Fitness and Freebies Blog

Healthful Meal Tips

 A few quick and easy healthful tips for your meals…

Eat a grain food at every meal. Grain foods, including breads, rolls, crackers, pasta, tortillas, cereals and bagels, provide valuable energy and many nutrients and are naturally low in fat.

Eat a protein-rich food at every meal. Protein helps the body repair tissues and fight infections. Protein-rich foods include meat, chicken, fish, peanut butter, cheese, milk, dried peas, beans, and lentils.

Eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal. Fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients and fiber, which helps maintain regularity.

When you cook, make extras. Then freeze the leftovers in single-serve containers. Casseroles, chili, soup, meat loaf and pasta dishes freeze well and taste great reheated.

Eat a wide variety of foods each week. Variety helps you get all essential nutrients and makes eating more fun! Try a new grain such as couscous (it cooks in just five minutes) or one of the new flavored pastas. Or check out the bakery for new types of breads and rolls.

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January 31st, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Facts | no comments

Recall: Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited

A Manufacturer From England, “Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited,” is Conducting a Nationwide Recall on the Cheese Products Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
(201) 508-6426 (for all Ilchester or Global Cheese Market products)
(513) 751-4490 (for all Trader Joe’s or Cropwell Bishop Creamery products)

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Limited of England is recalling in the United States limited amounts of Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese, as described below, as a precautionary measure because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide in retail stores.

This recall is limited to the following Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue Cheese Products:

• Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 12 oz, lot 3052822700- exp date: 2/10/09
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 7 to 9 oz, lot 3052828700- exp date: 4/19/09
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 1/8 lb, lot 3052835200- exp date: 4/27/09
• Ilchester Shropshire Blue, 1/16 lb, lot 3375821700- exp date: julian code 8217
• Ilchester BabyBlue Stilton, 2/5 lb,lot 3375834000, 3375829500-exp date:julian code 8340,8295
• Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/8 lb, lot 3375828400- exp date: julian code 8284
• Ilchester Blue Stilton, 2/9 lb, lot 3375828400, 3375821700, 3375833300, 3375829400, 3375827800, 3375824500, 3357816400- exp date: julian code 8284, 8217, 8333 , 8294, 8278, 8245, 8164
• Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/9 lb, lot 3375833600, 3375829400, 3375824500, 3758162000, 3375825200- exp date: julian code 8336, 8294, 8245, 8162, 8252
• Ilchester Blue Stilton, 1/16 lb, lot 3375825400- exp date: julian code 8254
• Ilchester Blue Stilton, 18/1 lb, lot 3052829500, 3052830800 exp date: 4/19/09, 5/2/09
• Ilchester Blue Silton, 6/3.5 oz crock, lot 2216832300, exp date: 3/26/09
• Global Cheese Market Stilton, 7 to 9 oz,  lot 714568, 714720, exp date: 3/22/09, 3/29/09
• Global Cheese Market Stilton, 1/5 lb, lot 713939, 715973, 716368 exp date: 3/9/09, 5/3/09, 5/17/09
• Trader Joe’s Blue Stilton purchased on or before 12/31/08. Film-wrapped. 
• Trader Joe’s Shropshire Blue Cheese purchased on or before 1/4/09. Film-wrapped. 
• Cropwell Bishop Creamery Blue Stilton purchased on or before 12/31/08
• Cropwell Bishop Creamery Shropshire Blue Cheese purchased on or before 12/31/08.

The potential for contamination was noted after recent testing of the cheese.  The cause of the potential problem has already been corrected.  No other products other than those identified above are affected by this recall. 

There have been no complaints received and no illnesses reported in the United States.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of this recall. 

Consumers who have purchased the products identified above are urged to destroy all recalled products on hand, and then obtain a full refund payment by contacting the following customer representatives:

• (201) 508-6426 (for all Ilchester or Global Cheese Market products identified above) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST
• (513) 751-4490 (for all Trader Joe’s or Cropwell Bishop Creamery products identified above) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST

Source: FDA

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January 30th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Hoodia Helps Obesity in the United States

It seems like hoodia gordonii came just as the United States needed it. Obesity is at an all-time high, with only four states having obesity rates at less than 20 percent, according to the Center for Disease Control. Approximately 30 percent of the US population is overweight.  

