Weight Watch Blog

May 8, 2009, 5:15 AM CT

Increased food intake alone explains the increase in body weight

New research that uses an innovative approach to study, for the first time, the relative contributions of food and exercise habits to the development of the obesity epidemic has concluded that the rise in obesity in the United States since the 1970s was virtually all due to increased energy intake.

How much of the obesity epidemic has been caused by excess calorie intake and how much by reductions in physical activity has been long debated and while experts agree that making it easier for people to eat less and exercise more are both important for combating it, they debate where the public health focus should be.

A study presented on Friday at the European Congress on Obesity is the first to examine the question of the proportional contributions to the obesity epidemic by combining metabolic relationships, the laws of thermodynamics, epidemiological data and agricultural data.

"There have been a lot of assumptions that both reduced physical activity and increased energy intake have been major drivers of the obesity epidemic. Until now, nobody has proposed how to quantify their relative contributions to the rise in obesity since the 1970s. This study demonstrates that the weight gain in the American population seems to be virtually all explained by eating more calories. It appears that changes in physical activity played a minimal role," said the study's leader, Professor Boyd Swinburn, chair of population health and director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University in Australia......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

April 29, 2009, 5:27 AM CT

Reducing Health Risks for Women and Children

Diet and nutrition counseling for virtually all overweight and obese women of childbearing age can reduce health risks linked to excess weight for mothers and children alike, as per a newly released position paper from the American Dietetic Association and the American Society of Nutrition.

The position, reported in the recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, represents the associations' official stance on obesity, reproduction and pregnancy outcomes:

Given the detrimental influence of maternal overweight and obesity on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes for the mother and child, it is the position of the American Dietetic Association and the American Society for Nutrition that all overweight and obese women of reproductive age should receive counseling previous to pregnancy, during pregnancy and in the interconceptional period on the roles of diet and physical activity in reproductive health, in order to ameliorate these adverse outcomes.

The joint ADA/ASN position and accompanying paper were written by Anna Maria Siega-Riz, PhD, RD, LDN, assistant professor of maternal and child health at the University of North Carolina; and Janet C. King, PhD, senior scientist at Children's Hospital and Research Center, Oakland, Calif......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

April 7, 2009, 5:24 AM CT

Children with low self-control more likely to become overweight

Young children who do not display an ability to regulate their behavior or to delay gratification in exchange for a larger reward appear predisposed to gain extra weight by their pre-teen years, as per two reports reported in the recent issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

"Obesity in childhood and adolescence appears to track into adulthood, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and certain cancers in adulthood," the authors write as background information in one of the articles. "To mount effective preventive efforts, we need better information regarding the factors involved in the etiology of childhood overweight and obesity".

In one study, Lori A. Francis, Ph.D., and Elizabeth J. Susman, Ph.D., of Pennsylvania State University, State College, assessed self-regulation behavior in 1,061 children. Data were collected when children were ages 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12 years old. At age 3, the children participated in a self-control evaluation that involved sitting alone in a room with a toy for 150 seconds. Those who waited at least 75 seconds to play with the toy were classified as high in self-regulation. At age 5, the children participated in an exercise in delayed gratification that involved choosing a smaller portion of a favorite food immediately or a larger portion several minutes later. High self-regulation was defined as waiting at least 210 seconds to eat the food......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

April 7, 2009, 5:22 AM CT

Childhood obesity, diabetes and related conditions

Factors identified early in childhood could predict obesity in the teen years and beyond, and scientists continue to assess methods to prevent and treat excess weight gain and its consequences in children and teens, as per several reports reported in the recent issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

The issuea theme issue on childhood obesity and diabetesis being published in conjunction with a JAMA theme issue on diabetes. The recent issue of Archives of Ophthalmology and Archives of Neurology, along with the April issues of Archives of Dermatology and Archives of Surgery, also feature research on diabetes, obesity and their related co-morbidities.

Studies featured in this issue include the following:



School-Based Intervention Changes Some, But Not All, Behaviors and Measures of Obesity

An interdisciplinary program designed to increase awareness of obesity and change the behaviors of Dutch school children appears to have reduced the amount of sugary beverages consumed by boys and girls and also improved body composition in girls alone, but did not seem to affect other behaviors. Amika S. Singh, Ph.D., and his colleagues at VU University Medical Center, EMGO Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, assessed the effectiveness of the intervention among 1,108 adolescents (average age 12.7). The program included 11 lessons in biology, physical education and changes in lifestyle over eight months......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

April 2, 2009, 10:12 PM CT

Exercise to Prevent Breast Cancer?

