A great recipe from the Fage Greek Yogurt Facebook page

Chilled Avocado And Yogurt Summer Soup

March 2, 2011

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
2 h 10 min	n/a	2 h 10 min
Servings:  4
FAGE Used:		FAGE Total 0%

FAGE

Ingredients:

• 17.6 fl oz FAGE Total 0% Yogurt
• 3 large ripe avocados
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 pint 2% milk
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ tsp chopped chives for garnish
• A few drops of Tabasco sauce to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2.0 oz homemade croutons

Preparation Directions:

1. Peel and chop the avocado into chunks, then place into a food processor.
2. Pour over the lemon juice; add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
4. To serve, chill four soup bowls, pour in the soup, and garnish with croutons and chives. So simple, quick and delicious!

Additional Notes:

Chef's Tip | To make the homemade croutons, simply take a thick slice of your favorite (crusty cottage loaf or crusty olive bread) and cut into bite-size pieces. Place onto a baking sheet, drizzle then with some Greek olive oil and bake until golden brown.

* These recipes were submitted by our users. We are not responsible for any errors or suggestions.

A Great Motivator

   I love Gabby reece. She is an amazing motivator and has been doing some great things for women concerning their health and fitness. This is one of the latest postings from her and her husbands website https://www.gabbyandlaird.com. Read her article below and grab a hold of these simple truths.

THE SIMPLE WAY TO GET IN SHAPE

Tue, 08/21/2012 - 8:00pm -- Editor

Writing about health and fitness, I admit I can get a little overly philosophical. This was put in perspective for me the other day when I was in the gym and saw a woman I see there only every three or four months. I looked over at her running on the treadmill and saw someone who’d made a small transformation to her body. She never needed to lose tons of weight, but she’d obviously been doing something different. I went over to talk to her and tell her how great she looked, and she said she’d never worked so hard in her life.

Jamie is a 41-year-old woman, with three sons ranging from about 10 to 15, who has worked since she was about 14. She’s still married to her first husband and always seems upbeat whenever I run into her.

So how did she transform her body? And why did she do it? She already looked good before and seems to have a secure situation at home. Why the change?

Jamie said she decided she wanted to feel different and maybe make a few physical changes to her body. How did she make it happen? When I asked her, she said she should write a long book, and then on page 500 she’d finally get to the bottom line and say, “You have to work out and watch what you eat.” And on a certain level, it really is that simple.

Need a little help getting there? Here are some tips:

1. Decide. It takes that moment where you can honestly say to yourself, “This is it, I want to make a change.”

2.  Commit. Once you connect with the fact that you want to change, you have to commit to the process. You may miss a day of training here and there, or shove a stress donut in your mouth, but the only way for you to get back on track is to recommit. This won’t be fun, so you’ll have to dig deeper within yourself to create the change you want.

3. Believe in yourself. Just know that you can do this with good eating and consistent exercise. Results are not just for members of a special club — they can happen for everyone.

4. Move. You’re going to have to move your body at least 4 to 5 days a week, but not for hours and hours at a time. Just get moving, even if you start out with 15 to 30 minutes a day. As time goes on and you want to see more changes in your body, you’ll have to move harder and longer.

5. Eat right. Watch your portions, eat real food (not out of a bag, can, jar, or microwave), drink lots of water, go easy on the sugar, avoid fast food, and don’t eat too much dairy, pasta, bread, white rice, red meat, foods made with flour, or foods with lots of chemicals and preservatives. Easy, right? I know it’s tricky, but this is part is really key. What you put in your mouth affects your butt, brain, and mood.

6.  Decompress. Try to manage your stress and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. And take a deep breath now and then — aaaah.
So here’s to Jamie and her page 500, for reminding us to keep it simple.

by Gabby Reece

100 Days of Real Food

  Thanks to my friend Kristin, I'm now a follower of the Days of Real Food Blog. The Mom who wrote the blog spent 100 days cooking food for her family of 4 with fresh food. If it was packaged it couldn't have more than 5 ingredients in it and it all had to be things that she could pronounce and knew what they were. Even more remarkable was that she did this all on a grocery budget of $125 a week. Below is an interesting new post she put on her facebook page about Taco seasoning. Take a peak at her blog for great fresh food budget and recipe ideas. 



