Monday, May 30, 2016

Happy Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we express our gratitude for those who have lost their lives in service to our country.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

The Weird Reason You Might Not Be Losing Weight By Marissa Donovan, R.D., May/June 2016

You cut calories, workout more, and still it feels like your diet is not working. Well, it turns out that Father Time is stacking the deck against you when it comes to weight loss—and it's not just because it's harder to lose weight as you get older. It is measurably harder to be thin today than it was in the '80s, according to research published in Obesity Research & Clinical Practice. People in 2006 had higher BMIs—as much as 2.3 points higher—than those in 1988. The real kicker: both groups ate the same number of calories and exercised equally.
So what gives? Modern factors like more stress and environmental toxins such as pesticides, BPA and flame retardants, different sleep patterns, more prescription drug use and different gut bacteria may be promoters of weight gain that we didn't have decades ago.
There are some benefits to living in the modern age. It's easier to track your food intake—forget journaling, there's an app for that—which can help you lose weight. It's easier to get social support through texting and social networks like Facebook and Instagram. Though there are some factors you can't control (short of time traveling), here are a three ways to fight these newer barriers to weight loss:
De-stress your diet: Stress is an enemy of weight-loss, thanks in part to the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol increases your chances of gaining belly fat. But don't stress about it! Instead, try these 7 foods for stress relief.

Sleep Better: Less sleeping means more hours spent awake—and possibly chowing down (especially on late night grub). When you're sleep deprived, you're also more likely to give in to food cravings the next day. Luckily, there are foods that can help you get some shut-eye.Try eating these foods that can promote sleep.

Go with your gut—bacteria that is. Researchers aren't exactly sure why yet, but they have linked unhappy and unhealthy gut bacteria to slower metabolisms and weight gain. Previous research has shown that gut bacteria may impact obesity. For a healthier gut eat fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut, and watch your sugar intake.
More Weight-Loss Help:
Weight-Loss Meal Plans
The Best Foods for Weight Loss
Healthy 400-Calorie Dinners
10 Weight-Loss Tips That Actually Work (According to Science)
Best Foods for Diabetes


 

New Chai Tea in Town - Check This Out!


How to Set Effective Goals by Christy Whitman

Magnetic Monday: How to Set Effective Goals

 
 
 
We hear about how important it is to set goals.
 
There are studies that show that those people that write down and set goals actually achieve more and greater success than who don’t decide what goals to focus on and write them down.
 
I have done shows in the past on the difference between a vision and goal to help you make this distinction.
 
On the Quantum Success Show today I am giving you guidelines on how to set effective goals.
 
I will take you step by step in how to set a really effective goal.
 
Watch the "How to Set Effective Goals” episode for free here!
This show is FULL of great info, so get ready to start achieving your goals.
 
Take out a piece of paper, a journal, or write notes on your smart phone.
 
Get ready!
 
Have fun on the way to achieving your goals!
 
Much love,
 
Christy
 
 
 
 
P.S. You know that feeling of being so thirsty that you can’t drink water fast enough? Do you know that same feeling of soul thirst? That’s what next week's show is all about and I have a very special guest to share that wisdom with you…Be sure to tune in.
 

P.P.S. Do you want help implementing this information in your own life for free? There are many coaches that are trained by the QSCA and can help you implement this information and attain your goals and visions. There is no cost or obligation and you can have a coach in training give you a couple of free sessions. Click here to sign up.
 

Peanut Shrimp Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

Include this easy-to-prepare dish you can enjoy in a matter of minutes as part of your Healthiest Way of Eating! The red coloring of shrimp is a reflection of health-promoting phytonutrients that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection.
Peanut Shrimp
Peanut Shrimp
Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 lb medium size shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 TBS + 1 TBS fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 TBS low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of your favorite peanut sauce
Directions:
  1. Chop garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to Promote its Health Benefits
  2. Peel and devein shrimp.
  3. Rub shrimp with 2 TBS lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Heat 3 TBS broth over medium-low heat in a stainless steel skillet.
  5. When broth begins to steam, add shrimp and sauté. Stir frequently. After 2 minutes, turn the shrimp over and add garlic. Sauté until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout (approximately 3 minutes). Cook 4-5 minutes for large shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch your cooking time or they will become tough.
  6. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and the remaining 1 TBS lemon juice.
  7. Serve with mixed greens and top with your favorite peanut sauce.
Serves 2 Printer Friendly Version of Peanut Shrimp
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Peanut Shrimp

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Madonna - Frozen (Official Video)

Hot Topic This Week

Hot Topic

What is gluten?

