Whole Wheat Rotini with Garlic,Spinach, and Cannellini Beans

The whole wheat pasta and cannellini bean combination have significant amounts of protein without adding any meat. I often make this dish with either sauteed shrimp or chicken, however it is excellent without, for my vegetarian friends.

Whole Wheat Rotini Pasta with Garlic, Spinach, and Cannellini Beans

In a large pot bring enough water to a boil to cook 1 lb of pasta.

In a large nonstick skillet I start by sauteeing 1 medium onion finely chopped in olive oil and a reduced fat butter substitute(I use Smart Balance Light) 3-5 cloves garlic chopped ( I say the more garlic the merrier-use your own judgement) cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add 12-16 oz. fresh chopped spinach, add salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh squezed juice of 1 lemon, cover for 5 minutes until spinach is wilted. When Pasta is done(about 10 minutes) drain and toss with garlic, spinach, and drained and rinsed cannellini beans.

Are antibiotics being used by the farming industry making you sick?

The overuse of antibiotics by the farming industry may be leading to a rise of drug resistant bacterias in beef, pork, poultry, and other fresh meats. If this is a concern of yours you may want to change some of your shopping habits.  The term "all natural" does not guarantee that there was no use of antibiotics in the rasing of the animal. Look for a label that states "No Antibiotics Administered". You can find most types of meat that are rasied without the use of antibiotics that are not as expensive as there 100% organic competitors. However if you can afford to shop 100% organic it might be the healthier choice. Find out more: http://www.rodale.com/staph-meat

Recall on Jennie-O's frozen turkey burgers and drug resistant strain of salmonella

Salmonella Hadar strain of bacteria is resistant to several types of antibiotic treatments according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Find out which states have been affected and how many people have become sick from this bacteria.http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/drug-resistant-salmonella-found-in-55000-pounds-of-turkey-burger.html#mkcpgn=fbpg2

Salty high sodium foods are one of the main causes of heart disease in the U.S. Do you know how much salt is on your plate?

Salty foods you should avoid when dining out. Don't be fooled, some low fat options on your menu can have twice the amount of sodium. Consuming more than the recommended 2,300 mg of sodium per day can lead to heart disease. If you already have high blood pressure you should limit your sodium intake to 1500 mg or less per day. Check the following link for foods to avoid when dining out.
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/saltiest-foods-2011

Burn more calories without breaking a sweat.

Burn more calories everyday by making simple changes to your lifestyle. Stand more sit less. Cut down your tv time. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Cook your meals ahead and limit take out dinners to two meals per week. See more calorie burning options at the link below:http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/8-sneaky-ways-to-burn-calories-without-sweating-2468566/

Organic meats vs. All Natural meats. What is the difference?

Organic foods and the requirements they must meet to be labeled Certified Organic. As far as meat goes (beef,pork,chicken,lamb,veal) there is little difference between what is considered All Natural, and what can be labeled Organic. The difference being that Organic meats must also be fed a 100%  organic vegetarian diet. Meats labeled all natural can also be free of hormones and raised without the use of antibiotics but their vegetarian diet may not be from 100% organic vegetables. Check the manufacturer's label carefully and don't overpay if you can help it. Many supermarkets carry their own line of "All Natural" meats which are comparable to the organic brands at a considerable discount. Check the link below for requirement standards.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml

11 Things you should buy Organic

Most people are trying to eat healthier these days and we all know that buying organic can be the best way to go. The only problem is that most people can't afford to go 100% organic. Here are some tips on purchasing organic products to protect your health and your pockets.
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/11-things-you-should-buy-organic-2467411/