HEALTHY SUBSTITUTE FOR MAYONNAISE OR SOUR CREAM

You can make your own healthy substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream by pureeing low-fat cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Use in recipes for all or part of the mayo or sour cream called for when making dips, dressings, or spreads.

Note: Not a brand recommendation. Use your favorite brand.

A LITTLE BIT OF EGGNOG FACTS

It's that time of the year when the eggnog comes out. If you are dieting or you are a diabetic, you might want to watch your eggnog consumption or be sure to read the labels. Some traditional eggnog from the grocery stores contain as much as 30 g of fat and 40 g of carbs per 1/2 cup.

I have a recipe on my diabetic enjoying food blog that has only 3 g fat (1 1/2g saturated) and only 11 g carbs.

If you add alcohol, that increases the number so keep that in mind.

This is a file photo.

BROCCOLI AND CANCER

We all know broccoli is good for us and we should eat more of it.  That said, here is some information about broccoli and cancer.  Broccoli has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and both are important to the person dealing with cancer.  Both are also important in helping to prevent cancer.

Sulforaphane, a well-studied phytochemical in broccoli, appears to slow the growth of leukemia and melanoma cells.  Another metabolite, glucosinolate, can inhibit the growth of breast cancer.  If you are battling any of those three mentioned cancers, be sure to make broccoli an important part of your diet.

GINGER

This statement about Ginger from the Ayurvedic (traditional Eastern Indian medicine) says that ginger 'fires' the body's digestive hearth to make the stomach and colon more efficient in metabolizing food.  

Ginger also contains tumor inhibitors.

Try this recipe for Ginger Ale with Frozen Grapes since it is important to make your own when using ginger ale for medicinal purposes.  Most store bought ginger ale only contains a minimun amount of ginger!

GINGER ALE WITH FROZEN GRAPES
4 cups water
2 cups sliced fresh, unpeeled ginger
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
frozen seedless grapes
sparkling water
mint springs for garnish, optional

In a saucepan bring the water and ginger to a boil; lower the heat, cover, and simmer 1 hour.  Uncover and simmer another 30 minutes.  Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the ginger.  Stir in the lemon juice and honey.  Allow to cool to room temperature.

For Ginger Ale (per serving) add 1/4 cup of the mixture to a glass with the frozen grapes.  Fill the glass with sparkling water.  Add a mint sprig, if desired.

For a Hot Beverage stir 3 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 cup of hot water.  Add more honey and lemon to taste, if desired.

Store the syrup in refrigerator for up to a week.  Make drinks only as wanted rather than making up all the mixture at once.

MOUTH HAVE A METALLIC TASTE?

If you are on medications or treatments that leave a metallic taste in your mouth causing food to taste lousy, add a little sweetener (such as maple syrup) to your food with a squeeze of lemon.  Or try adding some nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) to help overcome the metallic taste.  When ill, it is important to eat even though food doesn't always taste good.  You must have the nutrition to help your body heal.

Note: File Photo

ALLSPICE BERRIES

Allspice berries aid in digestion. Works great to relieve indigestion and soothe discomfort especially in the upper intestines.  Helps to relieve bloating and a gassy feeling. 

Its volatile oil component also works as a weak antimicrobial agent.

If you have these health problems or are on medications or treatments that cause such problems, you would be wise to include this spice in your diet!

KEEP MEALS EVEN

One thing diabetics should never do is eat small meals or skip meals during the day so they can eat a big dinner/supper! Nutritionists warn that diabetics need to keep their carbs leveled out over the day. Skipping meals or eating light so one can eat a big meal later will cause a definite roller coaster of blood sugar levels.

While this information is directed to diabetics, it should apply to everyone.

COMPLEX CARBS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

Feeling down or depressed? Eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Yes, these are carbohydrate foods but they are the complex (or good) carbs. These carbs boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a mood-elevating chemical in the brain.