Marilu Henner's Blog, page 189

Sides for dinner

Sometimes we have to eat in a restaurant that doesn't really offer the kind of food we like to eat. You know; you've been in those restaurants. The cooks are not chefs, most of the food is prepared off-site and reheated, and the greenest thing on the menu is iceberg lettuce.

Here's what we like to order in those places – sides. Combine a couple of these and you'll have a meal you can live with.

A baked potato (dry)

An order of the vegetable of the day (no sauces, and preferably no butter)

A side salad (no cheese, no croutons, oil and vinegar)

A scoop of tuna salad or chicken salad

An egg (and maybe some salsa on the side!)

A scoop of rice (if it's brown rice, even better)

A side of salad dressing (look for dairy-free options like vinaigrette, or maybe even thai peanut!)

It's also kind of fun to see your server's expression when you move food around – putting the vegetables on the potato and topping it all with salsa or a sprinkle of vinagrette; moving the tuna salad to the top of the side salad and adding the vegetables around the edge, mixing the egg and vegetables and topping with salsa, rice and vegetables topped with peanut salad dressing….

Be creative. Look at the menu as though everything is a la carte, and then order that way.

 

Fitness Friday * Shopping for exercise!

When you're going out holiday shopping (looking or buying), put on comfortable clothes and good walking sneakers.

Carry a small purse that won't weigh you down.

Park at the far end of the lot or ramp (if you have a choice!).

Make your first lap around the mall without buying anything – walk with a bit of speed and purpose, and plan where you'll stop on your second round.

When you get several bags, walk them out to the car, then return for more shopping (that is, more walking).

Be sure to take water breaks. If you need a snack, choose the healthiest option – after all, you're fueling a workout!

 

Healthy school lunch bill passes!

School lunches stand to get a little bit better soon.

The House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would upgrade the fare for federally subsidized school meals, clamp down on junk in school vending machines and make it easier for tens of thousands of poor kids to get free meals.

The Senate unanimously passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act months ago. Now, with the House vote, it's on to President Obama for his signature. That's pretty much a sure thing because the changes have been a top priority for the administration.

For a rundown of what's in the bill, see this summary from the office of Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the education and labor committee.

Full article here.

This bill isn't a perfect fix – it's a leap along the road to that end, though. Our friends at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) are still working toward further improvements. The original House bill had better requirements for vegetarian protein alternatives and dairy alternatives, but the House chose to adopt the Senate bill in order to accomplish something (rather than nothing). Read more about that here.

 

Featured recipe from Marilu's table * Basic Challah

We posted a recipe for latkes and applesauce last year for Hanukkah – check it out. They're a great light supper, even if you don't celebrate the holiday.

Here's another wonderful recipe for Hanukkah that the whole family will enjoy. It takes a little time to make bread, but it's not difficult, and the results are worth it.

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Basic Challah

Yellow * Makes 4 loaves

4 packages dry yeast

3-1/2 cups warm water

1/2 cup milled cane sugar or Florida crystals

1-1/4 teaspoons salt

13 or 14 cups unbleached flour

6 cage-free eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon honey

poppy seeds (optional)

In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit until it dissolves. Add the sugar, salt, and half the flour and mix well. Beat 5 eggs and stir in with the oil. Add in the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time. Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead for 10 minutes. If the dough is too moist, add a little more flour When it becomes smooth, the dough is ready to rise.

Place it in a large bowl, smear the top with oil, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour. Set the raised dough on a baking sheet. Separate the dough into 4 portions (one for each loaf). Then separate each portion into three equal pieces, and roll them into thick ropes. Braid the three ropes into a loaf, and repeat for each portion of dough (for four braided loaves). Let the loaves rise for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350F. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and blend with the honey. Brush each loaf with the egg-honey glaze, sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown.

 

Happy Hanukkah!

Here's a song to celebrate the holiday, and get you moving, too.

Hanukkah is eight nights of celebrating the miracle of lamps that did not go out, even though there was not enough oil to keep them burning. Miracles happen around us every day – look for your miracle today.

