Time Of The Season

It's that time of the year again, harvest ... and holiday time. What side dishes do you serve at your holiday dinners? My picks are low in cost, fat and calories, but high in nutrition, fiber and flavor. They include:

Sweet Potatoes - Now is the time of plenty; you'll find them for 69 cents a pound, or less. I love sweet potatoes baked or microwaved. They satisfy my sweet tooth, which is activated by a myriad of holiday candies and treats. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 C, E, potassium and complex carbohydrates. And they are filling when temptation lurks all around and everywhere you go.

Pumpkin - This is the only time of the year you can buy cans of pumpkin at the supermarket. Rich in vitamins A and K, some C, E, iron, copper and other minerals, it is good for your eyes, heart and immune system. I like Libby's 100% pure pumpkin, which has only one ingredient. It makes easy and delicious pies, puddings and breads.

Cranberries - Fresh cranberries freeze well and can be thawed and used in salads and drinks throughout the year. Mix them with apples and grapes also. They are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids. Not only do fresh cranberries contain components to keep illness away, they are an anti-aging wonder.

Butternut and Acorn Squash - They are sources of vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, C, potassium, magnesium and folic acid. For a simple dish, I cut one in half, microwave it for 6 - 10 minutes (depending on the size), season to taste and ... voilà ... it's ready to eat.

Why wait for a holiday to serve food that's good for you and your palate? The peak season is now.

Sweet potatoes

Remember?

Home Gyms: Save Time, Space and Money

You don't need an expensive gym membership or fancy exercise equipment to get a great workout, not according to Consumer Reports magazine. This got my attention because after dinner I ate two hefty slices of pumpkin praline pie; and frankly I've never managed to survive a trial, one-week gym membership.  I'm serious! -- nor do I have room in my home for a treadmill.

All you need to set up a complete fitness routine at home are the following:

1) An exercise mat – To cushion your joints on hard floors. Use it for sit ups, push ups, Yoga or Pilates. Expect to pay $15.

2) Dumbbells – They improve and maintain muscle tone. Consumer Reports suggests buying two pairs -- one for regular use and the other, a heavier, more challenging set. Costs: $15 a set.

3) Elastic bands – For resistance training and strengthening muscles. Again, buy two pairs with different levels of resistance, one tougher than the other. Costs: $15 a set.

4) A stability ball – Allows you to add a variety of moves to strengthen your core muscles. Consumer Reports says use a 45-cm ball if you're under 5 feet tall, a 55-cm ball if you're 5 foot 1 inch to 5 foot 7 inches, and a 65-cm if you're taller. Costs: $15 - $40.

5) Workout DVDs – Look for ones with a combination of strength, flexibility and cardio routines. Costs: $15 - $20 each. Or, find a public library where you can check out a large selection for free. The change will keep you from getting bored.

I also walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Some dollar stores stock cheap pedometers to keep track of steps. My friend, Cara, got me two for $2.00 to replace a $30 model. They all break, so go cheap.

With a few pieces of inexpensive equipment, you can get into shape and work off your Thanksgiving dinner. Who are we kidding? It wasn't just dinner, was it?  Ready, Set, Work it off!

Organic And Eco-Friendly Gifts

As the holidays approach I'm starting to think about great gifts to buy for family and friends. I do my best to select special items that are useful and will make relatives and buds happy. This year I'm adding beautifully wrapped gift sets of organic bath and body products to my list.

One reason I like to give organic products is for their purity. All natural soaps and moisturizers, made with essential oils like lavender and jojoba, are good for you and the environment. I look for toiletries with no unnecessary chemicals and artificial emollients to dry out the skin as we move into a colder climate. Another consideration is, they are not gender specific and can be enjoyed by the entire family. Ingredients like olive oil and aloe vera have been used for centuries to care for the skin and scalp. Even people who are allergic to perfume can appreciate the clean scents and soothing properties of herbs and essential oils like eucalyptus, sweet almond or calendula flowers. [Personally, I prefer the scent of botanicals like peppermint oil over a strong perfume.]

The trick is to find organic products, which work as well as and better than conventional goods. I narrow it down to companies who use the finest natural ingredients, whose products are non-greasy and long lasting.

