Health in the Bottom of Your Wine Glass!

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Numerous articles and blog posts toting the health benefits of wine have been popping up in my social media news feeds lately...and let's face it I am eager to accept their ideas in an attempt to justify my love affair with the stuff.  I am not going to sit here and lie to myself (or all of you) and say that wine is good for you and drinking a bottle and a half every day is okay.  I do however believe there is some merit to the findings.  That being said, it's another one of those pesky "all in moderation" things.  There is certainly a point in consumption where the risks outweigh the benefits.  I myself enjoy a small glass at night on occasion, though certainly not as frequently as I used to. 

I am fortunate enough to live within hours of the New York Finger Lakes a.k.a. wine country!  I have enjoyed numerous trips riding (responsibly!) along the lakes taking in the beautiful scenery, visiting the wineries, and sampling all the delectable wines and cheeses (wonderfully paired) that were made there.  It's hands down my favorite day trip to take with family and friends.  Forget about the wine for a second...who can argue with these spectacular views of the vineyards along the water!?!

As you can tell it's easy for me to get carried away with this topic.  So back to wine and exploring its potential benefits.  A majority of the health benefits associated with wine, red wine particularly, are from the grapes used to make it.  Antioxidants are popularly known for their role in the immune system, but the polyphenols found in red wine can support a healthy cardiovascular system, and the compound resveratrol is linked to sharper memory function. 

Several of the articles I read even went as far to say that drinking wine can help you lose weight and improve your workouts.  I guess when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages wine appears to be the healthier choice.  But as far as I'm concerned I would need to see some solid research and possibly conduct a few experiments myself (wink, wink) to believe that one.

Cheers!

Resources:

Fit Bottomed Girls. (2014). 9 Reasons to Have a Glass of Wine Tonight. Retrieved from http://www.ebay.com/gds/9-Reasons-to-Have-a-Glass-of-Wine-Tonight-/10000000183854710/g.html?roken2=ti.pSmVubmlmZXIgV2FsdGVycw==

Women's Health. (2014). 3 Tips for Choosing a Healthier Bottle of Wine. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/healthier-wine

Riley, M. (2014). Drinking a Glass of Wine is the Same as Getting an Hour of Exercise, Says New Study and Our Wildest Dreams.  Retrieved from  http://www.bustle.com/articles/41340-drinking-a-glass-of-red-wine-is-the-same-as-getting-an-hour-of-exercise-says

DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog, www.mind-bodypursuit.blogspot.com, represents the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of its author and should be taken as such…with a grain of salt.  It is for entertainment purposes only and not intended to prevent, diagnose, or cure.  Before trying any new physical activity, dietary plan, supplementation, complementary and alternative therapy, or other wellness tip please seek the guidance of a qualified professional.

Gratitude

Originally published: Kaplan University National Society of Collegiate Scholars, November 2014 Newsletter

Grat·i·tude (noun): a feeling of appreciation or thanks.

Gratitude, appreciation, appreciativeness, gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks-are all common words this time of year with the approaching Thanksgiving holiday.  In fact, the month of November is dedicated as Gratitude Month.  These words however should not be reserved just for the month of November but hold a place in our vocabulary (and hearts) year-round.  Something beautiful happens when we show gratitude…we make others feel good and we feel good ourselves.  

Showing gratitude to someone does not require a grand gesture, it can be as simple as saying “thank you” to let that person know you appreciate them and their act of kindness.  Although, I personally do not know anyone who would turn down a plate of fresh baked cookies!  You may just make their day, and yours as well.  Notice a pattern here?  It’s referred to as the snowball effect creating a chain of appreciation and happiness to all those involved.   

There is also something to be said about being grateful for the things we have in our lives.  Showing appreciation, or counting our blessings so to speak, has a big impact on our happiness and ability to overcome challenges.  Practicing gratitude on a regular basis, even for just minutes a day, is incredibly easy and can have a profound effect on your mental wellness.  For ideas on how to give thanks or how to start practicing gratitude visit the following resources.

Aaronson, L. (2013). Make a gratitude adjustment. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200602/make-gratitude-adjustment

Babauta, L. (2007). Why living a life of gratitude can make you happy. Retrieved from http://zenhabits.net/why-living-a-life-of-gratitude-can-make-you-happy/

Gratitude Guru, The. (2013). It’s November! Happy gratitude month!  Retrieved from http://allaboutgratitude.com/blog/6438/november-happy-gratitude-month/

 

Merriam-Webster Inc. (2014). Gratitude. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratitude 

DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog, www.mind-bodypursuit.blogspot.com, represents the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of its author and should be taken as such…with a grain of salt.  It is for entertainment purposes only and not intended to prevent, diagnose, or cure.  Before trying any new physical activity, dietary plan, supplementation, complementary and alternative therapy, or other wellness tip please seek the guidance of a qualified professional.

National "Eat a Cranberry" Day! And my favorite recipe for cranberry bread.

As published in the Student Nutrition Association of Kaplan Newsletter, November/December Issue, Volume 3, Issue 7.

Cranberries are a popular fruit featured in many holiday dishes from Thanksgiving through the New Year.  This year, November 23rd serves as the unofficial kick-off to the cranberry season with National "Eat a Cranberry" Day.  These tart berries not only add unique flavor and bright color to dishes but really up the nutritional ante as well.  Cranberries are most widely known health-wise for their role in preventing urinary tract infections, but they have also been found to have a similar effect on stomach ulcers.  In addition, the cranberry's high phytonutrient content is said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties adding to their list of health benefits (The George Mateljan Foundation, 2014).

Ina  one-cup serving of raw cranberries there are just 46 calories, 0 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 0 grams of protein.  Over half of the fruit's carbohydrate content is in the form of dietary fiber making them a good source of the nutrient.  Cranberries are also a good source of vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese (SELF Nutrition Data, 2014).

If the idea of popping a raw cranberry in your mouth is not appealing, the fruit is great in a variety of dishes from condiments to drinks and desserts.  Quite possibly the most popular way they are prepared this time of year is in the form of cranberry sauce served alongside the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.  My favorite way though is in this cranberry bread.  I started making this recipe when I was young as my contribution to the Thanksgiving table and it quickly became a staple.  I really can't remember where I found it, but I am so glad I did.  Nowadays it seems that making it just for Thanksgiving isn't enough and I have already made (and eaten) several loaves this year...it's that good!

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1 tsp. grated orange peel

3/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup dark raisins

1 1/2 cups freshly chopped cranberries

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda into a large bowl.  Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.  Add the egg, orange peel and orange juice; stir just until mixture is evenly moist.  Fold in raisins and cranberries.  Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan (or three miniature loaf pans).  Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Once completely cooled, glaze with an orange juice and confectioner's sugar mixture.  Top with sliced almonds if desired.

 

Nutrition Information References:

George Mateljan Foundation, The. (2014). Cranberries. Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=145

 

SELF Nutrition Data. (2014). Cranberries, raw. Retrieved from http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1875/2

 

DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog, www.mind-bodypursuit.blogspot.com, represents the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of its author and should be taken as such…with a grain of salt.  It is for entertainment purposes only and not intended to prevent, diagnose, or cure.  Before trying any new physical activity, dietary plan, supplementation, complementary and alternative therapy, or other wellness tip please seek the guidance of a qualified professional.