PopSugar

Lessons From the White House Chef

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:00:07 -0800

Part of Michelle Obama's master plan to reform eating habits in this country includes the directive of a young chef named Sam Kass. Kass has been the Obamas' personal chef for several years now, and when the Obamas packed up and moved to the White House, he did too.

Kass, 29, plays more than cook at his current post: he is the first White House chef to have an actual desk in the East Wing and works alongside the rest of Ms. Obama's policy team with the title of "food initiative coordinator," meaning he's given the daunting task of getting the entire country to eat better.

To hear how Kass is trying to making the country healthier, read more.

How does one man do that in a country where the golden arches rule? In the latest editions of People and the Chicago Sun Times, Kass shares that moving past the obstacles won't be easy but "it's an unbelievable opportunity" that he couldn't turn his back on. In the last year, the chef has gotten closer to his goal by helping plant a garden on the White House lawn and educating children about the benefits of healthy eating. He's also discussing legislation with the Agriculture Department that would reform school lunch on a national level.

When it comes to feeding the first family, Kass and White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford serve up classic fare like burgers and tacos, but make healthy food swaps and use lean beef and low-sugar ketchup instead. As for dessert, it's a special treat served only on the weekends, and that order comes directly from Michelle herself.

Inspired by the Slow Food movement, Kass looks to the White House garden to inspire his menu, pushing forth the idea of eating local and by season. Right now, he's got his eyes on a bevy of sweet potato dishes and fresh salads, which should come in handy for the Obamas' first state dinner later this month.

Veggie Burger Breakdown

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:50:16 -0700

If you're watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, veggie burgers are a great option when grilling. According to my burger poll, many of you actually prefer them. There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. Other veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes gluten-free burgers with sunflower seeds. Depending on the main ingredients, your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one you might want to grill up at your next BBQ.

1 Patty	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Amy's Kitchen All American Veggie Burger	120	3	0	390	15	3	10
Amy's Kitchen California Veggie Burger	140	5	0	430	19	4	6
Boca All American Flame Grilled	90	3	5	280	4	4.5	14
Boca Original Vegan	70	.5	0	280	6	4	13

There's plenty more, and to see them, just read more.

1 Patty	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Boca Grilled Vegetable	80	1	0	300	7	4	12
Boca Cheeseburger	100	4.65	10	360	5	4	13
Boca Garden Vegetable Made With Organic Soy	130	3	0	400	9	4	15
Boca Roasted Garlic Made With Organic Soy	130	.5	0	470	9	4	16
Gardenburger Original	100	3.5	5	420	14	5	5
Gardenburger Sun-Dried Tomato Basil	100	3	5	310	15	5	5
Gardenburger Portabella	90	2.5	5	360	15	5	5
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle	80	2.5	0	250	13	5	5
Gardenburger GardenVegan	100	1	0	230	12	3	10
Gardenburger California Burger	90	3.5	0	380	12	2	3
Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger (contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil)	150	7	10	480	10	3	13
Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lover's (contains corn syrup solids)	110	6	0	220	8	less than 1	7
Morningstar Farms Veggie Medley made with organic soy	120	4	0	260	11	2	11
Morningstar Farms Classic Burger made with organic soy	150	6	0	280	9	3	14
Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie	120	4	0	350	13	4	11
Sunshine Burger Southwest	240	12	0	240	26	9	6
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Original	180	13	0	330	8	1	12
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Southwest	190	13	0	320	9	2	11

I'm curious to know what your favorite veggie burger is, so tell me in the comments section below.

Fast Food Salad Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:37:50 -0700

Chances are, you're doing some traveling this Summer and toting along healthy on-the-go snacks. But there's always a chance you'll find yourself hungry on the road with no choice but fast food.

Thankfully, many fast food chains are selling surprisingly healthy salads, but beware: fat and calorie bombs also abound. Of course, you're best off avoiding creamy salad dressing and opting for vinaigrettes: one pack of McDonald's Newman's Own Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette has 40 calories and 3 grams of fat, while the brand's creamy Southwest dressing has 100 calories and 6 grams of fat per packet. If you opt for the creamy kind, try cutting the portion in half. Find out which salads have the most health appeal and which ones to avoid when you read more.