Here are a few of my favorite eco-friendly companies for bath and body products:

Skinnyskinny – Located in Brooklyn, it offers premium ingredients and pretty packaging at reasonable prices. [I want the organic buckwheat hull pillow.]

Aveda – Where you'll find top-notch organic skin care and make-up, knowledgeable sales associates and a spot of herb tea while you shop.

LaLicious – A Los Angeles company selling luxury all natural products. The peppermint body butter is a favorite. I keep it at my desk as a hand cream.

Whole Foods Market – They carry a wide selection of nourishing soaps, lotions, body butters and hair care, all made from botanicals.

And don't forget about the presentation. Look for eye-catching, recycled materials to wrap gifts. Be kind to the environment while making everyone on your list feel pampered and special.

The Fruits of Fall, Is It Time For A Change?

When selecting food, most of us prefer the familiar. Too often we resist new dishes and taste sensations. What are we afraid of exactly? If we stick to the tired same old fare, time and again, we'll never expand our horizons, right? So this week while at the fruit market, I bought a pomegranate and an eggplant. I bought them partly because I did not grow up eating them. Not only are they fresh, they are exotic, colorful and at $1.00 each, a very good value this time of year. And the owner of the fruit market gave me a surprisingly easy eggplant recipe to try.

Though commonly thought of as a vegetable, an eggplant is actually a fruit. Specifically, it's a gigantic berry that has folic acid, potassium and the ability to block the formation of free radicals.

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and vitamin B5. They block free radicals too. To eat one, simply cut it in half and pull or pound out the kernel-like seeds. {Watch to learn how.}

Here is the recipe for the deep purple fruit that you eat like a vegetable:

Eggplant Medley

1 large eggplant

14 oz can whole tomatoes

1 medium red or yellow onion

Season to taste: salt, pepper, garlic, basil, bay leaf, bullion cube

Dice the first three ingredients into large cubes, and threw everything into a pot. Season to taste, cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender (approximately 10 minutes). I refrigerate the eggplant medley. It's delicious cold. Bon appétite!

Keep Colds And The Flu Away

Although it's impossible to avoid all germs, many doctors agree there are measures you can take to keep from catching every virus that goes around. Start by getting enough rest -- at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night -- and eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are a few extra precautions to lessen your chances of getting sick:

1} Wash your hands often, especially after touching public areas like doorknobs and shaking hands with other people. As you lather up, mentally sing “Happy Birthday” twice before you rinse with warm water -- that's the length of time you should spend washing your hands.  Extra tip: Carry your own ink pens to use in public places like banks and grocery stores.

2} When you can't get to a sink, use an alcohol hand sanitizer. – I used to think it was overkill for a normal person with a functioning immune system, but with both seasonal and swine flu, plus the usual cold viruses floating around this year, I plan on being more vigilant and buying packets of alcohol-based-moist towelettes to carry in my purse.

3} Reduce stress in your life. – Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and plan your time wisely. Not only will you lower stress, you'll pace yourself and get more done in the long run. [My mother, who is a pistol, once said, “You can live without food or money if you have to, but stress will bring you down, make you old and kill you faster than anything else in the world.”  This is the same woman who warned me to stay away from the knives because I could poke my eyes out and to hand over the scissors because I could cut my fingers off, but she's right about stress.]

4} Enjoy a social life that makes you happy – First of all, you need some exposure to germs to build up immunities. And studies show, happy people are healthier people.

5} Winterize your diet with these 4 foods: a) 100% fruit juice – According to "You, The Owner's Manual," we need 500 mg of Vitamin C a day. In Winter, I drink orange, pineapple and mango juices and buy oranges and grapefruit. Taking Vitamin C pills work too; b) Eat yogurt – Yogurt, containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, fights off fungus infections, say Drs. Roizen and Oz, authors of the "You" books; c) As it turns out, an apple a day really does keep the doctor away. That's because apples have flavonoids. Flavonoids help the body kill germs more efficiently. Other foods rich in flavonoids, include cranberries, black, green and white teas, oatmeal, broccoli, chili peppers and red wine; d) Consume ginger and turmeric. – Both have properties that boost the immune system and help ward off infections. So eat curries and oriental dishes in Winter to stay healthy.

