What's For Dinner?

I've decided to do a weekly recipe review on the blog and this is the first one. You must understand, though, that I rarely follow a recipe. Rather, I like to think of them as a general guide. That is your warning!
I am amazed at the amount of content on magazine websites for non-subscribers. I have had a subscription to Cooking Light in the past, but no longer do. However, I was able to access many, many recipes on the website.
Last night, I made Bistro Braised Chicken and served it over noodles. It was yummy! My disclaimer, though, is that I did not add the dried plums. It might have made it better, but it just didn't sound appetizing to me.
I have started striving to not make one dinner for hubby & I and another one for the kids. This recipe was very easy to adapt to the kiddo's palate. I just removed a piece of chicken from the sauce and cut it up and put a little butter and parmesan (or as we call it in our house, shaky cheese) on the noodles, added some peas and strawberries on the side and they were good to go.
As a side for the adults, I made brussel sprouts. It was a new vegetable adventure for me, but I had a friend tell me how much she liked them, so I thought I'd try. I just got the steamfresh frozen ones, steamed them and added a touch of butter and salt and pepper. They aren't bad, not my favorite taste, but I would definitely make them again.
I would recommend the Bistro Braised Chicken recipe from Cooking Light. Not only was it simple, but cheap - $2.10 per serving (4 servings). It was probably cheaper than that for me since I didn't use the dried plums.
Feel free to share links to some of your favorite recipes or new ones you have tried this week!

Support Efforts to Get Rid of Toxic Chemicals

Phthalates have been linked to breast cancer, early puberty in girls, reduced testosterone levels, lowered sperm counts, genital defects in baby boys and testicular cancer. These chemicals are also found in products marketed to children. Support legislation that would ban phthalates in children’s toys like BCF-sponsored Toxic Toys Bill in California. Learn how: http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3125753
Also check out Environment California’s report, Toxic Baby Bottles that identifies which baby bottles contain Bisphenol A http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/reports/environmental-health/environmental-health-reports/toxic-baby-bottles.


** This is Week #8 of 12 Weeks of Breast Cancer Prevention Tips brought to you by Luna Moms Club**

Do you do things you know are bad?

I have made a conscious effort over the past few years to buy and eat things that are better for my (and my family's) health. However, as I sit here typing this entry, I am enjoying one of those things that I try to avoid... in everything else.
My guilty pleasure? Coffee-Mate flavored creamers. They are completely artificial and have partially hydrogonated oil in them. Yet I still continue to purchase and drink it. I know that the International Foods creamers do not have hydrogonated oil, however, they just aren't as good. My rationale is that I am not a big coffee drinker, maybe one-two cups per week. So I'm not taking in a large amount of the creamer. However, there is just something about a rainy day and a cup of coffee with Italian Sweet Cream creamer in it. Yummy!
My question to you is, what is your guilty pleasure when it comes to unhealthy foods?

Go to bed!

So, I must preface this by saying that I am preaching to myself with this post. Most of you know that I don't get much sleep, but am working to change that.

Lisa Druxman recently blogged about how sleep deprivation can sabotage your weight loss. Click here to find out how the lack of sleep can disrupt certain hormones your body releases.

Early Puberty - Breast Cancer Prevention

Girls get their first periods today, on average, a few months earlier than girls did 40 years ago, but they get their breasts one to two years earlier. Over the course of a few decades, the childhoods of U.S. girls have been significantly shortened. Early Puberty is a known risk factor for breast cancer and other mental and physical health problems.

Like breast cancer, early puberty is caused by a combination of factors. The interactions among these factors can be quite complex. We know that endocrine disrupting chemicals (chemicals that disrupt hormones) like phthalates and Bisphenol A are a possible cause of early puberty, but we also know that exposure to these chemicals in utero or early in life can also lead to low birth weight and obesity, which are themselves possible causes of early puberty. While there are some areas of research that need more attention there is enough evidence for us to take action now to prevent early puberty. Find out what you can do personally and politically at www.breastcancerfund.org/pubertyreport.


** This is Week #7 of 12 Weeks of Breast Cancer Prevention Tips brought to you by Luna Moms Club**

PURE PREVENTION - Step #5 - Breast Cancer Prevention

5. Join The Campaign www.pureprevention.org/live.php
Help us spread the word about breast cancer prevention. Share your knowledge with family and friends by showing them simple, everyday steps they can take to help reduce their risk. Link them to pureprevention.org to learn more and get involved.

** This is Week #6 of 12 Weeks of Breast Cancer Prevention Tips brought to you by Luna Moms Club**

PURE PREVENTION - Step #4 - Breast Cancer Prevention

4. Get Outside www.pureprevention.org/act_getoutside.php

We know that exercise can help protect against breast cancer and many other negative health outcomes. Physical activity reduces your exposures to certain ovarian hormones. Exercise with weights helps build muscle and reduce body fat, lowering your level of circulating estrogen. Lower levels of ovarian hormones and circulating estrogen both decrease your breast cancer risk. Through annual outdoor physical challenges, the Breast Cancer Fund enables breast cancer survivors and supporters to find strength through adversity and make strides to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer. Each year, a courageous group of women take part in an amazing experience called Climb Against the Odds with fundraising proceeds going to Breast Cancer Fund programs. For more information on this once in a lifetime experience go to Climb Against the Odds at www.breastcancerfund.org/climb.

** This is Week #5 of 12 Weeks of Breast Cancer Prevention Tips brought to you by Luna Moms Club**

Monday, Monday

I am amazed at all of the negative comments on Facebook every Monday morning - the groaning that another week is starting. In no way am I saying that I have never taken part in this ritual, what I am saying, however is that I no longer do. I love Mondays! Mondays mean the first day of Stroller Strides in the week. I get to go work out some amazing mothers and watch their adorable kiddos take it all in. Not only that, but what a gift another week is!
So, here's wishing you a happy Monday and a terrific week!