FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Is Mayonnaise a Magnet for Salmonella?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

There are bound to be barbecues a plenty this Fourth of July weekend. With this tainted tomato scare, I for one definitely have salmonella on my mind. I typically associate mayo with food poisoning, since people tend to leave this condiment, and the food it's added to, out for long periods of time.

I was relieved to read in the NY Times recently that mayo doesn't really deserve this bad rap. Since most commercialized mayo is made with vinegar or other ingredients that make it acidic, it's actually less likely to spoil. Phew! According to a study published in the Journal of Food Protection, mayo added to foods may even help to prevent food poisoning. The reason mayo may become contaminated is if it's not properly stored, if it's mixed with low-acid foods like seafood or chicken, or if the mayo is homemade.

Fit's Tips: If you plan on hitting a BBQ this weekend (or any other weekend for that matter), be sure the mayo hasn't been left out. Also, check the ingredients. Hellmann's, Best Foods, Miracle Whip, and Kraft all contain vinegar, so they're a better choice than homemade mayo when it comes to spoilage. Steer clear of pasta and potato salads containing mayonnaise that have been left out for more than two hours. If it's above 90° F, then one hour is the limit.

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Veggie Burger Breakdown

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I'm sure you're gearing up for some BBQs. If you're watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, veggie burgers are a great option. And according to my burger poll many of you prefer veggie burgers, too. There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. Other veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes their burgers with sunflower seeds. Depending on the main ingredients, all your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one satisfies your needs.

Veggie Burger (1 patty)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Amy's Kitchen All American Veggie Burger	120	3	0	390	15	3	10
Amy's Kitchen California Veggie Burger	140	5	0	430	19	4	6
Boca All American Flame Grilled	90	3	5	280	4	4.5	14
Boca Original Vegan	70	.5	0	280	6	4	13

There's plenty more and to see them just

Hamburger, Veggie Burger, or Turkey Burger?

FitSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I am a carnivore who is working to eat lower on the food chain. I experiment with meatless entrées, but when at a BBQ and confronted with a choice between a veggie burger and a regular burger, I always opt for the latter – and usually with cheese. Since BBQ season is in full swing, what do you eat . . .Source

Hamburger, Veggie Burger, or Turkey Burger?

Hamburger

Veggie Burger

Turkey Burger

Other — tell us below.

BBQ Condiment Quiz

FitSugar — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Hot dogs with the works. Cheeseburger with mayo and hot sauce. What would a BBQ be without the condiments? Before you squirt a mound of ketchup onto your dog, you may want to take this quiz.

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Healthy BBQ: Grilling Meat at High Temps

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

It's barbecue time again, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I love grilling, but it's important to keep food safety in mind when firing up the grill. I always try to marinate the meat before cooking, in hopes of reducing the production of carcinogens, but the high heat can also produce chemicals with cancer-causing properties. This does not mean you should skip the grill this weekend (or all Summer); just follow these simple tips from the Harvard Health Letter for keeping grilling safe:

Cook smaller pieces: They cook more quickly and at lower temperatures.
Choose leaner meat: Less fat should reduce flames and therefore smoke.
Precook in the microwave: Doing so for two minutes may decrease heterocyclic amines by 90 percent, according to some research.
Flip frequently: That way, neither side has time to absorb or lose too much heat.

Source

What's the Deal With Cornhole?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You may have noticed it at the beach, your cousin's barbecue, or the graduation party you went to last weekend. It may just look like adults playing bean bag toss, but it's more than that: It's cornhole.

Cornhole has been, dare I say, sweeping the nation, and it makes a great Memorial Day activity because it's generally pretty portable and basically anyone can play. A cornhole set consists of two boards with a hole in them, placed about 30 feet apart, and eight bags filled with corn kernels. The basic object of the game is to get a bag into the hole, though points are awarded for just getting a bag on top of the board. You can buy cornhole sets at most major sporting goods stores or online (the one pictured is pricey at $200, but you can get them for less). It's not the most active of all backyard games, but it does get you up and moving.

Yes, I agree, it sounds a lot like bean bag toss for adults, but I know from personal experience that calling it bean bag toss does not sit well with serious cornhole players. For simple steps on how to play, just

Labor Day Weekend Barbecue Round Up

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

For most of us, Labor Day weekend means a lot of fun and a lot of barbecue. Unfortunately a lot of barbecue could mean a lot of unhealthy eating so check out the links below for making this Labor Day weekend as healthy as you want.

First and foremost, here are some tips on grilling safe for a healthy bbq.

Spice (and lighten) up the burger with this recipe for South Beach Diet Chimichurri Burgers -- My mouth's already watering. Oh, and since you're being healthy, you might as well put it on a whole grain bun.

You know I've broken down your favorite condiments.

...Add a side of grilled veggies and you're good to go.

Not doing the grilling? Here are some tips on cutting calories if you're attending a barbecue.

Of course you'll want some fun ways to get everyone moving. (I'm not going to lie, the link also contains some nice pics of Matthew McConaughey too).

