Adapted from Guy Fieri
(4 servings)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Paul Prudhommes seasoning if you can find it or
My Creole seasoning; 1 tsp of each,
salt, red pepper, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano
1/4 cup flour
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup of heavy cream, (I used 1/2 and 1/2)He calls for 3 cups of cream, you decide
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb fettucine (I used white rice)
1/2 cup sliced scallions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Dredge chicken in the mix of flour and spices. Saute over high heat in skillet with olive oil till almost blackened, I prefer dark brown. Finish cooking in oven till chicken reaches 165 degrees. I left chicken whole but you can slice into strips.
In the pan add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed garlic sun dried tomatoes and chicken, and deglaze with white wine, then add cream or half and half and simmer for 5-10 min.
Just before serving time add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper if needed and pasta, or serve chicken over rice with sauce.
Garnish with scallions and more Parmesan cheese.
This was yummy, a bit high in calories, you may want to have this dish only occasionally.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Clean Your Home Naturally
(Dr. Weil's newsletter)
Looking for a cost-effective, safe way to keep your home clean, naturally? Ditch the overpriced, artificially-scented cleaners and try these four common household items:
1. Olive oil: Use it to lubricate and polish wood furniture. Simply mix three parts olive oil to one part vinegar, or two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice).
2. Potatoes: Halved potatoes can remove rust from baking pans or tinware - dip the potato in salt before scrubbing or follow with a salt scrub.
3. White vinegar: There are plenty of uses for this household mainstay: It cleans linoleum floors and glass (from windows to shower doors) when mixed with water and a little liquid soap (castile or vegetable); cuts grease, removes stains and soap scum, and cleans toilets - add a bit of baking soda if you like. You can also use it as an antibacterial - pour undiluted down drains once a week, or add to water in a spray bottle to kill mold and mildew.
4. Tea tree oil: A useful alternative to chemical products, add 50 drops of this essential oil (found at health food stores) to a bucket of water to clean countertops and tile floors, and add it directly to vinegar/water solutions for its antibacterial properties, which are useful for killing mold and mildew in kitchens and bathrooms.
Looking for a cost-effective, safe way to keep your home clean, naturally? Ditch the overpriced, artificially-scented cleaners and try these four common household items:
1. Olive oil: Use it to lubricate and polish wood furniture. Simply mix three parts olive oil to one part vinegar, or two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice).
2. Potatoes: Halved potatoes can remove rust from baking pans or tinware - dip the potato in salt before scrubbing or follow with a salt scrub.
3. White vinegar: There are plenty of uses for this household mainstay: It cleans linoleum floors and glass (from windows to shower doors) when mixed with water and a little liquid soap (castile or vegetable); cuts grease, removes stains and soap scum, and cleans toilets - add a bit of baking soda if you like. You can also use it as an antibacterial - pour undiluted down drains once a week, or add to water in a spray bottle to kill mold and mildew.
4. Tea tree oil: A useful alternative to chemical products, add 50 drops of this essential oil (found at health food stores) to a bucket of water to clean countertops and tile floors, and add it directly to vinegar/water solutions for its antibacterial properties, which are useful for killing mold and mildew in kitchens and bathrooms.
Sanitizing Kitchen Tools
(AARP)
Myth: Lemon juice and salt can be used to sanitize cutting boards and other kitchen tools.
Facts: Lemon juice and salt may leave your cutting boards smelling fresh, but the combo won’t leave them germ-free. To sanitize any kitchen tool effectively, food-safety experts recommend a series of steps: First, wash with hot water and soap. Rinse. Then apply a solution of one tablespoon unscented bleach to one gallon of water and let the tool stand for a few minutes. Then rinse it and blot it dry with clean paper towels.
The bleach step is key to killing bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause grave illness, according to Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. However, using too much bleach can be unsafe. “Sometimes consumers think if one tablespoon is good, then a quarter cup is probably really good,” she says. But a tablespoon “is a very effective killer of these kinds of pathogens that could cause illness.”
So where did the lemon-and-salt approach come from? Both ingredients do have antimicrobial properties, just not in sufficient strength. According to John Floros, head of the Department of Food Science at Penn State University and a food science communicator for the Institute of Food Technologists, acidic lemon juice is unfavorable to the growth of most microbes, though it doesn’t kill them directly. And salt, he adds, has its own antimicrobial effect, drawing out water that microbes need to survive. Even in combination, lemon juice and salt “will not necessarily kill all the microbes, particularly the pathogens that we want to kill,” says Floros. “Bleach is a better alternative.”