I couldn't believe it when I looked at the back of this taco seasoning packet and saw "Maltodextrin" as the first item on the ingredient list (which means that's what it contains the most of). Maltodextrin is a highly processed food additive usually made from corn, and out of curiosity...how many of you cook with it at home? So then why would/should it be the main ingredient in something as simple as taco seasoning? 
For tacos try mixing together these spices instead (per 1 lb. ground meat) ¾ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon oregano, plus salt and pepper (to taste). Here are the complete directions on my taco salad recipe in case you're interested! http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/15/recipe-taco-salad/

Clean Living

I have a small confession: I loathe gimmicky diet fads, cleanses and detox programs. Having been someone who has lost weight the good old-fashioned and hard way, I am annoyed by the mis-leading information out there that you can "Lose weight and clean out your body by drinking Lemonade, cayenne pepper and honey."  There is a large amount of information on the web about what is healthy, what isn't healthy, and the quickest way to drop 20 pounds. Here is what I know to be true: nothing replaces hard work and consistency. There is merit and value in learning to eat healthy and fresh foods, drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, and exercise each day. That being said, here is confession #2: I have definitely slacked on all of those things. What I have noticed is the extra 20 pounds on my body, a general feeling of "blah" towards my body and myself (and yes, I think "blah" should be a profession term :) ), and a lack of confidence in how I tackle life. It's amazing how at 31 years of age, I still let the way my body feels and looks affect my thinking about who I am and my value. 
   So here is my commitment: starting August 31 I'm going to start a 30 day clean living pact. My life will become a "Sugar, Gluten, Alcohol, & Soy Free Zone." I'm going to limit my dairy to Fage Greek Yogurt and stick to one cup of coffee a day. Why the extreme? Because I have begun to let the crackers, the breads, the "treats" sneak back into my life. Because as a child I had a pretty severe dairy allergy that still lingers around the corner for me as an adult. And because I'm finding most products that have gluten in them don't like my stomach very well. There is a good deal of information out about how sugar affects the body and cravings and I truly don't want to let my cravings and extra layer of "fluff" rule how I think about myself and my body. So this is my commitment to the body of online health and fitness minded folks (and those who are just toying with the idea of being healthy): 30 days of clean living from August 31 - September 31. I'll post my life lessons along the way. If you want to join the challenge, please feel free to message me or comment about the process. I'd love to give any suggestions or help along the way and I'm open to yours as well. Check out my facebook page for Tree House Pilates - Where Health and Fun collide for more updates and health and wellness tips. 

Inspiration that can change your life

   This is enough to make you cry and inspire you. A dad who competes in triathlons with his 13 yr old daughter who has cerebral palsy. Amazing! Scroll down to see the video at the end of the article.

'She is my heart and I am her legs': Devoted dad runs triathlon carrying his teenager daughter with cerebral palsy because she loves being outdoors

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 15:30 EST, 14 August 2012 | UPDATED: 10:52 EST, 15 August 201


A devoted father has completed a triathlon carrying his 13-year-old cerebral palsy-afflicted daughter across land and through water so that she could complete the gruelling event.
Rick van Beek's feat of endurance and show of love for his daughter Madison have led many to call  the man from Byron Center, Michigan the 'father of the century'.
But it is not the first race of its kind for van Beek, who said he has participated in more than 70 events, including half-marathons, triathlons and other outdoor races, as part of 'Team Maddy'.
Scroll down for video

Devotion: Rick van Beek, 39, carries his daughter Maddy, who suffers from cerebral palsy, during a sprint triathlon on Sunday. They have ran more than 70 races as Maddy loves being outdoors

He and Maddy took part in the Sanford and Sun sprint triathlon on Sunday.
Together they completed the 0.3-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run, with Maddy pictured in her father's arms as they transitioned from section to section.

 

More...

• Schoolboy who amazed everyone with his brave attitude to terminal brain tumour dies - and leaves his jellybeans to his little sister
• Chinese man spends eight years building himself bionic hands after DIY accident (well, he was building a bomb to go fishing)
• It's Mo running away from things! Fun pictures show Olympic hero Farah escaping from zombies, Batman and thousands of runaway brides

For the swimming portion, van Beek tugs his daughter through the water in a kayak and then pulls her behind him in a cart as he cycles. He runs the last leg pushing her in a buggy.
Van Beek, 39, told the Midland Daily News that he wants to complete the events with his daughter, who is unable to walk or talk, because she adores being outside.

Fighter: In another race, van Beek pushes Maddy in a buggy during the running portion

Ready: And for the cycling parts, he pulls her in a cart. They have competed in more than 70 races

WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking.
It is caused by injuries or abnormalities of the brain. Most problems occur when the baby is in the womb, but they can happen any point within the first two years of the child's life.
It can be recognised as early as three months old. Parents may notice their child is behind in reaching developmental stages such as sitting, rolling or crawling.
Symptoms include tight muscles and joints and muscle weakness, and may affect one side of the body or both sides.
There is no cure apart but social workers and nurses can work with the family to make the child as independent as possible.