Overweight or obesity is at cause for several serious conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, strokes, heart disease, and certain kinds of cancer.  

Read the rest of the article…

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January 27th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Weightloss Wisdom | no comments

Recall: Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets & Peanut Butter Update

Whole Foods Market Recalls “Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets”

Whole Foods Market today announced a recall of its Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets in four states because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled products were distributed to Whole Foods Market stores in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. The product comes in a nine-ounce, clear plastic package with a label reading “Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets” and bears a UPC of 999482-000274. All lot codes are being recalled.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Whole Foods Market’s product supplier notified the Company of the potential for contamination of Salmonella. The action was taken after the Peanut Corporation of America, a company that supplies bulk peanut butter, issued a recall of the peanut butter used to make these Whole Foods Market bakery products.

Consumers who have purchased Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets are urged to return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-512-542-0656.

 Peanut Butter Recall

For the Peanut Butter recall, the FDA has compiled a web page with a complete list of products under recall.

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January 24th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Pyramid Snacks to Go

In today’s busy world, snacking is part of our daily routine. We enjoy milk and cookies after school, munch carrots and celery sticks while preparing dinner and reach for a handful of crackers before bed. Snacks are an important source of energy and can provide key nutrients, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Whether heading off to basketball practice, a day of school or work or a trip by plane or train, bring along some tasty, portable snacks. You will be prepared when the urge to nibble strikes.

Here are a few healthful ideas:

• Pack a banana and graham cracker squares.
• Fit a fruit juice box and a bran muffin into a briefcase. Stow a small package of pretzels and an orange in a backpack or gym bag.
• Wrap up a mini bagel spread with apple butter
• Store a box of crackers, cereal or animal crackers and some small cans of vegetable juice in a desk drawer or locker.
• Carry along a couple of breadsticks for easy munching.

Source: American Dietetic Association

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January 21st, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Weightloss Wisdom | no comments

Don’t buy anything with peanut butter in it!

This recall from Peanut Corp. is spreading into almost all products with peanut butter as an ingredient. The latest:

McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

These two sandwich cracker products were manufactured for McKee Foods by Kellogg Company. On January 14, Kellogg Company announced a precautionary hold on several of its peanut butter sandwich crackers while FDA and other authorities investigated Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), one of Kellogg’s peanut paste suppliers for these crackers. McKee Foods followed that action with a voluntary withdrawal of the two Little Debbie peanut butter sandwich crackers. PCA has now expanded their earlier recall to include peanut paste and peanut butter, prompting Kellogg to immediately announce a recall of certain cookie and cracker products. Accordingly, McKee Foods is announcing this recall of its two peanut butter sandwich crackers.

South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 18)

The South Bend Chocolate Company today announced a voluntary recall of certain candy products because they contain peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America, which may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, Inc. announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling its Food Lion Bake Shop brand PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES because the cookies have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled cookies contain peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America which is the subject of an investigation concerning recent Salmonella outbreaks. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cookies. No other type of Food Lion brand cookies are being recalled.

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Lofthouse Peanut Butter Cookies, Chuck’s Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies And Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

The Lofthouse peanut butter cookies are sold in 12 count clear plastic clamshell containers while the peanut butter fudge no-bake cookies and the peanut butter no-bake cookies are sold in 9 or 12 count clear plastic clamshell containers. The recalled Lofthouse cookies are sold nationally in the in-store bakery sections of grocery stores and other food retailers. The Parco Foods’ Chuck’s Chunky cookies are distributed nationally in 5lb boxes in the food service channels. The Pastries Plus gourmet cookies were sold in 21 count plastic containers in select club stores nationally. All products will have a lot code of 9200 or less.

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 18)

The recalled peanut butter and peanut paste were distributed to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies in 24 states, the province of Saskatchewan in Canada, Korea and Haiti. The U.S. states are the following: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In addition, affected product was used as an ingredient in other products that may have been distributed in other states.