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Get Physical: Play Frisbee

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Working out doesn't always have to be something you dread, in fact it should really be something you love to do. It doesn't have to be dull and repetitive and it doesn't have to make you sweat. Throwing the old disk around is one of those things that works your muscles and your heart without you even realizing it, since you're having so much fun.

Grab your boyfriend or girlfriend, your dog (if you have one) or some pals and head on down to a beach, a park or someone's big backyard. Bring along a frisbee and start passing it around. If you get a whole group of people together, you can play a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Throwing the frisbee around works your upper body. Your core gets a workout too, since you're twisting your torso every time you throw. When someone throws the disk to you, you'll end up running, diving, and leaping for it which will work your leg muscles and your heart. If you end up missing the catch (which is bound to happen), you'll end up laughing your butt off, which works your abs and relieves stress.

Playing regular frisbee for 30 minutes burns around 150 -170 calories and Ultimate Frisbee burns 230-250 calories. That's a lot considering playing frisbee is mostly about laughing and having a good time.

Fit's Tips: A frisbee is a great thing to pack along for your next BBQ. Why sit around and chomp down chips and dip while you're waiting for the burgers or veggie burgers to cook, when you can work up an appetite by tossing the disk.

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Homemade Fruit Salsa

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I know buying salsa in a jar is so easy, but it doesn't have nearly as many vitamins as when you make it with fresh ingredients. Once you have all the ingredients, whipping up a batch of your own salsa is simple, delicious, and always a hit at a BBQ.

This salsa is made with tomato (a great source of the antioxidant lycopene) and all kinds of delicious fresh fruits. I love it because it's so juicy and refreshing on a summer's day. It's a much better alternative to downing a ton of greasy potato chips and fattening dip, and much tastier in my opinion.

Source

If you want to see the recipe then

Cut the Calories at Your Next Barbecue

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

For many of us, summer is all about barbecuing. You've probably been to several BBQ's already and summer's just getting started.

I love a good BBQ as much as the next girl, but all that food can really do a number on your waistline. -- So for easy ways to cut out a few calories at your next barbecue, all while still getting to enjoy the food you love

Healthy BBQ - Whole Grain Buns

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I've talked a lot about healthier options to throw on the grill like Gardenburgers, Wildwood burgers, Tofu Pups, grilled corn and grilled veggies.

Now don't forget about those buns! You've got to do some detective work and read labels because many buns are made with the dreaded enriched flour, which means the healthy nutrients were stripped away.

Watch out for high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil and other cr*p you may find in your buns too. Don't be fooled by a pretty bun or a healthy name (like Arnold Select). Read the ingredients just to be sure.

Look for buns made with whole grains or whole wheat. These will taste better and be healthier for you since they contain some fiber!!!

Fit's Tips: If you can't find whole grain buns, go for some whole grain or whole wheat bread instead.

BBQ Condiment Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Condiments are so much more than ketchup and mustard.

By definition, a condiment is "a substance applied to food in the form of a sauce, powder, spread, or similar, to enhance or improve the flavor. Condiments are typically smeared with knives, squirted, or spooned onto other foods."

With that in mind, let's see how these flavor enhancers compare nutritionally. Want to see? Then

More Tips for a Healthy BBQ

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You've heard me tell you that one way to keep barbecuing safe is by marinating your meat before cooking it to greatly reduce the production of these carcinogens. A recent issue of the Harvard Health Letter gives us four more suggestions to keeping grilling safe and free of cancer-causing properties:

Cook smaller pieces: They cook more quickly and at lower temperatures.
Choose leaner meat: Less fat should reduce flames and therefore smoke.
Precook in the microwave: Doing so for two minutes may decrease heterocyclic amines by 90%, according to some research.
Flip frequently: That way, neither side has time to absorb or lose too much heat.

Still looking for other ways to have a healthy BBQ, then check out my previous posts.

Healthy BBQ: Grilled Corn

FitSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:30:00 -0700

What's a summer BBQ without some corn on the cob? Of course you can boil it in water, but that depletes that corn of many of its vitamins. Besides, you've already got the grill warmed up for hamburgers and veggie burgers, so why not grill your corn instead?

It's really easy. Here's what to do:

Soak the corn - in the husk - in water for 20- 30 minutes.
Then place the soaked corn right onto the grill.
Turn it every so often, and cook it for about 10-20 minutes, until the outer husk is pretty much burnt. In a sense you are steaming the corn, which is much healthier than boiling it.
Take it off the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before removing the husk. Enjoy!

Fit's Tips: One medium-sized piece of grilled corn on the cob with a pat of butter has: 155 calories, 3.4g of fat, 29mg of sodium 32g of carbs, 2.3g of fiber, 359mg of potassium, and 4.5g of protein. If you skip the butter, you'll reduce that caloric load by 40 calories as well as get rid of all the fat. Try using lime juice as a butter alternative. Just rub a wedge of lime on the cob and then lightly salt it. Tasty and low fat!!!

I'd love to hear if you have any other grilled corn recipes - so tell me below.

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Healthy BBQ Options

FitSugar — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Nothing says Memorial Day like a backyard BBQ. So if you are firing up the grill here are some healthy options for you to consider.

