Mushrooms...

Mushrooms are known to help support the immune system, but the ones with the greatest impact are medicinal mushrooms such as maitake, reishi, coriolus, agaracus, and shiitake. These mushrooms contain powerful compounds called beta-glucans, which are proven to help activate the immune system.  So glad I added shitake’s to my steamed cod and veggies this weekend! I love mushrooms in just about anything!! 

Vinegar...

My salads most of the time are pretty simple.  I make sure I always have tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers on hand.  If I am having a salad as my main meal, lunch or dinner, I can add more and I will always  add a protein to it!  All my dressings are made with vinegar - NO OIL!  Vinegar is another ingredient that may have weight-loss benefits. In one 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, including 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a meal resulted in subjects eating 200 to 275 fewer calories through the day.  I use white wine, red wine, champagne, apple, rice wine and sherry vinegars - all 0 to 3 calories per tablespoon!

Until Monday - keep thinking veggies and protein!

Bok Choy...

This leafy green cabbage is the number one veggie in China and boasts 10 times the recommended amount of vitamin A in just one cup. Packed with antioxidants, it's no surprise that several studies show that high intake of Brassica vegetables (a family of vegetables including kale, broccoli, and bok choy) may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.  I use bok choy in all my veggie stews!

Quick Tip for Toning Arms...

When and if I ever start to drive again (I do have a license), I thought this was a great way to help keep your arms in shape!

Tone those arms while you're sitting in traffic! Simply place your palms on the steering wheel at 3 and 9 and press them inward to strengthen the chest. Then, place your hands inside the wheel and press outward to tone your rear delts. Try to hold these squeezes for 10-20 seconds and repeat as often as you can. The person in the car next to you won't even notice.

BTW - my official time for the half marathon was 2:15:24!

A Quick Brush Up on Table Manners that Still Matter...

I know I need this every now and again!  If you think people don’t care about etiquette at the table as much as they used to, think again. One soup slurp or tooth pick is all it takes to turn some people off. So to stay on your toes, here is a quick—and necessary—table manners refresher course from Louise Fox of the Etiquette Ladies, Canada’s Etiquette Experts:

• If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm’s length—never drink from it. Instead, simply nod your head and graciously say, “Thank you.”
• Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.
• Allow your food to cool on its own—never blow on anything.
• If you wear lipstick, keep it off your plate and napkin by blotting it as soon as you apply it.
• Your napkin is there for you to dab your mouth only. Do not use it to wipe off lipstick or (God forbid) blow your nose.
• Keep your elbows off the table at all times.
• Don’t put your purse, keys, sunglasses, or eyeglasses on the table.
• Take food out of your mouth the way it went in. If a piece of steak fat went into your mouth with a fork, spit it out onto the fork.
• Remove an olive pit with your thumb and index finger.
• Taste everything on your plate before you add salt or pepper.
• Leave your plate where it is when you are finished with your meal—don’t push it away from you