A new federally funded University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study aims to learn whether women at high risk of breast cancer can use exercise to meaningfully reduce their risk of getting the disease. Building on evidence that reducing estrogen in the body reduces cancer risk, and that elite female athletes experience a drop in estrogen levels that often cause them to stop ovulating and menstruating, the WISER Sister trial will investigate two different levels of regular treadmill exercise as a possible intervention for breast cancer risk reduction.

The stakes for women who carry BRCA genetic mutations are high - as a number of as 80 percent of them will develop breast or ovary cancer during their lives - but options for risk reduction are drastic and few, and the choices appears to be unacceptable to some women. Prior Penn research shows that prophylactic mastectomy slashes carriers' breast cancer risk by 90 percent, while prophylactic oophorectomy, or ovary removal, halves their breast cancer risk and reduces their chances of getting of ovary cancer by about 85 to 90 percent. Though the surgeries are highly effective, they usher in quality of life concerns - especially with regard to body image and sexuality - and the early menopause that results from ovary removal brings a woman's childbearing years to an end. And the procedures aren't recommended for women who have a family history of breast cancer but don't carry the mutated genes......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

March 31, 2009, 3:30 PM CT

Tricks to resist temptation

Here's good news for dieters who face food challenges in the break room every day: A newly released study in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that our resistance gets a boost after we've just been exposed to similar temptations.

"The threat of overconsumption is a real one for a number of of us. It is all too easy to eat or spend too much, and a number of others struggle with their desire to smoke or to drink alcohol or to take another pain killer," write authors Siegfried Dewitte, Sabrina Bruyneel (both K.U.Leuven), and Kelly Geyskens (Maastricht University, The Netherlands).

In the course of their research, the authors observed that in situations when self-control is repeatedly tested, a defense strategy that works for a first temptation can be used to tackle the next.

"In a first study we showed that, consistent with common intuition, people performed worse at a difficult mental game than a control group if they had just attempted to control the content of their thoughts. However, those who had just engaged in a similar difficult mental game performed better than a control group," the authors write.

In a second study, the authors exposed participants to candies, which they were not supposed to eat. "Being exposed to candies without eating them indeed led to worse performance on a subsequent self-regulation task, but it also led to better regulation of candy consumption in a follow-up situation," the authors explain......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

March 25, 2009, 9:42 PM CT

Morbidly Obese Sedentary most of the time

A newly released study appearing in Clinical Cardiology examines the average fitness level of the morbidly obese (body mass indexes between 40.0 and 49.9). The findings show that the tested population was sedentary for more than 99 percent of the day and, on average, walked less than 2,500 steps per day - far below healthy living guidelines of 10,000 steps per day. The results provide important links between obesity, poor fitness and cardiovascular disease.

The study used a precise body sensor to continually measure physical activity, caloric expenditure and movement minute-by-minute over a 72-hour period within their home environments. Following collection of the data, structured cardiorespiratory fitness testing waccording toformed on each subject.

Most morbidly obese participants in the study were markedly sedentary. On average, 23 hours and 51.6 min per day were spent sleeping or engaged in sedentary activity and the remaining 8.4 minutes were spent in moderate activity. On average, subjects took 3,763 ± 2,223 steps.

The highest level of activity attained by any single individual during one 24-hour period was 28 minutes of moderate activity. No length of time was spent at a high level of activity for any of the individuals while under observation. Two individuals in this study spent the entire monitoring period in sedentary activity......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

March 22, 2009, 1:47 PM CT

Sweaty Betty - The best shop for your gym clothes

You can really enjoy your workouts if you slip into the Sweaty Betty attire before your sessions. You will be surprised if you find out the number of women who prefer Sweaty Betty for the gym clothes. My long lasting hunt for comfortable and trendy workout clothes ended when I came across the Sweaty Betty over the internet.

Sweaty Betty has surprisingly great and wide range of women's sports wear starting from yoga, sweat, snow and beach clothes. The website gives you an option to shop by the kind of activities you do, brands you prefer, collections they have, departments and new designs launched. You can be a regular customer of the Sweaty Betty website by creating your own account.