Food	Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Sugar (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)
Arby's Market Fresh Santa Fe Salad With Popcorn Chicken, No Dressing or Tortilla Strip	12.1 oz	415	17	5	806	6	37	25
*Arby's Market Fresh Martha's Vineyard Salad, No Dressing or Almonds	11.6 oz	273	9	4	609	17	25	22
*Burger King TenderGrill Chicken Garden Salad, No Dressing or Croutons	10.3 oz	240	9	3.5	720	3	8	33
McDonald's Bacon Ranch With Grilled Chicken, No Dressing	11.3 oz.	260	9	4	1,010	5	12	33
*McDonald's Caesar Salad With Grilled Chicken, No Dressing	11 oz.	220	6	3	890	5	12	30
Quiznos Flatbread Chopped Salad With Roasted Chicken Honey Mustard and Dressing	1 salad	1,070	71	13.5	1,770	15	69	37
Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad, No Shell	1 lb 0.8 oz	460	23	9	1,520	9	41	23
*Wendy's Garden Sensations Mandarin Chicken, No Almonds, Noodles, or Dressing	11 oz.	180	2	0.5	630	12	16	24
Wendy's Garden Sensations Homestyle Chicken BLT With Croutons and Dressing	14.7 oz.	780	53	14	1,740	14	42	37

* FitSugar pick

Food Section Sampler - June 3, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:50:39 -0700

Five chefs make over San Francisco staples like cioppino, Hangtown Fry, and turkey Tetrazzini. - San Francisco Chronicle
New site Veggie Trader is a sort of Craigslist for home gardeners. - Washington Post
America's been seduced by the ever-elusive Prohibition era, speakeasy-style bar. - New York Times
How food stylists, editors, and photographers work together to make dishes look droolworthy. - Boston Globe
Why cupcakes just won't go away. - Los Angeles Times
An American rosé tasting turns up some disappointingly passionless pink wines. - Wall Street Journal
Outdoor grilled-cheese can be as much a pleasure to make as burgers and barbecued chicken. - Chicago Tribune

Veggie Burger Breakdown

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I'm sure you're gearing up for some BBQs. If you're watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, veggie burgers are a great option. And according to my burger poll many of you prefer veggie burgers, too. There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. Other veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes their burgers with sunflower seeds. Depending on the main ingredients, all your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one satisfies your needs.

Veggie Burger (1 patty)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Amy's Kitchen All American Veggie Burger	120	3	0	390	15	3	10
Amy's Kitchen California Veggie Burger	140	5	0	430	19	4	6
Boca All American Flame Grilled	90	3	5	280	4	4.5	14
Boca Original Vegan	70	.5	0	280	6	4	13

There's plenty more and to see them just read more.

Veggie Burger (1 patty)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Boca Grilled Vegetable	80	1	0	300	7	4	12
Boca Cheeseburger	100	4.65	10	360	5	4	13
Boca Garden Vegetable Made With Organic Soy	130	3	0	400	9	4	15
Boca Roasted Garlic Made With Organic Soy	130	.5	0	470	9	4	16
Gardenburger Original	100	3.5	5	420	14	5	5
Gardenburger Sun-Dried Tomato Basil	100	3	5	310	15	5	5
Gardenburger Portabella	90	2.5	5	360	15	5	5
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle	80	2.5	0	250	13	5	5
Gardenburger GardenVegan	100	1	0	230	12	3	10
Gardenburger California Burger	90	3.5	0	380	12	2	3
Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger (contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil)	150	7	10	480	10	3	13
Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lover's (contains corn syrup solids)	110	6	0	220	8	less than 1	7
Morningstar Farms Veggie Medley made with Organic Soy	120	4	0	260	11	2	11
Morningstar Farms Classic Burger made with Organic Soy	150	6	0	280	9	3	14
Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie	120	4	0	350	13	4	11
Sunshine Burger South West	240	12	0	240	26	9	6
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, Original	180	13	0	330	8	1	12
Wildwood Tofu-Veggie Burger, South West	190	13	0	320	9	2	11

I'm curious what your favorite flavor is? Tell me in the comments section below.

Which Do You Find More Helpful: GPS or Web Directions?

GeekSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:45:07 -0700

I spent some time exploring unfamiliar territory over the weekend and charted out my adventures and directions with Google Maps in advance. Blame it on the Henny the night before, or my inability to chat with my copilot and drive, but I got lost. As we sat at the side of a sketchy road, frustrated and ready for a Garden Burger, I thanked my lucky stars for my iPhone. We were able to triangulate our position with the iPhone's GPS, update our directions, and get back on track, following the moving blue dot on the map until we reached our destination.

More than 75 percent of geeksugar readers claim to use GPS regularly, but about 58 percent admit it has led you astray at one point or another. I recognize using a GPS can be distracting, but I am always glad to have it when my primary plan (Google Map directions and instinct) fail me. Which travel tool do you think is more helpful?

Source

Where Have All the Gardenburgers Gone?

YumSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:48 -0700

A widespread shortage of meatless Gardenburgers has put veggie patties in short supply and high demand. The Seattle Times reports that Gardenburgers have been scarce since April and May, when parent company Kellogg's discovered a quality control issue. Stressed rivals Boca Burger, MorningStar Farms, and Amy's Kitchen are scrambling to meet the veggie burger needs of the country.

According to Kellogg's, the shortage of Gardenburgers was due to plant improvements. However, it says production is back in full swing:

We are working as hard as we can to fill orders in time for the summer grilling season.

Don't be surprised if (as our copy editor recently discovered) your request for a meatless burger gets turned down. I favor a beef patty to an all-veggie one, so I won't be too affected by the shortage. What about you? Have you wondered where all the garden burgers have gone?

Source

Sprains and strains

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:15 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Sprains and strains are usually minor injuries that often result from sports or exercise, but can easily result from any physical activity. Sprains refer to an injury to a ligament (the connective tissue that links bones together at joints), most often in the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist. Strains are tears in muscle tissue, commonly occurring in the muscles that support the calf, thigh, groin, and shoulder. Sometimes sprains and strains can be severe, leading to weeks of rehabilitation.

Signs and Symptoms

Strains:

Muscle stiffness, tenderness, or soreness
Swelling

Sprains:

Pain at the time of injury
Swelling
Bruising

You may have joint instability or disability if the injury is serious, involving a muscle or ligament tear.

What Causes It?

Sprains generally result from a twisting force applied to a joint while it is bearing weight, which causes the ligament to stretch beyond its natural limit. Sprains usually occur with sudden, unexpected movement (a fall or a twist). Muscle strains occur when the weight load on a muscle is greater than the weakest part of the muscle can bear. Strains usually happen during activities that require your muscle to stretch and bear weight at the same time. You are at risk for a sprain or strain if you do the following.

Exercise without warming up properly
Use athletic equipment that does not fit properly
Participate in sports and activities that you are not conditioned for

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider may take an x-ray. If your injury is severe, your health provider may also order an MRI. Your injured limb may need to be wrapped in an elastic bandage or put in a soft cast.

Treatment Options

Your health care provider probably will recommend that you treat the injury with RICE: rest, ice (wrapped in a cloth or a towel -- do not apply ice directly to the skin), compression, and elevation of the affected area. Apply RICE as needed over the first several days following the injury.

Ice reduces pain, bleeding, and inflammation. It may also reduce secondary damage to other parts of the joint. Bleeding and inflammation may play an important role in the healing process. For more severe cases, wrap the affected area in an elastic bandage. A cast may be required to stabilize injuries.

You should limit activity that involves the affected area for an average of seven days. You may also be referred to a physical therapist, who will tailor exercises to help you strengthen muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Drug Therapies

Over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics) and anti-inflammatory agents usually help. However, you should talk to your doctor for adequate dosing. When injuries are more severe or chronic, continued use of analgesics may lead to aggravation of the condition. Analgesics should not be used to mask pain so that you can resume activity without immobilizing the injured area.

Aspirin -- 325 mg, 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours
Naproxen -- 210 mg, 2 to 3 tablets every 8 to 12 hours
Ibuprofen -- 200 mg, 2 to 3 tablets every 4 to 6 hours
Analgesic balms
Acetaminophen -- 325 mg, 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Specific nutrients and herbs may help the body restore damaged tissue, reduce swelling, and provide pain relief.

