Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral, a critical  mineral that is stored in our bones,  which provides magnesium for our nerves, muscles and cells that enable us to relax.  It was once thought that calcium was the main ingredient for optimal bone health, now it is proven that magnesium is of equal importance. For females during adolescence, low intakes of calcium and magnesium can lead to osteoporosis. Boys and girls require magnesium for bone health, hormone balance and energy. It is good for heart health as well a help relief with Premenstrual Syndrome and Tension.

Sources for Magnesium Include:  Dark leafy vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds and cooked brown rice. Others include:

• Grapes
• Sesame Seeds
• Avacados
• Bananas
• Brown Rice
• Kale
• Spinach
• Watercress
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Kelp
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts

Info/g.mckeith’s food bible/pg.53,92,94,105/tasteforlife/nov.09/pg25/Image/http://www.pdphoto.org/PictureDetail.php?mat=&pg=7969

Sage

Did you know that Sage is a member of the mint family? It carries antioxidant properties and is used to relieve upset stomachs. Sage possesses hypoglycemic qualities that also help those with diabetes. The  herb Sage adds an earthy flavor to soups, sauces, cheeses, teas and stuffing.

Info/tasteforlife/Nov.09/pg-38, Image:http://www.pdphoto.org/PictureDetail.php?mat=&pg=6957

Forward Motion ~ Reminiscing

  

     Thanksgiving is usually viewed as a warm holiday, where family and close friends get together, share a nice meal  and talk about the many blessings in their lives.  In many cases, someone is working extra hard that day to make it a special day for all who come to share that time with them.  The list of cooking, setting up the table,  and getting the home ready goes on and on.  By the end of the day those hard working individuals usually collapse, totally out of steam.  I fall somewhere in that discription. 

 While working yesterday, many times I had thoughts of passed Thanksgivings as a child.  Where my Mother and Grandmother spent several days in the kitchen gearing up for the big meal. Or as I got older, my Mother in law, worked extra hard to make it a special occasion.  All of these dear women  are no longer with us today,  and my heart feels sad .  Their lives had many positive examples to follow. 

It is today, the day after thanksgiving, that I feel an unusually heavy heart.  A feeling that I know is only natural, and I am sure I am not alone.  I wish you peace, each of you who may feel heavy in heart today.  

Shannon

One ceases to recognize the significance of mountain peaks if they are not viewed occasionally from the deepest valleys.
   

 Quote by:  Dr. Al Lorin

Forward Motion ~ Thanks Living

Each new day I am thank-full for life.

 With each breath I breathe in, I’m reminded of Life.

 With the first faces I see in the morning, I quietly begin to give thanks.

As I watch the squirrels and the birds hard at work and smell the fresh morning air,  I continue to give thanks.

May today be one of those days that your heart swells, with the numberous blessings, that your thank-full for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shannon

Body In Motion ~ Lack of Exercise

 

 

Everyone knows that exercising burns calories and increases muscle mass.  

Muscle burns more calories when at rest than any other body tissue.  

By sitting on your tail everyday you can watch the weight creep on.  

You might not feel like exercising, but once you get your body moving doing something you love, it will give you a natural high and keep you slim.

Forward Motion ~ Believe

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Quote by: Eleanor Roosevelt

Forward Motion ~ Life

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”

Quote by :  Wayne Dyer

Body in Motion ~ Anxiety

With the holidays coming up, it is only natural to experience a bit of anxiety. Surprising enough, it can be brought on by a number of things. Anxiety can show it’s ugly face in the form of a panic attack, that may last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. Symptoms may include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, feelings of being overwhelmed, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, shaking or not being able to think clearly.

For more information on potential causes  and plan of action,  look under section on left called “Pages” ~ Anxiety.

Recipe ~ Crab Dip

Crab Stuffed Shells or Dip (can be served hot or cold)

Or better yet, stuff Belgian Endive leaves , Puff pastry rounds, or Melba Toast

INGREDIENTS

• 36 jumbo pasta shells (Optional)
• 2 (8 ounce) packages Neufchatel cheese (or full fat cream cheese)
• 1 pound crabmeat
• 6 ounces cooked tiny shrimp
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and add pasta shells; boil until al dente. Drain well.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crab, shrimp, onion, celery, sour cream, salt, pepper and lemon juice; mix well.
3. Stuff cream cheese mixture into the jumbo pasta shells. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Food For Thought ~ Food Budget

Planning a menu on a budget can be easy.  The key word is to plan.  In every household there is someone who is planning the meals and doing the grocery shopping.  Knowing what to buy and how much to buy makes the meal planning process much easier, especially in busy households.  Taking time to go to the store several times a week is not only time consuming, but expensive.  At this point more spontaneous shopping takes place.   Most households have a set amount of money that they can spend on food.  When payday arrives and the budget is figured, then it is time to plan the menus.  Buying food in bulk is cheaper than buying in small quantities.  In my household, we get paid once a month.  So if we can plan on 30 days of meals, we can save a tremendous amount of money in groceries.  Often at the end of the month there will be food left over that can be  contributed to the following  month.

To read more about “Food Budget”, look in the Pages section on left .