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Wal-Mart Bakery Brand Peanut Butter Cookies Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)

The recalled peanut butter cookies are distributed nationally under the Wal-Mart Bakery cookies brand. The recalled Wal-Mart Bakery no-bake peanut butter cookies and no-bake fudge peanut butter cookies were distributed nationally with the exception of the following states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hamshire and Maine. The cookies are sold in the in-store bakery sections of only Wal-Mart stores and have a code date of 9200 or less.

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January 19th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Creamy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Creamy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening – NO SUBSTITUTES*
Fresh strawberries, rinsed and patted dry (about two pints)

Directions:
Place chocolate chips, white chips and shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high (100%) for one minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at high an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred.

Holding strawberry at top, dip bottom two-thirds of each berry into melted mixture; shake gently to remove excess. Place on prepared tray. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until coating is firm. Cover; refrigerate leftover dipped berries. For best results, use within 24 hours.

Conventional Directions
Cover tray with wax paper. Melt chocolate chips, white chips and shortening in top of double boiler over hot, not boiling, water;; stir until smooth. Remove from heat; prepare, dip and store berries as directed above.

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January 17th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Kitchen Creations | no comments

Peanut Butter Recall Expanded

***UPDATE 5***

PCA has expanded their earlier recall to include peanut paste and peanut butter, prompting Kellogg to immediately announce this recall and to include the above-mentioned cookie and cracker products.

Products impacted by the recall were produced on or after July 1, 2008, including:

• Austin Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
• Austin Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut ButterSandwich Crackers – all sizes
• Austin Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
• Austin Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches – all sizes
• Austin Quality FoodsSuper Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers
• Austin Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
• Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
• Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
• Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
• Austin Quality FoodsCookie/Cracker Pack
• Austin Quality FoodsVariety Pack
• Keebler Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
• Keebler Toast & PB’n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
• Keebler Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
• Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)
• Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy the product. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund may contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 877-869-5633. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor.

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January 17th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Recall: Keebler Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Kellogg Company Announces Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.

FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.

Kellogg Company’s investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.

Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.

“Consumer health and safety is our top priority,” said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. “We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution.”

While no additional consumer action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.

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January 15th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | one comment

Peanut Butter Recall

Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter
Contact: Peanut Corporation of America at 1-877-564-7080

Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

All product affected was produced on or after July 1, 2008, specific to the lot numbers and descriptions listed below.

The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell’s Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.

None of the peanut butter being recalled is sold directly to consumers through retail stores.

“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said Stewart Parnell, owner and president of PCA. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily withdrawing this product and contacting our customers. We are taking these actions with the safety of our consumers as our first priority.”

PCA initiated this recall after an open container of King Nut brand peanut butter in a long-term care facility in Minnesota was found to contain a strain of salmonella. King Nut brand peanut butter is produced by PCA.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota laboratory analyses on the contamination in the already-opened container of peanut butter have the same genetic fingerprint as the cases in the national outbreak that has sickened almost 400 people in 42 states.

The voluntary recall of 21 lots of its peanut butter, in containers ranging from five to 50 pounds, is being taken immediately. PCA is notifying its institutional customers and has set up a toll-free hotline number 1-877-564-7080 to answer questions.

PCA is continuing to work closely and cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state officials as part of this ongoing investigation.

According to a CDC update issued on their website today (January 13, 2009), preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials has suggested peanut butter as a likely source. The CDC and other public health officials are continuing to conduct surveillance for cases of infection with the outbreak strains, and to gather and analyze data or exposures that may be associated with illness. To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.

Customers are asked to take all peanut butter manufactured with the lot numbers listed below out of distribution immediately. Customers can call the following toll-free 24-hour number 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company website at www.peanutcorp.com for additional information.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses. For more information on the salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at http://www.cdc.gov.

Lot Numbers Affected:

8193, 8194, 8197, 8233, 8234, 8235, 8241, 8255, 8256, 8275, 8276, 8282, 8283, 8284, 8296, 8316, 8330, 8331, 8336, 8345, 8354

Source: FDA

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January 14th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments