 1-2 minutes. Meanwhile, you can be toasting the bread and cutting it up. While bread is still warm, place in a casserole dish and sprinkle with garlic salt. Then mix in zucchini, soup, chicken, and onion. Sprinkle cheese on top and cook in microwave or oven until cheese is melted.

ZUCCHINI CAKE

½ C margarine

½ C oil

1 ¾ C sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

½ C sour milk

2 ½ C flour

4 tbsp cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

2 C zucchini (peeled and shredded)

¼ C chocolate chips

¼ C brown sugar

¼ C nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 F. Cream together margarine, oil, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until well blended. Add dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt), and alternate with sour milk. Mix in shredded zucchini. Spread mixture into a greased 9x13” pan. In a small bowl, mix together chocolate chips, brown sugar, and nuts. Sprinkle this over top of cake. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Chocolate Milk: An Athlete's Best Friend

Do you love chocolate milk? Well if you're an athlete, you're in luck because chocolate milk has been found to be one of the best recovery foods out there. Athletes are now encouraged to drink chocolate milk after every workout. Yep, it's true! Just ask your nearest college team, and chances are that they're all chuggin' the chocolate milk. Here's why chocolate milk is so great:

• Most athletes realize that what they eat is important and affects their performance, but many neglect the the fact that when they eat is perhaps even more important. Immediately after working out, the cells in your body are the most permeable to receiving nutrients. Thus, replenishing your carbohydrates and proteins within 30-60 min. of finishing a workout is the most effective way to help your body rejuvenate and recover.
• Chocolate milk has been found to have just the right ratio of proteins and carbohydrates to replenish your body, which makes it a great recovery food.
• Also, many athletes have difficulty stomaching food soon after a workout, but almost anyone can drink something. So, chocolate milk is an easy way to get those replenishing calories in during the critical 30-60 min. window.

If you've ever felt guilty drinking chocolate milk and thought it was bad for you, you now have a legitimate excuse to drink it after every workout!