http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php Copyright 2010, Russell Hill Russell Hill en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080128-084945
Layered Mexican Bean Dip

Jalapeño Poppers

Classic Guacamole

Crispy Chipotle Potato Skins

Beef, Blue Cheese and Spinach Quesadillas

These all sound really great to me. In case you didn't notice, I am partial to Mexican food. There are some other recipes on WeightWatchers.com , so check them out. I intend to make these that I have listed and enjoy the game.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080128-084945 Russell Hill Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:49:45 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080128-084945 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080122-134324

The 5 Most Fattening Winter Foods

Courtesy of QualityHealth.com

1. Macaroni and cheese . This classic comfort dish is loaded with fat and calories. What's more, some restaurants are adding insult to injury by offering deep-fried mac and cheese—as if the old-fashioned kind wasn't bad enough!

2. Cream-based soups or chowders . Although soup may have a reputation as a low-calorie meal option, heavy chowders and cream-based soups don't fall under that category. A 12-ounce bowl of clam chowder from Au Bon Pain contains 337 calories and more than 20 grams of fat.

3. Pot pies . Made with either beef or chicken, plus potatoes, carrots, and onions, pot pies may sound healthy, but in reality, they’re loaded with oil and fat. A Marie Callender's frozen Chicken Pot Pie packs a whopping 670 calories and 41 grams of fat, 14 of which are saturated fat.

4. Fried side dishes . French fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks are tempting, but consider the calories and fat. A large order of Wendy's French fries has 540 calories and 26 grams of fat, and just one-quarter of an Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion appetizer with dressing packs 577 calories and 33 grams of fat.

5. Cheesecake . Loaded with cheese, eggs, and sugar, this heavenly dessert can be a nutritional nightmare. One slice of Sara Lee New York-Style Creamy Cheesecake contains 420 calories and 31 grams of fat.

So, be careful when you feel the urge to comfort yourself with food.

Blog Advisory

I have been told that my readership of this blog has dropped off and they would like for me to focus on an all new blog beginning in March. This means that this blog will most likely be going away in March, after about a year online. I know that I have lost most of my readers because I have not made progress in my wieght loss. I am not sure if I still have any loyal readers out there or not, but I felt like I should let you know that this is likely. If you are still out there, I must apologize for not doing a better job in keeping up with my weight loss program and posting more here for you to read about. I am excited about my new blogging project but it will have nothing to do with weight loss or food. In the meantime, I am still posting to my Red Raiders Blog on a regular basis and you can look for my new blog to appear in March.
]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080122-134324 Russell Hill Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:43:24 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080122-134324 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080111-145727 My sister-in-law, who is also diabetic, was practically ranting about sweet potato French fries when she visited us at Thanksgiving. So, I have looked up a recipe and it sounds pretty good, so I am going to give these a try this weekend. Here’s the recipe in case you want to try them also:

Sweet Potato French Fries

Peel sweet potatoes, and then slice them up lengthwise like steak fries. Toss gently with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings of your choice, then bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes on each side. Jicama can be sliced thin (like matchsticks) and made either in the oven the same way (cut the time in half) or fried in a pan with a high-heat oil such as canola oil, grapeseed oil or refined sesame oil. You can also slice jicama super-thin like potato chips. Experiment with different spices on your fries, such as onion or garlic salt, paprika, or taco seasoning.

This recipe comes from “Healthy Swaps” at DLife.com . There are some other good ways to substitute some favorite foods with low carb substitutions on that page, so I recommend you take a look at it.

Smooth!

Here’s one for a breakfast smoothie that I copied from our company Wellness newsletter:

Strawberry-Orange Smoothie
From eatbetteramerica.com .

1 ½ cups vanilla soymilk or skim milk
1 bag (10 oz) frozen strawberries, partially thawed
1 medium banana, cut into chunks
1/3 cup calcium-enriched orange juice
Honey, if desired

In blender or food processor, place milk, strawberries,
banana and orange juice. Cover; blend on high speed
about 1 minute or until smooth. Sweeten to taste with
honey. Pour into 2 glasses and serve immediately.
Serves 2 – Per Serving: 200 Calories, 37g carbohydrates,
7g protein, 3g fat (0g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 5g fiber,
130mg sodium.

