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July 2005
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Dear Readers:
I must confess that like most people, I definitely enjoy trying my hand at the barbecue this time of year. And with the 4th of July behind us, grilling season is well underway. So for this issue we've given you some ideas for a different kind of grilling experience, plus some ideas on how to watch the calories in your favorite cocktail. Plus you've seen them all over the place, so we're giving you a quick lowdown on the new "energy" drink craze. As always, I love getting your questions and comments. So please send them my way. Jacquie Danforth, President Nutrition First  Healthy Grilling
Okay, so we all know about the usual grilling fare for this time of year – steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs etc. But this summer we've decided to take a more inventive AND healthier approach to the backyard barbecue with some new ideas for main courses, side dishes and even desserts. So read on and get grilling.Main meals Have you ever tried a pizza on the grill? Forget the old frozen pizza out of the box, "I'll grill it because I can" attitude. How about a freshly made pizza that is easy and healthy for you. Use ready-made pizza crusts or make your own using our Nutrition First All Purpose Baking Mix and our easy pizza recipe. Because of the high direct heat of a grill, start with a thin crust. Thick crusts tend to burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through. If the crust is pre-baked, this isn't a concern. Lightly brush one side of the crust with olive oil. Then place the crust directly on the grill oiled-side down. Oil keeps the dough from sticking to the grate. Had enough of pizza? A recent trip to our local supermarket unearthed another great ready to go grill meal: tasty salmon skewers. And for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, there's nothing quite like a big fat juicy portabello mushroom burger. Side surprises Okay, so pasta salad and corn on the cob are classics that can't be beat. But if you're looking for a little avant-garde with your barbecue, expand your horizons with skewers of veggie and fruits (yes fruits). Eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, sweet onions, small tomatoes, mushrooms, pears, pineapple and peaches all cook well on the grill. The key to grilling fruits and vegetables is to use low heat. Be sure to put fruits and vegetables on a liberally oiled grate to avoid sticking, and grill the fruits or vegetables until they're lightly browned. You want them to be tender but not mushy when gently pierced with a sharp knife. The Big D Try grilled fruit instead of fat-laden ice cream or cake. The dry heat of grilling intensifies and caramelizes the natural sugars in fruit. Favorite desserts include halves or slices of apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines. For something different, try sliced apples, figs and pears. A banana cooked slowly in its peel results in a custard-like delicacy — perfect for the end of a meal. Cook up something special for the finale with a piece of angel food cake on the grill. That's right - just grill slices of angel food cake for up to three minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Top with any classic angel food cake topping such as chilled strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. The Buzz: Bulls and Piranhas - The Lowdown on Energy Drinks
No longer just for stressed out college co-eds and maxed out movie stars, a whole barrage of energy drinks have invaded the corner store and supermarket. So what makes an energy drink different than your regular soda or other canned beverage? The answer is stimulants, sugar, vitamins…and more stimulants.Your typical energy drink can contain a combination of caffeine, guarine, glucose, and various forms of ginseng, taurine, gingko biloba and other additives. And did we mention lots of sugar? Yes, indeed! Don't mistake energy drinks for sports drinks. While sports drinks are intended to replace key nutrients such as water, sugars and electrolytes, energy drinks are designed to help you keep going and cram a few more hours into your day. So if you need a little pick me up of the non-coffee variety, give one of the many energy drinks a go. Just make sure you know what you're drinking! Caloric content is usually high due to the increased sugar levels! Lifestyle: Summer Beverages
Summertime means time spent outdoors drinking, eating and socializing. But unfortunately those yummy summer cocktails can pack a big wallop when it comes to calories and sugar. But that doesn't mean one has to give up those delectable summer drinks. Here are a few good tips and cocktails to help you keep the count low courtesy of About.com's Cocktail Guide
Ask Jacquie
"Hi Jacquie,Was wondering if you had any insight on the best types of cooking oils to use when preparing food. I'd prefer to make the healthiest choice possible so any advice you have would be great!" Jason, Coral Gables, Florida Hi Jason, 
Hi Jason and thanks for your question – it is definitely a good one! Unfortunately the healthiest oils for you are not necessarily the best "cooking" oils due to the fact that the essential fatty acids our body needs break down when heated, or in some cases when exposed to light or oxygen. Flax seed oil, which is full of great omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, is a prime example of an oil that is great for you, but simply won't hold up when heated! So, when choosing oils to prepare foods with, in general we look for stable oils that have less essential fatty acids and more mono-unsaturated or saturated fats. Assuming we use these fats and oils sparingly when preparing foods, I recommend the following: olive oil, canola oil, safflower or sunflower oil, corn oil, peanut oil and non-hydrogenated margarine. Remember to watch your cooking temperature though - fats burn and become toxic if overheated!Thanks for writing, Jacquie Write me with questions or topics and we'll discuss them here every month! |
