Get Moving!

Thanks to those who came to last Monday night's  Get Moving! Workshop.  It was a lot of fun and Jeanette did a superb job leading us through an energizing workout. She taught us exercises to do at home as well as handed out a home workout guide to follow for the next month!  Get Moving!

EXERCISE. We all know it's good for us in a myriad of ways but truth be told, we don't always fit it into our busy lives. It's often the first thing we drop because we think we don't have time for it. We have to wake up too early to "squeeze" it in because we're just way too tired to exercise at the end of a very long day. Right?  I will tell you that I do feel so much better when I head outside for a walk in my neighborhood or hook my computer up to the tv, channel in YouTube and stream 2 or 3 videos on to my tv and computer simultaneously ( to learn how to hook up your pc to your tv or if you have an Ipad,  Iphone or Ipod Touch go to www.hookpctotv.com.).  I prefer to exercise in the morning.  It gets me going for the day and I seem more focused. I'm always glad I "forced" myself to Get Moving!

My favorites exercise regimes on YouTube of the moment are blogilates and FitnessBlender.  Cassey Ho from blogilates is a bit chatty, but sometimes I need to feel as though I'm in more of a class setting with a motivating instructor. FitnessBlender is totally different. There's virtually no talking. Instead, you're led through a series demonstrated by Kelli, while her husband cues you off camera.

What I like about both of these very different workouts is that they have a multitude of videos to choose from that aren't more than 15 min in length. I know, I know, what good is exercising for just 15 min. But, wait! I just don't do 1, I do 2 or 3 videos!  You can target the areas you want to work on too.  Want to get rid of your muffintop?  Do blogilates 5 Best Muffintop Melting Moves.  Want to tone your thighs? Do her Perfect Legs Workout/Pop Pilates.  Want to work on arms, shoulders and chest?  Do FitnessBlender Tank Top Arms workout.  Want to do some Fat Burning Cardio?  Try FitnessBlender's 37 Minute Cardio Workout at Home.  I bet after having done a few short videos a few times, you'd have the exercise down so that you could even do them while watching TV at night! The point is, I think we can all carve out time to do some exercising so that we all feel better. 

What kinds of exercising do you like to do?

Zucchini and Eggplant Recipes

Since our visit to the Farmer's Market, recipe requests have been made so here goes! Some herbs that work really well with zucchini and squash are oregano, basil, dill, black pepper and a little salt!  Do you have any recipes to share?

Zucchini and Squash
I love zucchini and squash and the best part is that it's in season now!  Two of the easiest ways to prepare either is just to steam or saute it. You can add olive oil, crushed garlic, zucchini and squash to a pan and saute away. This is really good simply as a side or over pasta.  Here's a recipe you can try http://www.everydaycook.com/recipebox/vegetables/sauteedzucchini.htm.

Zucchini and squash are also great in a salad with tomatoes and basil.  Some like the taste of raw zucchini and squash sliced really thin. You can always saute or steam the zucchini first and then add it to a salad with a little olive oil and fresh basil.  If you like couscous, try this salad recipe: http://food52.com/recipes/483-couscous-salad-with-zucchini-lemon-and-ricotta-salata.

Making zucchini boats are a creative way of eating this summer veggie.  Some recipes call for boiling a pot of water and cooking the zucchini for a minute or two to soften it before it gets baked.  If you want to save time, you can always microwave it for 3-4 minutes.  I've made zucchini boats by slicing it lengthwise and scooping out most of the pulp. At this point you either boil or microwave the zucchini. Then, add your stuffing!  It can be browned ground turkey, beef, or chicken, with rice or not.  Saute the zucchini you scooped out with onions, garlic and seasonings to make it more of a Mexican, Italian or whatever you like dish.

Here's a recipe for taco stuffed zucchini: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/07/taco-stuffed-zucchini-boats.html.  For more of an Italian flavor, try: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Stuffed-Zucchini/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_RelatedRecipes.

Eggplant
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear eggplant, is Eggplant Parmesan! Traditionally prepared, this dish can be loaded with extra calories because it is fried. This recipe, however, roasts the eggplant first, then it is baked.  You need to allow some extra time when preparing an eggplant dish such as this because of its high water content.  Cut, salt, and rest the eggplant in a colander before any further preparation.

Here's a light version of Eggplant Parm:  http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/03/lighter-eggplant-parmesan-5-pts.html. I just found this recipe and I'm going to try this one real soon! Eggplant Parmesan Burgers! http://www.annies-eats.com/2014/01/13/eggplant-parmesan-burgers/.

Now, for much less labor intensive eggplant recipes, look at these two recipes. The first one is really excellent and it incorporates zucchini, peppers and tomatoes!  It's called Ratatouille: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/ratatouille-10000000524327/index.html.

Finally, try this eggplant sauce over pasta. You can always omit the capers or use green olives instead if you like the briny taste of capers. If you like more the texture of capers but not the taste, you can sub chick peas or green peas: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/eggplant-pasta-salad-10000001630028/index.html.

Welcome to Project BRIDGE Blog!  This blog is meant to inform us of free things that are happening around town, interesting events to take part in, healthy recipes, nutrition and exercise tips, and anything else we want.  This blog is for us so if there is something you want to know more about, chances are, so will someone else!

Farmer's Market and Nutritional Seminar

July 12, 9:00 am is our second Life Skills Seminar. We'll have a nutritionist here to talk to us about all the benefits to eating healthy and then we'll all prepare something delicious using fresh seasonal ingredients. Afterwards, we'll walk across the street together to the Farmer's Market.

Two vendors that accept ODB's Veggie Vouchers will be there. Lots of fruits and veggies are in season from peaches, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to sweet corn, cucumbers, squash and peppers. It'll be worth getting up and out this Saturday morning! We'll have lots of fun!

Here are 5 good reasons to go to Farmer's Markets 

and to eat healthy:

1. Get inspired:  Be inventive with your cooking. Try new recipes that include seasonal fresh fruits and veggies.
2. Follow a better diet:  Eating more fresh fruits and veggies trims your waistline, lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure, too!
3. Cook for your health: We all know the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and veggies from thinking more clearly to heart health, but COOKING at home helps you eat healthy, too, because you are not only deciding which healthy ingredients to use but also watching your portion sizes! 
4. Support your Community:  Purchasing foods from local vendors supports the community in which you live!
5. Eat by Season:  By choosing to eat seasonal fruits and veggies you're not only getting the best tasting fruits and veggies possible but also purchasing the most economical. Besides, you won't get bored eating the same fruits and veggies all year long! Get inspired!!