April, National BLT Sandwich Month

Ingredients
3 slices Turkey Bacon
2 slices Tomato
Romaine Lettuce
2 tsp Light Mayonnaise
2 slices Whole Wheat Bread
3/4 oz Muenster Cheese, low fat
4 Grapes

Nutrient Analysis

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Modifying Recipes Related to Changing Nutritional Needs: Carrot Ginger Bisque

As one gets older, some of our dietary needs change related to our health. This year I'm on a personal quest to prepare foods rich in flavors and colors, yet meet changing nutritional needs. 

A diagnosis of arthritis, can make it difficult to prepare some of your favorite recipes. Try improvising with some pre-packaged products and a touch of creativity.

Changing Nutritional Needs: 
1. Easy to prepare recipes (related to arthritis). Keep a pair of scissors around in order to open packages. Learn to slow down to avoid cutting oneself or dropping items.
2. Lower Sodium (related to hypertension; family history)
3. Increase Fiber (related to diverticulosis)
4. Monitor Calories and Increase Activities (related to a slower metabolism)
5. Easy to Chew (related to dentures and a recent stroke) 
6. Low in Cholesterol (related to history of elevated blood cholesterol; family history)

As I read this list, one might think I'm a mess, but I feel great. I am eating healthy and exercising at least one hour a day 5 to 6 times a week. I joined the silver sneakers program (free for many seniors depending on your health insurance). The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is an exercise program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles. "Get fit, have fun, make friends!" I took my first Zumba class this week and had a great time. Next week I am looking forward to learning yoga.

Carrot Ginger Bisque
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: about 1 cup
  
Ingredients 
2 cup Vegetable Broth, low sodium
1.5 cup Carrots, diced
1/4 cup Cranberries, dried, sweetened
1 box (17.6 oz) Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque, Pacific Natural Foods
3/4 cup White Beans, unsalted, drained

Directions 
Heat the vegetable broth. Add diced carrots and dried cranberries. Simmer until carrots and cranberries are tender. Using a strainer separate the carrots and cranberries from the broth. Reserve carrots and cranberries. 

Combine the broth and "Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque". Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add the white beans and reserved carrots and cranberries. Mix and reheat to serving temperature.


Notes. I used a low sodium vegetable broth to lower the sodium content of the Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque. To increase the fiber content, I garnished the recipe with white beans, diced carrots, and dried cranberries.

Nutrition Information

Recipe Card

November 28, National French Toast Day Featuring Raisin Bread French Toast and Low Cholesterol Variations

Each French Toast Recipe contains variations substituting soy milk for skim milk; and egg substitute for the egg.

Raisin Bread French Toast
with Banana, Crunchy Peanut Butter,

and Gingersnap

Ingredients for One Serving
1 slices Raisin Bread
2 Tbsp Milk, Skim or Soy Milk
1/2 Egg or 2 Tbsp Egg Substitute
1/2 Banana
1 teaspoon Peanut Butter, crunchy
1/2 Gingersnap Cookie, crushed
Variation: Substitute Soy Milk for Skim Milk; and Egg Substitute for Egg 

Nutrition Information

Raisin Bread French Toast
with Berries Topped with
Crushed Gingersnap Cookie

Ingredients for One Serving

1 slices Raisin Bread
2 Tbsp Milk, Skim or Soy Milk
1/2 Egg or 2 Tbsp Egg Substitute
1/3 cup Berries
1/2 Gingersnap Cookie, crushed

 Variation: Substitute Soy Milk for Skim Milk; and Egg Substitute for Egg

Nutrition Information