Health PinUp, Issue 3, Vol. 1: Fall Fun, September 2009

Spice Up Your Life

Did you know that spices have weight loss, healing, anti inflammatory and relaxation powers? Here are just some examples of how you can "spice" up your life:

Turmeric: reduces arthritic pain, indigestion, irritable bowel, pms cramps, allergies, congestion, asthma; and it is also a natural antibiotic; Cumin: helps digestion and muscle restoration; Fennel: relieves muscle spasms, indigestion, irritable bowel, hernias; improves hormonal imbalances; calms bronchitis, coughs, congestion; eliminates toxins; and increases the liver's production of bile; Cardamom: relieves indigestion, nausea, vomiting; and even detoxifies caffeine build-up; Cinnamon: improves use of insulin (which can help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes); and increases metabolism; Ginger: reduces arthritic pain; enhances digestion and circulation; mitigates nausea associated with motion sickness and pregnancy; and is also a natural antibiotic; Cayenne: lowers cholesterol; reduces allergies; Garlic: lowers cholesterol; reverses high blood pressure; boosts the immune system; increases energy; is a natural antibiotic; etc. Celebrate National Cholesterol Month by loading up on Cayenne and Garlic.

Recipe of the Month: Prep Once, Eat Multiple Times

Impress your vegetarian guests at your Labor Day BBQ with these spicy Black Bean Tostada Burgers. Improvise with spices even though some good ones are already included.

Step 1:Buy 1 15.5 oz can low-sodium black beans; olive oil spray; 1/3 cup chopped red onion; 3 cloves minced garlic; 1/4 cup whole wheat panko (japanese bread crumbs); 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; pepper to taste; 1 avocado sliced/peeled; corn tortillas. Serves 4. Remember local, organic, fresh.
Step 2: Rinse black beans and set aside; coat medium skillet w olive oil spray and heat to med low; add red onion and cook, stirring occasionally 5 min; add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, 2 min more.
Step 3:In large bowl, combine black beans, onion mixture, panko, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; mash and leave chunks; form bean mixture into four patties (3 inches wide, 1/2 in. thick).
Step 4: Cook burgers on lightly oiled grill for 4 min one side; 3 on other side. Top w avocado, sliced tomato, and warmed corn tortillas.
Step 5: Serve, eat, enjoy at your BBQ. Also refrigerate leftovers for the week for interesting salads and sides.

Try a salad from the NY Times 101 Simple Salads: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?ref=dining

Get Outdoors/Get Active

Autumn is full of beautiful colors, crisp air, fresh scents, and fabulous activities. Embrace hiking, bike tours, apple/pumpkin picking, corn maizes, and wine tasting. Celebrate National Yoga Month...Namaste!