They provide excellent online services to their existing customers and the new customers. You can have all your questions answered online about delivery of goods, terms and conditions, the size guide and above all security and privacy without visiting the stores in person.

You can enjoy a lot of benefits once you are the member of the Sweaty Betty website like club card, updates on what to wear, latest survey on new trends and the running club. Sweaty Betty team can be contacted anytime online for the information on their boutiques, jobs and affiliates.

You will love the comfort and the latest trend Sweaty Betty offers. They have not only women's sports wear but other various accessories to go along with their clothes like bags, water bottles, shoes, sports bras and panties and handy workout equipments. ........ Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:53:20 GMT

Lose Weight Digitally With Paint Shop Pro

Almost everyone would like to change some aspect or another of his or her appearance but trimming a bit of weight always makes the top of the list.

"Paint Shop Pro", and for that matter many other digital graphics programs, provides an interesting and versatile set of tools that allow the operator to modify a subject's facial and body features.

Here's where you can learn about "Paint Shop Pro" and it's "thinify" tool, and here's the link to the program's facial features modifying tools.

Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:27:03 GMT

How To Make A Choco Taco

Choco Tacos can be hard to track down. The preeminent dessert taco makes cameos at select ice cream trucks and gas stations, but other times, you think, "did I dream that?"

Since nobody should have to suppress a Choco Taco craving, or embark on a roadtrip to the magical Taco Bells that still stock them, follow these steps to make them at home.

(thanks Erin) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:25:18 GMT

Network Star's JAG Gets New Gig

Those of us who have watched Next Food Network Star the past few years have long lamented the disappointing finale of season 3.  JAG (Joshua Adam Garcia) was sure to be a runaway star, much in the mold of Guy Fieri who won season 2.  Well, that didn"t happen but all who watched NFNS 3 knew that JAG was far too talented not to be a cheflebrity.

Food Network"s loss is Tampa"s gain as JAG is heading up the kitchen at POSH 27, an exciting new restaurant and night club opening later this year in the Cigar City.  Chef JAG was kind enough to give Edible TV a few minutes of his time via e-mail and here"s what he had to say:

ET: The menu at Posh 27 appears to take flavors from all over Latin America and the Caribbean.  Was this planned or did it just evolve?
JAG: This was definitely planned out to showcase a hot new culinary style all on its own. My Latino Fusionè will be tasted in every culinary aspect of Posh 27. Posted by: Editor      Read more     Source

February 4, 2009, 6:29 AM CT

Regular physical activity linked to better quality of life

Survivors of early-stage lung cancer who take part in regular physical activity have a better quality of life, as per a research studyin the recent issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, available online now. Patients who are more physically active report better mood, more vigor, and greater physical functioning, the study shows.

"The take-home message is that early-stage lung cancer survivors appears to benefit, both mentally and physically, from simple moderate exercise," says the paper's main author Elliot Coups, Ph.D., associate member of Fox Chase Cancer Center's faculty and a participant in the Fox Chase Keystone Program in Cancer Risk and Prevention. "Of course, we're generally not talking marathons here, but smaller, everyday forms of activity like going for a brisk walk several times a week".

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, as per the American Cancer Society, and the disease tends to strike elderly adults who have a history of smoking. Coups and colleagues studied patients diagnosed with early-stage, non-small cell lung carcinomas. These individuals have a five-year survival rate of nearly 50 percent, in comparison to three percent for those diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:36:21 GMT

Two Hundred Sit-Ups

If you are serious about increasing your core strength, follow this six week training program and you will soon be on your way to completing two hundred consecutive sit-ups.

Think there"s no way you could do this? All you need is a good plan, plenty of discipline and about 30 minutes a week to achieve this goal.

There"s also One Hundred Push-Ups. Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:59:10 GMT

Tea kettles: No longer only in Canada

When I started working in the test kitchen of Canadian Living magazine in the early nineties, I remember being surprised to learn that tea kettles, although common kitchen items in Canada, were relatively scarce is US kitchens. The rationale at the time was that Americans were more likely to drink coffee than tea so they didn"t give up counter space to an appliance they would use only rarely.

According to this poll and lengthy list of responses in popular New York City blog thekitchn, it looks like tea kettles are now popular on both sides of the border.

What about you? Do you plug in a kettle or put one on the stove top when you need a cuppa? And, are your current kettle habits new or rooted in long standing practice?

