More Research on Sleeping

As I have the time, I'm doing more research on sleeping and how to get adequate sleep, as that is definitely a problem with me! I am convinced that little sleep does produce carb cravings. So, here are a couple of articles I've been reading. I found  a lot of things I'm doing to myself to prevent restful sleep. You might too.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1113709/Train-brain-send-sleep-In-exclusive-series-Paul-McKenna-shares-simple-techniques.html

http://www.mylocalhealth.com/stress_less/train_your_brain_to_sleep_recognizing_the_circadian_rhythm_448

http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/lack_of_sleep_causes_excess_carbohydrate_consumption/

Roasted Yellow Squash Courtesy of Ron, the Hospital Chef

Today, I was around visiting my mother at the hospital when her lunch came, and she had roasted yellow squash on her plate. I tasted it and it was delicious! The hospital has now hired a chef to head up the food service there and he is introducing a lot of food you don't normally see on a hospital menu. So, I stopped by and got instructions on how to do it- incredibly simple! I have translated that into a little menu for everyone. Next time I cook some of Marc's fresh from the garden yellow squash, it will be roasted!

Roasted Yellow Squash

1 - 2 pounds of yellow squash washed and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices crosswise
Olive Oil
Salt, Pepper, Basil and Onion Powder
Non-stick cookie sheet

After all squash has been sliced into 1/2 inch thickness (do not slice thinner or it will be mushy,) toss all of it into a bowl along with a sprinkling of salt, pepper, basil,  onion powder and olive oil until every piece is thoroughly coated on both sides. Sprinkle in more oil as needed to coat the pieces. Lay all pieces side by side on the cookie sheet (not over-lapping) and roast in a 350 degree oven till the squash is just fork tender and turning a light brown. Serve. So easy and so delicious!

How Lack of Sleep Affects Weight Loss

I am one of those people who seldom sleeps eight hours in a night. I've been hearing blips here and there about the fact that loss of sleep contributes to obesity. So, I've been doing a little research and found a lot of information and reports from different studies. The following is an article I read this morning. It has convinced me I have to find a way to sleep better!

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/lose-weight-while-sleeping

Is Skim Milk Making You Fat

If you are like me and used to think the only milk okay to drink is skim milk, then have a read. Of course, being a dedicated low carber, I no longer think this is true, but the article is interesting anyway.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/is-skim-milk-making-you-fat-2479492/ 

Chilled Vegetable Soup Courtesy of Sharon

I have to admit that I'm not fond of soup when our temperature here in Florida gets obnoxiously hot. But, Sharon, our long time OFL, invented a really simple soup that can be eaten hot or cold. This sounds like one you could add almost anything you wanted to. I'll definitely try this one! Maybe with a little chiffonade of basil at the end of the initial cooking.

Cold Summer Vegetable Soup

1 can chicken broth
1 zucchini
2 stalks celery
1 red pepper

Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces, put into broth, bring to the boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are still crisp (other vegetables can be added, too).

Turn off the flame and chill thoroughly. Serve when quite cold for a refreshing accompaniment to a summer lunch.

Gary Taubes on the Dr. Oz Show

I think I would be "preaching to the choir" if I tried to explain who Dr. Oz is. Suffice to say, he is making a lot of money deceiving people about diets and health on TV and radio. The following are the comments that author Gary Taubes made about his appearance on the Dr. Oz show. It raised my hackles, so to speak! If you haven't seen Gary Taubes' blog, you are missing something! Anyway, this is a start for everyone, until I find the actual video of the show:

http://www.garytaubes.com/2011/03/dose-of-intervention-land-of-dr-oz/

Pepperoni Frittata Courtesy of Arlene1

I am a major lover of frittatas, because they are so Atkins friendly and so versatile. You can add almost anything to them. Arlene1, our OFL has contributed this original approach to a frittata.

Pepperoni Frittata
1 1/4 c. chopped onions
2-3 T vegetable oil
1 C sliced zucchini
1/2 C small cauliflowerets
5 eggs, beaten
26 slices pepperoni
1/3 C grated Parmesan cheese
In ovenproof skillet, saute onions in oil until tender. Add the zucchini, cauliflower and eggs. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until eggs are nearly set.
Arrange pepperoni over eggs, broil 6" from heat for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, broil 1-2 minutes longer or until eggs are completely set and top is lightly browned. Cut into wedges. 6 Servings.