Also I put sponges, kitchen tools, etc, in the dishwasher. You can also microwave the sponges for a 1 1/2 minutes on high.
Myth: Lemon juice and salt can be used to sanitize cutting boards and other kitchen tools.
Facts: Lemon juice and salt may leave your cutting boards smelling fresh, but the combo won’t leave them germ-free. To sanitize any kitchen tool effectively, food-safety experts recommend a series of steps: First, wash with hot water and soap. Rinse. Then apply a solution of one tablespoon unscented bleach to one gallon of water and let the tool stand for a few minutes. Then rinse it and blot it dry with clean paper towels.
The bleach step is key to killing bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause grave illness, according to Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. However, using too much bleach can be unsafe. “Sometimes consumers think if one tablespoon is good, then a quarter cup is probably really good,” she says. But a tablespoon “is a very effective killer of these kinds of pathogens that could cause illness.”
So where did the lemon-and-salt approach come from? Both ingredients do have antimicrobial properties, just not in sufficient strength. According to John Floros, head of the Department of Food Science at Penn State University and a food science communicator for the Institute of Food Technologists, acidic lemon juice is unfavorable to the growth of most microbes, though it doesn’t kill them directly. And salt, he adds, has its own antimicrobial effect, drawing out water that microbes need to survive. Even in combination, lemon juice and salt “will not necessarily kill all the microbes, particularly the pathogens that we want to kill,” says Floros. “Bleach is a better alternative.”
Also I put sponges, kitchen tools, etc, in the dishwasher. You can also microwave the sponges for a 1 1/2 minutes on high.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Age Spots
(Berkeley Wellness)
Can You Change Your (Age) Spots?
There’s a good chance you will develop at least a few age spots at some point, especially if you’re fair-skinned. Age spots are harmless, but there are ways to make them fade away.
Also called liver spots—though they have nothing to do with the liver—age spots are light brown to dark patches that often appear on the face, neck, hands, forearms, and upper torso. They are flat with well-defined borders and can grow to an inch in diameter, sometimes combining with other spots so they look even larger. Many people seem to have a genetic predisposition, but a major factor in their development is cumulative sun exposure, which is why age spots tend to increase in number and size as you get older.
It’s a good idea to get checked by a dermatologist to be sure that what you think are age spots are not something more serious, especially if they change color, size, or shape. Treatments for age spots have their pros and cons, and a combination may work best over the long term.
• Age spots can be removed via cryotherapy (freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen), laser therapy (which selectively destroys the pigment within the spot), intense pulsed light therapy (which forms a crust that drops off in a couple of weeks, leaving behind normal pigmented skin), dermabrasion (which sands away the spotted areas), or chemical peels (a mild acid that sloughs away the outer skin layer). These methods—particularly cryotherapy and laser therapy—are usually effective, but possible side effects include skin redness, excessive skin lightening or darkening, and scarring; and the age spots may come back.
• Prescription topical medications can lighten age spots. These are usually cheaper than the treatments mentioned above, but they take longer to work and may also cause skin irritation and other side effects. Retinoic acid, in particular, can cause redness, stinging, and peeling. Over-the-counter products contain low concentrations of bleaching ingredients and have fewer side effects than prescription-strength medications—but they may take months to work, and the effect may be minimal.
Words to the wise: Age spots are a sign of sun damage and thus increased skin cancer risk—so they should encourage you to get professional skin exams. To prevent age spots from developing in the first place, limit sun exposure and, when you are outside, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) liberally and frequently. Don’t forget the backs of your hands and your neck.
Can You Change Your (Age) Spots?
There’s a good chance you will develop at least a few age spots at some point, especially if you’re fair-skinned. Age spots are harmless, but there are ways to make them fade away.
Also called liver spots—though they have nothing to do with the liver—age spots are light brown to dark patches that often appear on the face, neck, hands, forearms, and upper torso. They are flat with well-defined borders and can grow to an inch in diameter, sometimes combining with other spots so they look even larger. Many people seem to have a genetic predisposition, but a major factor in their development is cumulative sun exposure, which is why age spots tend to increase in number and size as you get older.
It’s a good idea to get checked by a dermatologist to be sure that what you think are age spots are not something more serious, especially if they change color, size, or shape. Treatments for age spots have their pros and cons, and a combination may work best over the long term.
