Archive for September, 2008

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds – Get Rid of Health Problems

Sunday, September 28th, 2008
peterhutch asked:


Pumpkin seeds are one of nature’s almost perfect foods. They are a natural source of beneficial constituents such as carbohydrates, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. They contain most of the B vitamins, along with C, D, E, and K. They also have the minerals calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorous. Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat prostate and bladder problems, but they have also been known to help with depression and learning disabilities.

Pumpkins are very high in potassium, and have good amounts of beta carotene and vitamin C. They are also a good source of calcium and fibre, and as well as other vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids (good fats).

Fresh and cooked pumpkin is chock full of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein. It’s easy to add pumpkin to your favorite baked goods and dishes during the colder months, and the vitamins and minerals can help keep your health in tip-top shape during the winter. Pumpkin is rich, satisfying, and can be used in a number of recipes as a meal or in dessert; if you cook it in a healthy way, it might also give you an excuse to indulge in an extra slice of pumpkin pie this year! Still, eating pumpkin isn’t the only way to enjoy its natural benefits.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds

Snacking on ¼-1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds can deliver the nutrients mentioned at the outset of this article, as well as calcium, vitamin K, protein and important omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, baked, roasted or toasted.

Because pumpkin seeds and good health share such an important relationship, plan to make pumpkin seeds a regular part of your diet. Keep a supply on hand and store the seeds in a tightly sealed container in your fridge.

Pumpkin seeds and onions mixed together with a little soy milk make a great remedy for parasitic worms in the digestive tract. To make this remedy, liquefy three tablespoons of pumpkin seeds that have been soaked three hours, one-half of a small onion, one-half cup soy milk, and one teaspoon honey. Take this amount three times daily, three days in a row.

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are flat, dark green seeds. Some are encased in a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Like cantaloupe, cucumber, and squash, pumpkins and pumpkin seeds belong to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family.

Nutty and salty with a crisp-chewy texture, pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and flavorful snack. Boiled, baked, or even raw, pumpkin seeds are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Just one serving (about 1/4 cup) gives you almost half the recommended daily amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, vitamin K, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats.

Pumpkin seed oil has an excellent ratio of those Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Often flax and hemp oils are rated as the best with pumpkin seed also offering a great source of these valuable plant fats important for cellular function and many of the systems in the body. Basically keeps your coat glossy, skin clear and a puts a spring in your step.



Marie

Where can I buy pumpkin puree?

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
TheOrange Evil asked:


I am looked for canned pumpkin puree. No, I am not willing to make homemade pumpkin puree. :) I don’t want pumpkin pie filling because that contains added sugar.

I’ve only found one website that sells it and the shipping is outrageous. (Around four times what the actual product costs.) I’ve seen some recipes on the Whole Foods website that use pumpkin puree, but I don’t know if the store actually carries it.

Thanks!
looking*, not looked.

Mitchell

Holiday Dessert Shortcuts From Some Real Experts

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
Michael DeVries asked:


I was having lunch in my favorite Thai restaurant last week while waiting to discuss an order for hand embroidered Thai shirts for employees, and I had the privilege of being seated near enough to a group of eight ladies that I could clearly overhear their conversation.

After the usual ice-breaker conversation about how everyone was and how things were with their respective jobs, one of them asked, “So, what’s everyone doing for the holidays?”

Answers included traveling to be with family, staying in town to attend an annual gathering of friends who live away from their families, and one ambitious one who announced she and her family would be meeting at their mountain cabin where she would cook the traditional Thanksgiving meal - all from scratch, including her apple and pumpkin pies.

The group quickly pronounced that ambitious one as insane even though she defended her fresh approach using organic and natural products, like honey in her pies and candied yams, as one of the greatest days of her year.

Finally, time came for the one who originally asked the question to answer the question. I’ve dubbed her the grandmother because she said her two children, their spouses, and five grandchildren were coming for Thanksgiving Day and she was planning to spend as much with them as possible.

Another lady asked the grandmother how she could spend any time with them while preparing a meal for that many people, and the answer really caught my ears, “You wanna hear a little secret?”

