I just finished watching both telethons on TV for Haiti. I don't know anyone who would have been able to sit through that footage and all those heart wrenching songs from the soul, and not feel the need to give.
My fellow Canadians, I urge you to go to Canada for Haiti and donate what you can. Our government will match, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR only for donations made through this site or the number on the site.
Don't have much money? Me either. But I donated *something*. Citizens of Haiti, before this disaster, lived on less than what we pay for one latte...EACH DAY. So imagine what $20 of your dollars could do. Never, ever think what you have to give is too little. Giving is one of the best things a person can do; especially when it's given with an open heart and open mind.
My American readers, the show you all put on tonight was fantastic. If you haven't done so already, visit your site at Hope for Haiti Now and give from your heart.
My love to all of you, and go to sleep tonight remembering how lucky you are.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Potassium. Who knew it was so important?
So for those of you who read me regularly at http://blog.cheremichelle.com/, you already know I have a bad back. I also have serious knots going on all throughout it, that sometimes render me pretty useless. Like today. My back was pretty much seized up and I made it through the day slightly drugged up on robaxacet...and cut my work day short by an hour. This isn't a good way to live or function. I was talking to my dear friend tonight and she mentioned she had 'heard' something about potassium helping with muscle pain. I admit I had not heard this before so I looked into it...and I was floored. I knew it was an important nutrient obviously, but I didn't know ALL that it did and why exactly I should make sure to have it in my diet.
So benefit number one has got to be that a diet rich in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes, and we all know that is good news. But did you know that sufficient potassium in your diet can also soothe feelings of anxiety, stress and irritability?
If you're lacking potassium in your diet, you could experience serious fatigue, a slow down of reflexes and muscle cramping. (of course I must state if you are feeling like this for an extended period of time, you really need to go to the doctor to rule out anything else...). Lately, I've been feeling like I'm trying to walk against the current, constantly being pushed back but too exhausted to find another route. I do know a part of it is the winter blues and a combination of some other life issues going on...but this information about potassium really strikes a chord in me. I feel I need to up my potassium intake; I need to see if it helps with my back seizing up. I figure I have NOTHING to lose, right?
So how will I get this extra potassium? Well, a banana has 400 mg....and what is more convenient than putting one of these bad boys in your lunch bag or grabbing one on the go? All my research seems to indicate the recommended daily intake should be 3500-4000 mg but realistically, we eat about half of that a day. Most fruits and vegetables are a great source of potassium so make sure to always get enough....
Other potassium rich foods are:
- Lima Beans: 1 cup has 1000 mg. I love this bean. Seriously. With a smidge of butter and pepper.
- Cantaloupe: 1/2 of a 5" melon has 975 mg. Yum! Quick snack? 1/2 melon with cottage cheese.
- Potato: 1 medium sized tater has around 900 mg and really, is there a more versatile veggie??
- Fresh OJ: 1 cup will give you 975 mg.
- Papaya: 785 mg in 1 papaya. I do not eat enough of this fruit....
This is really only a handful of the foods out there....bottom line, if we're eating a balanced and nutritious diet with the fruits and veggie requirements our bodies need, then everything is good. Personally speaking, I'm adding a little extra potassium to my daily diet!
Love Chere Michelle
So benefit number one has got to be that a diet rich in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes, and we all know that is good news. But did you know that sufficient potassium in your diet can also soothe feelings of anxiety, stress and irritability?
If you're lacking potassium in your diet, you could experience serious fatigue, a slow down of reflexes and muscle cramping. (of course I must state if you are feeling like this for an extended period of time, you really need to go to the doctor to rule out anything else...). Lately, I've been feeling like I'm trying to walk against the current, constantly being pushed back but too exhausted to find another route. I do know a part of it is the winter blues and a combination of some other life issues going on...but this information about potassium really strikes a chord in me. I feel I need to up my potassium intake; I need to see if it helps with my back seizing up. I figure I have NOTHING to lose, right?
So how will I get this extra potassium? Well, a banana has 400 mg....and what is more convenient than putting one of these bad boys in your lunch bag or grabbing one on the go? All my research seems to indicate the recommended daily intake should be 3500-4000 mg but realistically, we eat about half of that a day. Most fruits and vegetables are a great source of potassium so make sure to always get enough....
Other potassium rich foods are:
- Lima Beans: 1 cup has 1000 mg. I love this bean. Seriously. With a smidge of butter and pepper.
