Month: July 2013

5 Quick Meat Substitutes

July 8, 2013

Boca Burgers

Grill these heart-healthy burgers, instead of burgers made from meat.  Boca Burgers come in several flavors, and are made from soy, veggies, cheeses and seasonings.  Protein: 14 grams per serving (one burger).

Light Life Tofu Pups

The original vegetarian hot dog made from soy.  They cook faster than meat-based hot dogs, and contain no cholesterol or nitrates.  Protein: 7 grams per serving (one hot dog).

Tufurky Vegan Deli Slices

Lunch meat sandwich alternative to meat. Available in Roast Beef, Peppered, Oven Roasted, Hickory Smoked, Bologna Style, and Italian.  Protein: 13 grams per serving (5 slices).

MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips

Smoky flavored strips that tastes just like bacon.  Sautée to a crisp texture, and add to sandwiches or have them with your breakfast meal.  Protein: 2 grams per serving (2 strips).

Trader Joe’s Chickenless Mandarin Orange Morsels

Asian inspired entrée made from soy, wheat, grains and veggies. Serve it with rice or noodles and your favorite green veggie.  Protein: 16 grams per serving (10 pieces).

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Disabled Dog Gets Prosthetic Legs

July 6, 2013

Naki’o, the world’s first dog to receive four prosthetic limbs.

In 2011 a puppy was found abandoned, and near death in a foreclosed home in Nebraska.  Four paws and tail were frozen in a puddle of water in the basement of the house.

Naki’o was brought to a local shelter, and nursed back to health.  Through the internet, veterinarian assistant Christine Pace read about his story, and decided to adopt him.

Christine raised money so that Naki’o could be fitted with two prosthetic rear legs, designed and fitted by Orthopets in Denver, Colorado.  Naki’o adapted so well to his new legs, that the company designed prosthetics for both front legs, free of charge.

Read the entire story about Nakio’s rescue, and his new home, at Orthopets.com.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Spinach

July 4, 2013
Spinach leaves can be steamed, sauteed, juiced, or consumed raw.

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

One cup of chopped, raw spinach is only 14 calories.

In cooking, spinach is versatile and lends itself well to raw, steamed, and sautéed recipes.  Juicing spinach leaves is another quick, and healthy option for consuming this vitamin-rich superfood.

Spinach makes a fast and delicious meal combined with nuts, seeds, mushrooms, lentils, tofu, fish, chicken, grated cheese, or legumes.  Added spices such as garlic, and curry provide zest to a spinach side or main dish.

Nutrients In Spinach

Phytonutrients:  Spinach contains the carotenoids, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.  It also contains flavonoids (antioxidants).

Vitamins: C, E, Beta-carotene, K, B1, B2, B6.

Minerals: Manganese, Zinc, Selenium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Folic Acid, Copper, Niacin, Phosphorus

Fatty Acids: Omega 3

Fiber

Protein

Benefits of Eating Spinach

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-cancer
  • Decreased risk of prostate cancer
  • Lowers risk of health problems related to oxidative stress, such as atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
  • Prevents macular degeneration.
  • Bone health
  • Supports heart and digestive health. 

Spinach Varieties

  • Savoy: dark green, crisp, curly leaves, springy texture.  
  • Semi-Savoy: similar texture to savoy, but not as crinkled.
  • Flat Smooth-Leaf: flat, unwrinkled, spade-shaped leaves.  

Preparation Suggestions

  • Raw Spinach Avocado Salad 
  • Steamed Spinach with Lentils and Walnuts 
  • Fresh Carrot-Apple-Spinach Juice
  • Sautéed Spinach with Mushrooms and Steamed Sweet Potatoes

For spinach recipes visit allrecipes.com, and food.com. For juicing recipes go to omegajuicers.com.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training