Edited to add:  I just saw this post on Not Martha which features a supremo kettle that has temperature settings for different kinds of hot drinks. So, if a kettle is on your shopping list, you might want to check this baby out! Posted by: danamccauley      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:38:10 GMT

How to get a man's attention

We all know the saying:  ”the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”,  but how do you get him to listen?

According to this British gravy mix commercial, the stomach route works pretty well then, too!

 

Posted by: danamccauley      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:08:46 GMT

Peanut Butter Recall

I am sure some of you have been following the peanut butter recall associated with a recent Salmonella outbreak, which has affected over 400 people across America in just the past few months.

According to the FDA, the recall concerns industrial peanut butter and peanut paste (not jarred peanut butter) manufactured since July 1, 2008 by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant because of potential contamination. PCA does not sell peanut butter directly to consumers, only to institutions and food manufacturers. The company distributes its peanut butter and peanut butter paste to be used in the production of commercial products such as cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream.  Apparently the CDC started to receive numerous reports of illness around mid-September and initiated an investigation. The investigation by the CDC and the FDA led to the discovery of a strain of Salmonella that was associated with the reported illnesses in an unopened canister of King Nut peanut butter (King Nut distributes peanut butter from PCA to long-term care facilities, hospitals, and cafeterias) indicating that the contamination took place at the PCA processing plant. Posted by: Editor      Read more     Source

January 20, 2009, 7:05 PM CT

Diastolic dysfunction and reduced capacity for exercise

Patients with abnormal diastolic function (when the heart is relaxed and expanded) in the left ventricle of the heart have a substantially lower maximum capacity for exercise, as per a research studyin the January 21 issue of JAMA

A number of factors, including age, female sex, body mass index and co-existing medical conditions are known to be linked to a decrease in exercise capacity. Identifying potentially reversible mechanisms underlying the decline in maximum exercise capacity could have important implications. Some research has suggested that assessing left ventricular (one of four chambers in the heart) function could be used to predict exercise capacity, as per background information in the article.

Jasmine Grewal, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and his colleagues conducted a study to examine the relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and exercise capacity. The study included 2,867 patients undergoing exercise echocardiography (a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the structure and motions of the heart) with routine measurements of left ventricular systolic (contraction of the heart) and diastolic function. Analyses were conducted to determine the strongest correlates of exercise capacity and the age and sex interactions of these variables with exercise capacity......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:55:48 GMT

Kitchen math that is worth the effort

At this time of year, I know that many people (myself included) are trying to make amends for indulgent food choices we made during the holidays.

Although this writer"s approach to healthy eating requires math, I think it"s an interesting approach since it helps people to evaluate not just the calories of a food but the potential nutrient value, too.

Here"s an excerpt from her article that summarizes how to evaluate foods to determine whether they are good nutrient choices:

First, find the “Percent Daily Values (% DV)” on the right side of the label. These are the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendations for how much fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need each day if you’re eating a 2,000-calorie diet.

If the DV is 5 percent or less, it’s considered “low” for the nutrients. A 20 percent DV or more is “high.”

So for fat, sodium and cholesterol, a Percent Daily Value of 5 or lower is good; a DV of 20 or higher is bad.

For total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, a DV of 5 or lower is bad; a DV of 20 or higher is good.

How do you decide what to eat? Is it all about fat and calories for you or do you count carbs? Or, do you think about other nutrients, too?

Posted by: danamccauley      Read more     Source

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:33:31 GMT

The Best Dim Sum in Toronto

The dim sum experience in Toronto is a tale of two cities - the Spadina and Dundas haunts in the heart of Chinatown and the suburban dining halls sprawled north of the 401. Either way, the much loved Cantonese brunch of little dishes is best shared with big mouths and lots of gossip. Expect plenty of noise and so-so service where getting your number called after a wait for a table feels like you"ve won a medal. Posted by: Guest Contributor      Read more     Source

January 6, 2009, 9:13 PM CT

Gene misbehaves when you eat a high fat diet

New evidence in mice bolsters the notion that a version of a gene earlier shown to protect lean people against weight gain and insulin resistance can have the opposite effect in those who eat a high-fat diet and are heavier, reveals a report in the January 7th issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication.

The findings suggest that the 12 percent of people who carry the so-called Ala12 version of the gene that serves as a master controller of fat differentiation will be more sensitive than most to the amount of fat in their diets. (That fat-moderating gene is called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma isoform 2, or Pparg2.).