- Cantaloupe: 1/2 of a 5" melon has 975 mg. Yum! Quick snack? 1/2 melon with cottage cheese.
- Potato: 1 medium sized tater has around 900 mg and really, is there a more versatile veggie??
- Fresh OJ: 1 cup will give you 975 mg.
- Papaya: 785 mg in 1 papaya. I do not eat enough of this fruit....
This is really only a handful of the foods out there....bottom line, if we're eating a balanced and nutritious diet with the fruits and veggie requirements our bodies need, then everything is good. Personally speaking, I'm adding a little extra potassium to my daily diet!
Love Chere Michelle
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
All hail the Sweet Potato!
Yup. You read right: the sweet potato. I want to sing the praises of this little 'ol root vegetable. It's not just supposed to be served during the Holidays in a sickly sweet pie or topped with marshmallows. It can be used as a savoury vegetable too; and personally speaking, that is how I prefer it. I simply can't choke down the sweet pie....I really, really try EVERY Thanksgiving and Christmas and I just can't do it!
This veggie scores TOP MARKS in nutrition. An average size potato has 2 times the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. This vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health as well as embryonic development and skin health (just to name a few). Another good thing about the sweet potato? For root vegetables, this baby has the lowest glycemic index rating. Simply put that means it digests slowly causing a gradual increase in blood sugar levels meaning you STAY FULL LONGER. The sweet potato also has almost HALF of the recommended intake of Vitamin C...
You don't have to do anything special with the sweet potato- just use it in any way that you would a regular potato!
Enjoy!
This veggie scores TOP MARKS in nutrition. An average size potato has 2 times the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. This vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health as well as embryonic development and skin health (just to name a few). Another good thing about the sweet potato? For root vegetables, this baby has the lowest glycemic index rating. Simply put that means it digests slowly causing a gradual increase in blood sugar levels meaning you STAY FULL LONGER. The sweet potato also has almost HALF of the recommended intake of Vitamin C...
You don't have to do anything special with the sweet potato- just use it in any way that you would a regular potato!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Things I'm excited about...
So maybe Christmas is officially over, but that doesn't mean there isn't a reason to get excited or to celebrate the 'little' things. My holiday was spent away from work and with my family...I did all the usual holiday traditions: ate too much, drank too much wine and did little activity! I'm not beating myself up over it though; I tried to be diligent as best I could, and I also know it's up to ME to work it all off....*sigh* Lucky me...
So I wanted to share some things I'm excited about these days. These are little gems I've found while shopping or online sites and blogs I want to share. I hope you find something equally cool about them!
- Have I mentioned this blog? Our Best Bites. It's so much fun and jam packed with the coolest recipes written in an engaging and witty style. I feel like I'm reading recipes sent to me by a friend...
- I've been a fan of this website that sells reusable bags and other eco-friendly products, for years. I always find great gift ideas here and love looking through all the new additions. I am excited about these Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich Bags; they're greaseproof, washable AND super funky. This is just one of the many cool things on this site...
- Don't forget to keep tabs on how the world is treating it's animals and what you can do to help. PETA is just a click away.
- I'm so psyched about this for cats...when I get a house, I'm having this for sure! In my line of work I see so many cats come in hit by cars, attacked y raccoons or injured from cat fights...this seems the perfect solution.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips. Mmmm, need I say more? Low fat of course. No, really. I wouldn't lie about this...
- Pete's Tofu. Damn fine stuff.
- I live in Vancouver and it's about time we got decent radio back in this city. Check out this station online.
I know there is much more I'd love to share with you all, but this is all I can do tonight. Keep your head up, your feet moving and your attitude positive. YOU can do it...
Love Chere Michelle
So I wanted to share some things I'm excited about these days. These are little gems I've found while shopping or online sites and blogs I want to share. I hope you find something equally cool about them!
- Have I mentioned this blog? Our Best Bites. It's so much fun and jam packed with the coolest recipes written in an engaging and witty style. I feel like I'm reading recipes sent to me by a friend...
- I've been a fan of this website that sells reusable bags and other eco-friendly products, for years. I always find great gift ideas here and love looking through all the new additions. I am excited about these Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich Bags; they're greaseproof, washable AND super funky. This is just one of the many cool things on this site...