Nutrition and Supplements

Vitamin C (250 - 500 mg two times a day) and beta-carotene (50,000 IU per day for 5 days) both help the body produce connective tissue and may reduce pain.
Bromelain (250 - 500 mg three times a day between meals), an enzyme derived from pineapple, has anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce swelling.
Zinc (15 - 30 mg per day) helps wounds heal faster.
Vitamin E (400 IU/day) has antioxidant effects.
Glucosamine and chondroitin, popular supplements for arthritis, may also help wounds heal faster, though studies are lacking. Usual doses are: glucosamine, 1,500 per day; chondroitin, 800 - 1,200 mg per day, divided in two to four doses. They are often combined in one supplement.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps reduce swelling and makes the effect of bromelain stronger. Take 250 - 500 mg each of turmeric and bromelain, three times a day between meals.
Applied topically, the active ingredient in horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), called aescin, may reduce tenderness and swelling. Apply a gel with 2% aescin to the affected area every 2 - 3 hours.
Applied topically, a gel containing comfrey (Symphytum officinale) may also help reduce pain and swelling.You should use comfrey only topically. Do NOT take internally.
White willow (Salix alba) acts similar to aspirin and can reduce inflammation and swelling. Make a tea by boiling 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of bark in 8 ounces of water. Drink up to 5 cups per day. If you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates, check with your doctor before using white willow.

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for sprains and strains based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

Arnica (topical) -- this remedy is generally considered the first-choice homeopathic treatment for acute injury. It is applied topically in addition to an appropriate internal remedy. You should not use arnica, however, if skin the has open cuts over the injured area.
Arnica (internal) -- for injuries with swelling, bruising, and inflammation. You should switch to another appropriate remedy once swelling has subsided.
Bryonia -- for swollen injuries that get worse with movement. This remedy is especially useful for chest, shoulder, and hamstring injuries. It is often used if Arnica or Rhus toxicodendron fails.
Ledum -- for sprained ankles that feel cold or numb but improve with cold applications (such as ice) and worsen with warm applications.
Rhus toxicodendron -- this remedy is used after the initial symptoms of an injury have improved (such as from using Arnica). For pain during initial movement that subsides with more movement.The affected area generally feels hot. This remedy is especially appropriate for lifting or overexertion injuries.
Ruta -- for tendonitis, torn ligaments, and other injuries that feel hot to the touch. Ruta is very useful as a treatment for overexertion injuries, such as tennis elbow and runner's knee. Symptoms tend to be worse with initial movement, but continued motion does not bring relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture appears to be effective for sprains and strains. One study of 20 people found that acupuncture improved feelings of soreness. Acupuncturists often apply moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) in combination with needling in order to strengthen or deepen the treatment for this condition.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors commonly treat sprain and strain injuries, particularly those with pain and diminished function. A significant number of people who visit chiropractors do so for sprain and strain injuries. In addition to joint manipulation, chiropracters use other treatments for sprains and strains, such as applications of ice and heat and ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation. Stretching and strengthening exercises are also often recommended to aid recovery and rehabilitation.

In a study of people with ankle sprains, researchers compared the effectiveness of chiropractic joint manipulation with an anti-inflammatory medication. They found that joint manipulation was as effective as the anti-inflammatory medication in improving pain and flexibility, but it was more effective than the medication in improving range of motion.

Massage

Therapeutic massage is effective at increasing circulation and may relieve spasm in surrounding muscle groups.

Following Up

Your health care provider probably won't need to see you again unless your injury was severe or you have complications.

Special Considerations

Be careful of recurring sprains and strains. Once a muscle or tendon is injured, it is susceptible to reinjury, especially if you return to full activity too soon. Sprains and strains are easy to prevent. Basic physical fitness and strength training with proper warm-up and cool-down reduce the stress to muscles and joints.

Supporting Research

Balch JF, Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1997.

Birrer RB, ed. Sports Medicine for the Primary Care Physician. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1994.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:429.

Calabrese C, Preston P. Report of the results of a double-blind, randomized, single-dose trial of a topical 2% escin gel versus placebo in the acute treatment of experimentally-induced hematoma in volunteers. Planta Med. 1993;59:394–397.

Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086-1107.

Coetzer D, Brantingham J, Nook B. The relative effectiveness of piroxicam compared to manipulation in the treatment of acute grades 1 and 2 inversion ankle sprains. Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System. 2001;9(1):1-12.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3^rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 286-287.

