SO...CABBAGE SOUP IS THE HOLY GRAIL OF DIETING?

On my quest to create better eating habits for my family, I have found quite a few interesting little tid-bits that have intrigued me. One of which is "negative calorie foods." I have printed the list here for easy viewing.

Apparently, there are several fruits and vegetables that occur in nature that while they have calories when consumed, actually result in negative calories to the body after digested. It is said to be because these foods cause the body to extend more calories to digest them than they have through their nutritional content; thus they become zero calorie foods.

Basically, we are to assume that these foods can be consumed in whatever quantity we want without ever feeling guilty. They are healthy and provide nutritional content your body needs, BUT do they give us everything we need? No. I am going to incorporate these foods into my own diet in bulk just to see how I do, but for my boys, I think I'll stick to the good old fashioned food pyramid.

A word of caution...these foods only have a negative calorie effect when consumed without extras added to them like butter, sugar or dips.

Here is the list of what has been dubbed as

"The Negative Calorie Foods List"

Asparagus
Apple
Beets
Cranberries
Broccoli
Grapefruit
Cabbage
Lemon
Carrot
Mango
Cauliflower
Oranges
Celery
Pineapple
Chile
peppers
Raspberries
Cucumber
Strawberries
Dandelion
Tangerine
Endive
Garden cress
Garlic
Green beans
Lettuce
Onion
Papaya
Radishes
Spinach
Turnip
Zucchini

I think I may have to make some good, old fashioned cabbage soup! Cabbage, Onion, Carrot, Water...salt, pepper...celery, peppers...hmmm...what else?

A DIABETIC DIET QUEST

As you may know, we recently had a huge wake up call in our household. Our son, Brise, has been diagnosed with Insulin Resistance. I thought he just had a dirty neck. Who knew?!

This diagnosis is particularly scary to us because it is a precursor to diabetes. We are trying our hearts out to eat more healthy and get to the gym more often.

I have found that when I don't have a plan in place, our meals tend to switch right back to what is easy to grab. (ie: Pizza, Pasta..Carbs!) So, I did some research online and found some handy-dandy diabetic meal ideas. I'm placing them here for my ease of reference and for your viewing pleasure also.

I hope this helps someone out there. :o)

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Diabetic Breakfasts

1) a cup of (plain) Cheerios, 3/4 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of skim milk most mornings ( frozen blueberries, defrosted)
2) A Thomas Light multi grain English muffin with "Simply Jiff" or another lower sugar, lo fat peanut butter and sugar free jam
3) scrambled egg beaters or an omelet - with mushroom or onions - and two slices of lo carb bread toasted with a little Smart Balance light
4) oatmeal with fruit

http://www.dlife.com
http://www.diabetic-talk-org


Diabetic Lunches

• Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies
• Low-Fat Brownies
• Peanut Butter* and Jelly Bars
• Applesauce Granola Cookies
• How to Make Low-Carb Trail Mix

*Allergies to peanut butter? I.M. Healthy is a brand of peanut-free soynut butters that can be found in health food stores, some grocery stores and online.

MIX AND MATCH LUNCH BOX CHOICES
A	B	C
SANDWICHES	FRUITS/VEGGIES	TREATS
Peanut butter* and jelly	Apple	Homemade trail mix
Nutbutter (Nutella) and banana	Carrot sticks	Low fat yogurt
2% cheese and mustard	Celery sticks	1 or 2 homemade cookies
Low fat deli ham, lettuce and tomato	Clementine or tangerine	air-popped or low fat microwaved popcorn
Low fat deli turkey, lettuce and tomato	Plum or nectarine	Homemade whole grain muffin
Tuna fish with low fat mayo	Grapes	Homemade brownie
Egg salad with low fat mayo	Banana	Sugar-free pudding
Part-skim mozzarella and whole grain crackers	Orange slices	Low fat whole grain cereal bar

Diabetic Dinners

• Creamy Spinach Lasagna

• White Chili

• Spaghetti Squash Marinara

• Chicken with Artichokes

• Pizza and Movie Night

• Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lime

• Sausage and Spinach Soup

• Beef, Cheese, and Noodle Bake

• Potato and Beef Moussaka

• Beef Goulash

• Black Bean and Corn Chili

OTHER STUFF

FREE Food List (Low or no carbs/sugars)

Low Carb Bread/Pasta Recipes

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PEOPLE CROSSING or SO THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD LOOKS LIKE

In our home, with a new year comes new medical physicals. I like to get them all out of the way as soon as possible. This way, I don't have to think about medical appointments, dentists and/or eye appointments throughout the year. If you have a large family, this is one way to make sure everyone is seen at least once per year also, so there are no unknown conditions festering for too long.

