TGIF Friday, July 23, 2010


From July, 2010 Oxygen Women's Fitness


Before I start on the benefits of eggs because I posted that cool recipe above, I want to thank you all for your comments yesterday. Yes, there are lots of views out there on stretching. For me, the older I got, the more my muscles tightened up on me & my flexibility from my younger years did not come easy like it used to. I used to be able to get out of bed & do splits & any other crazy thing cold. Now, I absolutely have to be warmed up in some way to do my stretching or I can feel I am definitely going to pull or pop a muscle. It is what it is as we age... and for me, my muscles are way too tight in my older years to try any stretching without being warmed up. Do what feels right for you but just don't pull any muscles!

Also, I am back to getting the teeth worked on again. I was there yesterday. These are long days for me. Workout first, driving to, getting worked on, driving home. For those new here, the drive is a long drive for me so..... those days you don't see comments from me on your blog or to your comments here, I most likely am getting teeth work done. The days of the week & even how many days per week will vary so.... just wanted to warn you & I am not ignoring you. This is going to go on for months & months so I will keep you updated. So, that was why I was MIA yesterday!

SO, BACK TO EGGS!!!!!!

The thing I love about this recipe is how versatile & easy it is! You can pretty much add the veggies or spices or herbs or flavors that suit you. Make it this way or change it up to your liking! Let us know if you make up a cool version of this!!!! A PORTABLE and healthy mini meal or treat!

For those that want to get their protein in, eggs are a great way to do it!  Food protein is assigned a biological value (BV) that determines how efficiently protein is used in your body. Whole eggs are given a BV of 100, egg whites a BV 88, chicken a BV of 84 and beef a BV of 78. As explained in one article, when you think about that fact that all but egg whites have some calories from fat, egg whites have just a small trace of fat and 1 cup of egg whites has 26 grams of protein with only 117 calories. Egg whites are also a fast digesting form of protein... one of the fastest. In addition, you can buy eggs now with added omega-3s, lutein & vitamin E.

If you want to read a super comprehensive article on all the pros of eggs and just about everything else about eggs, read this one from World's Healthiest Foods. It was way too long to post but tons of great info like:

1. Eggs are a good source of low-cost high-quality protein, providing 5.5 grams of protein (11.1% of the daily value for protein) in one egg for a caloric cost of only 68 calories along with the same info posted in #2.

2. From Nutrition.About & more good things about eggs:
 

·  Choline is necessary for healthy cell membranes in all of your body, and will help your body keep homocysteine levels down. Choline is also good for your mental function and memory.

·  Selenium is a mineral that your body needs for a strong immune system and it is a powerful antioxidant.

·  B vitamins folate and riboflavin are necessary for your body to convert the foods you eat into energy. Folate also reduces homocysteine levels and is important for prevention of birth defects.

·  Vitamin A is important for good night vision, general cell growth and for healthy skin.

·  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works well with vitamin C and selenium to prevent damage to your body from free radicals.

·  Lutein and zeaxanthin are related to vitamin A and are found in the yellow pigment of the egg yolk. Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina of your eye and will help prevent macular degeneration.

3. Not only have studies shown that eggs do not significantly affect cholesterol levels in most individuals, but the latest research suggests that eating whole eggs may actually result in significant improvement in one's blood lipids (cholesterol) profile-even in persons whose cholesterol levels rise when eating cholesterol-rich foods. From the World's Healthiest Foods link. I read this on many medical sites as well BUT you should always check with your doctor for your own personal situation if you have high cholesterol issues.

Will you be trying this recipe and/or adding some changes to it that you want to share now? Do you already include eggs in your healthy food program.

DON'T FORGET: For those that love your Dr. J fix, the CalorieLab site is having major issues. If you have been trying to read Dr. J & can't get to him, he is hoping that the CalorieLab group will fix this soon. Hang in there! Dr. J will be "visiting me" next week so you have that to look forward to!!!