Child Obesity Cure: Physical Activity at an Early Age

Courtesy of HealthNewsDigest.com

An increasingly sedentary lifestyle coupled with poor food choices has led to an alarming rise in the number of overweight and obese children and adolescents. Research suggests that children aged 2-19 need to play for at least one and up to several hours a day to maintain a healthy weight. The statistics show that we are not meeting these goals.

· 16 percent of children aged 6-19 years are overweight. (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
· Being overweight as a child increases the risk of being overweight or obese as an adolescent and young adult. (Source: National Institutes of Medicine)

Basic motor skills like throwing, catching, skipping, running, and jumping improve children’s chances of growing into healthy, active adults. Basic motor skills also speed mental development, and children who acquire them early may do better in school. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential for your child’s mental and physical growth.

Parents who play with their children and actively promote a healthy lifestyle generally have healthier children than those who don’t. So what can parents do to encourage daily activity? Try some of the tips below to get started.

Tips for Getting Your Family Active

I recently commented that I had seen a video game designed to get kids to go out and play...how ridiculous is that?? Whatever you do don't waste your time or money with this type of solution. Get involved with your kids...their your kids!

Children need daily exercise regardless of the weather. Find safe places for active play indoors and out.

Give your children the tools they need to facilitate healthy activity. Provide a variety of toys and sporting goods appropriate to their age level, including:

· Balls for kicking, catching and bouncing; soft bats, rackets, nets, goals and hoops; roller skates or bicycles and safety gear; chalk or paint for outdoor use; small cones and parachutes; bubble wands; bean bags; jump ropes and hula-hoops; comfortable play clothes and sturdy shoes.

Don’t be merely an observer. Join your children in their activities for the sake of everyone’s health.

· Take a walk through the neighborhood; play catch in the backyard; spend a summer afternoon chasing each other through the sprinklers; take a trip to the local playground and devise an obstacle course on the equipment; have a bubble blowing contest; plant a garden.

· Use words your children will understand while praising their efforts. Consider their ages and begin with tasks they can easily accomplish before raising the bar. A child with the benefit of supportive coaching is more likely to thrive.

Children are born with an abundance of energy. Join them in active play and set them on the path to a healthy and happy life.

White Bean Dip (with Crudités)

Crudités are traditional French appetizers comprising sliced or whole raw vegetables which are sometimes dipped in vinaigrette or another dipping sauce.  Lots of freshly chopped herbs add zing to this healthy white bean dip. Serve with assorted vegetables, such as baby carrots, bell pepper strips, radishes, snow peas, broccoli and cauliflower florets.

8 servings, 1/4 cup each
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can low or no-salt white beans, rinsed
• 3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Preparation

1. Place beans, yogurt, feta, lemon juice, garlic salt and pepper in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add herbs; puree until incorporated. Chill until ready to serve.

*Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 32 calories; 1 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 4 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 167 mg sodium; 77 mg potassium.

Become a NUTritionist

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Eat nuts everyday! Two ounces is all you need of these nutrient-packed gems of deliciousness!

The nut why and how

·         Nuts are rich in energy and nutrients. Nuts nutrition loaded with excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and palmitoleic acids which help to lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol". Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent coronary artery disease, strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.

·     They are rich source of all important omega-3 essential fatty acids like Linoleic acid, α-Linolenic acid(ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexonic acid etc. Research studies have suggested that n-3 or ω-3 fatty acids by their virtue of anti-inflammatory action helps to lower the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Omega-3 fatty acids also offer some benefits in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and in cases of Schizophrenia, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

·     Nuts are storehouse of health benefiting poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as carotenes, resveratrol, lutein, cryptoxanthin etc. These compounds have been found to be protective against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral/ fungal infections. Studies suggests that resveratrol in peanuts reduces stroke risk by alteration of molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels, reducing their susceptibility to vascular damage through decreased activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure) and increased production of the vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.

·        Nuts nutrition is total in the sense that in addition to calories, vitamins they are rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, fluoride and selenium. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and play important role in prevention of dental caries.

·         They contain very good levels of vitamin-E, a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin; thus, protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.

·     Nuts nutrition provides many vital B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins are essential for optimum health and wellbeing.

Nuts are your friends!

• You can carry them along with you wherever you go!

• No need of special containers or carry boxes.

• They have long shelf life. Unlike fruits and vegetables, nuts are not perishable!

• You can enjoy them wherever you want! Whenever you like! Nothing to worry about preparation, in fact, nuts never need a kitchen!

