HealthTip: Kale Chips Anyone?

Do you find yourself having cravings for the satisfying crunch of chips or salty crackers. A healthier way to give into your craving may be to try making kale chips!
Kale is a leafy, green (or purple) vegetable from the brassica family. This family also contains vegetables such as cabbage and brussel sprouts, so if you find that these vegetables commonly cause bloating, kale chips may not be your best option. Kale is a commonly referred to as a "super-food" because it is a high source of potassium, fiber, calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and beta-carotene.
To bake kale chips, you'll need kale, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (optional). You can season the kale any way you like, so be creative!

• Wash kale
• Remove the leafy part of the kale from its stem
• Tear kale leaves into bite size pieces and place in a bowl with the olive oil (start with 1-2tbsp), salt, and garlic powder
• Toss the kale to ensure its thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings (this will ensure that it becomes crispy when baked)
• Place torn leaves separately on a baking sheet and bake at ~300F for 10-15 minutes or until kale becomes crispy 

It may take you a few tries to get the exact crispiness you want, so don't give up if your first batch isn't perfect! After reading this post maybe you'll consider this vitamin and mineral packed snack option the next time you're tempted to buy that bag of high-fat, nutrient-lacking chips?

Information Sources:
http://www.healthcastle.com/video-week-making-kale-chips
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/table/ref_vitam_tbl-eng.php

HealthTip: Fish For Your Brain

Regularly consuming fish may help keep your mind sharp later in life!
Researchers asked 260 mentally healthy participants what foods they normally ate. Through MRI brain scans the researchers measured the amount of grey matter in the brain. A high volume of grey matter suggests a healthy brain. When this volume decreases, it suggests that brain cells are shrinking. Participants who ate baked or broiled fish weekly showed to have more grey matter in the brain and less complications related to trouble thinking or Alzheimer's disease. Those who consumed fried fish did not show the same benefits.
So, if you're a fan of fish, you may want to consider making it a weekly dinner option; it may be a piece of the puzzle that helps you stay sharp for longer!

Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/cook_it_120111.html

HealthTip: Trying to Cut Chocolate Cravings?

Do you find yourself sitting at your desk with the sudden craving for chocolate, cookies, or other festive sweets. This would be a daily occurrence in my case!
U.K. researchers conducted a study with 78 participants who were regular chocolate-eaters at work but had gone 2 days without chocolate. One group took a 15 minute walk on a treadmill and was then given a task during cravings, while the other group rested before being given a task. All participants had a bowl of chocolate on their desk. Results showed that the group that took a 15 minute walk ate approximately half of the chocolate when compared to those who rested before their task.
Snacking on high calorie foods can become a mindless task at work while sitting in front of a computer screen. If you feel a craving coming on, try going for a short walk. If the craving is still strong after the walk, try loading your desk area with healthier snacks such as sliced apples with caramel dip, yogurt with fresh berries and granola, a high fiber low sugar granola bar (that contains a bit of chocolate ovcourse), or a handful of roasted nuts. At this time of year it can be difficult to not give into cravings, but before you pick up that extra brownie, try to take a moment to determine if you're actually hungry; if you're not hungry but still really want the brownie, why not just take half? There are ways to have your chocolate and eat it too!

Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_119668.html