• Age spots can be removed via cryotherapy (freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen), laser therapy (which selectively destroys the pigment within the spot), intense pulsed light therapy (which forms a crust that drops off in a couple of weeks, leaving behind normal pigmented skin), dermabrasion (which sands away the spotted areas), or chemical peels (a mild acid that sloughs away the outer skin layer). These methods—particularly cryotherapy and laser therapy—are usually effective, but possible side effects include skin redness, excessive skin lightening or darkening, and scarring; and the age spots may come back.
• Prescription topical medications can lighten age spots. These are usually cheaper than the treatments mentioned above, but they take longer to work and may also cause skin irritation and other side effects. Retinoic acid, in particular, can cause redness, stinging, and peeling. Over-the-counter products contain low concentrations of bleaching ingredients and have fewer side effects than prescription-strength medications—but they may take months to work, and the effect may be minimal.
Words to the wise: Age spots are a sign of sun damage and thus increased skin cancer risk—so they should encourage you to get professional skin exams. To prevent age spots from developing in the first place, limit sun exposure and, when you are outside, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) liberally and frequently. Don’t forget the backs of your hands and your neck.
Juice for Babies
I've heard that fruit juice is bad for kids because it contributes to obesity. But my kids really like fruit juice, and it's a good source of vitamins. What should I do?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Don't be too concerned. Recent studies have confirmed that drinking moderate amounts of 100 percent fruit juice doesn't affect a child's weight. However, fruit juice contains calories. Just like any other food or calorie-containing drink, too much fruit juice can contribute to weight gain.
If you choose to give your children fruit juice, choose 100 percent fruit juice instead of sweetened juice or fruit-juice cocktails. While 100 percent fruit juice and sweetened fruit drinks may have similar amounts of calories, your children will get more vitamins and nutrients and fewer additives from 100 percent juice.
To ensure your children aren't drinking too much juice, follow these limits from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
* Birth to 6 months: No fruit juice, unless it's used to relieve constipation
* 6 months to 12 months: Up to 4 ounces (118 milliliters) a day, served in a cup (not a bottle) to avoid tooth decay
* 1 year to 6 years: Up to 6 ounces (177 milliliters) a day
* 7 years and older: Up to 12 ounces (355 milliliters) a day
Four ounces (118 milliliters) of 100 percent fruit juice equals one serving of fruit. Juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit, however. Although a reasonable amount of fruit juice each day is fine for most children, remember that whole fruit is an even better option.
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Don't be too concerned. Recent studies have confirmed that drinking moderate amounts of 100 percent fruit juice doesn't affect a child's weight. However, fruit juice contains calories. Just like any other food or calorie-containing drink, too much fruit juice can contribute to weight gain.
If you choose to give your children fruit juice, choose 100 percent fruit juice instead of sweetened juice or fruit-juice cocktails. While 100 percent fruit juice and sweetened fruit drinks may have similar amounts of calories, your children will get more vitamins and nutrients and fewer additives from 100 percent juice.
To ensure your children aren't drinking too much juice, follow these limits from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
* Birth to 6 months: No fruit juice, unless it's used to relieve constipation
* 6 months to 12 months: Up to 4 ounces (118 milliliters) a day, served in a cup (not a bottle) to avoid tooth decay
* 1 year to 6 years: Up to 6 ounces (177 milliliters) a day
* 7 years and older: Up to 12 ounces (355 milliliters) a day
Four ounces (118 milliliters) of 100 percent fruit juice equals one serving of fruit. Juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit, however. Although a reasonable amount of fruit juice each day is fine for most children, remember that whole fruit is an even better option.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Acid Reflux
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
(Dr. Weil)
Occasional heartburn can be a problem for anyone after a large, rich meal; but when it bothers you regularly (at least twice a week), it is considered to be symptomatic of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This condition is a clear sign that you are offending your stomach by eating too much or too often, by choosing the wrong kinds of foods, and by allowing anxiety and stress to interfere with digestion.
GERD is more than just annoying and uncomfortable. The effect of stomach acid on the tissue in the esophagus can lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus, and acid reflux is often related to respiratory problems like asthma.
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Although the most common treatment for GERD in conventional medicine is medication, there are some basic lifestyle strategies that are very effective.
* Wear loose clothing. Even tight belts or waistbands can increase stomach pressure enough to force acid up the esophagus.
* Don’t eat right before bedtime. Give your meal plenty of time to leave your stomach before you lie down. Let gravity help.
* Raise the head of your bed to allow gravity to work. Avoid raising your head by sleeping on two pillows – it could make the situation worse. Shoulders need to be raised as well or the esophagus can get crimped almost like a garden hose, increasing pressure in the stomach.
