Wellness #42 - Staying Well

I usually use WebMD's symptom checker, but I like the Mayo Clinic's website as well. I think WebMD has more options as far as specific symptoms go, but it also doesn't narrow down the possible illnesses as well as the Mayo Clinic does.

I looked at the Medline Plus website for resources related to Asthma, a condition I have. I was surprised at the number of resources in Harris County...anything from Acupuncturists to Yoga.

I created a sample medical history tree. I think this is essential information, geneologically speaking. It can be used to track hereditary diseases, and may be helpful in determining your own risk factors for these diseases.

Wellness #41 - Going Green (Pt. 2)

I looked at the city of Houston's website with the 5 easy, low cost changes to make your home more energy efficient...and I'm happy to see I've already done all of those.
Another easy change I could make would be to recycle more than just newspapers, like aluminium and glass. I would also like to try making my own household cleaners, but that would take a little more effort.

Wellness #41 - Going Green (Pt. 1)

Going Green

I calculated my family's carbon footprint using the Yahoo! Green calculator. I was kind of surprised at the result, because it was higher than I thought it would be. I liked how there were tips for reducing carbon at the end of the results page.

Eating Green

I've never been to a farmers market, but I'd like to visit the Houston Farmers Market. It's closer to my home than the others listed, and they seem to have a better variety of produce available.

Wellness #40 - Fitness

I used the Fitness calculators to determine my BMI, calorie requirements and life expectancy. I was not really surprised by the results.

I am trying to eat better (less junk food), and start a workout routine, so I can stay in shape and hopefully prevent any health problems later on.

Wellness #39 - Nutrition

I browsed the Nutrition Data website, and I found some good features like the Daily Needs Calculator. I looked up my favorite fast food item (the Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's), and I wasn't surprised to learn that it is not very good for you. I do get my sandwich without mayo though...I wonder if that makes it a little bit better.

Here's a recipe and nutrition info for one of my favorite dishes from recipes.sparkpeople.com.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients

1/3 cup white flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs stewing beef
1 med onion
1 garlic clove
3 celery stalks
3 carrots
4 med potatoes
1 beef bouillon cube or 2 tsp liquid beef bouillon
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
3 cups water
1-40g pkg of dry onion soup mix
1 tbsp fresh rosemary (optional)
1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Slow Cooker Beef Stew - Recipe Instructions:

1) Mix 1/3 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large ziploc bag, or plastic bowl with lid.

2) Cut 1-1/2 to 2 lbs stewing beef, or beef sirloin tip steak, into 1" cubes and then toss in flour mixture.

3) Coat bottom of non-stick teflon skillet with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and then add beef and flour mixture (including any excess flour).

4) Brown beef and then add 1 medium diced onion. Cook until onion goes soft.

5) Place beef , garlic clove (chopped) and onion mixture in bottom of slow cooker with the rosemary and thyme and let cook on slow until meat is tender.

Then add:4 medium potatoes (peeled & cubed) 3 large carrots, peeled & diced 3 stalks chopped celery

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl and then pour over the beef and vegetables:

3 cups boiling water mixed with...

1 - 40 g package of Onion Soup Mix

1 Beef bouillon cube

2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Slow Cooker Beef Stew - Cooking Instructions

If you are in a hurry cook on high for 2-1/2 hours, and then turn down to low for 2 more hours. If you have a little more time to spare cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until potatoes and carrots are tender. No extra thickening of the beef stew gravy should be required. It turns out perfectly for me every time. Makes about 8 servings (1.5 cups per serving)

Number of Servings: 8

Nutritional Info

Fat: 4.6g
Carbohydrates: 12.6g
Calories:113.2
Protein: 4.9g

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user NEWMOMOFTWO.