Personally, since I am diabetic, I would leave out the honey.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080111-145727 Russell Hill Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:57:27 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080111-145727 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080110-141444
Yesterday I visited my Dr. and he has put me on another medication. Seems that I was on the maximum dose of the one I was on and it was no longer effective. I am now on a time-release type of insulin that I inject once at bedtime and then continue to take the pills that I have been taking. We have begun this trial now since my blood sugar has been running in the 250 range now for about two months, no matter what I do. I have great hope that the addition of the new med will aid me in getting the blood sugar down, having more energy and losing weight.

My main problem seemed to be overnight. I could manage my blood sugar pretty well during the day, but every morning I woke up with a glucose reading between 250 and 280. Last night was my first injection of the new med and this morning my reading was 201. So, still not where it needs to be, but a vast improvement, especially for the first day. When my blood reports come back in a week or so, I will let you know whatever good or bad news that they report.

I am also trying to adjust my schedule and my habits for a healthier eating and living style. I am trying to make myself eat breakfast, but that one is going to really take some work as I have rarely eaten breakfast my entire life. I am trying to eat less meat and more fruits and veggies as well. I am tyring to regular about walking at least 1 mile every day, no matter how cold it is outside.

And school has started for me again as of yesterday. Two online courses and one in person on Tuesday nights which I will go to for the first time next week. I am really looking forward to my classes, but am also anxious to get through all of the instruction and get into a classroom next spring. This time next year I will be beginning my student teaching and I can't wait. In the meantime, the next 12 months are going to be pretty tough.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080110-141444 Russell Hill Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:14:44 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080110-141444 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080102-151651 A New Year’s Resolution for 2008

First of all I want to tell you that I meant to post this a day or two ago, but we have been having all kinds of problems with our blogging site. I have been ready to post, but unable to do so. We will eventually get these problems worked out and we do appreciate your patience with us and we resolve these issues.

OK. I know exactly what you are saying. “Another New Year’s resolution?” “More promises you can’t keep?” Well, I know that I have made many excuses here about my weight and my health for the past few months. I had a great roll going with Weight Watchers right up to the end of July, then I fell off the wagon. And promise as I might, I have not climbed back on. Bu, now it’s a new year. A time for renewal and new goals. And time is running out on me. I will turn 52 this year. And next year I will be seeking a new career in the teaching field. No doubt my chances of getting a new job at may age will be slightly easier if I at least look healthy.

I have made several New Year’s Resolutions with my wife. Other than the usual goals of health, happiness and prosperity, I have set some specific goals concerning my health and my weight. First, I have pledged to lose at least sixty pounds during 2008. This translates to five pounds per month as should be an easily attainable goal. I have also pledged to walk at least one mile, each and every day (yes, I did today). I have also pledged to increase my exercise beyond walking by adding in weights, bicycle, swimming and other physical activities as time and weather permit.

The holidays are over and now it’s time to get serious, focused and determined. I intend to do my absolute best to stay on track and focused on my goals. And to remain positive. I am sure that this will help me in my school work this coming semester as well. I intend for 2008 to be my year. We are only two days in, but so far so good.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry080102-151651 Russell Hill Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:16:51 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080102-151651 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071226-105510 Anybody else feel like this today?



This is a more modern remake of a classic Alka Seltzer commercial. I tried and tired to find the classic version, but was unable to locate it on the internet. Anyway, you get the idea.

I, as many others I am sure, ate too much yesterday for our Christmas celebration. However, I tried to be as good as I could by eating mostly vegetables and very little sweets. Especially since I had gone way overboard on sweets on Christmas Eve right after the Candlelight Service. If you knew my Mom and the wonderful stuff she bakes, you would at least understand just a little bit why I have this problem.

But, since I over-indulged on Christmas Eve, I vowed to be a good boy on Christmas Day and I think I lived up to that vow. I am going to be good all this week so that I can enjoy some snacks on New Year's Day while I watch the Red Raiders win the Gator Bowl.

Mama Mia! That's A Spicy Meatball!
Back to Alka-Seltzer for just a minute. They have been making classic over-eating commercials for several decades. I did manage to find a copy of this old classic that is one of my all-time favorite commercials, so I wanted to share it with you.
Of course it would never be aired today as it is not "politically correct", but then, neither am I!
Enjoy!