Why not start Autumn with healthy habits? It's better to prevent a cold than to nurse one. So take good care of yourself.

Michael Jackson: An Artist At Work, A Review

Michael Jackson and dancers from "This Is It" rehearsals

Yesterday I did something uncharacteristic. I saw a film at a movie theater on its opening day in New York City, no less. “This Is It,” is an amazingly well-made music documentary about Michael Jackson, the performer. For 111 minutes, you get to watch MJ at work, and you can't take your eyes off him. He was a gifted entertainer who could do it all -- sing, dance, choreograph, write songs, compose music and mesmerize an audience with the sincerity, intensity and originality of his performances. Director Kenny Ortega, his collaborator of nearly 20 years, brilliantly put together a loving tribute from rehearsal footage shot between April and June, 2009. The rehearsals were captured using high definition cameras, and the music was recorded in stereo. You get to see how much hard work goes into preparing for a live show. During many hours of rehearsals, a myriad of details come together. It feels like you have the best seat in the house to watch over the 3-month period. Clearly, Michael Jackson was a musical genius ... still at the top of his game. What a treat to see him interacting with his cast and crew, gently correcting a tempo or refining a group dance move and spurring his tour family on to aim for perfection. The music and dance is sensational, with full run-throughs of his famous songs from "Billy Jean" to "Smooth Criminal." He will be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of our time. And for me, it was a must see movie on a big screen. I loved it. If you go, sit through the credits so you don't miss anything.

From "Dangerous," Jackson was involved in every aspect of the show.

Earth Song - From 1996's History tour. Both songs - words and music by MJ.

You may also like:

A Rock N Roll Odyssey

Guilty Pleasure Songs

"There'll Always Be A Christmas" An Album Review

You Can't Always Get What You Want

Keeping Up With The Joneses … In Denmark

On a recent show, Oprah visited families around the globe, featuring the lives of women. I'm a sucker for these kinds of programs. The place that appealed to me the most was Copenhagen, Denmark. I like the mindset and lifestyle of its people. Danes are ranked #1 as the happiest in the world by 30 years of scientisfic studies and polls. And if you watched Oprah, you learned why. Here's a summary:

1. In Copenhagen, people are concerned about the environment. – 1/3 of the population rides bicycles everywhere, even with small children and packages in tow.

2. The Danes don't worry about homelessness, poverty or unemployment. – If you lose your job, the government steps in to pay 90% of your salary for 4 years and helps you find new employment.

3. Health care is free to everyone. – The country wouldn't have it any other way.

4. The government takes special care of women and children. – Women get 6 - 12 months of paid maternity leave. Citizens get a free education and are paid $400 - $500 per month upon entering a university.

5. People are free to pursue careers based on interests and talents, in lieu of income. – Taxes are progressive. If you earn more, you are taxed more -- up to 60%. {Other sources say, the average worker pays 44% and the highest earner 62% in taxes. Details here.}

But the Danes support these equalizers. They don't mind paying higher taxes because they feel they get a lot for it. As explained by Nanna, a 44 year old resident of Copenhagen, “Then you have healthy, educated people in the world. What could beat that?”

I admire this way of thinking and how it carries into the home décor. I don't like clutter and apparently, neither do Danes. The typical Danish design is modern, clean, bright, sparse and organized. Plus, the big windows are divine! I'm use to more space (and coziness) than the family of five shown here. But what appeals to me – and makes my heart flutter! – is the idea of having everything you need, without the excess of things you don't need. Makes you think, doesn't it? Now you'll have to excuse me; I'm stepping away to get rid of extra stuff and to write a note.

Note to self: If you don't use it, lose it. Focus on what's important.

Save On Your Next Computer ... And Electronics

Would you buy a refurbished computer? I did -- the second time around -- and saved 18% off the sticker price. I bought my first computer, an Apple PowerBook, at retail. Last year after seven years of use, I replaced it with a refurbished MacBook Pro that I ordered from the Apple Store online. First I went to Apple's mega store on Fifth Avenue, so by the time I looked online, I had talked to several Mac Geniuses and knew just what I wanted. I bought a MacBook Pro -- perhaps a more powerful laptop than what I actually need -- partly because I saved hundreds of dollars by buying it refurbished. I got a 2008 model in September, 2008, the same year it came out. Apple tests and certifies all their refurbished products and offers a one-year guarantee. That was a deal too good for me to pass up. Apple's service is 150% positive; their technical support is awesome. When I took my laptop out of its Fed-Ex box, it was "good as new." To this day, I can't tell the difference between refurbished and what I play with at Apple's Fifth Avenue Store. My laptop is still a top performer; I've never had a problem with either its hardware or software. So I'd definitely buy refurbished again.