The Ala12 gene variant in question is less active and less efficient in driving fat cells' formation than the more common Pro12 version, the scientists explained. As a result, individuals carrying Ala12 are generally less obese and more sensitive to insulin, but that can change if they shift to a less sensible, fat-laden meal plan.

Genetic testing for the variant might therefore be used as a diagnostic tool, said Johan Auwerx of Universit Louis Pasteur in France and the Ecole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne in Switzerland. "Through dietary counseling, carriers could be informed that they really need to watch out for high fat in their diets," he said......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

December 9, 2008, 9:19 PM CT

Overweight siblings of children with type 2 diabetes

Overweight siblings of children with type 2 diabetes are four times more likely to have abnormal glucose levels in comparison to other overweight children. Because abnormal glucose levels may indicate risk for diabetes or diabetes itself, these children could benefit from screening tests and diabetes prevention education.

Scientists from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia published their findings today in the online edition of the Journal of Pediatrics

"To our knowledge, prior studies have not specifically looked at the risk of abnormal glucose tolerance among siblings of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This group has a unique combination of genetic and environmental risk factors," said Sheela N. Magge, M.D., M.S.C.E., a pediatric endocrinologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and primary author of the study. "Clinical experience suggests that children with type 2 diabetes often have an obese sibling, which makes siblings an appropriate target for prevention trials." .

The study looked at 62 children: 20 obese subjects with a sibling who had type 2 diabetes and a control group of 42 obese children. The groups were similar for age, gender, racial distribution (predominantly African American), pubertal status and body mass index over 95th percentile......... Posted by: Evelyn      Read more         Source

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:51:34 GMT

A review of Giada's Kitchen by Giada De Laurentiis

Made for lazy afternoons; Spiced Americanos with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. From the book Giada''s Kitchen: New Italian Favorites.

As the parents of two children under the age of three, I will admit that my husband and I do not frequent restaurants as often as we''d used to. We do still enjoy a meal out now and again, but I have to say that we do not mind the change from eating out to eating in. In fact, we''re all too happy to entertain at home.

Lucky for us, this shift in our lifestyle looks to be on trend with cookbooks as well. Case in point, Giada De Laurentiis, Food Network''s resident expert in all things Italian, recently released Giada''s Kitchen: New Italian Favorites (Clarkson Potter, 2008), focusing on a fresh, modern versions of classics from the Italian home kitchen. The famed-chef''s fourth book, Giada''s Kitchen promises 100 recipes which offer "the pleasures of Italian food without feeling weighed down ....[and] inspiration for delicious, hearty yet healthy weekday meals."

Chapter headings are fairly standard, but with some particularly thoughtful additions that help tailor this book to not only weekday family fare, but also to casual entertaining. An entire section on first courses and appetizers include elegant little bites such as Crispy Smoked Mozzarella with Honey and Figs - perfectly crisp phyllo parcels of melting cheese are served alongside succulent honey-warmed figs. Cheese is a popular theme for her first courses, appearing in a goat cheese and tomato strata, a savory cheesecake, crispy crackers and in a decadent Gorgonzola and apple crostata. In this, and a few other chapters, De Laurentiis ends with a drink; this time an Apple and Thyme martini that is both unexpected and delicious.

The next two sections, Soups, Paninis and Snacks and Salads and Vegetables are far and away the stars of the book. Here you will find fantastic lunch and light supper ideas like a Tuscan White Bean and Garlic soup that is buttery and rich, perfect for a cold afternoon. A sandwich that pairs warmly-spiced chicken salad with sharp radicchio and crisp pancetta is brilliant; the saltiness of the pork playing well against the aromatic chicken and brightened by the bitter chicory. Of particular success were the Spiced Armericanos (pictured) - a simple preparation that has now become our drink of choice this autumn.

From the Salad and Vegetables chapter, the Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale are said to be a Thanksgiving tradition in the De Laurentiis'' household; after tasting them, I understand why. The perfect amount of heat, along with the richness of the cheese, compliment the vegetables wonderfully. A great way to get your greens. Fregola, those fine beads of semolina pasta similar to couscous, are dressed up in a salad with a tangy-tart orange oil, grapefruit and a generous amount of herbs. Although the Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust were flavoursome, I do question the technique here. As written, the recipe requires boiling, sauteeing and finally broiling the vegetables; three cooking methods for one dish seems a bit much, even if tasty. I tried the recipe a second time, this time roasting then broiling the vegetables, for a similarly-delicious result.