- Don't forget to keep tabs on how the world is treating it's animals and what you can do to help. PETA is just a click away.
- I'm so psyched about this for cats...when I get a house, I'm having this for sure! In my line of work I see so many cats come in hit by cars, attacked y raccoons or injured from cat fights...this seems the perfect solution.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips. Mmmm, need I say more? Low fat of course. No, really. I wouldn't lie about this...
- Pete's Tofu. Damn fine stuff.
- I live in Vancouver and it's about time we got decent radio back in this city. Check out this station online.
I know there is much more I'd love to share with you all, but this is all I can do tonight. Keep your head up, your feet moving and your attitude positive. YOU can do it...
Love Chere Michelle
Monday, January 18, 2010
Time to get serious
Christmas is over and a new year is upon us. 2010. Sounds so futuristic doesn't it? Yes it's that time to make New Years resolutions but rather than put a strict label on what you HAVE to do, just work at making small changes in your day to day living. It's all about baby steps. I've never been a fan of the do-or-die New Years resolutions personally and to be honest, I doubt I've ever followed through on a weight-loss one in the past. I know now it was because I put way to much pressure on myself.
I want to start with first talking about grocery shopping. Probably the most important thing here to remember is to GO WITH A LIST. I often have mine broken down into meals or categories even. You've heard it before; don't go hungry and don't go late at night when you're apt to be more in a "snacking" mood.
I want to reiterate again one of my main shopping must-do's: one day a week I get all (or most of) my produce. I come home and immediately cut up the veggies and put in Baggies (carrots, cucumbers, radish, cauliflower etc). I even wash and divide up lettuce and put it in Baggies too. Now I can make a salad SUPER QUICK anytime I want plus I have veggies to snack on when I’m feeling like a crunchy fix. It won’t take you very long and believe me, having it all there, washed, cut and ready to eat is so handy. One of my favorite salads is baby spinach leaves, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes halved, and toasted almonds tossed in berry (your choice, look in the salad dressing aisle) vinaigrette (GET LIGHT OR CALORIE WISE!). It’s super simple but loaded with flavor and packed with good-for-you stuff.
Remember the bulk food aisle is your friend. Here you can buy SMALL amounts of healthy items such as wild rice, dried beans, whole wheat pasta and raw nuts. As always look at what your buying and ask yourself, is this healthy? I always keep nuts and dried fruit in my cupboard because not only are they a great thing to snack on but they also pump up my salads.
If you're buying meat it's a good idea to limit your red meat intake and go for the more healthy options of chicken and/or fish. Personally speaking I have made the choice to be a vegetarian but I would never impose my way of thinking on others. I would however hope that my meat eating readers will simply just make smarter choices: buy organically farmed or local.
If you’re going to buy juice- READ THE LABEL! Is it full of sugars with huge long names you can’t pronounce? Or is it 100% juice? If you’re not sure, don’t buy it. Buy fresh fruit and drink water. Two words to remember to stay away from: COCKTAIL AND BEVERAGE. If either of those words follow “juice” on a label, put it back and walk away.
As a general rule reading the labels is a GOOD habit to get into. Note the 'serving size' when you look at calories and fat content. This is particularly important when you're looking at sauces and dressings because those can pack a wallop into 1 single tablespoon.
Finally: think FRESH. Granted this is easier to do in the summer I find, but you have to remember to supplement your diet with lots fruit and veggies. And don't skip the frozen aisle! Those veggies are bagged and frozen often hours after being harvested and are just as great as frozen. There are some veggies I simply don't like frozen, like bell peppers, but for the most part they are fabulous (and economical!)
Be prepared when you go to the grocery store....don't get sucked into the black whole of junk food! Trust me, it's a hard place to crawl back out of. Eat well, be happy and stay positive...
Love Chere Michelle
I want to start with first talking about grocery shopping. Probably the most important thing here to remember is to GO WITH A LIST. I often have mine broken down into meals or categories even. You've heard it before; don't go hungry and don't go late at night when you're apt to be more in a "snacking" mood.