A few tips: 1) Do your research; 2) Stick with companies known for their outstanding products and customer service; 3) Look for free shipping and a full year product warranty.

Other businesses offering refurbished [aka, "reconstructed"] products, include Canon for printers and Bose for audio/video equipment. Maybe your favorite manufacturers do too. Check their websites to see. You could save big bucks on big ticket items.

Never Underestimate The Value Of A Sample

Receiving product samples is wonderful. Who doesn't like trying something for free? In our poor economy, businesses must scrabble to bring in and keep customers. This week while running my usual day-to-day errands – and just for walking into Kiehl's, a sales associate gave me samples of three new hair products to take home. It amounted to a full week's supply. Down the street at Godiva's – without even asking, I was handed two scrumptious gourmet truffles {at $44 a pound!} to try. 

 I've gotten a little spoiled because an introduction to an unknown luxury without opening a wallet is nice ... especially when the item costs a chunk of change. Trying before buying has made me a smarter consumer. By shopping with merchants, who dole out plenty of free samples, I've gotten good at figuring out what works for me, what is just a gimmick and what merchandize is worth its asking price. I don't waste money on goods I don't like once I get them home. And I don't clutter up my bathroom with one mistake after another. 

 Although the gourmet candies and snacks never see the light of day once in my hands, the trial sizes of shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers are perfect to take on overnight trips away from home. 

 Also retailers who offer lots of free samples tend to offer superior customer service and other shopping benefits like customer reward cards and free products with [and without] purchases. All worth considering to get the best deals. Naturally businesses are hoping if you try it, you'll like it. Meanwhile, you get to evaluate their goods risk-free. Go for it!

Extreme Sample Friendly Stores include:

For skin, hair and personal care products:

1} Aveda – They teach customers about skin care and wellness and give first rate massages and a "spot of tea" for free.

2} Bath And Body Works (sans make-up)

3} The Body Shop

4} Kiehl's (sans make-up)

5} Origins

6} Sephora

For gormet chocolate and food:

7} Godiva – If you sign up for their rewards card, you get a free chocolate every month.

8} Lindt – Samples galore at their Fifth Avenue flagship store!

9} Williams-Sonoma – Especially on weekends and the weeks leading up to holidays

10} Zabars – For New Yorkers and visitors to NYC

Your local 11} delis, 12} gourmet, 13} grocery and 14} drug stores – Particularly on the weekends and near holidays

Even ladies' clothing:

15} Victoria's Secret - When you sign up for a store credit card, you receive free VS undergarments and toiletries 3-4 times a year.

What 6 Foods Are Always in Your Kitchen?

I know people who eat all their meals out and keep practically nothing in their cupbards or refrigerators, except for bottled water, or perhaps a single serving of yogurt. Not true of me. Although I can be a minimalist in other areas, I never let myself run out of certain foods. You will always find them in my kitchen. Here are six:

1) milk – I buy a gallon a week, per person. That's a lot, isn't it? Lots of Vitamin D!

2) eggs – Boiled eggs make easy snacks, or sandwiches on very short notice. {All you need for a serving is: 2 cut-up hard boiled eggs, salt, pepper, low fat mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and diced red onion.} Plus, eggs are needed for baked goods and a variety of simple dishes like meatloaf, stuffed peppers, and even green salads.

3) peanut butter – I buy it freshly ground at a neighborhood health food store, and it only has one ingredient, peanuts. You don't need sweeteners, hydrogen vegetable oil, or anything else. Pure pb is delicious and a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs food.

4) solid white tuna – A quick and easy meal. Actually, “light” tuna has less mercury, but I prefer the texture of solid white. Just don't eat it more than once a week.

