Foodie55 Fights Inflammation

Foodie55 is listening to Harvard Health suggesting anti-inflammatory foods like tomoatoes, olive oil, green leafy veggies (spinach, kale, collard greens), nuts (almonds & walnuts), fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel & sardines) and fruits (strawberries, blueberries, oranges) to reduce inflammation of the joints. “A healthy diet is beneficial not only for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but also for improving mood and overall quality of life, ” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Foods that Fight Inflammation, health.harvard.edu, 11-7-18.

MOCKTAILS

Foodie55 learned that wine and spirit sales have increased 50% during the COVID-19 shut downs (Neilsen). And we know that excessive drinking can lead to immune and sleep disorders, liver damanage and cognitive decline. Time for MOCKTAILS! Our favorite is White Sangria with fresh fruit, 1/2 white grape juice and 1/2 Sprite/7up/Sierra Mist or club soda. Add muddled mint, basil or rosemary for an extra pow of flavor. Cheers!

5-A-Day

Foodie55 Friday focuses on 5-a day: Fruits & Veggies. And lately spring asparagus drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italian dry spice, salt & pepper under the broiler (or grill, of course) then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese has been tasting scrumptious. This combo plate was given to a sick friend which in the old days it might have contained brownies or cookies. Yet today, we do our best to eat healthy keeping energy up, getting the nutrients we need and lowering the risk of chronic health conditions.

Hydration Temptation

Seniors are at-risk for dehydration (thirst sensors diminish with age) which can cause challenges (heart, organs, muscles). Suggestion – Drink 8 glasses of water each day. Tips: Include coffee, tea, flavored water, sports drinks and others; Keep hydration top-of-mind throughout the day; Vary the temperature of the fluids; Consume soup especially broth-based and if you have persistent problems check with your medical professionals. For more information: Drink Up: Dehydration is an Often Overlooked Healthy Risk for Seniors, health.clevelandclinic.org, 11-18-18, Q & A: How to Prevent, Detect & Treat Dehydration in Aging Adults by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, betterhealthwhileaging.net, 6 Ideas to Get Seniors to Drink More Water, dailycaring.com

Food for Better Heart Health

Heart Health *70% of us ages 60-79 have some form of heart disease. 1)Load up your buffet plate with fruits & veggies 2)Add exercise at every opportunity 3)Trade heavy cocktails like eggnog for lighter options; a glass of eggnog has approx 500 calories 4)Don’t go shopping or to the party starving eat a few apple slices before you go and much more from Harvard Health Publishing, 12 Tips for Holiday Eating by Patrick J. Skerrett and 8 Ways to Eat Mindfully During the Holidays, by Susan Albers, psychologytoday.com

Nuts About Nuts

Nuts about Nuts. Did you know that eating nuts may help you age healthier? Nuts are associated with living longer and lowering rates of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer (US FDA and the American Heart Association). Plus nuts repair skin, help keep your mind sharp, may help with weight management and ease aching joints (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Keep your portion size to about a handful each day and learn more 8 Health Benefits of Nuts by Franiska Spritzler, healthline.com and Go Nuts to Age Well: 6 Benefits of Nuts for Older Adults by K. Aleisha Fetters, health.usnews.com

Mushrooms & Your Mind

We are crushin’ on mushrooms because new research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests their nutrients can ward off Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) when consuming them 3 times per week. Study details at Mushrooms May Reduce the Risk of Memory Problems, Nicholas Bakalar, NYTimes, 3-14-2019

Lemon + Blueberry

Foodie55 luvs lemon & blueberry anything🍋 This store-bought lemon cake covered in blueberry glaze goes down easy. Blueberries have health benefits for aging bodies including mega antioxidants that may protect us from cancers, aging, diseases and infections. We’ll Let You Eat Cake!

Mushrooms & Your Mind

We are crushin’ on mushrooms because new research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests their nutrients can ward off Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) when consuming them 3 times per week. Study details at Mushrooms May Reduce the Risk of Memory Problems, Nicholas Bakalar, NYTimes, 3-14-2019

Can you Beat Beets?

Foodie Friday features a nutritious salad with arugula, roasted yellow beets, brussel sprouts and goat cheese in a champagne vinaigrette. Eating healthy lowers your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Fresh & Funky: Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foodie55 goes fresh & funky with this winter mix consisting of brussels sprouts, quinoa, squash, goat cheese and pomegranate seeds tossed in a light vinaigrette. This salad follows Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory diet which is believed to promote good health and slow down aging. True Food Kitchen, a growing restaurant chain, inspired by Dr. Weil promotes feeling better through food. Click here for more information on drweil.com

Green Apple Turkey Salad

Foodie55 shared this Green Apple Turkey Salad at a recent potluck and received rave reviews. We used butter lettuce, spinach, thinly sliced tart green apples, halved grapes, toasted walnuts, turkey (leftover from Thanksgiving taken out of the freezer and cubed), dried cranberries & feta cheese with a light raspberry vinaigrette. It was healthy, yummy and economical. No rules apply, so make your own variety!