Maybe you'll enjoy your workout (hey! you're still breathing after a physical challenge – that's great!).

Maybe you've just conquered a cold (way to go, immune system!).

Maybe you'll manage to make an excellent meal from the food in your fridge and pantry (nice show of creativity!).

Maybe you'll accomplish a task you've been dreading – with ease (you're smarter than you give yourself credit for!).

Enjoy your miracle… and get moving.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/10 - Happy Joyous Hanukkah.mp3

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Amazon.com Widgets

 

Put your best foot forward

Pedicures are a wonderful way to pamper yourself, but you don't have to wait for one to take care of your feet.

Use a thick cream* on your feet before bed – really slather it on. Then put on a clean pair of cotton socks, and sleep with the socks on. Your feet will love you for it. (Besides, it's cold, and you'll sleep better with warm, socked feet!)

Use the same thick cream* on your feet before putting on your socks and shoes for exercise. If your feet are prone to blisters, try wearing two pairs of socks. Sweaty feet also benefit from special athletic socks that wick moisture from your feet.

*Some people like petroleum jelly for this, others prefer a cream made just for feet. Use your favorite product, just make sure it's really thick, not just lotion.

 

Stuck in a rut?

If you find that you're stuck in a beauty rut, try wearing a different lipstick, a new hairstyle, or a different perfume or cologne. You can always go back to your old ways, but for one day, rethink an old habit.

Is there a look or a product you've been dying to try? For the guys, maybe it's growing (or shaving off) a mustache or beard. Or maybe parting your hair on the other side, or trying some product in your hair for a different look. Remember that hair grows, so if you get it cut a little shorter, or try a new color, it's not permanent.

A different lip color is an easy switch. You probably have several colors in your bathroom that you don't use, and you can try one today or tomorrow.

If you're looking for a new scent, try something your husband or boyfriend already has. Who decided it was reserved for men?

 

We are okay

Are you beating yourself up for what (and how much) you ate last weekend?

Do you dread the social pressures of the coming holiday season?

Are you just spinning your wheels because of the stress you anticipate?

Hey. You're okay. The past is gone, so let it go from your head, too. If it's stress that's getting you, well, we have just the cure. It's exercise. Yep (and we know it's another thing on your calendar each day), the physical work of exercise really helps your mental ability to deal.

So treat yourself to some mental stress relief (we are okay!) by getting up out of your chair and moving to the music. Marching in place is good – just lift those knees! And if you want a little more exercise, pump your arms over your shoulders.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/10 - We Are Okay.mp3

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Amazon.com Widgets

 

Bag the bags (eye bags, that is)

Bags and dark circles under the eyes may come from one or more of several factors: weak kidneys, menstrual irregularities, smoking, too much sugar, lack of sleep, dehydration, or exhaustion (to name a few).

A temporary remedy can be obtained by gently pressing the curved side of a cold spoon against the area right under your eye. (Keep a few spoons in your freezer – pick them up at garage/rummage/tag sales or secondhand stores.) You can also try cucumber slices, or ice cubes made from chamomile tea (wrap the ice cube in a soft cloth first). Try all three remedies on different days to see which one works best for you.

 

Featured recipe from Marilu's table * Mixed greens with apples, carrots, and pickled beets

As the weather turns colder, we seem to choose cooked vegetables over raw ones with increasing frequency. But raw veggies are good for us – and they really are refreshing in our heated, dry indoor environment. Treat yourself to a salad at least once a day. This one is a bit different, and works great for company, holidays, or any day you want to feel special.

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Mixed Greens with Apples, Carrots, and Pickled Beets

Blue * Serves 8 to 10 (side dish)

6 to 8 ounces mixed baby greens

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 medium Granny Smith (or other tart) apples, thinly sliced

8-ounce jar pickled beets, well drained

Extra-virgin olive oil as desired

Balsamic or red wine vinegar to taste

Combine the greens, carrots, apples, and beets in a serving bowl. Dress with olive oil and vinegar, toss well, and serve.