Healthy Body Healthy Life: HBHL

Healthy Body Healthy Lifers,

Welcome Back from Spring Break! Let's kick it into high gear for the last few months before PCS and bathing suit season is here! Yup... it's coming. Stay focused and get in shape for the summer!

All HBHL - AL classes are back on schedule. Following Easter weekend we will also have a new weekend yoga class at Deer Creek added to the schedule. More to follow...

CLICK HERE for local HBHL- AL info

This Saturday Vaughn Forest is holding a Resurrection Run 10K, 5K and 1mile Fun Run, starting at 8 AM. Check on Facebook for the details about the race. Let's get a great turn out of HBHL'ers! If you haven't run your first 5K yet, here is your chance. Join our motivating group and prove to yourself that you CAN do it! Here are the details:

Vaughn Forest Resurrection Run

New Powerbodyz workout for this week! Check it out: New Powerbodyz Workout!

Wellness Lesson: Plastic Water Bottles
Last week we talked about how to decipher the fruit and vegetable sticker codes. This week we are going to discuss the resin codes on plastics (thanks to HBHL'er Shelly for the idea!) They are usually found on the bottom of the product in the middle of a chasing arrow circle.

Why is it important to pay attention to the type of plastic your bottles, toys, and food containers are made from? Well, plastic can be toxic. Studies have shown that small bits of plastic get into our food and drinks from containers, especially if you heat up your food in the microwave. Also, it's not just plastic products as many cans are lined with a plastic substance known as BPA (Bisphenol A) which you may be familiar with due to the recent controversy over BPA found in baby bottles (its a #7 plastic). Various studies have linked neurological, reproductive, and endocrine problems with BPA. Web MD does a great job discussing the various dangers associated with plastic substances:
Web MD Article on Food Safety

Remember, that a lot of research is ongoing on the subject of toxicity in plastics, but there are some things you can do to keep your family safe. Continue to do your own research, but one good rule of thumb is to avoid plastics with 3, 6, or 7 resin codes. If your food container or bottle is made from these types of plastic, there is a potential for the toxic plastic to leach into your water, juice, or food. If you want to be safe: avoid the controversial plastics, do not heat your food in plastic containers, and stop using any plastic that is not properly labeled.

One note: If a plastic is labeled as #7, it does not necessarily mean it's BPA. #7 includes many other kinds of plastics that don't fit in with the other classifications. However, if it isn't clearly marked as BPA free, it is probably best to avoid using it.

Here's an article that can help you make safer choices when it comes to plastics:
Deciphering Plastics

This Week's Superfood: Lentils!

What are the benefits of lentils? Lentils, which are legumes, are high in protein and energy producing nutrients. If you are considering switching to a vegetarian diet, lentils (combined with brown rice) is a great way to ensure you are getting enough protein. Lentils are naturally high in fiber and low in fat, therefore they aid in digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and prevent diabetes. They are also high in folic acid, calcium, phosphorous, and iron. Super great... super food!

Lentils are inexpensive and easily stored, and they don't require any additional soaking prior to use. Cooking time is usually 45 mins or they work very well in a crock pot!

For more info on the power of lentils, check this out: Lentils

This Week's Recipe: Curried Lentils

(Courtesy of HBHL Chef, Meredith Hill)

(adapted from: http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/curried-lentils-and-sweet-potatoes/)

1/2 cup brown rice

1 cup water

2 T EVOO

1 medium onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1T fresh ginger

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp curry powder

4 cups vegetable stock

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 dried lentils

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

kale leaves torn from 2 large stems

1 tsp sea salt, more to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

green onions, chopped, for garnish

tamari almonds, chopped, for garnish **you can buy these at the store or make your own--see recipe below**

1. Cook rice with water according to package directions.

2. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, garam masala, and curry powder. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

3. Stir in 4 cups broth, sweet potatoes, lentils, and chick peas. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, partially cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. (If lentils seem dry, add up to 1 cup stock, as needed.) Stir in kale and salt and pepper, and continue cooking until lentils are tender and kale is cooked, about 30 to 45 minutes total.

4. Spoon cooked brown rice into bowls, top with curry mix. Garnish (generously) with green onions and tamari almonds. Enjoy!

Tamari Almonds
3 cups raw almonds
1/4 cup tamari (I use San-J)
1 pkt stevia

1. Preheat oven to 300. Spread almonds out evenly in a single layer on a baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

2. Stir together tamari and stevia in a large heatproof bowl. Add hot almonds and stir until coated well. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Return almonds to baking pan with a slotted spoon, spreading them evenly. Discard any liquid remaining in bowl.

3. Bake almonds, stirring about halfway through baking time, until almonds are dark brown outside and golden inside, about 25 minutes.

4. Cool almonds completely in pans on racks, stirring occassionally, about 25 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container.

Here is this week's Facebook Question (repeating last week's b/c of spring break!), go to Facebook and share your answer: What is your favorite way to cook kale?