| ||||
|
|
It's summertime--the season for outdoor cooking and eating, gathering on the deck, and taking in a beautiful evening. The flavor of the food can't be beat and the aroma--oh, the aroma of a barbecue--can be exhilarating and calming at the same time, easing you into that comfy patio lounger.
But how can we enjoy this favorite pastime while searching for a healthier lifestyle? One way is to add a more healthful protein as part of your menu routine. That's one of the lifestyle changes adapted by contestants in the 2005 Jennie-O Turkey Store Lifestyle Challenge. This nationwide contest provided 12 finalists the opportunity to compete to be the one who best-achieved his/her lifestyle makeover goals--and win the $25,000 grand prize. Making good food choices, selecting cooking methods such as grilling, and increasing activity were major components of the contestants' lifestyle makeovers. The contestants learned how to read food labels--selecting items that read "a lean source of protein, low in fat or made from whole grains." They also found time to increase their activity level--such as taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner--a perfect way to cap off a summer evening.
Winner Tina Foca of Charlotte, N.C., says recipes and tips found on www.jennieoturkeystore.com made it easy to prepare balanced meals that everyone will enjoy. During the contest, Tina lost 25 pounds. She now has more energy as well as tremendous confidence in herself and her appearance. She plans to continue to give 150 percent to her new healthy life. This summer perhaps you can challenge yourself, too.
Grilled Turkey with Pineapple-Citrus Relish
1 package Jennie-O Turkey Store Turkey Breast Slices
1 can (8 oz.) pineapple tidbits in juice, drained, reserve juice
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lime juice
2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 oranges, peeled, segmented and chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
In 13- by 9- by 2-inch glass baking dish, place turkey slices. In a small bowl, mix reserved pineapple juice, 3 tablespoons lime juice, olive oil and garlic. Pour over turkey. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning turkey occasionally. Meanwhile, for the relish, chop pineapple and place in a medium bowl. Add remaining 2 teaspoons lime juice, oranges, red pepper, onion and cilantro; mix well and set aside. Remove turkey from marinade and grill over medium coals, about 4 minutes per side, until no longer pink in center. (Be careful not to overcook.) Discard marinade. Serve turkey with pineapple-citrus relish. Serves: 4.
Toss a grilled turkey breast tenderloin with fresh greens and top with your favorite light dressing for a quick, delicious summer salad.
Sausage, Pepper & Onion Heroes
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow or red bell pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 slices (1/4 inch) red or yellow onion, separated into rings
1 package Jennie-O Turkey Store Sweet Lean Italian Sausage
5 hoagie or submarine sandwich rolls, split, toasted if desired
3/4 cup prepared pizza or spaghetti sauce, heated
Prepare grill. Cut bell peppers lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pepper strips and onion rings; cook 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Sprinkle lightly with salt, if desired. Meanwhile, brush remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over sausages. Grill or broil 5 inches from heat source 14 to 16 minutes or until lightly browned and no longer pink in center, turning occasionally. Serve sausages in rolls topped with pizza sauce and vegetables. Serves: 5.
Lifestyle Makeover Tips
Nutrition and fitness expert Dr. Kristine Clark, director of sports nutrition for Penn State University's Athletic Department, has worked with many people on a variety of lifestyle makeover challenges including the U.S. Olympic women's soccer team. But you don't need to be an Olympian to get the benefits of small changes. Here are a few of her tips that can be implemented into your daily routine to start your lifestyle makeover.
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
 
| |||||||||||||||||||||