'She functions like a three-month-old, and one of the very few things that we know she enjoys is being outside, being in the water, feeling the breeze in her hair and in her face,' he said.
Maddy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy two months after she was born.
'It was one of the worst days of our lives,' van Beek told Fox 17. 'Everybody prays that their children are healthy and for eight years I still wished that she had been a healthy child, but if she wouldn't have been like she is then we wouldn't be the people that we are today.'
His outlook changed when he saw his daughter taking part in a marathon more than four years ago, and saw the pure joy on her face.
'I watched my daughter Maddy being pushed in the Grand Rapids Marathon,' he recounted on his blog.
'To see her being so happy and enjoying every bump in the road was more than I could handle, my emotions took over.

Pushing forward: Van Beek nears the water to take part in the swimming section of a triathlon with Maddy

Endurance: Van Beek pulls his daughter through the water on the custom-made kayak

Joy: Van Beek took up racing after seeing Maddy in a marathon and noting how happy she looked

'Shortly after that day I gave up smoking 2 packs a day and chewing a tin a day to be better, for Maddy. It has been a long road, with many bumps, but we are better.'
In a bid to make his daughter happy, he began training for outdoor races in 2008. Van Beek, who was out of shape and a heavy smoker, also realised it would be beneficial for him.
He persevered to get into shape for his daughter, and raised money for charities along the way.
'[The emotion] drives me or inspires me to do the things that I do,' he wrote on his blog last year. 'Call it inspiration, call it motivation, call it what ever you want, I call it LOVE.

'That will never fade...She is my heart and I am her legs, though someday she might not physically be able to be there with me, she will always be in my heart, quietly cheering me on.'

A father's love: He said the racing also helped him get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle for Maddy

Happy family: Van Beek with his wife Mary and their daughter Maddy. The couple also has two other children

Many spectators have pointed out that they are touched by van Beek's devotion.

'That was just so inspirational to see,' race coordinator Misty Angle told Allegan County News after watching him at the 2011 Tri Allegan triathlon.

'That was definitely one of the highlights of the event for me and a lot of people.'
But van Beek has refused to take the credit, saying it is his daughter who inspires people.
'I think Madison has changed more peoples' lives than I even know about - without doing anything, just being out there. Not me, her,' van Beek told Fox News. 'We make a good team.'
VIDEO: Inspiring! Team Maddy compete in the Tri Allegan 2012!... 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2188373/Rick-van-Beek-Devoted-dad-runs-triathlon-carrying-teenager-daughter-cerebral-palsy.html#ixzz24PG3bvuR

Go Red for Women - Signs of a Heart Attack

   Considering the latest story on Rosie O'Donnell's recent heart attack, all of us as women need to be responsible and aware of our own heart health. Watch the you tube video below for some information on heart attacks in women.

http://youtu.be/t7wmPWTnDbE

Group Support

  I have always believed that this little tip from Idea Fit is the key to weight loss.


     Be apart of a supportive community. Come together with like-minded groups to create goals, feel accountable and share experiences.

The Benefits of Cocoa Flavenols

  Here was an interesting article I found on the American Heart Associations website. I like to use Cocoa powder and cinnamon in my smoothies and on my oatmeal in the morning.  

Consuming flavanol-rich cocoa may enhance brain function

August 13, 2012

Study Highlights:

• Consuming cocoa flavanols as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet could improve brain function.
• Insulin resistance and blood glucose levels also significantly improved in study participants who drank mid- to high levels of cocoa flavanols, but not in those drinking low levels.

EMBARGOED UNTIL 3 pm CT/4 pm ET, Monday, August 13, 2012

Eating cocoa flavanols  daily may improve mild cognitive impairment, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.

 

Each year, more than six percent of people aged 70 years or older develop mild cognitive impairment, a condition involving memory loss that can progress to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Flavanols can be found in tea, grapes, red wine, apples and cocoa products and have been associated with a decreased risk of dementia. They may act on the brain structure and function directly by protecting neurons from injury, improving metabolism and their interaction with the molecular structure responsible for memory researchers said. Indirectly, flavAnols may help by improving brain blood flow. 