Holiday & Healthy

Foodie55 know holiday parties and healthy appetizers collide with endive cups filled with your choice of fillings. Our fav is finely chopped pears, brie and toasted walnuts. Take ’em to your next pot luck and listen to the kudos roll in.

Chix & Dumplings XXtra Nutrients

Old-fashioned Chicken & Dumplings take a 55+ ride when carrots, broccoli & spinach are added early in the cooking process. For this batch, we browned 3-chopped boneless chicken breasts, 1/2- cup chopped small yellow onion and 1/2-cup of chopped celery in a large stock pot. Then added chopped 2-cups of chopped broccoli, 1-cup shredded carrots, 2-cups of chopped spinach and 8-cups of chicken stock (low sodium) and brought it to a boil. While boiling, we slowly added 2-12 oz bags of Reames Homestyle Flat Dumplings. Once it began to re-boil, we stirred, then turned the heat down to medium-high and cooked for 1 hour until the dumplings were softened. For a thicker broth, add flour or cornstarch using a small separate bowl to place your thickner in, add a bit of pot liquid & mix, then add this mixture to the main pot. Serve with a crusty bread & Enjoy!

Foodie55 welcomes Cara Harbstreet

Cara Harbstreet, Registered Dietitian, author of The Pescatarian Cookbook – The Essential Kitchen Companion, CEO of Street Smart Nutrition and Libre Connections is our peer in entrepreneurial incubator, Betablox. Cara knows that Boomers and Seniors need extra protein and she encourages us to “eat the yolks” especially in her yummy Sun-Dried Tomato and Kale Frittata dish. And check out her podcast, “You Can Eat With Us” featuring a plethera of wisdom on intuitive eating and body acceptance.

Foodie55 Rootin’ Root Veggie Soup

Foodie55 loves our Rootin’ Root Veggie Soup, a Fall Classic that is both flavorful and nutritious. Our blend starts with browning a pound of grass-fed ground beef, onions, celery and carrots in a large pot then adding cubed squash and sweet potatoes  (buy them cut from the grocery store, if you want), sliced parsnips and cubed yukon potatoes. Fill the pot with 6 cups of vegatable stock and 2 cups of water. Bring to a soft boil, then turn to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes to several hours. Especially yummy on a brisk Saturday – leftovers for the next week, too!

Foodie55 Healthy & Yummy 

Pumpkin Date Pecan Muffins are easy to make and so incredibly yummy! Start with a box carrot cake mix, a 15oz. can of Pumpkin, stick of butter, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of water, teaspoon of cinnamin and a dash of nutmeg & ginger. Fold in chopped dates and pecans. Spoon into baking cups. Bake on 350degrees for about 40 minutes or until the centers are done. They are soo moist – and we use them for breakfast, snacks and desserts!

Foodie55 luvs Super Foods!

Super Food, Super Yummy Salad with mixed greens, avocado, broccoli, pears, grapes, almonds & shrimp. Easy to make, high in nutrition and soo delicious.

Old-Fashioned moves Modern

Foodie55 Friday suggests an old-fashioned Wedge Salad with some modern twists including white raisins, tomatoes, apple slices, blue cheese crumbles, chicken & ranch dressing or add your favorites. Seniors need extra protein, so add the chicken, shrimp, steak or your favorite to your salad.

Foodie55 Chicken & Roasted Veggies

Roasted Chicken & Veggies  Simply cut your favorite veggies in large chunks (we used onions, celery, carrots, broccoli, zucchini and red potatoes), place chicken tenderloins on top, season with rosemary, salt & pepper (or chose your favorite seasonings), drizzle with 3 tablespoons of Italian dressing over the top, cover and  Bake 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Super healthy, easy and yummy!

Extra Protein Please

Foodie55 knows older adults are less efficient at synthesizing amino acids for muscle health (exercise helps, too) and they need to eat extra protein. This sammie is an extra turkey, cheese, slaw & lettuce creation.

A Seat in the Sun

Foodie55 suggests grabbing a few friends, enjoying the sun while sittin’ by the lake and treating yourself to something yummy.

Lemon Blueberry Cake

Not quite ready for fall spice cake? Foodie55 is sneaking in one more summer treat with with this homemade lemon cake with fresh blueberries~a favorite with a fresh fruit healthy twist.

Guac Super Food Salad

Foodie55 features this Super Food salad with high-nutrition, closes to nature, high antioxidant ingredients including mixed greens, avocado, tomato, corn, cilantro, beans, onion, radish and feta cheese. No dressing needed.