This year we found out that Kole needs glasses. The ophthalmologist came to me after his exam to tell me that both eyes are affected. So, we had a chat with our 5 year old son and told him that he would need glasses. He was excited! LOL

A few days later, after a glitch was cleared up with our insurance, Kole and I made the 1.5 mile trek to our Doctor to pick out his glasses. He was very choosy. I had a pair that I liked but each time I handed them to him he would wave his hand and say, "No, I don't like these."

After a while, the technician came over to tell us about her favorite glasses for children. They bend, fold and smash without breaking. I very much like those but I didn't let on. She handed a few to Kole and after much time in the mirror he chose the glasses he wanted. No amount of ooohing and aaahing over other samples did anything to make him change his mind. So we bought the pair that cost money out of pocket, though only a small sum so I was obliged to pay the price above and beyond our insurance coverage.

After 1 week of waiting, yesterday, we got the call. Kole's glasses are in and waiting to be picked up. He bundled up ever so quickly and in the falling snow we trudged to the van. We arrived, he put on his glasses and smiled with such a smile as I have never seen. He was so quiet, though.

He hardly spoke a word. He answered the technicians questions with a nod or a wave but did not speak hardly at all. I was puzzled.



I chatted a bit with the doctor and ladies at the desk, then said our goodbye. I walked hand in hand with Kole out the door and to our van. He climbed in and put on his seat belt. As I contemplated why he was so quiet we pulled out onto the street. We had hardly gone a block when, from the back of our van, came a small voice...

"Mom, there's a two and a five on that sign."

"Yes, there is. That sign tells what price the gas is today."

Silence for a bit. We stop at a red light.

"Mom."

"Yes Kole, What's up?"

"I feel like my HEART has glasses. I think I'm so happy."

Immediate lump in my throat with slight tears in my eyes.

"I'm so happy that you are happy."

We turned the corner and drove to the next block.

"People Turning?! Why does that sign mean People Turning?"

"No honey, that sign means people are crossing the street. It means that I need to watch for people so we don't hit them."

"Oh"

And with that, the ride was over. In 1.5 miles I found out just how much our little Kole had missed in his 5 short years and just how much different the year 2009 will be for him.

ABORTION LEGAL EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME, NO PROBLEM

This is a cut and pasted article from Freepublic. I did not write this but felt the need to pass this information along. I'll be watching this closely as I hope all people will.

Even those who are pro-choice may be on board for stopping this action. Choice does have a place in religion also correct? Why would our government force a Catholic Hospital, founded by obviously Catholic people to perform operations that are absolutely against the Catholic teachings?

Nobody in the land of the free is for that, are they?


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Forceful on FOCA

Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington, Va., had this to say last week about his response if the abortion lobby’s Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) becomes law:

“I would say, ‘Yeah, I’m not going to close the hospital, you’re going to arrest me, go right ahead. You’ll have to drag me out, go right ahead. I’m not closing this hospital, we will not perform abortions, and you can go take a flying leap.’ ”

The Internet news service CNSNews.com reported Bishop Loverde made those comments to an audience of young adults at a Nov. 25 diocesan discussion about the implications of FOCA. In the video clip that accompanies this post, President-elect Barack Obama promises Planned Parenthood in July 2007 that he will sign FOCA as his first act as president.

FOCA would mandate the removal of virtually all federal, state and local restrictions on abortion.

There are no Catholic hospitals currently open in Bishop Loverde’s Arlington diocese, but his comments were intended to drive home the total opposition of the U.S. bishops to any kind of compliance with FOCA.

A number of commentators have suggested since Obama’s election that his pledge to sign FOCA means little. They say there is little chance Congress will pass the legislation, which was first introduced to Congress in 1989, even though the pro-abortion Democratic Party now has strong majorities in both the House of Representatives and Senate.

But 2009 will mark the first time since 1994 when both houses of Congress and the White House are all in Democratic hands. Douglas Johnson, legislative director of National Right to Life Committee, has warned this circumstance could embolden Democratic leaders to make a determined bid to pass FOCA.

Only time will tell if there will be a strong push for FOCA in the next Congress. But if Congressional Dems do decide to let it languish instead, the determined opposition of Church leaders like Bishop Loverde and other U.S. bishops will deserve a lion’s share of the credit.

— Tom McFeely

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A DIRTY NECK OR DIABETES?

As most of you know by now, I'm not blogging as much as I used to. Our family is getting our home ready to receive foster children this year. There is much to be done.

In the process of becoming foster parents it is required that everyone in our household have a physical examination. I've been busy taking all of our children to the doctor. The twins needed their 5 year shots, Kazz needed a booster and Vinnie was pretty well up to date with all of his requirements. All were healthy and there was nothing to make me think that Brise would be any different.

Last Monday I took Brise in to see our pediatrician. I expected to be in and out of there in a little over an hour just like we were with the rest of the boys. Little did I know that we would have a life changing experience that day. Please know that it could have been MUCH worse but that day did change our lifestyle, for the better.

We went in and Brise hopped up on the counter. The nurse took him out to weigh him and log his height. Brise is tall for his age. He's 5'6" tall, 11 years old and wears a size 13 shoe. When they came back into the room she took his blood pressure.

"hmm...let me do that again" She took it again.
"hmmm...this cuff isn't working correctly." She took the cuff off, left the room and came back with another cuff. She installed it and took his blood pressure again.

"His blood pressure is high." She said, and promptly left the room.

I had a hard time processing that. I was wondering how an 11 year old could have high blood pressure. She walked out the door before I could ask how high.

We go to a teaching pediatrician so the first doctor to walk in the door was just on his second day of rounds. He was nervous so we chatted a bit and I tried to answer all of his OVERLY thorough questions. We were questioned to ad nauseum...or so I thought. Little did I know that he had spotted something right away that caused him to ask so many questions.

He walked out the door and immediately came back in with a third year doctor. She began talking as if I knew what the heck she was talking about. She began talking about diabetes and how we need to change our eating.

"I see here that you drink soft drinks in your home. Those need to be stricken from your diet Brisan. Do you understand that?"

My head was swimming. What is she talking about?!

She then began explaining what foods we need to eat and how much. She talked and talked. She handed Brise literature. She talked some more. She handed me literature.

What is going on here? They haven't even looked in his ears yet!! I am very seldom at a loss for words. This day, I was lost.

They left the room. I could see that my son was on the verge of tears. I WAS on the verge of tears. Neither one of us could understand "Why" They were, all of the sudden, ranting about food and sugar levels and diabetes. I explained to Brise that if there is a problem with his blood sugar that we can certainly change our eating habits. I told him that he would NOT do this alone and our entire family would be on board with any diet changes.

The next doctor to walk in, THANK GOD, was our pediatrician. She's so gentle, sweet and knows just what to say to help her patients stay calm and understand what is going on.

"Hello agian. Aren't you tired of seeing me yet? Is this the last son?"

"Yes," I said. "What's going on? Do we need to be worried here? Does he have diabetes? How do you know that without a test?"

Those who know me in person, KNOW that those questions came tumbling out of my mouth before she could get a word in edgewise. I needed answers, NOW!

"Do you see these marks here on his neck?"

"Yes, I keep telling him to wash it but even when I try to wash his neck it won't go away."

"That's Acanthosis Nigricans. That is a marker for diabetes. If he does not have it, he's on his way to getting it. In adults the marks begin on the armpits or groin."

My jaw fell. I nearly cried right there but I held it together. I saw slight marks like that on Kazz's arms. Not dark, just light. Now, She had my attention.

Long story short, Brise had a LOT of blood drawn the next day. (9 viles) He does NOT have diabetes yet, but was diagnosed with insulin resistance. His Insulin level is quite high. You can bet, dear reader, that our eating habits have changed. We are on a schedule and we've bought more fruits and veggies than this house has ever seen. I am on a search for a diabetic brownie. If you have any great diabetic dessert recipes, we're all ears in this household!

They are going to monitor his blood pressure. We'll be heading back to the doc in a few weeks. I thank God that we caught this before it turned into diabetes. I hope this post will help another mother do the same for her family.

If you recognize these markings on any of your family members, or a lighter version of them that fade and come back, you'll want to read this information.

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Acanthosis Nigricans is a disorder that may begin at any age. It causes velvety, light-brown-to-black, markings usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, can cause insulin resistance. This will result in elevated insulin levels. Most patients with Acanthosis Nigricans have a higher insulin level than those of the same weight without Acanthosis Nigricans. Elevated levels of insulin in most cases probably cause Acanthosis Nigricans. The elevated insulin levels in the body activates insulin receptors in the skin, forcing it to grow abnormally. Reducing the circulating insulin by dieting or medication can lead to improvement of the skin problem.

MEDICALLY ADDICED TO CHOCOLATE? The show HOUSE Has me thinking..hmmm

It all started innocently enough. I was relaxing last night, after a wonderful family night full of birthday party fun and watching "It's A Wonderful LIfe" with my husband and sons. After all was said and done, Brian fell asleep, the kids were snoozing and I was awake, of course. I am almost always the last one to fall asleep. I'm usually tired all day and by the time midnight rolls around I'm wide awake and ready for the day to begin. All was just as normal as punch when I flipped on the television to watch my favorite show, "House."

I had never seen this particular show. It highlighted a woman who had once been obese. She had a gastric-bypass and began experiencing whacked out symptoms after she lost a lot of weight. We all know how long and drawn out House can be so let's cut to the diagnosis shall we? She was "diagnosed" with an enzyme deficiency that is hereditary. The deficiency apparently makes people become extremely depressed, moody, exhausted and shaky if they don't have carbohydrates and sugar in their system. What is the perfect food to cure this problem? Chocolate Cake! Why? Because it is high in carbs and sugar. So she was cured with chocolate cake. Voila!

Well, I know that television is to be taken with a grain of salt, so I did a little research this morning. Are you someone who wakes up moody to the point that you try to avoid family so you don't bite their head off? Do you get shaky and tired to the point that you could lie right down on the floor and sleep right there in your office? Do you get brain fog to the point that you can't make sense of words you are reading? Do you sometimes look at people while they are talking and wonder why they are moving their lips and making sounds that do not resemble words?

Apparently, these can be symptoms of an enzyme deficiency! Who knew!?

I tried to Google the disease. It doesn't have a name and some of the information is old. I had to copy a cached version of one article because the link was all highlighted with colors and what-not. Anyway, here is one version of information. The others basically say to each carbs every few hours in very small portions accompanied with lots of protein is the best medicine.

hmmm.... this explains a lot about my extended family if it turns out to be true. I shall continue my research and report back as I learn more.


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Don’t Be A Slave To What You Crave - Chocolate

Positive and Negative Aspects of Chocolate and Sweets

by Bette L. Hall CMA. NHC

You aren’t going to be told to give up the chocolate. Chocolate can be good for you. There are, however; some things you need to know about the chocolate and sweet cravings you experience.
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When blood sugar levels drop below 65 milligrams, a sweet tooth and sugar craving is the result. If the blood sugar level is allowed to continue below the 65 mg., headache, weakness, and even heart palpitations can occur. Thinking becomes slowed and confused which leads to grouchiness and irritability.

Many scientific studies have shown that well being and a positive disposition result when the blood sugar levels remain above the fasting level.

The average American begins the day with high sugar content foods. Think about it. You’re running late for work. You skip having breakfast. You stop at the nearest 7-11 or QT on your way to work and what do you buy? Sugar laden coffee and a couple of donuts! Or maybe you drive through Winchell’s Donut Shop or Krispy Kreme for your morning donuts and sugar-laden coffee.

If you are in a big hurry but not that late, your breakfast consists of the quick and easy. How about pop tarts, toaster strudel, frozen waffles, or coffeecake? And sugar-laden coffee, of course.

All that sugar that’s consumed in the early morning hours causes the blood sugar to skyrocket, but in an hour or so it drops to a low level again. The result? Inefficiency and fatigue! The real function of sugar is to efficiently produce energy not fatigue.

The key to maintaining an even blood sugar level for hours after consumption is by adding protein to your breakfast. Drink a glass of milk or eat some yogurt or cottage cheese with breakfast. Another name for cottage cheese is curds and whey. There have been some excellent studies performed recently on the benefits of whey including increased hormone levels and lowered body weight. By adding milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese to your morning meal, you’ll be taking a healthy step in the right direction.

If you feel you need a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, eat a protein bar. I didn’t say to skip the chocolate. The important point is to add some protein.
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Mrs. A was bragging, "I can eat chocolate and still lose weight." It was learned that Mrs. A skipped breakfast and had only a chocolate candy bar for lunch.

She went on to say, "I have to have my chocolate. I would rather starve myself all day than to give up my chocolate."

Studies have shown that chocolate consumption is healthy because of its polyphenol and anti-oxidant properties. "Chocolate is a mild stimulant and mood elevator."

1. It tastes good too. In fact, chocolate is delicious. According to a study at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, five out eight women crave sweets. The most prevalent craving being the craving of chocolate.

2. Mrs. A would be functioning at a more efficient level by replacing the candy bar with a protein bar. The craving for chocolate and sweets disappears or is at least diminished when the blood sugar level is kept high. That is accomplished by eating protein foods - NOT sugar foods.

What Mrs. A didn’t realize is that when a craving becomes so intense that you think you can’t live without it, it’s become an addiction.

Many women crave chocolate every month during either PMS of their menstrual cycle. In addition to a blood sugar level, this craving could also be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Many "chocolate-addicts" crave chocolate because of a chromium and magnesium deficiency. Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar levels and makes better use of insulin. This action lessens the urge to indulge in those delicious tempting morsels of chocolate.

Another supplement that helps to naturally suppress chocolate and sugar cravings is the amino acid L-Glutamine. Glutamine is known as the essential "non-essential amino acid." It is known to alleviate hypoglycemia.
In summary, chocolate and other sweets can become an addiction for these reasons:

* Low Blood Sugar Levels
* Nutritional Deficiency

Supplements that help curb the craving:

* Chromium
* L-Glutamine

The best way to curb the craving:

* Add Protein Foods to Your Meals
* Eat Protein Foods for Your Snacks
* Take Supplements

References

* Zand, Janet, Allen J. Spreen, James B. LaValle. Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. New York, Garden City Park. Avery Publishing Company. 1999 p. 449
* Studenmund, Gabrielle. Fitness Magazine May 2001. "Retrain Your Appetite" G & H USA Publishing, A Garner and Jahr Company. New York, N. Y. p. 55

IS THERE DEADLY NIGHTSHADE IN YOUR YARD?

My good friend had a terrible scare that I feel I should mention here. If you see this growing in your yard, you'll want to pull it up and get rid of it.

It will kill children and adults with as little as 2 berries eaten!






The following is taken straight from Wikipedia

Toxicity

Belladonna is one of the most toxic plants found in the Western hemisphere. All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids.^[9] The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste.^[7] The consumption of two to five berries by children and ten to twenty berries by adults can be lethal. The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another. Ingestion of a single leaf of the plant can be fatal to an adult.^[9]

The active agents in Belladonna, atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), and hyoscyamine, have anticholinergic properties. The symptoms of belladonna poisoning include dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, loss of balance, staggering, headache, rash, flushing, dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions.^[10][11] The plant's deadly symptoms are caused by atropine's disruption of the parasympathetic nervous system's ability to regulate non-volitional/subconscious activities such as sweating, breathing, and heart rate. The antidote for belladonna poisoning is physostigmine or pilocarpine, the same as for atropine.^[12] Atropa belladonna is also toxic to many domestic animals and livestock causing narcosis and paralysis;^[13] however, cattle and rabbits seem to eat the plant without suffering harmful effects.^[11]

STUPID BLOOD TESTS...

I have always had excellent Cholesterol. I never worried about getting blood drawn or tests run at any medical setting because I knew the tests would show excellent health. I'm just lucky with great genes that way. And I mean t-totally perfect blood

I had my yearly physical yesterday at my primary care provider. I didn't think much about it because it's always normal with nothing fascinating to proclaim. I waltzed in there smiling like I always do. Everyone was all nice and chipper as usual. The common small talk was had by all.

After proclaiming that I am indeed healthy, the doctor was about to leave when, as an apparent after-thought he said...

"Shelly, have you had a cholesterol test done in our office yet?"

To which I said,

"No I haven't. You can do it right here?"

"Yes we can, and we'll just get that done here in a jiffy"

So I was stoked to get it done and not have to go running to another office. I got the finger poke, chit chatted with the nurse, never giving the actual test another thought.

One minute went by as I played with my new hair style in the aptly placed mirror. Lo-and-behold my doctor walked in and looked at me like I had done a very bad thing.

"Your LDL cholesterol is 190."

I just stared at him.

"Huh?"

"190"

"What?"

giving me that "bad patient" look...sitting down beside me to show me the paper...pointing to the number because I'm so skeptical....looking at me right in the eye one foot away from me....

Doc: "You should be on medication."

Me: "How can I have it that out of whack in one year?!"

Doc: "Shelly, you broke your leg. You haven't been moving around."

**big breath in...holding breath...big sigh from Shelly**

Me: "So?"

Doc: "Exercise helps your body keep Cholesterol levels down. You have to walk. You have to walk a lot. If you come back in 4 months and your LDL levels aren't at or below 130 you need medication."

Me: "Well that's crappy."

Doc: "Walk...A Lot....A Lot..." following me out of the room..."A lot."

Me: "Alright!" chuckling slightly "I want to do good. I'll do it."

Doc: "I know you will." (smiling)

I have 4 months to get off my butt, move around and get this under control.

Wish me luck! :-)

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Less than 100 mg/dL
Optimal

100 to 129 mg/dL
Near Optimal/ Above Optimal

130 to 159 mg/dL
Borderline High

160 to 189 mg/dL
High

190 mg/dL and above
Very High