Guest guest Posted October 16, 2004 Report Share Posted October 16, 2004 Did you know magnesium is an essential mineral that activates more than 300 enzymes in your body? Some of these enzymes are responsible for releasing energy from food sources, preventing muscle cramping, promoting growth, and protecting against heart disease, stroke, kidney stones and hypertension. Include food sources such as green leafy vegetables, fortified breads, cereals, beans, nuts, oysters and scallops. The veggie's green pigment makes it a potent disease-fighter. Substances called isothiocyanates, found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens. Plus, ounce for ounce, broccoli contains as much calcium as milk. Vegetables in the crucifer family range widely in color, shape and flavor, from squat purple turnips to lanky, leafy nappa cabbage. Most crucifers are strong-flavored and require an assertive seasoning to bring out their best. Next time you head out on a business trip, pack a Dyna-band and a jump rope -- small items with big rewards. When time or the weather doesn't permit a gym visit or running, you can work up a sweat in your room with resistance training and cardio exercise using these two compact helpers. Nothing boosts your energy, creativity and effectiveness on the road like a workout. Feel like pasta dinners are putting your calories over the edge? Simply steam some vegetables and mix at least a cup into your pasta, and you'll need a much smaller serving to feel full. When dining out, order your pasta dish with a side order of your favorite vegetable -- steamed. Take 1/2 of the pasta off your dish and mix in your side order. Bonus tip: Choose tomato sauces for their lower fat content and disease-fighting nutrients. Penne with Spring Peas, Onions and Ham From FoodFit FoodFit Original Recipes use seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are healthy, delicious and easy to make. Our chef follows FoodFit's nutrition standards for recipes that are lower in fat, but full of flavor! Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion - - salt to taste - - freshly ground black pepper 2 cups fresh, shelled peas 4 ounces boiled, unsmoked lean ham, cut into 1/4-inch wide strips 12 ounces penne pasta 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped, fresh Italian parsley Preparation - Estimated cooking time: 25 minutes - 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2 In a medium skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion with a dash of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 5 minutes or longer, depending on their size and freshness. Add the ham and cook for 2 minutes more. 3 Meanwhile, cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain. Toss with the remaining olive oil, onion, peas, ham, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of the parsley. 4 Divide the pasta among 4 warmed pasta bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately. Nutritional Analysis Number of Servings: 4 Per Serving Calories 539 Carbohydrate 77 g Fat 15 g Fiber 6 g Protein 23 g Saturated Fat 3 g Sodium 651 mg Are these helpful? Do you want me to continue these daily tips? Hugs, Jacy ~I don't approve of political jokes: I've seen too many get elected. jacymailwww.geocities.com/mtn_rose Want a signature like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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