January 03, 2008

The SuperFoodsRx Diet on the Today Show

The Superfoods Rx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrientsWith or without a New Year's Resolution, most people start thinking about eating healthier in January. In fact we can't help it. Every magazine, newspaper, and television program is flodded with articles and advertisements. As they have been all week, the Today Show will feature nutrition advice and tips to start the New Year off on the right track. 

One of our very own - Dr. Wendy Bazilian - will be interviewed for the segment on tomorrow's show, so be sure to tune in! As a Doctor of Public Health, a Registered Dietitian, a certified Health and Fitness Instructor, and Nutritionist for Golden Door she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with viewers. Her latest project, The SuperFoodsRx Diet, will be the feature of the segment.

In case you can't tune in tomorrow, I've included a brief summary of the book. While I have not yet read the book myself, I have reviewed SuperFoods Rx and am familiar with Wendy's work so it is with confidence that I am adding The SuperFoodsRx Diet to the recommended reads list.

The SuperFoodsRx Diet approach to weight loss is super simple: Consume high-quality SuperNutrient SuperFoods every day, and weight loss can be automatic. Rather than concentrating on the balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, The SuperFoodsRx Diet utilizes the benefits of micronutrients - vitamins, minerals, bioflavonoids, fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals - to burn calories. These powerhouse nutrients found in the 14 SuperFoods actually boost your body's metabolism, and the specific combinations in this plan will give you the best results possible. Based on extensive research and studies with real people, The SuperFoodsRx Diet is designed to help you reach your optimum weight.

The SuperFoodsRx Diet presents a full diet program with simple and totally flexible meal plans, easy and delicious recipes, and countless tips and strategies that you will need to reach your weight-loss goal and achieve your greatest weight loss success. By following this advice, you can finally have the body you've always wanted--the safe and healthy way.

The book features several of Wendy's recipes, including this Omega-3 rich salmon dish. For more healthy and delicious recipes from the Destination Spas, visit http://destinationspas.com/cuisine.htm

Asian Stuffed Salmon Fillet
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 baby bok choy, sliced into thin strips (rounds)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup matchstick carrots (or 7–8 baby carrots cut in half or quarters lengthwise)
• 1 scallion, sliced thinly (using about 2/3 of the scallion)
• 1” fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated*
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 7 ounces salmon fillet, skin removed
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Heat the canola oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add all the vegetables, ginger and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender but firm, approximately 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Tear off 2 pieces of aluminum foil large enough to wrap one portion of salmon and seal it tightly. Cut the salmon through the center lengthwise so that you have 2 thinner slices. Lay 1 slice on the aluminum foil, top with half the vegetables and then cover with the other slice of salmon. Repeat this for the second portion. In a small bowl, mix the honey and mustard. Brush the fish with the honey mustard. Wrap the fish in foil. Bake until the fish is flaky, approximately 20 minutes.

Serves 2. Serving size: 3 ounces salmon and 1 & 1/4 cups vegetables.      

October 12, 2007

Book Review - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Animal_vegetable_magic_2You might be wondering why I'm writing a book review as part of the Destination Spa blog. Well the reality is that Destination Spas are filled with books and magazines. Most have complete libraries for guests to enjoy during their stay and several spas host theme weeks with authors. Lake Austin Spa Resort devotes the entire month of November to "For the Love of Books". It is their way of reminding guests to nourish the mind as well as the body and spirit. Like so many guests, I find myself at the library or book store in search of "the" book following my Destinaiton Spa vacations. Thanks to this blog, I can share some of these great finds with you.

While visiting Coastal Trek Resort in June, owner Andrea Stuchbery suggested a book that I should read: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingslover et al (family). It took me a couple of months, but I finally bought the book and have read it from cover to cover. What a great read - thanks Andrea.

Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, this book (released May 2007) tells the story of how the Kingslover family was changed by one year of deliberately eating food produced in the place where they live. Barbara wrote the central narrative; Steven's sidebars dig deeper into various aspects of food-production science and industry; Camille's brief essays offer a nineteen-year-old's perspective on the local-food project, plus nutritional information, meal plans and recipes.

As the recipe that follow implies, the recipes from the book are very simple to prepare. The take home message: food is best when eaten in season and simply prepared. Trust me - there is no need to heavily season or "fuse" flavors for it to taste good.

CORN PUDDING A 9 YEAR-OLD CAN MAKE

  • 3 cups corn kernels
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated Gouda cheese
  • 2 tbs. parsley (dried)
  • 1 tbs. marjoram (dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients and pour into greased baking dish. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until top is puffy and golden.

As a registered dietitian and health-concious person, I like to think that I am very mindful of food. Reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle opened my eyes even wider. I have since joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) program, committed to planting a garden and plan on serving a local heritage turkey for Thanksgiving this year.

Check out the book from the local library, purchase online from Amazon.com, or better yet -- support your local bookstore and buy a couple of copies (one for you and extra copies for friends). It may or may not change the way you think about our food supply, but it will definitely inspire you to get in the kitchen and make something from scratch. And everyone will enjoy a good laugh along with The Kingslovers as they transition from city dwellers to farmers. After you've read it, let me know what you think.

As a follow-up to the book, The Kingslover's also have a website that you can visit for more recipes and  resources for eating locally.

My next read is going to be Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert...

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