Ginger Spiced Tilapia

     And a meal is born! My wife informed me the other evening that I was preparing fish and asked how I was serving it. I hadn’t a clue other than ‘to cook it’.

Usually it involves lime juice, cilantro, garlic, some oil, my go to stuff. I wanted something different and remembered the fresh ginger. That’s when it hit me.

I sliced off three thin slices of ginger root, trimmed and minced them, grabbed the sesame seeds, some cayenne pepper flake, coconut oil and the pound of tilapia.

I put about a tablespoon of the coconut oil in a skillet and let that heat up. I then added a Tbsp sesame seed, the minced ginger and a couple shakes of the red pepper. This cooked for a couple of minutes, just long enough to make a beautiful aroma, and the ginger and sesame started to darken a little.

      The tilapia fillets were laid gently over the bed of seasoned goodness and cooked for about three minutes per side.

This was served with mixed vegetables that were rather boring next to the fish.  Last minute thought, remember?

So there you have it, a quick, simple, healthy and nutritious meal that was thrown together in under twenty minutes. Now what am I going to make tonight…?

In fitness, Bob

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International Waffle Day = More Protein

Why would a personal fitness trainer talk about waffles? Let’s start with some background.

Today is celebrated as Waffle Day. This is also celebrated on August 24th in honor of the first waffle iron by Cornelius Swarthout in 1869. Waffles originated in Greece around the 13th century. Waffle celebrations coincide as a welcoming of Spring.

Waffle calorie counts can range from 82 per ounce to over 400 per waffle. The majority of the macro-nutrients in a waffle are carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are a beneficial fuel source, but for some they are restricted in their diet. If not monitored, carbs quickly become sugar and an ensuing ‘crash’ occurs.

This is where more protein can come into play. Pairing protein with carbohydrates, helps to slow the absorption of sugar from the stomach into the bloodstream. This will help keep blood sugar from spiking, which can lead to future cravings.

Adding more protein to your diet will help you burn more calories due to the thermic effect of food. That is the energy required to digest it.

In short, enjoy that waffle today, be modest with the toppings, add some protein to the meal, then do some exercise.

In fitness, Bob

My First 5k Goal: Mission Accomplished

This is a true testimonial of perseverance. A story from someone not unlike you or I, and probably similar to someone you know. A friend, relative, or even a coworker, just an ordinary person that is not a celebrity to have their successes blasted all over the media to gain attention.
For some to look back and think, three miles was nothing, to a beginner on a long journey, this is truly phenomenal.
I always embrace hearing stories of successes, because to that individual it is greater than the universe. To feel their excitement, struggle, achievement, pain and accomplishment it very uplifting.
This is my wife’s story of running her first 5k. Overcoming morbid obesity and the challenges that came with it, are being left, piece by piece with every step to success.
I hope you enjoy her story and remember the struggles that you have overcome to be the person that you are today.
In fitness, Bob

BUTTERY CRABMEAT – TOPPED COD WITH ONIONS – PARMESAN – DILL – PARSLEY / RED INCA QUINOA

Here is a decadent sounding recipe from Celia that I cannot wait to try. I will substitute stevia for the sugar though. Quinoa and fish are already a winning combo in my book. Mix in some crab meat and dill, and I can almost taste it. Maybe a light sprinkling of roasted almond slivers, …Oh yeah, gotta try this one!

THE MEDITERRANEAN MICROWAVE

Note:  The web site says this entrée tastes like lobster, and I agree.

–cod (size of 3 decks of cards; one-half pound)

–crabmeat (1 can)

–onion (one-half, medium)

–dill

–parsley (fresh if possible)

–Parmesan cheese

–sugar (2 tablespoons)

–lemon juice

–buttery crackers (about 6, Ritz or Breton)

–garlic powder

–salt and pepper

–olive oil

–Promise Activ margarine (2 tablespoons, heart-healthy)

 

1 – Slice the one-half onion, and place in a covered baking dish.  Add a little water, and season with salt, pepper, and olive oil.  Microwave on high for 3 minutes.  Set aside.  Place 2 tablespoons of sugar in a half cup of water, and microwave for 30 seconds.  Set aside.  Place 2 tablespoons of margarine in a bowl, and heat for 20 seconds.  Set aside.

2 – Place two-thirds cup of quinoa in a covered baking dish.  Add 1 and one-third cup of water.  Season with salt and…

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8 Hip Stretches Your Body Really Needs ‹ Hello Healthy http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/8-hip-stretches-your-body-really-needs/

Good Sitting Posture For Health Benefit

Sitting affects all of us and the negative impact is worsening due in part to electronics. Whether it is at work, home or in the car, we spend a lot of time sitting. Having been a professional truck driver for many years, I am very aware of the time spent sitting.
This video offers some very good alternatives and suggestions to help get you through your seated day. In fitness, Bob

Heart Disease in Women

Can you believe that at the age of 30, physical inactivity begins to play it’s largest role in a woman’s risk of developing heart disease? This is according to Australian researchers, as posted in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. (May 2014)

Physical inactivity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. In 2008 according to the World Health Organization; globally, 31% of adults age 15 and over were insufficiently active. Of those, 28% were men and 34% were women.