 

In this study, 90 elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment were randomized to drink daily either 990 milligrams (high), 520 mg (intermediate) or 45 mg (low) of a dairy-based cocoa flavanol drink for eight weeks. The diet was restricted to eliminate other sources of flavanols from foods and beverages other than the dairy-based cocoa drink.

 

Cognitive function was examined by neuro-psychological tests of executive function, working memory, short-term memory, long-term episodic memory, processing speed and global cognition.

 

Researchers found:

• Scores significantly improved in the ability to relate visual stimuli to motor responses, working memory, task-switching and verbal memory for those drinking the high and intermediate flavanol drinks.
• Participants drinking daily higher levels of flavanol drinks had significantly higher overall cognitive scores than those participants drinking lower-levels.
• Insulin resistance , blood pressure  and oxidative stress also decreased in those drinking high and intermediate levels of flavanols daily. Changes in insulin resistance explained about 40 percent of the composite scores for improvements in cognitive functioning.

“This study provides encouraging evidence that consuming cocoa flavanols, as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet, could improve cognitive function,” said Giovambattista Desideri, M.D., study lead author and director of Geriatric Division, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila in Italy. “The positive effect on cognitive function may be mainly mediated by an improvement in insulin sensitivity. It is yet unclear whether these benefits in cognition are a direct consequence of cocoa flavanols or a secondary effect of general improvements in cardiovascular function.”

 

The study population was generally in good health without known cardiovascular disease. Thus, it would not be completely representative of all mild cognitive impairment patients. In addition, only some clinical features of mild cognitive impairment were explored in the study.

 

“Given the global rise in cognitive disorders, which have a true impact on an individual’s quality of life, the role of cocoa flavanols in preventing or slowing the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia warrants further research,” Desideri said. “Larger studies are needed to validate the findings, figure out how long the positive effects will last and determine the levels of cocoa flavanols required for benefit.”

 

Co-authors are Catherine Kwik-Uribe, Ph.D.; Davide Grassi, M.D., Ph.D.; Stefano Necozione, M.D.; Lorenzo Ghiadoni, M.D.; Daniela Mastroiacovo, M.D.; Angelo Raffaele, M.D.; Livia Ferri, M.D.; Raffaella Bocale, M.D.; Maria Carmela Lechiara, M.D.; Carmine Marini, M.D. and Claudio Ferri, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.

 

Mars Inc. funded the study and provided the standardized cocoa drinks.

 

For the latest heart and stroke news, follow us on twitter: @HeartNews .

 

For the updates and new science from the Hypertension journal follow @HyperAHA .

 

###

 

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association’s policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available atwww.heart.org/corporatefunding .

 

Addtional resources, including multimedia, are available in the right column.

 

For media inquiries: (214) 706-1173

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For public inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org  and strokeassociation.org  

Words to Live By

   Jo Malone is a British woman who happens to make some of my favorite fragrance.  Her first fragrance company Jo Malone London became a critical success.  A year ago she started her second fragrance company called Jo Loves. In an email she sent out to subscribers about her cologne, she had an Olympics themed message concerning business. As the London Olympics come to a close, I'm struck by how appropriate these words centered around great Olympians have so much weight and merit for our own lives. Here's what she wrote in this email.

1.) Know what you want from your business, product or service. (I think we could add Know what you want out of life to those of us not in business).  At the age of 13, a young man with a dream to become a track athlete went on to win four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. That young man was Carl Lewis, one of the greatest athletes of all time.

2.) Enjoy the journey; celebrate your successes and reward hard work.  At the 2004 Athens Olympics, a female British athlete gave a double gold medal-winning performance and a year later was appointed with a Dame. Today Dame Kelly Holmes is an official Team GB ambassador.

3.) Be consistent in your pursuit to fulfill your dream and believe in your abilities. Don't be put off by difficulties, embrace challenges and stay focused. In the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, a young man from Alabama achieved international fame by winning four gold medals despite tremendous adversity. Jesse Owens remains the best remembered athlete in Olympic History. 

4.) Perfect your gift. Go above and beyond to equip yourself with the skills and information necessary to succeed.  In 1976, an unknown Romanian girl won three gold medals at the summer Olympics in Montreal and became the first female gymnast to score a perfect 10. Within just 26 seconds, Nadia Comaneci altered the course of gymnastics history.  

  We don't have to be an Olympic athlete or starting our own business in order to gleam a few nuggets from these statements. Whatever goal we have in life, we need to define what we want, enjoy the journey (both successes and failures), be consistent in our efforts toward achieving that goal, believe in ourselves, and give ourselves as many tools and pieces of education as possible to help us achieve our goal.