Guillaume M, Padioleau F. Veinotonic effect, vascular protection, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties of horse chestnut extract. Arzneimittelforschung 1994;44:25–35.

Johnston CS. Recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;282(22):2118-2119.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 138-139.

Kibler WB, Herring S, Press J, Lee P. Functional Rehabilitation of Sports and Musculoskeletal Injuries. Gaithersburg, Md: Aspen Publishers; 1998.

Koll R, Buhr M, Dieter R, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytomedicine. 2004;11:470-7.

Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, Park JB, Wang Y. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;281(15):1415-1453.

Lin JG, Yang SH. Effects of acupuncture on exercise-induced muscle soreness and serum creatine kinase activity. Amer J Chin Med. 1999;27(3-4):299-305.

Mazzotta MY. Nutrition and wound healing. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1994;84:456–62 [review].

McCarty MF. Glucosamine for wound healing. Med Hypotheses 1996;47:273–5 [review].

Null G. The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing. New York, NY: Kensington Publishing Corp; 1997.

Nyiendo J, Lamm L. Disabling low back Oregon workers' compensation claims. Part I: Methodology and clinical categorization of chiropractic and medical cases. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991;14(3):177-184.

Olshevsky M, Noy S, Zwang M, Burger R. Manual of Natural Therapy. New York, NY: Facts on File; 1989.

Strauss RH, ed. Sports Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1991.

Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 126-127.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 335.

Zachazewski JE, Magee DJ, Quillen WS. Athletic Injuries and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1996.

Review Date:
6/30/2006
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Healthy Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salad

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Since fresh corn is still in season but won't be for much longer, why not use it to make this quick and simple dish. Honestly, it'll only take you about 15 minutes to make it. It makes a great side dish, a topping on burgers, or I like to scoop it onto my garden salad.

To see the recipe, just read more.

Corn and Black Bean Salad
A mom from my mother's group

Ingredients

1 can black beans, rinsed well with cold water
1 cup fresh corn (or corn from 2 ears)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tomato
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 clove minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Pour the black beans, corn, and tomato in a bowl.
Now add the chopped cilantro.
Now add the chopped tomatoes and the olive oil.
Now add the garlic and cumin and stir it until well mixed. You can enjoy it immediately or put it in the fridge for later.

Print recipe with images | without images

Do you have a healthy snack or recipe to share? Then share it in the Lite'n it Up - Healthy Recipe Group and I might just post it on FitSugar.

'Wich of the Week: Sunny Chicken Sandwich

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:04 -0700

Sandwiches stand out for different reasons, and it often has nothing to do with gourmet ingredients or fancy sandwich shops. Sometimes, a sandwich tastes good because of the memories it evokes - hence, the proverbial PB&J like mom used to make. Other times, it's more about the sandwich experience than the sammie itself, as is the case with this week's 'wich.I recently organized a goodbye get-together for some friends who are moving cross country. Taking advantage of a sunny evening, we headed to the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley, CA, south of San Francisco. This 150-year-old roadhouse has an enormous beer garden, cheap suds, and totally no-frills food that's perfect for picnic tables.

The divey joint is mostly known for greasy burgers served on flattened French rolls. The chicken sandwich was prepared pretty much the same way, except with chicken. While the soft, toasted roll was a nice touch, the most notable thing about this sandwich was the warm Summer evening and good friends surrounding it.

What sentimental sandwich experiences have you had lately? Share them and find out how to make my sunny chicken sandwich when you read more.

Sunny Chicken Sandwich
Inspired by the chicken sandwich at the Alpine Inn

Ingredients

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 soft French roll
3 slices of tomato
3 slices of butter lettuce
Yellow mustard, to taste

Directions

Heat an outdoor grill or skillet to medium-hot. Grill chicken breast, turning once, until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes.
Slice the French roll in half horizontally, and spread yellow mustard on both sides.
Lay the grilled chicken on the bottom half of the roll, followed by the tomato slices and lettuce.
Reduce heat to low, and place the roll on the grill or skillet. Heat, turning once and flattening the sandwich with a spatula, for two minutes or until roll is lightly browned.
Cut in half and serve warm.

Makes 1 sandwich.

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