All heads nodded, so she continued, “I buy a really good brand of frozen apple pie, then let thaw for about a half-hour. Then I carefully slip it into my own pie dish, brush it with milk and sprinkle on a little sugar to give it that nice glazed top, then I bake as directed. Voila! In no time I have a pie people always rave about with very little effort.”

“Wow, that would also work with pumpkin pie,” one of the ladies planning to attend the friend get-together piped in. “That’s what I’ve been asked to bring this year and I was going to buy the pie at the bakery, but I think I’ll try ‘baking my own.’”

They all laughed heartily, then the conversation continued with a suggestion that you could buy an entire turkey dinner at the supermarket and serve it beautifully on china platters and bowls and never have to admit to not having done all the work.

They discussed the virtues of instant mashed potatoes and how adding a few spices and some extra butter enhances the flavor. They mentioned gravy mixes for a lump free topping on those potatoes. Brown and serve rolls from the supermarket, and frozen vs canned string beans for a casserole.

The general theme of this group was to minimize how much time they spent in the kitchen and maximize how much time they spent with family and friends.

As the lunch hour wound down, I couldn’t resist walking over to their table and presenting them with business cards with a World Shopper’s Club first order discount code on the back. In an apologetic introductory tone, I said, “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation and I’d like to suggest you check out the food items we have to help you with your holiday cooking. We have soup mixes, desserts, and of course spices and honey for those you who like to cook,” as I deliberately gestured toward the previously proclaimed insane one planning to do the entire Thanksgiving meal from scratch.

Then, I thanked them in the best way I knew how by telling them with a wink ;) toward the grandmother that I’ll be providing an apple pie for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. “Served from my own apple pie dish of course.” ;) .

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Please REPLY at:

http://i-shoptheworld.com/2008/11/16/holiday-dessert-shortcuts-from-real-experts/

and Share with All of Your Friends around the world Your Holiday Dessert, Thanksgiving dinner, and/or other Holiday cooking Shortcuts, Tips and “Tricks”, ok?

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REMINDER: Thanksgiving 2008 is Coming on November 27th!, so it is Important that you Order Everything You Need to cook All of Your Thanksgiving Dinner dishes Now! to insure You have Everything You Need in time and You are Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner, you know?

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… and Finally, …



Donald

Healthy & Good Tasting Fitness Snack Recipes

Monday, September 22nd, 2008
James Penn asked:


Healthy snacks don’t have to be difficult to make, although some may take a little extra work. Regardless of the work involved, though, they sure do not have to lack great taste. Here are some recipes to try with your family and friends at the gym.

Reese’s Cups

2 T butter

1/3 c chunky (or plain) peanut butter

1 oz unsweetened chocolate

1/3 c ricotta

10 pkts Splenda

1 t vanilla

Melt butter, peanut butter and chocolate in microwave. Cool slightly, then add ricotta, sweetener and vanilla. Spoon onto wax paper and refrigerate. Serves 22.

Layered Peanut Butter Pie

CRUST:

1 c crushed or ground pecans

4 t melted butter

CHOCOLATE:

2 T butter

1 oz unsw chocolate

2 T cream

1 t vanilla

8 pkgs Equal Sweetener

PEANUT BUTTER:

5 T peanut butter

4 oz cream cheese

1/3 c Splenda

WHIPPED CREAM:

1 cup heavy cream

1 t vanilla

1 T cocoa

1. Crust: mix pecans and butter. Pour in pie plate, spread to cover bottom of plate and put in freezer.

2. Chocolate layer: Melt butter and chocolate in microwave approx. 2 min. Mix in cream and vanilla. Stir well. Add equal. Pour over frozen pie crust and put back in freezer.

3. Peanut Butter layer: Mix peanut butter, cream cheese and Splenda with food processor or blender. Spread over frozen pie.

4. Whip cream with vanilla and cocoa until stiff peaks. Spread over pie and refrigerate. Serves 8.

Cheesecake Muffins

1 pkg gelatin (plain)

1 c boiling water

16 oz soft cream cheese

1 t vanilla

16 pkgs Splenda

1 oz unsw. Chocolate, melted (optional)

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and stir well. Cut cheese into small pieces and place in dissolved gelatin. Add melted chocolate (if using) and mix. Add vanilla, sweetener and beat well with electric mixer (2 min. on med/hi). Pour into buttered pie pan or 12 muffin cups. (If using muffin cups, put cupcake paper in cup first). Chill until firm, 2-3 hours. Makes 12.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Crust:

1 cup almond flour

1/4 cup brown sugar twin

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup Slenda

2 eggs

1/2 cup pumpkin

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

Blend crust ingredients in food processor until blended. Press into an 8×8″ greased pan. Bake at 350 for 15 min; cool slightly. Meanwhile, make filling: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour over crust and bake 35 min until set. Cool and cut in bars. Makes 16 bars.