Surprisingly, even though solid, the remaining chapters were almost a letdown after the standouts of the first three. Orzo-Stuffed Peppers boast good textural contrast, while the Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon oil is fairly standard.

Meats, poultry and fish are dressed with herbaceous and acidic accouterments like the Spicy Parsley Tomato Sauce paired with roasted beef sirloin, chicken grilled with a mouth-puckering Balsamic Barbecue Sauce, halibut adorned with a grapefruit and fennel salsa, and turkey treated to an Osso Bucco-style preparation, complete with a rough-chopped gremolata to finish. A self-proclaimed fan of butternut squash, De Laurentiis uses the vegetable-like fruit in a Marsala-soused beef stew, a vanilla-flecked risotto and a golden-hued rigatoni with prawns.

Those familiar with De Laurentiis'' many television programs and previous books will know her for her sweet tooth. Her chapter on desserts must surely tempt that weakness; the Ricotta Cappuccino was dangerously quick to come together, but luxurious in its finish. Creamy, sharp and with a touch of spice, it was a perfect end to a casual meal. The Berry Strata is a brighter version of the classic bread pudding; I especially appreciate the way the juices of the fruit stain the custard in tie-dyed patterns. Gorgeous for breakfast or dessert.

A chapter on cooking for children rounds out the book, and as much as I understand the desire to please fussy palates, many of these dishes fell flat in testing - but were not without merit. The Proscuitto Mozzarella Pinwheels were easy to assemble, and a fun recipe to try with children. Sadly, a filling of slick, chewy meat can be difficult for little ones to chew. The Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs was great, after I tweaked things a bit. The recipe itself calls for minimal seasoning, and in my mind it verged on bland. However, once tailored to our tastes by concentrating the sauce, a touch of salt and a hefty sprinkling of red pepper flakes, it is a recipe I would make again.

This section does include a gem of a recipe for Chocolate Chip Pound Cake. Dense without being heavy, with easy preparation that can all be done by hand, the deeply-flavoured treat will definitely be making its way into my gift-giving this holiday season.

The book is well designed, with an open and easy-to-read page layout. With one recipe per page, there is a generous amount of space devoted to backstory and specific notes in preparation and methodology. The majority of dishes feature accompanying full-colour photographs by Tina Rupp, shot simply and beautifully. Now and again, double page spreads of step-by-step photos complement specific dishes, and work well as a subtle showcase the photogenic author. The styling is homey and welcoming, with a touch of a feminine prettiness fitting De Laurentiis'' established aesthetic.

Well-suited to the types of foods that many of us are looking to serve in our homes; dishes are fresher, with a strong emphasis on vegetables and creative uses of healthier lean proteins. The book Giada''s Kitchen is a timely addition to a cook''s library, with satisfying meals that would make almost anyone feel right at home.

Reminiscent of the cascade in a well-drawn pint of Guinness, softy-whipped cream slumps, swirls, and finally melts into aromatic espresso.

Recipes from Giada''s Kitchen

Crispy Smoked Mozzarella with Honey and Figs

Artichoke Gratinata

Fregola Salad with Fresh Citrus

Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Giada''s Carbonara

Apple and Thyme Martini

Berry Strata

Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate

Spiced Americano with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Cover image courtesy Clarkson Potter.

Note: In addition to the book, De Laurentiis ended her five seasons of the show that made her famous, Everyday Italian, to begin a new program, Giada at home. The new series premiered in the United States on October 18, 2008.

Posted by: TARA      Read more     Source

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:58:16 GMT

MyFoodAdvisor: What to eat?

Regarding some medical conditions (diabetes, kidney and heart disease), it’s even more important to know what we actually eat. So The American Diabetes Association came up with a useful tool, MyFoodAdvisor, that can help patients to know more about nutrients, recipes and dishes.

MyFoodAdvisor provides food information to people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and those looking to lose weight. This interactive tool compares foods by 22 different nutrients, suggests healthy alternatives, and analyzes what you currently eat. Portion sizes are standardized, based on the American Diabetes Association and American Dietetic Association exchange lists so all carbohydrate-containing foods are shown in servings of about 15 grams of carbohydrate. Posted by: Bertalan      Read more     Source