I want to reiterate again one of my main shopping must-do's: one day a week I get all (or most of) my produce. I come home and immediately cut up the veggies and put in Baggies (carrots, cucumbers, radish, cauliflower etc). I even wash and divide up lettuce and put it in Baggies too. Now I can make a salad SUPER QUICK anytime I want plus I have veggies to snack on when I’m feeling like a crunchy fix. It won’t take you very long and believe me, having it all there, washed, cut and ready to eat is so handy. One of my favorite salads is baby spinach leaves, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes halved, and toasted almonds tossed in berry (your choice, look in the salad dressing aisle) vinaigrette (GET LIGHT OR CALORIE WISE!). It’s super simple but loaded with flavor and packed with good-for-you stuff.
Remember the bulk food aisle is your friend. Here you can buy SMALL amounts of healthy items such as wild rice, dried beans, whole wheat pasta and raw nuts. As always look at what your buying and ask yourself, is this healthy? I always keep nuts and dried fruit in my cupboard because not only are they a great thing to snack on but they also pump up my salads.
If you're buying meat it's a good idea to limit your red meat intake and go for the more healthy options of chicken and/or fish. Personally speaking I have made the choice to be a vegetarian but I would never impose my way of thinking on others. I would however hope that my meat eating readers will simply just make smarter choices: buy organically farmed or local.
If you’re going to buy juice- READ THE LABEL! Is it full of sugars with huge long names you can’t pronounce? Or is it 100% juice? If you’re not sure, don’t buy it. Buy fresh fruit and drink water. Two words to remember to stay away from: COCKTAIL AND BEVERAGE. If either of those words follow “juice” on a label, put it back and walk away.
As a general rule reading the labels is a GOOD habit to get into. Note the 'serving size' when you look at calories and fat content. This is particularly important when you're looking at sauces and dressings because those can pack a wallop into 1 single tablespoon.
Finally: think FRESH. Granted this is easier to do in the summer I find, but you have to remember to supplement your diet with lots fruit and veggies. And don't skip the frozen aisle! Those veggies are bagged and frozen often hours after being harvested and are just as great as frozen. There are some veggies I simply don't like frozen, like bell peppers, but for the most part they are fabulous (and economical!)
Be prepared when you go to the grocery store....don't get sucked into the black whole of junk food! Trust me, it's a hard place to crawl back out of. Eat well, be happy and stay positive...
Love Chere Michelle
I'm kind of lazy when it comes to food. I just want it to be EASY and fast and healthy, you know? I am on a tight budget but I also have to ask myself, what will be easier for me in the long run? If I can find something prepared and not full of preservatives....I'll grab it and go. What comes to mind is something I picked up in Whole Foods today:
Fruits and veggies. Cheap. Fresh (packaged this morning). Today is a lazy day for me- I don't feel like cutting up a bunch of fruit; I want something NOW. I grabbed these and some Liberte yogurt.
Each container was under $3 CDN. Now before you think, 'WAIT! I CAN BUY TONS OF PRODUCE FOR THAT PRICE!', listen to my reasoning and think about it next time you need something healthy but don't have the energy. I realize in the grand scheme of things it may be more money, but it's beneficial to me right now. I loved every juicy bite and I'll bring the leftovers to work tomorrow.
About the Liberte yogurt I mentioned- if you want some, exercise moderation and caution. This stuff is fabulous. I normally buy low fat yogurts but have been eying this brand for months and as soon as I saw a tub of the Coconut on sale today at Whole Foods, I knew I was doomed. You must savor this treat....and remember due to the higher fat content, if you're struggling to lose weight it may not be a good DAILY choice. But go ahead and splurge a little...
Enjoy,
Chere Michelle
Fruits and veggies. Cheap. Fresh (packaged this morning). Today is a lazy day for me- I don't feel like cutting up a bunch of fruit; I want something NOW. I grabbed these and some Liberte yogurt.
Each container was under $3 CDN. Now before you think, 'WAIT! I CAN BUY TONS OF PRODUCE FOR THAT PRICE!', listen to my reasoning and think about it next time you need something healthy but don't have the energy. I realize in the grand scheme of things it may be more money, but it's beneficial to me right now. I loved every juicy bite and I'll bring the leftovers to work tomorrow.
About the Liberte yogurt I mentioned- if you want some, exercise moderation and caution. This stuff is fabulous. I normally buy low fat yogurts but have been eying this brand for months and as soon as I saw a tub of the Coconut on sale today at Whole Foods, I knew I was doomed. You must savor this treat....and remember due to the higher fat content, if you're struggling to lose weight it may not be a good DAILY choice. But go ahead and splurge a little...
Enjoy,
Chere Michelle
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