Christmas

Happy Holidays to all of you out there I hope this time of you finds you happy and well. I find myself remembering days gone by and friends that have passed on, so many happy memories and then a few sad but that’s life.

This year things are beautiful I have a beautiful grand daughter that brings so much joy to my life when I get to spend time with her. Her laughter fills my home with such a warmth that it is hard to describe. I guess that’s what it’s like to be a grandmother. It reminds me of my children when they were little and into everything…I just love having little ones running free with so much joy on the sweet little faces. This to me is what the holidays are about. So I just want to take the time to wish you warmth, joy, and peace at this beautiful time of year, and lets all remember why we celebrate it, was because of the sweet child of God. God bless you all and have a wonderful New Year!!!

Love Language

Love Language: The Original Short Film & Fundraiser

www.youtube.com

There are moments in life when we feel a connection so deep words can hardly describe it. But how do we know that it’s real? This is the story of a boy who m…

Mixed Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin with Shallot-Port Reduction

A balance of deep flavor and sweetness that makes this dish perfect to go with your mashed potatoes or boiled rice!

Ingredients BEEF: 1 (2-pound) beef tenderloin, trimmed 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 tablespoons cracked mixed peppercorns Cooking spray

REDUCTION: 2 cups ruby port or other sweet red wine 1 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 sprigs fresh parsley 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Steps 1Preheat oven to 450°. 2To prepare beef, sprinkle beef evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and peppercorns, pressing firmly to adhere. Place beef in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 33 minutes or until a thermometer registers 135° or until desired degree of doneness. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.  3To prepare reduction, combine port and next 5 ingredients (through thyme) in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1 1/4 cups (about 15 minutes). Strain port mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Combine flour and 3 tablespoons water. Return port mixture to pan; add flour mixture to pan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vinegar.

Tuscan Pork Loin

Roasted pork loin is a staple of Italian cooking. In this recipe we coat the lean meat with garlic, rosemary and aromatic lemon zest before it goes in the oven, and then deglaze the pan with vermouth to make a savory gravy. The roast is perfect for entertaining but equally at home for a Sunday family supper. About 10 servings

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including 1 hour marinating time)

Ingredients 1 3-pound pork loin, trimmed 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest 3/4 cup dry vermouth, or white wine 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar.

Preparation 1.Tie kitchen string around pork in three places so it doesn’t flatten while roasting. Place salt and garlic in a small bowl and mash with the back of a spoon to form a paste. Stir in oil, rosemary and lemon zest; rub the mixture into the pork. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 1 hour. 2.Preheat oven to 375°F. 3.Place the pork in a roasting pan. Roast, turning once or twice, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest for 10 minutes. 4.Meanwhile, add vermouth (or wine) and vinegar to the roasting pan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce is reduced by half, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the string and slice the roast. Add any accumulated juices to the sauce and serve with the pork.

Tips & Notes Make Ahead Tip: Equipment: Kitchen string

Nutrition

Per 3-ounce serving: 221 calories; 11 g fat ( 3 g sat , 6 g mono ); 69 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 24 g protein; 0 g fiber; 156 mg sodium; 368 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Thiamin (58% daily value), Selenium (50% dv).

Ocean Guided Meditation

http://youtu.be/D56tUOdpgts

At this time of year we all seem so stressed.

Take time and listen to Deepak and just relax!

Breath in the peace that should come at this

time of year! Take care, peace be with you

though out the coming year!

How to eat healthy during the holiday season.