Nature's friendly! Almost all the varieties of nuts we eat come in safe envelopes (shells). There is nothing to worry about contamination or handling issues. Just grab healthy looking nuts of your choice and enjoy! 

As a part of my heart-healthy regimen, I eat 2-3 ounces of a healthy nut mix every single day and I recommend you do the same. My mix consists of the following especially heart-healthy nuggets:

Almonds (Prunus dulcis) – The king of all nuts! (For more information on almonds see HERE)

Hazelnuts (Filberts) (Corylus avellana) -- These nuts are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals. Altogether, they help protect from diseases and cancers.

 Click to enlarge

Peanuts – (Arachis hypogaea) Delicious, crunchy, and nutty peanuts are one of the popular oil seeds known to humankind since ancient times. The nuts are enriched with many noteworthy health-benefiting nutrients that are essential for optimum health. They are actually legumes but have almost all the qualities that true nuts contain.

Click to enlarge

Pecans – (Carya illinoinensis) Pecan is a very large sized, deciduous tree belongs to the member of hickory family. These delicious, buttery yet rich-flavored nuggets are one of the popular edible dry fruits known to American aborigines since centuries ago. The nuts are enriched with many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

  Click to enlarge

Pistachio – (Pistacia vera) Wonderfully delicious pistachio nuts are popular dry fruits revered as symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. The nuts are enriched with many health benefiting nutrients that are essential for optimum health.

 

Click to enlarge

Walnuts – (Juglans regia ) Walnuts are revered since ancient times as symbol of intellectuality as their shape resembles that of the human brain! There are at least 30 varieties of walnuts.

So, become a NUTritionist and eat your nuts today!

Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa

 These delicious and spicy black bean croquettes are baked, not fried (of course) but you'd never know the difference!

4 servings, 2 croquettes & 1/2 cup salsa each 

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce cans low or no-salt black beans, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs, divided
• 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon hot chili powder, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 avocado, diced

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Mash black beans and cumin with a fork in a large bowl until no whole beans remain. Stir in corn and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. 
3. Combine tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and salt in a medium bowl. Stir 1 cup of the tomato mixture into the black bean mixture.
4. Mix the remaining 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, oil and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder in a small bowl until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. 
5. Divide the bean mixture into 8 scant 1/2-cup balls. Lightly press each bean ball into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the croquettes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado into the remaining tomato mixture. Serve the salsa with the croquettes and enjoy!

Nutrition

Per serving: 405 calories; 12 g fat ( 2 g sat , 8 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 61 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 16 g protein; 16 g fiber; 438 mg sodium; 621 mg potassium.

Kasha Varnishkes

Kasha varnishkes is a traditional comfort food brought to America by Russian Jewish immigrants. My first wife was of Russian Jewish heritage and this was one of my favorite dishes that she made on a regular basis. Traditionally, in Russia, the word kasha refers to porridge made from any whole grain or combination of grains. To me and almost everyone else, it means but one thing…buckwheat groats, and ‘kasha varnishkes’ is buckwheat and pasta, specifically Farfalle or bowtie pasta.

Buckwheat is actually the seed of a fruit, a plant called "fagopyrum esculentum" or Tartary buckwheat  It's related to rhubarb, not wheat, rye or barley and despite the confusing name, not a grain at all. It is extremely nutritious, 100% gluten-free, full of protein and fiber, delicious and quick cooking. Buckwheat also contains rutin, a powerful flavonoid antioxidant that prevents cell damage and supports good health. Raw buckwheat is called buckwheat groats, and that's what is called for in this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin olive oil
• 2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (button, shiitake, portobello, or a combination)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces whole-grain Farfalle (bowtie pasta)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole kasha (whole roasted buckwheat groats)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Procedures

·        Heat the oil in a skillet over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and season with pepper.

·        When the onion is softened, add the mushrooms. Sauté all until onions are opaque and remove to a large bowl.

·        Cook the pasta in boiling water until tender but firm. Drain and toss with the browned onions and mushrooms.

·        Beat the egg in a small bowl. Add the kasha and stir until all the grains are well coated.

·        Wipe out the skillet and set it over a high flame. Add the egg-coated kasha to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the grains are toasted and separate, 2-3 minutes.

·        Reduce the heat to low and add the broth. Stir, cover, and simmer until the broth is absorbed and the kasha is tender but not mushy, 7-8 minutes.

·        Stir the mushroom-noodle mixture into the kasha. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Garnish with fresh parsley and mazel tov!