It is impossible for anyone to question the growing popularity of gluten-free foods in the U.S. marketplace during the period of time between 2010 and 2015. In fact, statistics from 2014 show that over 8 billion dollars' worth of gluten-free foods were sold in U.S. supermarkets! Along with this gluten-free trend has come a wealth of debate about wheat, and popular interest in grain-free eating, wheat-free eating, and the "wheat belly diet." We have taken a close look at health research studies in this area, and have created a short list of grain-related questions to provide you with quick access to practical information in this area. Here is the one for this week: Read More

Super Energy Kale Soup Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

This quick and easy version of potato kale soup has extra vegetables for more flavor and nutrition and takes little time to prepare.
Super Energy Kale Soup
Super Energy Kale Soup
Prep and Cook Time: Prep and cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium carrot, diced into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 red potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 cups kale, rinsed, stems removed and chopped very fine
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsp dried sage
  • salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
  1. Chop garlic and onions and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out their hidden health benefits.
  2. Heat 1 TBS broth in a medium soup pot.
  3. Healthy Sauté onion in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes stirring frequently.
  4. Add garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
  5. Add broth, carrots, and celery and bring to a boil on high heat.
  6. Once it comes to a boil reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 more minutes.
  7. Add kale and rest of ingredients and cook another 5 minutes. If you want to simmer for a longer time for extra flavor and richness, you may need to add a little more broth.
Serves 4 Printer Friendly Version of Super Energy Kale Soup
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Super Energy Kale Soup

Another Linda Favorite Quote Today


5 Easy Ways to Take Your Blood Pressure


1 / 7   Get Your Blood Pressure Under Control

High blood pressure can kill you if you don't get it under control. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 67 million adults have high blood pressure, but only 47 percent are getting treatment to lower their pressure — before it leads to killer cardiovascular diseases like atrial fibrillation or stroke. Fortunately, new technology has given us more ways than ever to measure blood pressure accurately and at home, which can help you get your pressure down and maintain it at a healthy level. Your treatment for getting high blood pressure down will vary depending on your age and whether you have other health conditions, but for those with hypertension, maintaining a healthy blood pressure is a daily challenge.
For anyone over the age of 20, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury), according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension is defined as 140/90 mm Hg and higher. Any reading higher than 180/110 is considered a hypertensive crisis and emergency care is necessary right away. Tools that track blood pressure have become easier to use — at home or on the go. Here are five easy ways to check your numbers.

Click to read more

Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

The beautiful orange color of the squash reflects its rich concentration of health-promoting beta carotene. Combine the nutritional value of the squash with the great taste of the red chili sauce for a great addition to your Healthiest Way of Eating.
Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce
Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce
Prep and Cook Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1 medium-sized butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 TBS + 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 TBS chopped cilantro
Directions:
  1. Slice onion and chop garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to enhance their health benefits.
  2. Bring 2 inches of water in a steamer to a boil.
  3. Cut squash into cubes and steam in a steamer with a tight fitting lid until al denté, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Heat 1 TBS broth in a medium-size skillet. Healthy Sauté onion in broth for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add garlic and spices and mix well. After about 1 minute, add rest of broth and begin to simmer gently.
  5. When squash is al denté, add it to simmering sauce and cook together for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cilantro.
Serves 4 Printer Friendly Version of Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce

Soy Bean and Fennel Salad Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

The flavor of the fennel bulb makes this salad a deliciously refreshing addition to your Healthiest Way of Eating.
Soy Bean and Fennel Salad
Soy Bean and Fennel Salad
Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 4 cups or 2 15 oz cans of organic soy beans, rinsed
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced fennel bulb
  • 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 4 TBS finely minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 4 TBS fresh lemon juice
  • 3 TBS chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 TBS chopped walnuts
  • olive oil to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
  1. Mince onion and press garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
  2. Mix all ingredients together. This salad gets better as it sets, so if you have time, prepare it in advance.
Serves 4 Printer Friendly Version of Soy Bean and Fennel Salad
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Soy Bean and Fennel Salad

Sweet N' Sour Cod with Cabbage and Broccoli Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

If you are watching your weight, this is a great health-promoting recipe for you. It's not just low in calories it also adds a wealth of nutrients, especially health-promoting vitamins C and K, to your Healthiest Way of Eating. Enjoy!
Sweet N' Sour Cod with Cabbage and Broccoli
Sweet N' Sour Cod with Cabbage and Broccoli
Prep and Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 medium onion, sliced medium thick
  • 4 medium cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth broth
  • 1 TBS minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets, cut into about 1/2-inch pieces with no stem
  • 1 lb cod filet, cut into 1-inch pieces (use thick filets)
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 2 TBS chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt and white pepper to taste
  • 1 TBS sesame seeds

