Recycling Resources

It's spring cleaning time and many people are donating or throwing out old items.  Did you know in the Chicago area (and probably many others), in addition to glass, plastic, cardboard and cans, you can recycle junk mail, telephone books, wrapping paper and greeting cards?




For plastics, look at the bottom of the container for the recycle symbol with a number.  You can recycle #1-5 and 7, but not #6 or unnumbered plastics.

Here is a list of acceptable items to recycle in Chicago. Other ideas to help the environment include using reusable bags and BPA free water bottles.

Liz's Favorites: Silicone Brush

Have you ever used a basting brush and a bristle was left on your food? It used to happen to me until I found silicone brushes!  They are easy to use and clean; just run it through the dishwasher.  We use them to brush olive oil, marinades and sauces. I highly recommend them!

Fruits and Veggies in Season: June, July, August

Fruits and veggies in season taste better and are typically less expensive.  Here are a few fruits and veggies in season for June, July and August.  Check out the entire list for tips on enjoying them.

• Asian Pear
• Bell Pepper
• Berries
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Corn
• Edamame
• Figs
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Green Beans
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Sugar Snap Peas
• Tomatillo
• Watermelon

Liz's Favorites: Grill and Sandwich Maker

The snow has melted and I'm crossing my fingers it will stop raining in time for grilling season to start!

In the meantime, I loved using the Cuisinart Griddler Junior.  I use it open to grill burgers and veggies or closed as a sandwich maker.  It makes the sandwich warm and adds a nice crunch on the outside, yum!  The Junior version is compact and the grilling plates go right into the dishwasher so it's incredibly easy!! I highly recommend it.  Keep posted for a delicious sandwich recipe.

                 

Best Bites: Panda Express

You are craving Panda Express for lunch.   What are the healthiest choices to make?

Lowest Calorie Entrees: Choose one of their "Wok Smart" dishes which are less than 250 calories such as:

• Broccoli Beef (130 cal)
• String Bean Chicken Breast (170 cal)
• Kobari Beef (210 cal)
• Potato Chicken (220 cal)
• Mushroom Chicken (220 cal)
• Black Pepper Chicken (250 cal)

TIPS:

• Avoid fried meats and appetizers: skip if it's described as "crispy"
• Limit rice: One serving of white rice is 420 cal and fried rice is 570 cal so split it with a friend or get the mixed veggies for 70 calories instead.
• Check the website before heading in for nutrition information and the nutrition calculator!
• You can still find a lower calorie dish here but just remember most of the dishes are loaded with sodium

Worst Picks:  The highest calorie items are the Beijing Beef (690 cal) and the Fried Rice (570 cal)

Liz's Favorites: Cranberries for Your Salad

Do you feel salads are boring? Here is a low-calorie addition to wake up your salad and taste buds!  

I have started to put 1 teaspoon of dried cranberries on my salad and it's amazing!  My family doesn't even need to use salad dressing since it adds so much flavor for only 7 calories per teaspoon!  

The cranberries I use are from Fresh Gourmet and it comes in a sealed bag so they stay fresh.  They are located in the produce section of my location grocery store.  The company also posted a recipe for a salad with spinach, onions, pears, goat or feta cheese and topped with cranberries.  Delicious and healthy!

Farmers Markets

One of my favorite farmers markets in Chicago, Green City Market, is opening for outdoor business tomorrow!

Why should you shop at a farmers market?

• Food tastes better and may be better for you
• Food is picked when ripe which increases flavor and nutrients
• Most small farmers use less pesticides and farm organically

• Reduces energy and supplies used to transport crops long distances from the farm

• Healthier for the environment because farmers rotate their crops, which benefits the soil and plants

• Supports local farms
• Farmers only see ~20% of the price you pay at the supermarkets

• Supports local food pantries
• Farmers markets may donate excess food to help the community. Green City Market donates produce to the Lakeview Pantry during the summer months!

Best Bites at the Ball Park

Lizard says:  At the ballpark? Eat a hotdog and have a beer!  (Well, unless you have season tickets.)

The bottom line:  It's not surprising that most ballparks have very unhealthy food.

• Hotdogs have about 300-400 calories 
• Cracker jacks, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, pizza, and burgers can set you back about 500+ calories each.  
• You may be able to find a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad but not all stadiums have many healthy choices.

Part of the ballpark experience is having an incredibly delicious hotdog and washing it down with a nice cold beer,  right? With that said, you just need to plan ahead.

Lizard recommendations for the ballpark:

• Park far from the field for some extra exercise.
• Eat a healthy meal before going to the park so you aren't starving when you get there.
• Bring healthy non-perishable snacks such as nuts (1/2 cup), protein bars or a PB&J sandwich.
• Enjoy your beer and hotdog (or treat of choice); you can even split it with a friend!