Seafood Linguine

4 servings
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-wheat linguine
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
• 1 28-ounce can diced low or no-salt tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 dozen littleneck or cherrystone clams (or mussels) scrubbed
• 16 ounces sea scallops (or shrimp)
• 16 ounces tilapia, or other flaky white fish, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram, or 1 teaspoon dried, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 1 minute.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add tomatoes, wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute. Add clams, cover and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in scallops, fish and marjoram. Cover and cook until the scallops and fish are cooked through and the clams have opened, 3 to 5 minutes more. (Discard any clams that don’t open.)
4. Spoon the sauce and clams over the pasta and sprinkle with additional marjoram and Parmesan (if using).

Nutrition

Per serving: 453 calories; 10 g fat ( 2 g sat , 6 g mono ); 62 mg cholesterol; 51 g carbohydrates; 36 g protein; 8 g fiber; 733 mg sodium; 656 mg potassium.

Exercise: The Reverse Fly

Tones mid and upper back, shoulders.

Hold two cans, bottles or dumbbells of equal weight and stand with your feet staggered, one foot in front of the other, front knee bent slightly.

Stand with your back straight, abs engaged and arms extended underneath your shoulders, palms facing each other.

Bend forward slightly from the waist. Keeping elbows bent slightly, exhale and slowly pull your arms out to the sides and up to shoulder level as you squeeze your shoulder blades together.

Inhale and slowly return to the start position to complete 1 repetition.

TIP: To protect your back, be sure to engage your abdominal muscles on each move. Pull your navel toward your spine by isolating the lower abs and lifting them up and back as you breathe easily. 

Complete 3 sets of 20, 15 and 12

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients

To have success on any eating plan, you must understand two types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients. 

Macronutrients are protein, carbohydrate, and fat and all three of these contain a lot of calories. Macronutrient foods include all animal-based foods:

• Meat Products (including poultry)
• Dairy Products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc)
• Eggs
• Fish 

Micronutrients (which we will focus on) are vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals and are very low in calories. Micronutrients are often referred to as “super foods” and include:

• Polyphenols – Found in nuts, and berries, these act as antioxidants and anti-allergenics.
• Carotenoids – Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, apricots, and mangoes. These include beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein and also function as antioxidants.
• Phytoestrogens – Found in soy, seeds, whole wheat and other whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. These are plant estrogens and may help prevent breast and prostate cancer.

A super food is a "nutritional powerhouse" food that can help extend your life span and help prevent or reverse some diseases of aging such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, and certain cancers. The 14 classic super foods listed below are easy to find and generally inexpensive, so it's easy to fit them into your daily diet.

• Beans – Includes all beans. Aim for 4 1/2-cup servings per week.
• Blueberries – May substitute other berries. Aim for 1 to 2 cups daily.
• Broccoli – May substitute other cruciferous vegetables or greens. Aim for 1/2 to 1 cup daily.
• Oats - Also wheat germ and ground flaxseed, as well as all other whole grains. Aim for 5 to 7 servings a day.
• Oranges – May also use lemons, limes, grapefruit, kumquats and tangerines. Aim for 1 serving daily.
• Pumpkin – Also carrots, butternut squash, orange bell peppers and sweet potatoes. Aim for 1/2 cup on most days.
• Salmon – Wild salmon (avoid Atlantic/farmed). May substitute Alaskan halibut, albacore tuna in cans, herring, sardines, trout, sea bass, oysters and clams. Aim for 2 to 4 times per week.
• Soy – Meaning tofu, soymilk, soy nuts, edamame, miso and tempeh. Aim for 15 grams of soy protein per day.
• Spinach – Also includes kale, collards, Swiss chard, turnip and mustard greens, romaine lettuce and bok choy. Aim for 1 cup steamed or 2 cups raw on most days.
• Tea – Aim to drink 1 or more cups daily.
• Tomatoes – May substitute watermelon, pink grapefruit, persimmons, guava and red-fleshed papaya. Aim for 1 serving per day.
• Turkey – Also skinless chicken breast. Aim for 3 or 4 4-ounce servings per week.
• Walnuts – Also many other nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pistachios, pecans, sesame seeds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, cashews and macadamia nuts. Aim for 5 ounces a week.
• Yogurt – Aim for 2 cups daily.