  • Sweet n' Sour Sauce
  • 3 TBS soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup mirin rice wine
  • 2 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 TBS honey
  • salt and white pepper to taste
Directions:
  1. Slice onion and mince garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
  2. Mix together all sauce ingredients and simmer in a small saucepan over high heat for about 15 minutes, reducing it to half the volume. Set aside. This will intensify the flavor.
  3. While sauce is reducing, prepare rest of ingredients.
  4. Heat 1 TBS broth in a stainless steel wok or large skillet. Healthy Stir-Fry onion in broth for 1 minute over medium high heat, stirring constantly.
  5. Add garlic, ginger, and cod and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  6. Add broccoli and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
  7. Add cabbage and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Add sweet n' sour sauce, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serves 4 Serving Suggestion: Serve with
  • Seaweed Rice
Printer Friendly Version of Sweet N' Sour Cod with Cabbage and Broccoli
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Sweet N' Sour Cod with Cabbage and Broccoli

The Thing About the Truth


Linda Favorite Quote for Today by Tony A. Gaskins Jr


9 Behaviors That Will Kill Your Soul


Motivational Quote by Jerry Rice


Motivational Quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox


Motivational Quote by Anna Quindlen

motivational quote: I got a fortune cookie that said, 'To remember is to understand.' I have never forgotten it. A good judge remembers what it was like to be a lawyer. A good editor remembers being a writer. A good parent remembers what it was like to be a child. - Anna Quindlen - Author and Journalist

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Spiralized Veggie Noodles and New Skinny Dinners

Spiralized Veggie Noodles and New Skinny Dinners

Yes you do need a spiralizer! Enjoy sweet potato noodles, zoodles and more skinny dinners.









Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

Today's Recipe

If you don't know what to serve for dinner tonight ...

Avoid dry chicken breasts by using our Quick Broil cooking method — it's a great way to retain the moisture and flavor of chicken when you want to include it as part of your Healthiest Way of Eating. Enjoy this tasty recipe and the health benefits that come from it's wealth of health-promoting nutrients.
Asian Chicken Salad
Asian Chicken Salad
Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, skin on
  • 5 cups Chinese cabbage, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup minced scallion
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 TBS toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: 2 TBS dried hijiki or arame seaweed, soaked in 1 cup warm water and chopped*
  • Dressing
  • 2 TBS extra olive oil
  • 2 TBS soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 TBS honey
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • salt & white pepper to taste
  • *The safety factors regarding sea vegetables, such as hijiki
Directions:
  1. Preheat broiler. Place a stainless steel (be sure the handle is also stainless steel) or cast iron skillet in the broiler, about 7 inches from the heat source, to get it very hot. Season chicken with a little salt and pepper.
  2. If you are using hijiki or arame place it in a small bowl of hot water to soften for about 10 minutes.
  3. While pan is heating, thinly slice cabbage, and shred carrot. Carrot is easily shredded in food processor with shredding blade. Otherwise you can shred it by hand, or slice it thin. Chop cilantro and scallion cabbage and carrot mixture. Add sliced almonds. Squeeze excess water from hijiki, chop if needed, and add to salad.
  4. When pan is hot, about 10 minutes, remove from broiler, and place chicken in pan, skin side up, and return to broiler. Cook for about 15 minutes depending on thickness of chicken. This is our Quick Broil cooking method. When done and cool enough to touch, remove skin, and cut into bite-size pieces.
  5. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss with cabbage mixture and chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. (You can buy sesame seeds that are already toasted.)
Serves 4 Printer Friendly Version of Asian Chicken Salad
In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Asian Chicken Salad

Healthy Food Tip: Rasperries

Healthy Food Tip

What are some health benefits of raspberries? 

 

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The diversity of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in raspberries is truly remarkable, and few commonly eaten fruits are able to provide us with greater diversity. Read More


Ask George Your Questions Ask a Question

Tasty Thai Recipes

Easy Thai Recipes Even a Non-Cook Can Make

Put down your takeout menus: anyone can make Thai favorites at home with our easy, healthy recipes.








Healthy Food Tip

Healthy Food Tip

What are some of the health benefits of cranberries? 