5) sharp cheddar cheese and 6) saltine crackers – This is my favorite "at home" snack. And when I get carried away, it becomes a dinner.

Other foods may come and go, but not these staples. Now do tell, what 6 foods are always in your kitchen?

The Collection: Healthy Anti-Aging Skin Care

Many skin care products in today's market can leave you broke, especially those claiming to have anti-aging properties. A line I favor, Dr. Andrew Weil's for Origins, is a superior – and expensive line. How I get around paying a ransom, is to assess the line and whittle down the choices until I'm left with the 2 to 3 products I truly need for my skin. For me it comes down to three Plantidote Mega-Mushroom products: Face Serum, Face Lotion and when it's part of a kit, Face Cleanser. Next I wait for them to appear as a special promotion, usually called a "starter-set." This happens several times a year {often Mother's Day and Christmas} at a special money-saving price. Then I buy one or two of the sets at $52-$60. It's cheaper – not cheap, but a reasonable value for an exceptional skin care line with healthy all-natural ingredients.

Dr. Weil, a Harvard Medical School graduate, is famous for combining mainstream and alternative medicine. To maintain healthy skin, he stresses good nutrition, drink lots of water and consume fatty acids. Along with other leading dermatologists and doctors, Dr. Weil recommends protecting your skin from the sun, and taking a daily, anti-oxidant, vitamin and mineral supplement. [Click here to read which vitamins doctors recommend.] 

He cautions against using harsh soaps. Such irritants can dry out and damage the skin. Inflammation is another cause of aging, says Dr. Weil. His mushroom-based skin care products are formulated to fight this problem. They are rich in multi-anti-inflammatory agents like ginger, turmeric, holy basil, resveratrol and argon nut oil. 

So the million dollar question is: Can you reverse aging? Unfortunately, no. You can't. But with good habits and proper skin care, you can maintain healthy skin at every age. All of the profits from Dr. Weil's line goes back into his foundation, which supports integrative medicine around the USA.

Consider The Shape Of Your Foot

Last week I walked into The Walking Company, a shoe store and was approached by a salesman. He asked, "Can I help you find your soulmate?" No, he wasn't moonlighting as a matchmaker; he wanted to figure out what type of arches I have. [Ahh, sole mate.] Your arch tells you what kind of shoe is best for your foot. I stepped onto an electronic gizmo that produced my footprints. It was impressive and cool, but you can perform the test at home without the gizmo to get the same information. Here's how: 1} Pour water into a shallow pan, 2} Step in to wet the soles of your feet, 3} Step out and make left and right footprints on a flatten brown paper bag. 

Now look at your footprints. There are three main types of arches, and each one requires shoes that offer different kinds of support:

1) Flat

You see almost all of your footprint.

You have low arches and tend to over pronate, meaning you roll inward excessively. This can cause injury when walking or running. So look for shoes labeled “motion control.” They offer more structure (or barriers) to prevent your arches from rolling inward.

2) Normal

You see about half of your footprint.

You have medium arches and are a normal pronator. Your arches collapse inward just as they should do to absorb shock when you move. You can wear almost any shoes. But shoes marked “stability” or “neutral” arch support will prevent you from over pronating and cushion against shock.

3) High

You see your toes, the ball of your foot, a missing section and your heel.

You have high arches (the rarest type). This means you tend to under pronate when walking or running. Buying shoes labeled “neutral-cushioned” will encourage high arches to pronate safely and softens the blows of your steps.

Now that you know your own foot, you are ready to find your sole mate and live happily ever after.

Chocolate Was Once A Beverage For the Rich

Chocolate dates back centuries -- to 1100 BC. It was treasured like gold from the beginning of recorded history. The Latin name for the cacao tree, which produces the beans that are turned into chocolate, literally means “food of the gods.”  The Aztec Indians, who introduced chocolate to Spanish explorers as a foamy, bitter, spicy drink, also used cocoa* beans as currency. Back in the day, you could buy a rabbit dinner for 4 beans, the services of a prostitute for 10 beans and a slave for 100 beans. The sacred drink arrived in Spain in 1529, where it was sweeten with sugar and became a favorite of royalty. 