* Stop smoking. Tobacco is irritating to the stomach.
* Practice a relaxation strategy. Stress and anxiety can make GERD symptoms worse.
Nutrition and Supplements
* Keep a food log to track the foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse. Certain foods and beverages weaken the esophageal sphincter including peppermint, citrus, caffeine and alcohol. Other foods have also been implicated – tomatoes, garlic, dairy products and high-fat meals. Wheat and other grains containing gluten (oats, barley and rye) are problems for some people. Learn what affects you.
* Eat a diet rich in fiber at least 40 grams a day, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables
* Stop drinking alcohol. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you do drink, and drink only with meals.
* Get regular exercise.
* Reduce stress levels with relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, breathing.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
* Avoid stimulants. Caffeinated beverages, coffee (including decaffeinated coffee), tobacco and other stimulants can irritate the GI tract.
* Eat small meals. Large meals increase the upward pressure in the stomach and can cause problems even in people without GERD.
* Use DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Slowly chew two tablets or take a half-teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Taper your dose down after your symptoms are under control.
* Consider marshmallow root, which soothes inflamed intestines.
* Consider slippery elm. It can heal irritated digestive tract tissues
* Check your meds. Many prescription medications can trigger or worsen GERD, especially NSAIDS (aspirin, Motrin, Advil, etc.), birth control pills and some heart medications. Ask your doctor about alternatives.
* Avoid antacids, which only mask the symptoms. If you must use antacids, avoid those containing aluminum.
* Consider eliminating or limiting dairy foods in your diet.
* Consider taking probiotics with meals. These products contain "friendly" bacteria that can stabilize the digestive tract.
Great article and good advice...
(Dr. Weil)
Occasional heartburn can be a problem for anyone after a large, rich meal; but when it bothers you regularly (at least twice a week), it is considered to be symptomatic of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This condition is a clear sign that you are offending your stomach by eating too much or too often, by choosing the wrong kinds of foods, and by allowing anxiety and stress to interfere with digestion.
GERD is more than just annoying and uncomfortable. The effect of stomach acid on the tissue in the esophagus can lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus, and acid reflux is often related to respiratory problems like asthma.
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
Although the most common treatment for GERD in conventional medicine is medication, there are some basic lifestyle strategies that are very effective.
* Wear loose clothing. Even tight belts or waistbands can increase stomach pressure enough to force acid up the esophagus.
* Don’t eat right before bedtime. Give your meal plenty of time to leave your stomach before you lie down. Let gravity help.
* Raise the head of your bed to allow gravity to work. Avoid raising your head by sleeping on two pillows – it could make the situation worse. Shoulders need to be raised as well or the esophagus can get crimped almost like a garden hose, increasing pressure in the stomach.
* Stop smoking. Tobacco is irritating to the stomach.
* Practice a relaxation strategy. Stress and anxiety can make GERD symptoms worse.
Nutrition and Supplements
* Keep a food log to track the foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse. Certain foods and beverages weaken the esophageal sphincter including peppermint, citrus, caffeine and alcohol. Other foods have also been implicated – tomatoes, garlic, dairy products and high-fat meals. Wheat and other grains containing gluten (oats, barley and rye) are problems for some people. Learn what affects you.
* Eat a diet rich in fiber at least 40 grams a day, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables
* Stop drinking alcohol. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you do drink, and drink only with meals.
* Get regular exercise.
* Reduce stress levels with relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, breathing.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
* Avoid stimulants. Caffeinated beverages, coffee (including decaffeinated coffee), tobacco and other stimulants can irritate the GI tract.
* Eat small meals. Large meals increase the upward pressure in the stomach and can cause problems even in people without GERD.
* Use DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Slowly chew two tablets or take a half-teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Taper your dose down after your symptoms are under control.
* Consider marshmallow root, which soothes inflamed intestines.
* Consider slippery elm. It can heal irritated digestive tract tissues
* Check your meds. Many prescription medications can trigger or worsen GERD, especially NSAIDS (aspirin, Motrin, Advil, etc.), birth control pills and some heart medications. Ask your doctor about alternatives.
* Avoid antacids, which only mask the symptoms. If you must use antacids, avoid those containing aluminum.
* Consider eliminating or limiting dairy foods in your diet.
* Consider taking probiotics with meals. These products contain "friendly" bacteria that can stabilize the digestive tract.
Great article and good advice...
