Recently First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden announced the Joining Forces Campaign as a way to give back and support military families at home (see the badge to the right for more info.) The American Council on Exercise is partnering up and pledging 1 million service hours via its fitness professionals. I’m proud to announce my involvement by donating fitness training hours to local military families.
My training will take place outdoors – boot camp style, if you will! How many hours? Well, that’s up to you. I’ll donate one session per each new Facebook Fan Program Fit receives from now until Memorial Day. Please spread the word to anyone who would like to support the cause, or anyone you know who could benefit from it.
The more fans, the more hours! I couldn’t think of a better reason to be tired out this summer!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It's funny that oatmeal comes in packets...
I was going to hold off on this until the fall when it started getting cool again, but a post “Forks over Knives” conversation reminded me that there never is an inappropriate time to share good ideas about food.
I don’t need to tell you how important a good breakfast is – you’ve heard it a million times before. Instead, I’ll share a relatively easy, inexpensive, and yummy way to enjoy whole grains in the morning.
Years ago I switched from the packets of oatmeal to steel cut oatmeal, and from then on I was never satisfied with packets of oatmeal. Then one day I tried whole oats and I officially became an oatmeal snob. It’s actually a bit humorous to me that people buy oatmeal in packets when there is such a rockin’ alternative.
Whole oat groats (available in the bulk section at Whole Foods and most natural food stores,) are the original, unprocessed form of oatmeal. It has a rich aroma, nutty flavor, and chewy texture. This whole grain packs protein, fiber, and iron (to name a few) and will keep you full for hours.
The attraction of the packaged oatmeal is the convenience – I certainly can relate. But, if you plan ahead, you can make a large batch and feed from it for a week.
The steps:
1. Rinse oats first, and then place in slow cooker with a pinch of sea salt and 3x the water. When cooking oats on the stovetop most recommend 2x the water, but I’ve found the slow cooker needs more.
2. Cover and cook on low overnight. If you have the ability to stir it once during the night – you insomniacs might relate – do that. Every slow cooker is different, so if your low isn’t very low, I wouldn’t try this on a morning when you plan to sleep late because it will burn.
3. In the morning there will most likely be a film on the top. Scrape it away, give it a stir, and it’s ready to eat.
Fixins’:
The sky is the limit on how dressy you want to make this dish. In fact, I believe there is a trend emerging in the oatmeal world and you will soon be bombarded with recipes everywhere you look. You can add fruits and spices for cooked-in flavor, or pile on the accents once it’s done. I enjoy the taste of the oats alone – especially when they are freshly made. I usually won’t add anything. However, if you are used to processed and sugary cereals you may not be satisfied with just the taste of the food itself. Try adding a touch of maple syrup, or a tad bit of brown sugar. Raisins, dried coconut, nuts, ground flax seeds or chia seeds are lovely toppings. Over time, you can cut back on the accessories and eventually you’ll develop a palate for the grain itself.
I’ll feed off of this batch for the week. The leftovers generally require a splash of almond milk and a good stir to regain an acceptable texture, but I usually enjoy them cold even more than reheated - especially in the summer.
*In the interest of full disclosure, I still keep a container of plain quick oats for the occasions when I haven’t had time to plan ahead and I’m stuck!
I don’t need to tell you how important a good breakfast is – you’ve heard it a million times before. Instead, I’ll share a relatively easy, inexpensive, and yummy way to enjoy whole grains in the morning.
Years ago I switched from the packets of oatmeal to steel cut oatmeal, and from then on I was never satisfied with packets of oatmeal. Then one day I tried whole oats and I officially became an oatmeal snob. It’s actually a bit humorous to me that people buy oatmeal in packets when there is such a rockin’ alternative.
Whole oat groats (available in the bulk section at Whole Foods and most natural food stores,) are the original, unprocessed form of oatmeal. It has a rich aroma, nutty flavor, and chewy texture. This whole grain packs protein, fiber, and iron (to name a few) and will keep you full for hours.
The attraction of the packaged oatmeal is the convenience – I certainly can relate. But, if you plan ahead, you can make a large batch and feed from it for a week.
The steps:
1. Rinse oats first, and then place in slow cooker with a pinch of sea salt and 3x the water. When cooking oats on the stovetop most recommend 2x the water, but I’ve found the slow cooker needs more.
2. Cover and cook on low overnight. If you have the ability to stir it once during the night – you insomniacs might relate – do that. Every slow cooker is different, so if your low isn’t very low, I wouldn’t try this on a morning when you plan to sleep late because it will burn.
3. In the morning there will most likely be a film on the top. Scrape it away, give it a stir, and it’s ready to eat.
Fixins’:
The sky is the limit on how dressy you want to make this dish. In fact, I believe there is a trend emerging in the oatmeal world and you will soon be bombarded with recipes everywhere you look. You can add fruits and spices for cooked-in flavor, or pile on the accents once it’s done. I enjoy the taste of the oats alone – especially when they are freshly made. I usually won’t add anything. However, if you are used to processed and sugary cereals you may not be satisfied with just the taste of the food itself. Try adding a touch of maple syrup, or a tad bit of brown sugar. Raisins, dried coconut, nuts, ground flax seeds or chia seeds are lovely toppings. Over time, you can cut back on the accessories and eventually you’ll develop a palate for the grain itself.
I’ll feed off of this batch for the week. The leftovers generally require a splash of almond milk and a good stir to regain an acceptable texture, but I usually enjoy them cold even more than reheated - especially in the summer.
*In the interest of full disclosure, I still keep a container of plain quick oats for the occasions when I haven’t had time to plan ahead and I’m stuck!
 |
| The night before, with chopped up apples. |
 |
| The next morning, after it was stirred and cinnamon added! |
Friday, May 20, 2011
Forks Over Knives
"He who takes medicine and neglects his diet, wastes the skill of the physician." -Chinese proverb
http://forksoverknives.com/
This was just one great quote highlighted in the new movie "Forks over Knives," playing in select cities. I, along with 2 great gals, had the pleasure of attending the premiere last night. If you can't make it downtown, please make a point to see it when it's available on DVD, Netflix, etc.
The title is a reference to the fact that we can help avoid the surgeon's knife, by choosing wisely with our forks. The power we have over our health and how we feel - just by what we choose to eat - is incredibly exciting and amazing! I want you all to feel that way too. If you're looking for a bit of inspiration, please see this movie.
If you see it, let me know what you think!
http://forksoverknives.com/
This was just one great quote highlighted in the new movie "Forks over Knives," playing in select cities. I, along with 2 great gals, had the pleasure of attending the premiere last night. If you can't make it downtown, please make a point to see it when it's available on DVD, Netflix, etc.
The title is a reference to the fact that we can help avoid the surgeon's knife, by choosing wisely with our forks. The power we have over our health and how we feel - just by what we choose to eat - is incredibly exciting and amazing! I want you all to feel that way too. If you're looking for a bit of inspiration, please see this movie.
If you see it, let me know what you think!
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