Tips on eating healthily during the holiday season Being health-conscious doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t enjoy the holiday season and have a little bit of what you fancy. It simply means that you should continue to be vigilant and be prepared for the festivities.
There are many ways in which you can help to strike a balance between maintaining a healthy diet and joining in with the fun and festivities.
1. Exercise: Most people have a little extra time available over the holiday season when they are not at work. Take this opportunity to develop a regular exercise regime. This will help to burn off the excess calories and fat consumed over this period. It will also get you into the habit of exercising, and you can continue the regime after the holiday season is over.
2. Review your cooking methods: These days there is no excuse for not utilizing the many healthy ways in which food can be prepared. Instead of frying, grill your food. If you’re roasting, use one of the many available low-calorie spray oils. Try steaming vegetables to retain nutrients and flavor.
3. Invest in lower fat ingredients for cooking: If you’re preparing a big dinner, why not use half-fat ingredients whenever possible? It is often difficult to tell the difference where taste and flavor are concerned. You can even get low-calorie beers, wines and soft drinks. By simply swapping regular ingredients, foods and drinks for their half-fat alternatives you can make a big cut-back on fat and calorie consumption.
4. Eat regularly: If you are going to a big party or dinner, don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation. You’re in danger of arriving there feeling ravenous and eating everything in sight. Instead, have some low-fat, healthy snacks throughout the day. By doing this, you’ll be less likely to over-indulge whilst you are out.
5. Prepare for outings: If you have some big nights out and meals planned over the holiday season, try to compensate by having some healthy eating days leading up to the event. Many of us are only too keen to think that we may as well forget about healthy eating over the holidays. However, it should not be a case of forgetting about your diet, but simply managing it a little more carefully over the holidays.
6. Balance your meals out: Don’t be tempted to fill up your plate with purely rich, calorie-laden food. Instead, have a little of everything including fruit and vegetables. This way, you’ll still get to indulge as well as receive valuable nutrients and vitamins.
7. Be wary of sugary foods: Always remember that rich, sugary foods have a nasty habit of making us crave yet more rich and sugary foods. We’ve all been there…over-indulging in sweet or rich food…feeling bloated, sick, and making rash promises to never eat again…and, a couple of hours later, finding ourselves back in the kitchen, picking at leftovers. By ensuring that you practise healthy eating over the holidays, and throw in some form of regular exercise, you can expect to have more energy and fewer cravings.
8. Stock up on healthy snacks: When you go shopping, be sure to throw some healthy snacking items in to your trolley. Fill up on raw vegetables, such as carrots or celery, which can make a simple snack in times of temptation.
9. Be aware of food allergies: It is quite possible that you may have an allergy or intolerance to a food, which you may not even be aware of. Because there is a mountain of food waiting around every corner during the holiday season, we sometimes find ourselves gorging on food that we don’t even know the ingredients of. Then we wonder why we’re feeling so ill the next morning! By having a food allergy test, you can identify any foods that you need to avoid during the holiday season in order to maintain your health and enjoy the festivities without suffering.
10. Moderate alcohol intake: Don’t forget that alcohol is fattening too. That innocent-looking glass of sparkly wine or that small bottle of beer may look as though it will do no harm. However, alcohol contains calories and lots of them. Try and control the amount of alcohol you consume over the holiday period and, in the same way as food, try not to over-indulge regularly. There are plenty of lower-calorie beers and wines available that can help, so opt for the healthier version whenever possible.
11. Be assertive: Don’t feel as though you have to say yes to everyone that offers you food and drink. If you are not hungry, then simply say so. Do not let yourself be bullied into eating something that you really don’t want.
12. Leave what you don’t want: Despite what your parents may have drummed into you as a child, don’t feel obliged to clear your plate. When you feel full, stop eating. Simple.
William Connor, M.D., who is Professor of Medicine at OHSU School of Medicine, states that: “The overall clinical impression is that people, after the holidays, weigh more than before because of feasting and lack of physical activity.”
Professor Connor goes on to recommend the following: use low-fat recipes; eat smaller portion sizes; use a small plate to regulate food portions; and exercise regularly and even more so when eating high-fat foods.

Related Articles

//

Baked salmon with Southeast Asian marinade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dietitian’s tip: Salmon works well on the grill. After you’ve wrapped the fish in aluminum foil, grill until firm and opaque throughout, about 10 minutes on each side. Serve on couscous with steamed green beans on the side.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Serves 2

Ingredients

1/2 cup pineapple juice 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 2 salmon fillets, each 4 ounces 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup diced fresh fruit, such as pineapple, mango and papaya

Directions

In a small bowl, add the pineapple juice, garlic, soy sauce and ginger. Stir to mix evenly.