Bones and Joints Supplements
(Dr.Weil's Newsletter)
Supplements for Bones and Joints
Whether you're trying to bone up on nutrients to help prevent osteoporosis, maintain healthy cartilage, or ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis, supplements may help. Consider taking one or more of the products described below, with your doctor's supervision. And be sure to eat an anti-inflammatory diet and get regular exercise, including weight-bearing routines and plenty of walking.
Calcium and vitamin D. Once believed to be the single most important nutrient for bone protection, calcium's effects on healthy bones have recently been overshadowed by those of vitamin D, which research suggests may be just as important for strong bones. Your best bet is to make sure that you get enough of both: People who don't get enough calcium may lose bone mass faster and fracture bones more easily. And at least one recent study found that vitamin D may be the key to efficiently absorbing and using calcium (Journal of the American Medical Association, November 9, 2005). Women should supplement with 500-700 mg of calcium citrate in two divided doses taken with meals for a total of 1,000-1,200 mg from all sources; men shouldn't exceed 600 mg daily, and probably do not need to supplement, since higher amounts are linked to prostate cancer risk. Both men and women should supplement with 2,000 IU of vitamin D (as D3, cholecalciferol) a day.
Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements are from substances naturally found in healthy cartilage. Research suggests that glucosamine sulfate - alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate - appears to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints. If you weigh between 120 and 200 pounds, take 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin daily and expect to wait up to two months to see results. These supplements may interact with drugs like diuretics and blood thinners, so let your doctor know that you're taking them.
advertisement
Zyflamend. This combination of natural anti-inflammatory compounds from New Chapter, including turmeric, ginger, and boswellia, may work as well as aspirin and ibuprofen for treating osteoarthritis. Follow package directions and give it at least two months to fully work. Ginger may thin the blood, so consult your doctor before taking it with other blood thinning drugs such as aspirin and Coumadin or with herbs such as ginkgo.
SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to your cartilage, which helps build strong joints. Research suggests that SAM-e may be as effective as drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen at relieving joint pain and improving function (Journal of Family Practice, May 2002). Take 400 mg twice a day for two weeks, then decrease to 200 mg twice a day thereafter. Choose enteric-coated products labeled "butanedisulfonate," which is the most stable form.
Always check with your Doctor when you are on other medications.
Supplements for Bones and Joints
Whether you're trying to bone up on nutrients to help prevent osteoporosis, maintain healthy cartilage, or ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis, supplements may help. Consider taking one or more of the products described below, with your doctor's supervision. And be sure to eat an anti-inflammatory diet and get regular exercise, including weight-bearing routines and plenty of walking.
Calcium and vitamin D. Once believed to be the single most important nutrient for bone protection, calcium's effects on healthy bones have recently been overshadowed by those of vitamin D, which research suggests may be just as important for strong bones. Your best bet is to make sure that you get enough of both: People who don't get enough calcium may lose bone mass faster and fracture bones more easily. And at least one recent study found that vitamin D may be the key to efficiently absorbing and using calcium (Journal of the American Medical Association, November 9, 2005). Women should supplement with 500-700 mg of calcium citrate in two divided doses taken with meals for a total of 1,000-1,200 mg from all sources; men shouldn't exceed 600 mg daily, and probably do not need to supplement, since higher amounts are linked to prostate cancer risk. Both men and women should supplement with 2,000 IU of vitamin D (as D3, cholecalciferol) a day.
Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements are from substances naturally found in healthy cartilage. Research suggests that glucosamine sulfate - alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate - appears to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints. If you weigh between 120 and 200 pounds, take 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin daily and expect to wait up to two months to see results. These supplements may interact with drugs like diuretics and blood thinners, so let your doctor know that you're taking them.
advertisement
Zyflamend. This combination of natural anti-inflammatory compounds from New Chapter, including turmeric, ginger, and boswellia, may work as well as aspirin and ibuprofen for treating osteoarthritis. Follow package directions and give it at least two months to fully work. Ginger may thin the blood, so consult your doctor before taking it with other blood thinning drugs such as aspirin and Coumadin or with herbs such as ginkgo.
SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to your cartilage, which helps build strong joints. Research suggests that SAM-e may be as effective as drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen at relieving joint pain and improving function (Journal of Family Practice, May 2002). Take 400 mg twice a day for two weeks, then decrease to 200 mg twice a day thereafter. Choose enteric-coated products labeled "butanedisulfonate," which is the most stable form.
Always check with your Doctor when you are on other medications.
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