Basic Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups almond flour

1 1/2 cups splenda

1 tsp guar or xanthan gum

1 cup butter, soft

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients in mixer until blended. Divide into 4 bowls and flavor according to your tastes. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before baking. Make cookies by forming dough into 1/2″ balls, placing on cookie sheet. Dip bottom of a glass in Splenda (or Splenda / cinnamon) mixture and flatten balls. Bake at 375 8-12 min, until lightly browned. Makes about 12 cookies.

To flavor: add 1 tsp extract to each portion. For chocolate, add 1 oz melted unsweetened chocolate to one portion, and additional tablespoon of Splenda.

Enjoy!!



Billy

How to Choose a Plan That’s Right for you

Sunday, September 21st, 2008
Karen Gates asked:


If you like pumpkin pie than you’ll like zone diet meals. In fact, if you like a lot of things you’ll like a zone diet. That is because you can eat almost anything you want, as long as it’s in the right proportions.

Unlike weight loss diets that focus on cutting one thing like calories or carbohydrates, zone diet meals use a strict proportional guide of 40/30/30. This means 40 percent of the calories you take in should be from carbohydrates, 30 percent from proteins, and 30 percent from low fat foods.

You can probably already see how confusing and time consuming it would be to carry on this kind of diet. And it is if you’re just doing it on your own. But as the scientific community began realizing how effective zone dieting can be many companies caught on and have produced some great products that make it much easier for you to diet zone style.

Depending on how much time you have or how much money you’re willing to spend (you usually have to choose one or the other) there are programs that go from giving you a cookbook or diet meal plans and let you run with it to delivering fresh, gourmet meals to your door at 5 am every morning.

Do It Yourself and We’ll Help

Most of these companies work similarly to the Weight Watcher’s plan. You eat what you want from a zone diet cookbook and instead of counting points, you’ll be counting food blocks of protein and carbs.

The founder of the zone diet system, Dr. Sears, currently sells this type of system. If you join his program you’ll receive all the resources you need like a shopping list generator, personalized meal planner and even a nutritionist that will answer your questions via the internet.

This works for dieters who enjoy cooking and only want to worry about one meal for their whole family. The cost is usually much lower (for example $4 a week for Dr. Sear’s service compared to $25 a day for a lower end delivery program). But it will take a considerable amount of time to research, cook and keep track of everything you need to to make a zone diet meals.

Snacking Zone Style

You can purchase snack bars and shakes that follow the zone diet rules. If you decide to go this route remember that you need to use the right recipes when you aren’t using the supplements to be able to lose weight.

Since you can only replace one or two meals a day with snack bars or shakes, a good company will show you how to do this and even provide free recipes. If not, you can find recipes online through search engines.

Diet Food Delivered

If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t like to cook, get groceries and don’t want to research all the nitty gritties of a zone diet (and believe me there are plenty) there are many companies that provide your zone diet food delivered. It is easy to spend a lot of money on these plans so you’ll want to look at several to see where you’ll get the most value.

The Formula Zone has family plans so you don’t have to think about something different to make for dinner. And some plans allow you to customize the meals for your tastes. The DineWise Diet program offers plan flexibility so you can even decide how many calories you want to take in every day.

When you are looking for a good home delivery program, make sure you check to see if their website offers advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond the foods you eat, if there are extra delivery charges, and what kind of flexibility they have when you need to skip some meals to go out of town. Customer service is also key because the company you choose will have a large part in your life.

If you’re struggling with diseases like Diabetes that effect what you need to eat or like to stick to a vegan, vegetarian or kosher diet, than you might consider zone dieting as an option. Many companies make meal plans specialized for these circumstances so you don’t have to compromise to go on a diet.



Jack