Braving the Cereal Aisle

Boxes and boxes everywhere, but not a crumb to eat. The cereal aisle is full of everything from the sugar-laden to the cardboard tasting. It is critical to pack your breakfast full of nutrients--make it a consistently healthy meal (and one that you remember to eat!) in order to boost your metabolism and ensure you get AT LEAST one well-rounded meal each day.

Making a healthy choice is easier than you think. Read the label and go with this rule: 5 or fewer grams of sugar and 4 or more grams of fiber. Then read the ingredients list and make sure the first ingredient is a whole grain. 


If you don't have time to check the label out, try some of these that I've personally taste-tested:

Nature's Path Organic Mesa Sunrise
(also comes in an EcoPack)

  

Barbara's Shredded Spoonfuls Multigrain

Kashi Heart to Heart Toasted Honey

FiberOne
Try it mixed in with
another cereal to boost fiber!

     

Coconut Water Craze

On store shelves for a few years now, coconut water has developed quite a following as the "perfect all-natural sports drink." We're used to some pretty over-the-top marketing ploys in the health and fitness market, but this claim actually has some truth to it. Here's why:

• Like other sports drinks (i.e. Gatorade), coconut water contains electrolytes, which your body needs to replenish as you sweat them out to prevent muscle cramping and dangerous dehydration. 
• Coconut water also contains carbohydrates, which are necessary to consume if you are doing one hour or more of high-intensity exercise, like running. 
• Unlike other sports drinks, coconut water is natural. It contains these fitness-focused nutrients without the artificial stuff. 

In addition to serving as a sports drink, coconut water is also a great choice for a lower-calorie substitute for juice or a low sodium cooking alternative. Give these quick and easy recipes a try:

• Smoothie: Blend 1 cup frozen fruit + 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt + 1/2 cup coconut water. Perfect breakfast for the summer heat! 

• Coconut rice: (makes 4 servings) Boil 2 cups coconut water in small heavy saucepan. Add 1 cup brown rice, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. The coconut water gives the rice a slightly sweet flavor--perfect stir fry accompaniment! 

Prune

Yesterday I had an amazing lunch date at Prune in order to catch up with a good friend. The quaint, homey feel of what turned out to be a stellar LES restaurant made me comfortable enough to even begin with a noon cocktail! Just check out this menu that we couldn't resist: 

Beefeater and Bitter Lemon, a light and refreshing, Tom Collins-like drink for a hot NYC day and Ghost of Mary--a whimsical hint of a Bloody Mary. 

 As any perfect lunch date goes, we decided to split the 2 items we both had our hearts set on. Their daily salad special, with sharp, delicious blue cheese and pork lardons that were DIVINE as well as a Greek Salad Sandwich--a deconstructed and refreshing version of a diner favorite. 

It could not have been a more perfect "ladies who lunch" event...especially since we finished by walking across the street for gelato. 

Building Bones: Effects of Slow-Release Calcium

A new mineral supplement is on the market: slow-release calcium citrate, in the brand form of Slow-Release Citracal 1200, manufactured by Bayer. Thought I'd answer some questions about it:

• Why a calcium supplement? Many Americans, especially women, do not get enough calcium + vitamin D3 to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. While 3-4 servings of low-fat milk and yogurt daily can provide needed calcium, many of us fail to consume that. 
• Why slow-release? Your body can really only absorb about 500mg of calcium at a time (and you need about twice that amount daily). Most calcium supplements are in 250mg pills, meaning you need to take about 2 LARGE pills in the morning and 2 LARGE pills again later in the day. With slow-release, you would need only 1 pill per day. 

But are the slow-release supplements better? Here's what I gathered:

• An independent (not Bayer-sponsored) study showed that slow-release calcium supplements may preserve vitamin D levels over standard calcium supplements, helping to build strong bones.
• According to package instructions, slow-release Citracal (unlike their other calcium supplements) contain calcium carbonate (vs. calcium citrate), which MUST BE TAKEN WITH FOOD.
• REASON TO BE SKEPTICAL: The only "study" Bayer cites for the effectiveness of its new product in meeting the Recommended Daily Intake level of calcium with just one dose is "Data on file."

My recommendation, as always, get your calcium through food instead of pills. If you aren't getting enough, consider a supplement whose effectiveness is well-documented. As far as Slow-Release Citrate, in my opinion, we have yet to see enough real studies to know whether it is actually effective. 

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Yesterday I had a delightful lunch at Momofuku Noodle Bar. I know it's nothing new, but still thought I'd take the chance to rave about it. We started with the pork buns, which are now on my unofficial "Best of New York" list. After delicious pork belly, I decided a lighter main dish was necessary. The Charred Octopus with fennel, yogurt, and grapefruit was just right. On my way out I saw some people with the fried chicken, so I will definitely be returning!