Fitness and Freebies Blog

Fitness and Freebies Blog

Chang Farm Recalls Expired Chang Farm Bean and Soy Sprouts

Chang Farm Recalls Expired Chang Farm Bean and Soy Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

Chang Farm, River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Bean and Soy sprouts produced from Chang Farms, with specific expired date codes because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination. 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 stillbirths among pregnant women.

The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009 and Bean Sprouts with “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.

The product has been distributed to retail stores and restaurants throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The contamination was discovered after a sample was secured at a retail store in New York which tested positive for L. monocytogenes

All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341.

Source: FDA

May 29th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Suffer from Stress?

Relaxity - Feel Calm, Sleep Better and Deal with Stress Naturally

May 27th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | To Your Health! | no comments

Patriotic Brownies

Patriotic Brownies

Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix
1/2 teaspoon (or 50 drops) red food color
1/2 teaspoon (or 50 drops) blue food color
1 can ready-to-spread white frosting

Directions:

Bake brownies according to package directions. Let cool. Frost brownies with white frosting.

In a small container combine red food color with 1/2 teaspoon water. In a separate small container combine blue food color with 1/2 teaspoon water.

Dip toothpick, wooden skewer or small paintbrush into food color and paint an American flag, fireworks, or write a message such as Happy 4th of July on the frosting. Allow colors to dry before storing.

Cut into 2 x 2-inch squares just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (1 serving):
Calories: 182
Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 13mg
Sodium: 72mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

Happy Memorial Day! May we always remember our fallen heroes…


May 25th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Kitchen Creations | no comments

Kick-Butt Baked Beans

This is no joke — the secret to awesome baked beans is in a can of Coke! The syrup in the soda lends a sweet caramel flavor that brown sugar cannot match.

Dump three or four 16-ounce cans of pinto beans (drained) into a bowl and stir in 1/2-cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard, 1 tablespoon each white vinegar and Worcestershire sauce and a can of Coke. Pour into an 8-by-8-inch greased pan and bake the beans at 375-degrees for an hour.

*Note: Sugar free Coke will not work, but caffeine-free regular will. 

Baked Bean Tidbit: Puritans cooked Boston Baked Beans for Saturday dinner and then ate the leftovers on Sunday with Boston brown bread. 

See more Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips!

May 21st, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Facts | no comments

Signs of a Compulsive Eater

Compulsive eating is very serious and has an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated, binge eating can lead to severe medical problems including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Are you a victim of compulsive eating? Learn the symptoms and what to watch out for in yourself, or those you love by following this link

May 19th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | To Your Health! | no comments

Edaleen Dairy Recalls

Edaleen Dairy Recalls Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream And Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Ice Cream Because Of Possible Health Risk

Edaleen Dairy located in Lynden, WA is recalling their Tin Roof Sundae and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Ice Cream in all sizes (1.75 quart carton, 1.5 gallon tub, 3 gallon tub), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This recall was a voluntary decision made by Edaleen Dairy and supported by the FDA.

The products were manufactured using peanuts/peanut products recalled by Peanut Corporation of American because it has 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.

Tin Roof Sundae and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut Ice Creams were sold distributors, stores, gas stations, scoop shops, etc. throughout Western Washington (Mostly in the Whatcom area). This product was also sold through the Edaleen Store located on 9593 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA.

Tin Roof Sundae (UPC 14138 70005) and Chocolate Peanut Butter Nut (UPC 14138 70051) Ice creams were sold in 1.75 quart Cartons, 1.5 gallon tubs and 3 gallon tubs under the Edaleen’s Brand name. Products with dates of manufacture, found on the bottom of the carton, between October 1, 2007 and May 8, 2009 are affected by this recall.

No known illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product/these products. The recall was initiated after it was determined that the peanut product received was manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America. The chocolate covered peanut product was bought by Edaleen Dairy from DOT Foods who are distributors of food ingredients. Edaleen Dairy has informed FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.

Customers that have bought the Tin Roof ice cream or the Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream should return this product to the place where they bought it from. An exchange or refund can be done. If there are any questions consumers can contact Edaleen Dairy Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, phone number is (360) 354-5342 Pacific Time.

Source: FDA

May 18th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Alerts | no comments

Daily Walking for Heart Patients

For heart patients, (or even for general heart-health) doing more lengthy exercise than is currently recommended in cardiac rehab programs might pay off.

Dr. Philip Ades of the University of Vermont College of Medicine based that on a study of a daily walking program.  More lengthy walking burned many more calories than standard cardiac rehab, so patients lost about 10 more pounds, along with a obtaining a greater improvement in risk factors such as cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Fitness and Freebies has an entire (yes, free!) section on walking tips, suggestions and help.  Included:

  • Intro to Walking
  • WALKING: NO advanced degree required
  • Walking Clothes
  • Walking Equipment
  • Get Ready to Walk
  • Choosing a Walking Exercise Program
  • Walking “Do’s and Do Not’s”
  • Walking: It is Now Up to You!
  • Printable Walking Chart to keep track of your walks

This is a great time of year in the U.S. for people to start walking!

The study in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

May 18th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | To Your Health! | 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.

Two key factors: Make sure you get genuine Hoodia and use for at least 3 months for maximum results.  Continue only if you need to continue to lose weight.

Read more…

May 14th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Weightloss Wisdom | no comments

Sugars Used in Foods

Different sugars perform different functions in foods, but they are used in the same way by the body. The following sugars often appear on food label ingredient lists.

Fructose – A monosaccharide or single sugar. In nature, it combines with glucose to form sucrose. About 1 1/2 times sweeter than sucrose.

Glucose – A monosaccharide or single sugar. In nature, it combines with fructose to form sucrose. It can also combine with glucose to form maltose, and with galactose to form lactose. Slightly less sweet than sucrose.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – A liquid mixture of about equal parts of glucose and fructose from cornstarch. Same sweetness as sucrose.

Sucrose – A disaccharide or double sugar made of equal parts of glucose and fructose. Known as table or white sugar, sucrose is found naturally in sugar cane and sugar beets. It comes from these foods for commercial use.

Other sugars often used in foods include:

  • Corn Syrup
  • Lactose
  • Dextrose 
  • Maltose
  • Invert Sugar

See also:
Hidden Sugars includes chart on the Sugar Content of Popular Foods
Sugar and Sugar Substitutes
The Sugar Factor
High Fructose Corn Syrup Myth
Facts about high fructose corn syrup and fructose

May 12th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Food Facts | no comments

Layered Mango Dessert

Ingredients:
3 cups boiling water
4 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Gelatin
1 can (12 oz.) mango nectar
2 ripe mangoes, diced, (about 2 cups), divided
1 cup sour cream

Stir boiling water into gelatin in large bowl 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in nectar. Divide gelatin evenly into 3 small bowls. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Stir 1 cup of the diced mango into 1 bowl of slightly thickened gelatin. Pour into 10-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set but not firm (should stick to finger when touched). Meanwhile, spoon second bowl of slightly thickened gelatin and remaining diced mango into blender container; cover. Blend until pureed. Pour over fruited gelatin layer. Refrigerate 15 to 30 minutes or until set but not firm (should stick to finger when touched).

Stir sour cream into remaining bowl of gelatin until well blended. Carefully spoon over pureed mango gelatin layer. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm. To serve, unmold on bed of salad greens and garnish with fresh flowers, if desired.

More Jell-O Recipes here!

May 9th, 2009 Posted by fitnfree | Kitchen Creations | no comments