Things that go BUMP (or BARK!) in the night

Quite the adventure we had on our hands last night -- not one I ever care to repeat -- as Dillon (our shepherd mix dog) took on one ugly, nasty possum at 1am. Fun... You should have heard them out there, ripping all of our neighbors (and I am sure, the whole northside of town) out of their quiet slumber with gnashing and barking coming from opposing sides. If this was the WWF we could call them Dillon "Protective Powerhouse -- Don't You Come Into MY Yard" Malesich vs. Possum "Rabies Reservoir - Put Up Your Dukes" Problem. Quite the show you all missed! (By show I mean Kolby and I racing down the yard in our pj's, no shoes, and a weak flashlight...cursing the noisy bunch in the pitch dark at the bottom of the yard).

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting one of these mangy, large rat-like creatures... here's a photo for you! Enjoy!

Picture courtesy of www.yopress.com

More motivation to stay AWAY from the white foods

Just in case the great weightloss, more rejuvenating sleep, and endless energy wasn't enough of a reason to cut out foods high on the glycemic index, this article I found today definitely seals the deal. Not only do "white" foods (or highly processed, sugary foods) turn me into Two-Ton-Tilly and drop me on my face with fatigue but there is a study that says those foods may increase my chances of getting colorectal cancer. And since that already runs in my family, no reason to tempt fate! Whole-grain, sprouted, hard-as-cardboard, only found at the Natural Foods store -- here I come! (Picture compliments of www.medic.usm.my/~ssu/images/High%20Glyc.jpg)

Laughing Your Way to Health & Happiness

Laughing out loud has to be some of the best medicine for most problems. Think about it... how mad, or sad, or bad can you feel when you have a great, big, belly laugh that makes your sides hurt! Well, in case you don't have any inspiration close by check out this kid's laugh... you won't be able to contain yourself! [Click on the title to this entry... once you reach the Cardio Blog with Rigel's articles then scroll down to "Laugh Away Heart Disease" and click on the video] Keep on hand for rough days, visits from your in-laws, PMS, and an easy abs workout. Gotta love YouTube! (This blog was made possible by: TheCardioBlog site and Rigel Gregg... thanks!)


FYI- Katy & Kim... the little guy sounds like Dad's "Wylie Coyote" laugh... hilarious!


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Great New Recipes!

Its getting to be that time of year when heat and humidity outweigh the cool, crisp, spring weather and I am no longer interested in heavy, hot meals. So I have been searching out some great new recipes that reflect the zest and freshness of summer while still keeping with my own healthy guidelines, and of course, ensuring full stomachs. Let's be honest... I never leave the table until my appetite has been satiated. :)

One of my new favorites comes from a fantastic website, scandinaviandiets.com, where the food choices center around the concept of the Glycemic Index. For those of you not familiar with GI, here is the short version: Glycemic Index measures the point to which a food is processed and characterized by non-whole grain or sugary ingredients. For instance, white pasta, rice and bread will have a much higher GI rating than their whole-wheat, multi-grain versions. The lower the GI score the better the food is for you. It will last you longer, provide a better source of energy and nutrition, and will not be as easily converted into fat which translates into weightloss! :) I should know, I went down 3 sizes in about 2 months. (The website also has great resources for workout plans, nutrition advice, fitness equipment like pedometers and heart rate monitors and was co-founded by my trainer in Denver, Diana Holt, who is a wonderful motivator and friend).

Recipe: Mediterranean Spinach Salad with homemade Vinaigrette (check it out at this site)
http://www.scandinaviandiets.com/recipe_view.php?id=19

Also, there is a great new cookbook out from Pampered Chef called "Spin on Salads"! I know, it can't be that exciting, but there is a salad in here for everyone -- no matter what your tastes are. Here are three of my favorites: Jerk Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad; Grilled Georgia Peach and Chicken Salad; Grilled Antipasto and Orzo Salad.

I included one recipe for you all to test out... let me know if you want another one.

Jerk Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad
Dressing:2 T. lime juice; 1 T. sugar; 1 t. lime zest; dash of salt; 2 T. vegetable oil
Shrimp & Salad: 1 T. lime juice; 1 T. Jamaican Jerk rub (PChef spice); 2 t. veg. oil; 2 t. finely chopped jalapeno pepper; 1 garlic clove, pressed; 16 uncooked shrimp (about 21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined, tails removed; 1 firm, ripe avocado; 1 head Belgian endive, separated into leaves; 1 firm, ripe mango, peeled and cut into cubes; 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper; lime wedges

Combine ingredients for dressing, whisking in oil last and putting in the fridge until ready.
Combine first 5 ingredients for shrimp, toss raw shrimp in mixture to coat - cover and refridgerate for 15 minutes. Cook shrimp in skillet over medium heat about 4-6 minutes, until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, turning once. Combine avocado, mango, and red bell pepper with endive. Drizzle with dressing, add the shrimp and serve with a lime wedge.

Enjoy the recipes and feel free to share yours as well! Have a great week!