Don't forget your veggies. Grilled vegetables taste great and are a great way to make sure you get your 5 - 7 servings of fruits and veggies. Why not kkip the potato chips and eat some grilled eggplant instead?

If you are going to grill up some burgers use grass fed beef it is better for you and the environment. Also, remember that is a good idea to marinate your meat before sticking it on the grill. Not only does the marinade prevent the meat from drying out, a common grilling faux pas, it also protects the meat from carcinogens created by smoke and high heat cooking. If you are grilling up some tri-tip, Yumsugar has a Shiraz-Soy marinade recipe for you to try. It looks tasty.

Maybe you want a meatless option, and if so I highly recommend Gardenburgers. Made from whole grain brown rice, rolled oats, and veggies - they not only taste good, but they are good for you. Or if you are in the mood for a hot dog try a Tofu Pup.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Healthy BBQ - Grilled Veggies

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

BBQs aren't just about hot dogs and hamburgers - oh no. When you start grilling veggies, your BBQ options become endless.

Here are some tips for grilling vegetables:

First off you've got to get yourself a Stainless Steel Grill Wok Topper like this one ($24.99). It prevents smaller foods like shrimp and chopped veggies from falling through the grate onto the coals or gas.
Cut up your favorite fresh vegetables. I love red, green, yellow, and orange peppers, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, Vidalia onions, and broccoli. But cut slightly larger pieces than you usually do, because grilling makes them shrink a little.
Brush your veggies with olive oil (for flavor and to prevent them from sticking to the metal) and sprinkle them with rosemary, minced garlic, salt and pepper, then place them on the grill.
Shake or stir them quite often, and watch them closely since they don't take very long to cook.
When they're ready, pour them onto a plate and serve. They're delicious to eat plain with the rest of your BBQ food, or you can top them on your burgers or hot dogs.

Fit's Tips: Vary the flavor of your grilled vegetables and experiment with different sauces, herbs and spices. Sometimes I'm in the mood for adding fresh grated ginger and lemon juice. Other days I'm into adding hot sauce - it's great for clearing the sinuses when my allergies are really bad.

Healthy BBQ - Tofu Pups

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Although hot dogs hail from Frankfurt Germany, they are about as American as apple pie. Sometimes you don't want to eat processed meat or sodium nitrate that is found in most hot dogs.

I found a meatless alternative called Tofu Pups (cute name, eh?). The thing about regular hot dogs is that they pretty much taste like crap until the hot dog people add seasonings. That smoky kind of taste isn't from the meat - and the Tofu Pup people know that. They take good old healthy tofu, add the special hot dog flavor, shape it into a hot dog and voila - instant healthier hot dog. It has no cholesterol, no nitrites, half the fat and one-third the sodium of a meat hot dog.

Now when you go to try these - don't think they are going to be exactly like real hot dogs. The taste is similar, but the texture is completely different. Since Tofu Pups are made out of tofu, they're much softer than the meat version, which I actually prefer.

They take a lot less time to cook too, so make sure when you grill them, you watch them closely and turn them frequently. They don't need to be cooked - they just need to be warmed up.

Fit's Tips: If you find that grilling your Tofu Pups dries them out, try boiling them in water for a few minutes instead.

Healthy BBQ: Marinate Your Meat

FitSugar — Sun, 06 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I love to BBQ...in fact one of my goals this grilling season is to become a grill master. The roles at my house are pretty gender specific in this activity...I make the sides and my hubbie plays with the fire. I also make some great marinades and let me tell you marinating meat significantly reduces the amount of carcinogens found in grilled meats.

Two types of cancer causing agents are often present in grilled red meat, poultry and fish. One is caused by the smoke that billows up when fat drips from meat or fish onto a heat source. These are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAH for short. The second is heterocyclic amines, aka HCAs, which are a by-product of cooking at high heat. HCAs are formed when high cooking temperatures cause a chemical reaction between naturally occurring amino acids and sugars in the meat and creatine, which is found in muscle tissue. This is also a problem with broiled meat as well.

To greatly reduce the production of these carcinogens - marinate your meats before putting them on the barbie. Studies have shown that marinating can reduce the HCAs in some cases, as much as 92 to 99 percent.

So marinate before you grill and you'll be good to go. Plus marinated meat tastes better and doesn't seem to get as dried out.

Healthy BBQ - Gardenburgers

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:45:00 -0700

All this talk about beef being recalled and red meat being linked to breast cancer is making me crazy. Don't have a cow - reach for a veggie burger instead.

I love that so many companies make them now, but my favorite is made by Gardenburger. When you take a bite, you can actually see the whole grain brown rice, rolled oats, and veggies. All that good stuff makes them hearty, flavorful, and delicious when grilled.

They make exciting flavors like Portabella and Black Bean Chipotle. Some of their burgers are even vegan (made without dairy products) like the Veggie Medley.

I like the Sun-dried Tomato Basil best. It's made with whole grains, basil, red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese. One patty contains 100 calories, 3g of fat, 5mg of cholesterol, 15g of carbs, 5g of fiber, and 5g of protein. Delicious and healthy. Who could ask for more? I'd say this is a perfect entrée for a Meatless Monday.