]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071226-105510 Russell Hill Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:55:10 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071226-105510 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071218-112043
Stuffed Thanksgiving Pumpkins

Ingredients:
8 baby pumpkins
1/3 cup vegetable stock or water
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
1/3 cup finely choped celery
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (optional)
Low-sodium soy sauce or salt to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Slice off the top 1/2 inch of each pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Bake pumpkins for 15 minutes.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat stock or water to simmering and add onion. Stir well and cook, stirring frequently, 8 minutes , or until onions are softened but not browned. Add garlic, sage, thyme and bread crumbs. Cook stirring, 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Lightly fill pumpkins with stuffing.
3. Bake 15 minutes, or until stuffing is lightly browned and heated through. Be careful not to overbake pumpkins, because they will split.
Look for miniature pumpkins at supermarket from late October through December.

Nutritional Information:
Per Serving--
Calories: 152
Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 249mg

These sound really, really good to me. I wonder if you can still find the mini pumpkins in the store?]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071218-112043 Russell Hill Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:20:43 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071218-112043 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071213-144410 Good Ole Alice Cooper said it back in 1972:

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Don't forget that I am a child of the 70's. Well, OK. School's out for Christmas break, not for summer. And school has not been blown to pieces. And, school is not out forever, but, finals are over and school is out for about 4 weeks. I can feel the stress leaving my body!

Vegetarian sounds like it's worth a try

The comments section the other day had a posting from someone with information about Dr. Neal Barnard. I checked it out and really thought that what he had to say on his Google video made a great deal of sense. He is promoting a vegetarian diet, much like my friend Dr. S. Muralidharan . I really plan on giving this a try. I like veggies and fruits anyway, so what have I got to lose except high blood sugar levels and some fat pounds?]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071213-144410 Russell Hill Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:44:10 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071213-144410 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071212-111011 Great recipe for the holidays or anytime

I mentioned my mother’s frosted lettuce salad in one of my Thanksgiving blogs. Since that time I have had numerous requests for this recipe. So, thanks to my Mom, here it is:

Frosted Lettuce Salad

Ingredients:
1 med. head iceberg lettuce, broken into small pieces
2 cups chopped celery
1 can sliced water chestnuts
2 cups frozen peas
1 med. red onion, sliced
1 pint Real Mayonnaise (light)

Optional toppings:
Shredded cheese, crumbled bacon bits, chopped green pepper, chopped green onions, sunflower seeds, etc.

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients into a large salad bowl in layers in order listed above. Cover the salad ingredients with the mayonnaise and seal the bowl tightly with saran wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight for flavors to blend and for frozen peas to thaw. Top with suggested optional toppings or others of your choice.

One of my favorite things about this salad is that it is versatile, you can make numerous changes to the ingredients to suit your own taste and it is still good. Be sure to use salt and pepper to taste with your serving. This salad keeps well for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the second day after it has been tossed and blended. You really should try it. It is easy, it is versatile, it tastes great and it is a wonderful leftover. What more could you ask?

No more excuses

I have contacted my doctor about my high glucose readings and will be setting up a time to go see him and get some advice on my blood glucose and on my weight. I have started walking again (2 miles per day) and am back on a predominately salad type diet. My glucose readings, even with this and with my meds, are still averaging over 200, so something is wrong. Hopefully he will be able to shed some light on the problem and help me come up with a solution.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071212-111011 Russell Hill Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:10:11 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071212-111011 http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071211-123844 Great recipe for pumpkin brownies

I ran across this recipe this morning while looking at a site for diabetics. The site was wonderful and is called www.dlife.com and I suggest you check it out. When looking at holiday recipes on this site, I ran across this one that sounds absolutely delightful and I thought I would share it with you here:

Pumpkin Brownies

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin purée, canned or cooked
1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil such as canola
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, well beaten (further reduce fat & cholesterol by substituting 1 egg + 1 egg white, or 1/2 cup Egg Beaters¢ç)
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with vegetable spray.

Combine all ingredients and beat well, about 400 strokes. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool on baking rack; cut into bars.


Nutritional Information:
Nutritional Information (per one cup serving): 102 Cal; 4 g Total Fat; 15 g Carb; 10 mg Cholesterol; 101 mg Sodium; 1 g Fiber.

Dietary Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fat.

These sound really, really good to me. And I told you before, everyone at my house is a pumpkin junkie, so I will have to make these right away. Tomorrow is my last day of classes until the spring semester, so I should be having a little bit of time now to do some cooking and trying out some of these new recipes that I want to try. There are several in that Indian Vegetarian cookbook that I want to try as well. So, Tis the Season for experimenting with my diet!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/index.php?entry=entry071211-123844 Russell Hill Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:38:44 GMT http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/russell/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071211-123844