Let's Make a Date!

Would you like to make a date with me for tomorrow night? I promise it will be a night that will change your life!! Make a date with me to watch the premier of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC at 8pm.
This past week was a sneak preview of his show and I was glued. I don't want to give away too much, but I will give you a summary of the idea behind the show.
Jamie Oliver plants himself in America's Unhealthiest Town, Huntington, West Virginia. His mission is to create a 'Food Revolution' starting with the schools! Just in that first glimpse on Sunday night I was immediately fascinated by how resistant people are to making their lives and the lives of their families healthier. Not only the resistance, but the lack of awareness about WHAT they are eating and feeding their children. Jamie is there to help the residents of this small town learn to cook, eat, and love a healthy lifestyle.
As rare as it is for me to say this... sit down with your family and watch T.V. Watch Jamie on his journey. Already have plans? Record it. TiVo it. DVR it. Go to ABC.com and watch it later. Everyone in this country needs to see this, because the 'Food Revolution' could be at your door next!!

After watching, you will begin to question what you are eating. Here's a good place to start: www.dietfacts.com. Spend this time with your family, let me know what you think of the show and what changes you will be making!!

Government Weighing In on Your Nutrition?

With skyrocketing health insurance premiums, childhood obesity numbers out of control, and millions being effected by nutrition related diseases every year, is it any wonder that our government is trying to step in to make our country healthier?

This article off of MSN Health tells us of a new effort by New York City to mandate restaurants and manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their food. I am all for improving nutrition, but this leaves me with one burning question: Should we rely on our government to make healthier choices for us or learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle on our own?

Read the article and share your thoughts!
http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254201

Recipe Re-Do!

I am such a huge fan of Rachel Ray for making cooking quick, tasty, and more accessible for people everywhere. I own almost every one of her books, receive her magazine each month, but I just have one small issue. Many of her recipes are more unhealthy than I'd like.
So I have decided to share with you a quick recipe re-do that is one of my favorite Rachel Ray meals! Her Artichoke, Tomato, and Spinach Pizza is quick, easy, and now healthier too!

Original:
5 Tbs EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
3 Tbs flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)
1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
5 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
1- 13.75 oz can artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
1/2 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
(makes 4 servings)

Nutritional Values per serving:
Calories- 936
Fat- 65.2g
Carbohydrate- 63g
Protein- 27.5g

Swap out the following:
-Reduce amount of olive oil to 5 tsp (not Tbs!)
-Pillsbury Whole Wheat pizza dough
-Low fat shredded mozzarella cheese

...and cut your cost for a delicious pizza to:
Calories- 305
Fat- 19g
Carbohydrate- 15g
Protein- 21.2g

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
3. Using oiled hands, stretch dough to fit a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread 3 tsp olive oil mixture on top, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella and 2 Tbs Parmesan cheese.
4. Toss artichokes, tomatoes, and spinach with remaining garlic mixture and arrange over the cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake until crust is golden and crisp, about 18-20 min.

Got a great recipe re-do? Share it with us!!