For ideal health, we need to consume both kinds of nutrients, but the American diet contains too many macronutrients and not enough micronutrients. Few Americans are deficient in calories or macronutrients and excess weight from too many calories is currently a problem for many people, hence the obesity epidemic currently plaguing the U.S. This over-feeding of macronutrients, coupled with a lack of exercise, is the main contributor to juvenile obesity…welcome to reality parents! I recently saw a news report that there is actually a video game designed to get kids out of the house and involved in playing outdoor sports and activities. Can you imagine that? We have become such couch potatoes that our kids need a video game to convince them to go outside and play! When I was a kid we couldn’t wait to get home so that we could get out of the house to play football, basketball, baseball or any other physical activity. God help the youth of today when they get older. My guess is that there will be a HUGE spike in coronary disease and diabetes in the years and decades to come. So (now that I’ve vented), the majority of Americans should limit their consumption of macronutrients and increase their consumption of micronutrients as doing so is essential to achieving maximum weight loss and optimal health. 

A micronutrient-heavy diet supplies your body with 14 different vitamins, 25 different minerals and more than 10,000 phytochemicals, which are plant-based chemicals that have profound effects on human cell function and the immune system. Foods that are naturally rich in these nutrients are also rich in fiber and water and are naturally low in calories, meaning they have a low caloric density. These low-calorie, high-nutrient foods provide the ingredients that enable your body's self-healing and self-repairing mechanisms and helps people achieve maximum weight loss and optimal health. 

In addition to eating more micronutrient-rich foods, we need to eat fewer macronutrients. Every nutritional scientist in the world agrees that moderate caloric restriction (remember only macronutrients have high calories) promotes weight loss, slows the aging process, prevents the development of chronic diseases and extends lifespan. There is no controversy that Americans are eating themselves to death with too many calories so to change this, we must eat less fat, protein and carbohydrates and more plant-based foods.

The simple fact is that if you include more micronutrients in your diet and fewer macronutrients, the combination of fewer calories and increased vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals will provide a powerful synergy that will accelerate your weight loss and health goals. 

Further, the Food and Drug administration (as behind as they are when it comes to real nutrition) has published a list of Daily Values covering both macronutrients and micronutrients.  These Daily Values are now in use on most food labels sold in the grocery store.  They are based on a 2000 calorie diet.  The Daily Value for fat is 65 grams, of which no more than 20 grams should be saturated fat.  People who require more or fewer than 2000 calories should adjust the amounts of macronutrients accordingly.  The problem is that most Americans take in a fat content equal to a 4000 calorie diet and, on top of that, don't get enough exercise!

The Daily Value for Sodium is 2300mg, or ONE TEASPOON of salt. For more information on sodium intake, see my article on SALT.  The Daily Value for cholesterol is 300 mg, and it is strongly recommended to not exceed this value.

The following table contains a complete list of the recommended intake Daily Values.

I wish you continued healthy eating and let me know how else I can help. Keep reading my articles for more nutritional facts and helpful tips…and feel free to make suggestions as to topics you want to know about.

Roasted Cucumber Sandwiches

This is a healthy take on English cucumber finger sandwiches. You roast or grill the cucumbers to deepen their flavor. You can use any cucumber variety you want, from Japanese, English or hothouse…use the ones available at your local market.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 1/4 pounds fresh cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon reserved
• 1/2 cup Greek-style yogurt
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed well, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoons mint leaves, finely chopped fresh
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon Sea salt
• 2 ciabatta rolls (or 1  loaf focaccia, halved horizontally)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°. If using English cucumbers, split lengthwise and remove seeds (leave other varieties whole*). Arrange cucumbers on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. (If using English cucumbers, arrange cut side down.) 

Brush with olive oil. Roast cucumbers until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer cucumbers to a paper towel–lined plate then chill in the fridge until cool. 

Cut cucumbers lengthwise in half, then slice the cucumbers crosswise into 1/4 inch-thick pieces. 

Whisk the Greek yogurt and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in sliced cucumbers and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Season filling to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. 

Brush cut sides of focaccia or rolls with 1 tablespoon olive oil; place on a baking sheet and toast in a 400° oven until just crispy and lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Divide filling among focaccia bottoms, cover with tops.

Serve with a glass of your favorite white wine and enjoy!

Fiber: Have you had your roughage today?

If you’re like most people, your diet could use a boost in fiber consumption. While the typical prune and bran muffins are good sources of fiber, there are other really good sources of fiber out there to be enjoyed.

Eating fiber in your daily diet does help protect the heart and, given that you aren’t committing other sins, like smoking, can have a substantially positive effect. Countries with the highest fiber consumption also tend to have the lowest rates of coronary heart disease. Two major Harvard health research studies-one in men and one in women, have proven that a high total dietary fiber intake was linked to a 40% reduction in risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those people who had a low fiber intake. That’s HUGE! Plant or cereal fiber, found in grains, was especially beneficial in lowering risk.