 

While familiar nutrients like vitamin C and fiber play a very important role in cranberry's health benefits, it's the amazing array of phytonutrients in cranberries that has gotten the special attention of health researchers. Read More


Ask George Your Questions Ask a Question

Food of the Week: Strawberries

Enjoy Strawberries This Week

Enjoy strawberries this week while they are in the peak of their season, are the least expensive and have the best flavor. The fragrantly sweet juiciness and deep red color of strawberries can brighten up both the taste and aesthetics of any meal. Not only do they taste great, but they are among the fruits and vegetables ranked highest in health-promoting antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat the damaging effects of free radical activity to cellular structures and DNA. Like the other World's Healthiest Fruits, we recommend enjoying strawberries raw (not in baked/cooked desserts) because they provide you with the best flavor and the greatest benefits from their vast array of nutrients and digestion-aiding enzymes. We also recommend choosing organic strawberries if possible since this year conventionally grown strawberries top the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen, a list of foods with the most pesticide residues. People around the world have long been eating fruit for dessert, not only as a delicious ending to a meal but as a great digestive aid as well. Read More

Your Month-by-Month Guide to Allergies

If you suffer from allergies for even part of the year, you may wonder when you'll get a reprieve. People with spring allergies, fall allergies, or winter allergies might feel relief during their off seasons, but for those who experience allergy symptoms year-round — it's a constant battle with allergens in the air. Here's a look at which allergies plague people most — and when.

Click here for more info

5 Minute Black Bean No-Cook Recipe

5-Minute Black Beans— No Cooking

You can now find many brands of organic, ready-to-eat canned Black Beans that are healthier and tastier than conventionally produced Black Beans. This recipe takes just minutes to prepare ad can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes such as Black Bean burritos.
5-Minute Black Beans— No Cooking Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
  • 1 - 15 oz can (BPA free) Black beans, preferably organic
  • 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil (or to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: top with salsa
Directions:
  1. Press or mince garlic and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Drain liquid from canned Black Beans and rinse under cold running water; this helps prevent intestinal gas.
  3. Combine all ingredients, mix and enjoy!
Serves 2
  • For richer flavor you may want to add more olive oil.
  • If you are gong to heat the mixture, add garlic, salt, and pepper, but not olive oil. Heat on medium-low in a covered saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil before serving.

A Recipe for Healthy Cooking By Beth W. Orenstein | Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH


1 / 11  

Finding the time to cook has become a challenge in today’s time-crunched culture, especially in homes where both parents work. In fact, Americans are spending roughly half of their food budgets in restaurants, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. As a result, families are consuming more calories, saturated fat, and sodium — and putting their health at risk.
Cooking doesn’t have to be time-consuming, challenging, or expensive. The trick is stocking up on some simple yet versatile staples: 1) Whole-wheat pasta, 2) beans, 3) frozen mixed vegetables (especially broccoli), 4) boneless and skinless chicken breasts, 5) frozen fruit, 6) canola oil, 7) brown rice, 8) oatmeal, 9) low-fat cheese, and 10) egg substitute. “I try to have these ingredients on hand because they’re easy to store and they make healthy recipes,” says Beth Thayer, MS, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Here are a few to try.
Click here for more

Spring Slow-Cooker Recipes to Win Dinner

Bye-Bye, Winter! Hello, Slow Cooker!

Spring is in the air, but your slow cooker can still be your set-it-and-forget-it weeknight strategy with recipes for the easiest French onion soup you'll ever make and more spring dinner ideas.








Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Magic Book by Danielle Steel

It starts on a summer evening, with the kind of magic found only in Paris. Once a year in the City of Light, a lavish dinner takes place outside a spectacular landmark—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame . . . a new setting each time. Selected by secret invitation, the guests arrive dressed in white, with tables and chairs, white linens, flowers, fine china, sparkling crystal, and an elegant dinner. As the sun sets, thousands of candles are lit. And when the night is over, hundreds of white paper lanterns, each with a flame within, bearing everyone’s fervent wishes, are released into the sky. Amid this wondrous White Dinner, a group of close friends stands at the cusp of change.

Jean-Philippe and Valerie Dumas are devoted to each other and their young children. He is a rising star in the financial world, she, an editor at French Vogue. But a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in China may lead to separation—and temptation

Read more

Photo of Me in my 40's


100 Percent


I Don't Want the Perfect Life


Danielle Steel - The Apartment Novel

They come together by chance in the heart of New York City, four young women at turning points in their lives. Claire Kelly finds the walk-up apartment—a spacious loft in Hell’s Kitchen. But the aspiring shoe designer needs at least one roommate to manage it. She meets Abby Williams, a writer trying to make it on her own, far away from her successful family in L.A. Four years later, Morgan Shelby joins them. She’s ambitious, with a serious finance job on Wall Street. Then Sasha Hartman, a medical student whose identical twin sister is a headline-grabbing supermodel. And so the sprawling space, with its exposed brick and rich natural light, becomes a home to friends about to embark on new, exhilarating adventures.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFO ON THE NOVEL AND TO PURCHASE THE NOVEL

From the Desk of Linda's Voice Blog Desk: Living with ALS

  Living with ALS  It's no fun.  You lose a lot,  actually you lose just about 99% of things.  Lose family and just about all your frien...