Arrange the salmon fillets in a small baking dish. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the top. Put in the refrigerator and marinate for 1 hour. Turn the salmon periodically as needed.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly coat 2 squares of aluminum foil with cooking spray. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the aluminum foil. Drizzle each with 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil. Sprinkle with pepper and top each with 1/2 cup diced fruit.

Wrap the foil around the salmon, folding the edges down to seal. Bake until the fish is opaque throughout when tested with the tip of a knife, about 10 minutes on each side. Transfer the salmon to warmed individual plates and serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

Serving size: 1 fillet
Calories	310	Cholesterol	67 mg
Protein	23 g	Sodium	174 mg
Carbohydrate	24 g	Fiber	1 g
Total fat	13 g	Potassium	591 mg
Saturated fat	3 g	Calcium	37 mg
Monounsaturated fat	4 g

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Well here it is another Christmas time together and I hope you

all have had a wonderful year….life for me has been really good

this year.  I have my first grandchild….a new job so I don’t have

to work 7 days a week even though it has proved to be very trying

at times. I have a new home that is really cozy. I have really been

blessed this year, I pray that you have had the same type of year if

not I hope and pray that maybe next year will be wonderful for you.

I want to wish you all the Merriest of Christmas’s and the Happiest

of New Years.

Terri

Meditation time

guided_meditation_deep_relaxation

Healthy Eating Pyramid

Healthy Eating Pyramid

Use a food pyramid that’s actually based on the latest and best science.

1. Start with exercise. A healthy diet is built on a base of regular exercise, which keeps calories in balance and weight in check. Read five quick tips for staying active and getting to your healthy weight, and a dozen ideas for fitting exercise into your life.

2. Focus on food, not grams. The Healthy Eating Pyramid doesn’t worry about specific servings or grams of food, so neither should you. It’s a simple, general guide to how you should eat when you eat.

3. Go with plants. Eating a plant-based diet is healthiest. Choose plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, like olive and canola oil. Check out these delicious healthy recipes that bring the Healthy Eating Pyramid into your kitchen.

4. Cut way back on American staples. Red meat and processed meat, refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, and salty snacks are part of American culture, but they’re also really unhealthy. Go for a plant-based diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And if you eat meat, fish and poultry are the best choices.

5. Take a multivitamin, and maybe have a drink. Taking a multivitamin can be a good nutrition insurance policy. Moderate drinking for many people can have real health benefits, but it’s not for everyone. Those who don’t drink shouldn’t feel that they need to start. Read about balancing alcohol’s risks and benefits.

Download the Healthy Eating Pyramid handout (PDF).

We can’t look at a pyramid these days without thinking of food and healthy eating. There was the U.S. government’s Food Guide Pyramid, followed by its replacement, My Pyramid, which was basically the same thing, just pitched on its side. The problem was that these efforts, while generally well intentioned, have been quite flawed at actually showing people what makes up a healthy diet. Why? Their recommendations have often been based on out-of-date science and influenced by people with business interests in their messages. The newly-unveiled MyPlate icon is an improvement, yet still doesn’t go far enough to show people how to make the healthiest choices.

But, there’s a better alternative: the Healthy Eating Pyramid, built by the faculty in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Read more about how to follow the Healthy Eating Pyramid.
Read about why the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a step in the right direction, but does not go far enough.

Based on the latest science, and unaffected by businesses and organizations with a stake in its messages, the Healthy Eating Pyramid is a simple, trustworthy guide to choosing a healthy diet. Its foundation is daily exercise and weight control, since these two related elements strongly influence your chances of staying healthy. The Healthy Eating Pyramid builds from there, showing that you should eat more foods from the bottom part of the pyramid (vegetables, whole grains) and less from the top (red meat, refined grains, sugary drinks, and salt).