By the 17th century, chocolate was popular throughout Europe. It was believed to be a powerful elixir of love and good health, but it was still a beverage for the upper classes. Not until the invention of the steam engine was chocolate mass produced and available to everyone else. The chocolate bar, as we know it, was created in 1847 by Joseph Fry in England, who added cacao butter to cocoa power and sugar. The bitter taste was removed with alkalis. People liked it so much, they started eating chocolate, as well as, drinking it. By 1868 the Cadbury Brothers sold boxes of chocolate candies in England. And milk chocolate was invented by Swiss candy maker, Daniel Peter, in 1875. It hit the market under the Nestle company name a few years later.

Today the taste of fine chocolate is still determined by the origin and type of cacao beans along with the the techniques used in processing. Just like wine, good chocolate has hundreds of flavor nuances.  Only dark chocolate has healthy heart and anti-aging properties. Their health benefits come from flavonoids [anti-oxidants] in cocoa beans. The darker the chocolate, the richer in flavonoids.  A portion size is one ounce. If you can limit yourself to a single serving of the best chocolate, you will satisfy your tastes without expanding your waist. Good luck!

Here are a few favorite chocolates to try:

Lindt - Made with the finest cocoa beans and ingredients at a super value. New York's flagship store on Fifth Avenue offers 2 for 1 deals, plus plenty of free samples.

Cadbury - Very flavorful chocolate, but their bars keep shrinking. What's up with that?

Christopher Norman - For pretty, innovative boxed collections and hand painted & sculptural truffles.

Lake Champion - Fresh all natural chocolates from Vermont. Gourmet chocolate squares and truffles.

La Maison du Chocolate - A premier Paris Chocolatier. Pricy, but made with luxe ingredients. Great for gifts.

Neuhaus - For world famous, real Belgium truffles.

*The word "cocoa" is a derivative of "cacao." A cocoa bean is a dried and roasted cacao bean-like seed.

photos: cacao tree: mdweb and box of chocolate candies: Constance Cheng

Vitamins For Your Health, Is Expensive Better?

Do you wake up each morning and reach for a fix of vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements? I know I do. Right after breakfast, I pop a multi-vitamin, usually a Theragran-M into my month. Then later in the day, I take extra calcium, vitamin D with magnesium and a fish oil capsule. But is it necessary? After all, except for occasional indulgences … like french fries! or nachos!!, I eat healthy meals. And I also mix it up, eating a variety of different foods, colors, fruits and vegetables each day. So do I need the supplements too? Well as it turns out, the answer is probably yes. Many doctors think supplements are a good idea to make sure we get all the vitamins and nutrients that may be lost by the time our food reaches our plates, or that we just don't get enough of in the foods we eat.

Most doctors agree, you don't need to buy fancy vitamins. Dr. Mehmet Oz, co-author of the books, “You, The Owner 's Manual,” says it's fine to buy “straight forward, inexpensive vitamins” like those found in a drugstore. He tells readers to purchase vitamins from the big companies. The better known companies are not likely to cheat you on the amount of vitamins listed on the label. You want to be sure "the vitamins are in there" as claimed. For the amount of each vitamin recommended check here. The one area Dr. Oz differs from what is routinely recommended by the FDA and vitamin companies is the amount of vitamin D an adult needs. Dr. Oz and new studies say the standard is too low. Instead, we should get at least 1,000-1,200 IUs per day. Vitamin D should be combined with 1000 mgs of calcium, plus 500 mgs of magnesium so your body can absorb it. And if possible it's best to divide your dose of vitamins and supplements, and take them twice a day. Some doctors, including Dr. Oz, believe DHA-Omega 3 fats are good for your brain. If you don't eat salmon or sardines twice a week, the consensus is, you can take a daily DHA-Omaga 3 pill.

As Dr. Oz notes, “Most of us could get all our nutrients from our diets," but the reality is, "most of us don't” in the foods we eat. So unless you're that rare person who eats right every single day and can be sure the apple you eat today has all the nutrients it did a hundred years ago, “you're better off taking supplements just to be safe.”

And as we focus on staying healthy, America is debating a safety net of another kind: universal health care. Here's what Roger Ebert, the noted film critic who has battled cancer for several years, has to say about the proposed reforms. It's worth a read. Click here.