Sources of fiber

Your best sources for fiber include whole grain foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and legumes. Here at the Heart Smart Gourmet, I recommend replacing ‘bleached out’ carbs with whole grain products. Dump the white rice, white bread and regular pasta and change over to brown rice and whole grain breads and pastas. Anything that is artificially white (bread, rice, pasta, sugar, flour, etc) as a result of processing (bleaching) should be totally wiped out of your diet. These processed, unnatural ‘white foods’ are a wasteland of nutritional emptiness and replacing them with whole-grain versions will result in actually getting some good from eating them instead of eating empty calories.

Two Kinds of Fiber

There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber and we need both in our daily diet.

Soluble fiber is "soluble" in water.  When mixed with water it forms a gel-like substance and swells.  Soluble fiber has many benefits, including moderating blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol. .

Insoluble fiber does not absorb or dissolve in water.  It passes through our digestive system in close to its original form.  Insoluble fiber offers many benefits to intestinal health, including a reduction in the risk and occurrence of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and constipation.


Sources of soluble fiber include; oatmeal, oat bran, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, dried peas, lentils, apples, pears and blueberries.

Sources of insoluble fibers include: whole wheat bread (I’m talking real whole-grain wheat bread, not that store-bought, air-filled crap), brown rice, whole grain breakfast cereals, wheat bran and couscous.

The following is a list of fiber foods and their fiber content in grams: (Click on each graph to enlarge)

 

How much fiber should you eat?

The American Dietetic Association recommends we eat between 20 and 35 grams of fiber each day from plant foods for heart health. The Mayo Clinic cardiologists recommend that women should eat at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should aim for 30 to 38 grams a day.

Fiber lowers cholesterol levels

How does fiber work at lowering your cholesterol? Your body does not have the ability to break down fiber, meaning it passes through your digestive system essentially unchanged. As fiber passes through your intestines it helps block the re-absorption of cholesterol, thereby lowering your blood cholesterol levels by 5-10%. This ability to lower cholesterol levels is the likely explanation as to why countries with the highest fiber intakes also have the lowest rates of coronary heart disease.

The bottom line

By eating 20-35 grams of fiber to your daily diet you can help reduce your risk of heart disease by about forty percent. Adding great tasting fiber to your diet can also regulate your blood glucose and cholesterol levels while reducing the risk and occurrence of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and constipation.

So, now you know that getting your daily fiber boost is easier than you think; just focus on fresh fruits, nuts and whole grains and you will be on your way to lower cholesterol and a healthy heart.

Mushroom Galette

Galettes are usually made with crepes but here we are indulging with puff pastry. These galettes can be served as either a main veggie dish, side dish or, with individual sized rounds, as hors d'oeuvres for a dinner party.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms of choice
• Puff Pastry
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Several fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (For brushing the puff pastry)

Preparation

• Sauté mushrooms, onions and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil and season with red crushed pepper, Italian seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Add the balsamic and reduce as much as possible.

• Layer 3-4 sheets of puff pastry (preferably whole wheat), brushing each layer with the teaspoon of olive oil, and trim into a round shape. Pierce each sheet with a fork in the middle leaving about ¼” edge not pierced (this section will ‘puff’ when baked).

• Fill the round with mushroom mixture and top with goat cheese. Bake @ 425 for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, slice into wedges and serve garnished with fresh basil.

Tuna with Ginger, Papaya & Red Pepper Salsa

4 servings 

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup rice-wine vinegar
• 2-4 tablespoons honey
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound tuna steak, about 1 inch thick, cut into 4 portions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger and red pepper and sauté until the garlic begins to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey and half of the papaya; cook until the papaya starts to fall apart and thicken the sauce, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add the remaining papaya and roasted red peppers and cook until the salsa is just warmed through. Do not overcook; you want to preserve the diced raw papaya texture.
5. Season with lime juice and black pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.
6. Rub tuna steaks lightly with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and season with black pepper. Grill or broil the tuna just until the interior is pink, about 3 minutes per side.
7. Return the sauce to a burner and heat just until warm. Spoon a little salsa onto the center of warm plates. Transfer the tuna steaks onto the salsa with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining salsa and cilantro over the fish. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Per serving: 309 calories; 8 g fat ( 2 g sat , 3 g mono ); 43 mg cholesterol; 33 g carbohydrates; 28 g protein; 4 g fiber; 484 mg sodium; 777 mg potassium.