From the age of 31 and beyond, inactivity raises the risk of heart disease more than smoking, being overweight or having high blood pressure.

Changing diet habits and walking thirty minutes a day or for an hour three times a week, will make a drastic change in your risk. Blood flow to the heart and the ability to pump normally can be changed in as little as a  month.

Exercise is only a fraction of the equation though. Stress management and a strict, healthy diet are crucial lifestyle changes that need to be adhered to. Following up with regular visits to your doctor, staying at a healthy weight and not smoking will greatly reduce your chance of developing heart disease as well.

It is never too early or too late, to begin a healthy lifestyle change. Find a support group, join a walking club or just ask your medical professional for advice and help. Some insurance companies will offer a discount on proactive health services. Search social media or join a discussion forum. My Fitness Pal is just one of the apps that has many group discussions, recipes, food logging tips and support opportunities.

Whatever method you choose to better yourself, just stick with it. You will develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, and just may be a role model for someone else.

In fitness, Bob

ROSEMARY CHICKEN WITH BLUEBERRIES – ONION – MAPLE SYRUP / GREEN PEAS TARRAGON

Struggling with what to throw together for a quick dinner? This microwave recipe from Celia will make a definite hit.
If you think that you have to spend countless hours in the kitchen prepping and cooking, Celia has numerous ideas for microwave cooking.

THE MEDITERRANEAN MICROWAVE

–4 chicken tenderloins or breast strips

–rosemary (fresh if possible)

–blueberries (1 cup)

–onion (one-half, medium)

–maple syrup (one-fourth cup)

–salt and pepper

–olive oil

–green peas (frozen, packaged)

–tarragon

 

1 – Slice the onion and place in a covered baking dish.  Add the blueberries and maple syrup, with a little water.  Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil.  Microwave on high for 4 minutes.  Then nestle the chicken amid the blueberry sauce.  Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil.  Set aside.

2 – Place the peas in a covered baking dish with 1 inch of water.  Season with salt, pepper, tarragon, and olive oil.  Microwave on high for 5 and one-half minutes.

3 – Microwave the chicken for 6 minutes (more because of the bulk of the blueberry sauce).

4 – Serve the dinner hot.

–chicken adapted from Driscoll’s web site (berry producer); peas original.

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COD IN PAPAYA & PASSION FRUIT SAUCE WITH PINE NUTS / SPICY BLACK-EYED PEAS

Here is another simple microwave dish from Celia Hayes that is loaded with flavor. I recommend a sugar free fruit mix or you could substitute a fresh fruit mix of your choice. I enjoy serving my fish with a side of legumes for the extra protein. Quinoa would make a nice side dish as well. Substitutions are an excellent expression of creativity.

THE MEDITERRANEAN MICROWAVE

–cod (size of 3 decks of cards, one-half pound)

–tropical fruit (canned)

–pine nuts (one-half small package)

–salt and pepper

–olive oil

–black-eyed peas (canned)

–cayenne pepper

 

1 – Place the cod in a covered baking dish.  Season with salt and pepper.  Separate the papaya and passion fruit from the pineapple in the tropical fruit can.  Place the papaya and passion fruit, with a little liquid, in a food processor and pulse until pureed.  Pour over the cod.  Sprinkle the cod with pine nuts.  Season with olive oil.  Set aside.

2 – Drain the black-eyed peas in a colander.  Place in a covered baking dish.  Season with pepper, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.  Microwave for 3 minutes.

3 – Microwave the cod for 6 minutes on high.  Cod is done when it begins to break apart.

4 – Serve the dinner hot.

–recipes original.

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Sweet and Spicy – Puffed rice Bites

This is an excellent substitute for store bought granola bars that usually have refined sugars and extra sodium. Chitra has many such healthy recipes, and thanks to her for this one.

Chitra's Healthy Kitchen

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These bites are perfect for something healthy to grab while on the go — whether it be at work, school, or the great outdoors.

I’m always looking for portable snacks and treats to help keep us going a little longer, whether at school, work, travel, or play. Here’s a light, sweet, gluten-free snack that’s easy to pack. If you like breakfast bars that are made of light, puffed rice and other gluten-free grains, this recipe is for you.

Almonds, pistachio (can be easily substituted with peanuts or cashews or any nuts and seeds of choice), raw pumpkin seeds, puffed brown rice, sunflower seeds, chai seeds.

Yields – 14 to 16
Preparation time- 10 minutes
Cooking time- 5 minutes

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