Barbecued Shrimp and Peach Kabobs

Ingredients:
12 (12 inches each) metal or bamboo skewers
1 tablespoon(s) packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon(s) ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon(s) sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon(s) cayenne (ground red) pepper
Salt
Pepper
1 pound(s) (16- to 20-count) shelled deveined shrimp
3 medium peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 bunch(es) green onions, dark green parts trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:
If using bamboo skewers, soak skewers in cold water at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling on high. In large bowl, combine brown sugar, chile powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add shrimp, peaches, and onion; toss until evenly coated. Thread shrimp, peaches, and onion alternately onto skewers.Grill 3 to 4 minutes or until browned and shrimp just become opaque throughout, turning once. Serve with lime wedges.

Good Housekeeping

Seared Steak with Minted Watermelon

Ingredients:
8 ounces thin rice noodles
1 (1-pound) boneless 1-inch-thick beef sirloin steak
Salt
Pepper
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, yellow and pale green part only, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lower-sodium fish sauce
1/2 small (3 cups) watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 seedless (English) cucmber, cut in half and thinly sliced
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Directions:
Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling on medium. Prepare noodles as label directs. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again. Season steak with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper. Place steak on hot grill; cover. Cook 12 to 13 minutes for medium-rare or until desired doneness, turning once. Transfer steak to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir shallot, lemongrass, sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce until sugar dissolves. Thinly slice steak across the grain. Add to bowl, along with watermelon, cucumber, and mint. Toss gently until well mixed. Divide noodles among serving plates. Top with steak mixture and accumulated juices.

Good Housekeeping

MLB and the concern with Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have gained much popularity over the past few years. Many people, including athletes, use and rely on them as an energy booster fail to consider the negative and sometimes harmful effects from these beverages. Some MLB teams have noticed the dangers energy drinks can have on the body and have banned them from the players’ clubhouses.  (See link below)

Here’s a brief run-through of the composition of energy drinks:

SUGAR: Energy drinks are often loaded with sugar, which causes your blood sugar (energy levels) to come crashing down once the sugar leaves the blood. Yes, you may feel very energetic for a short while after drinking an energy drink, and this is because the high sugar content quickly stimulates your nervous system, giving you that feel-good feeling and buzz of energy. Keep in mind that the fast spike in blood sugar/energy will lead to an equal drop in blood sugar/energy. Some people may actually feel more fatigued than they were to begin with.

CAFFEINE: Caffeine is also found in large quantities in energy drinks. Caffeine in these amounts (and for those individuals who are sensitive to caffeine) increases your heart rate and body temperature, potentially leading to an irregular heartbeat, excess sweating, shakes, and anxious feelings. Also, caffeine generally produces both laxative and diuretic effects, leading to excess urination and the risk of becoming dehydrated. As an athlete, all of these effects can hamper performance tremendously.

OTHER INGREDIENTS: Some of the other common ingredients found in energy drinks are: Taurine, Guarana, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, B-Vitamins, and many more. In addition, many energy drinks contain a special “energy blend” … sometimes not listing what actually makes up that blend. As a consumer, it is very important to realize that many of these extra ingredients don’t even contribute to increased energy levels. In addition, some ingredients, whether listed or not, may be a banned substance and can possibly show up positive on an athlete’s drug test.

BOTTOM LINE: Use a lot of caution if considering consuming an energy drink. If your energy levels are low, take a look at your diet and hydration… a few tweaks there can make a huge and positive difference!

Click here to read: "MLB teams limiting energy drink consumption, cite negative effects to players’ health"

Life after being a Lineman

Football linemen, known for their big and stout bodies, commonly experience many weight-related issues as a player. It can be tough for some of these players to follow a healthy diet as they strive to build and maintain their large stature. However, with proper guidance and nutrition education, football linemen (and ALL athletes) can achieve their dietary goals for both health and optimal sports performance.

It is not uncommon for football linemen, either ending their college or NFL football careers, to acquire diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many continue to eat the large quantities of food required for when they were players, not keeping in mind their drastic decrease in exercise levels. The article (see the link below) talks about former offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, Orlando "Zeus" Brown, who recently died from diabetes complications.

All athletes need to remember that nutritious diet habits not only fuel their bodies for their sport, but it is also essential for ensuring healthy bodies for years to come. 

Click here to read: "Weighty Challenge: A Lineman's Life After Football"

Eating for Strong Bones

-Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D., GHRI nutrition director, Good Housekeeping

Tailoring your Tiger Tailgate

Well, it's that time of year again. A time of pre-game tailgating, football viewing parties, and post-game celebrations. As a New Orleans native and LSU Tiger fan, I must say I've experienced some of the best tailgates anyone could imagine. There is nothing like some good old Southern Hospitality as you walk the grounds of the most dedicated football fans in Louisiana. But, with that Southern Hospitality comes FOOD. Lots and lots of delicious Southern Comfort food. Some popular Louisiana tailgate dishes include: Jambalaya, Seafood and Andouille Gumbo, Fried Catfish, Hot Boudin sausage and the traditional BBQ dishes such as Hamburgers, BBQ chicken, Pulled pork sandwiches, and more!

Tailgating is not just in Louisiana; it is an All-American tradition! It would be wrong of me to tell tailgaters to completely change their favorite football foods, but here are some ideas to Tailor your Tailgate in a healthy way!

Small changes to menu items can make a big difference in the nutritional content of your meal.

This football season, try to:

• Choose lean cuts of meat such as:
• Skinless chicken
• Loin/round of beef
• Extra Lean ground beef
• Ground Turkey
• Pork Loin
• Turkey Sausage
• Cook with Olive oil or Canola oil
• Use 100% whole wheat hamburger and hot dog buns
• Throw some fresh vegetable on the grill- spice/season them up!
• Create your own fruit tray
• Prepare finger sandwiches on whole wheat bread
• Serve salsa, hummus, and bean dips with:
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Whole grain crackers

More Tailgating Tips:

• Take a step back from the tables of food and browse at the choices before digging in.
• Always go for the grilled options.
• Watch your portions: fill your plate with more fruits and veggies rather than meat and rice dishes.
• Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Snack on fruits, veggies, baked chips, and nuts instead of cookies and other sweets.
• Monitor alcohol intake. Alcohol calories add up extremely fast. More importantly, it has NO sports performance benefit. Be smart when it comes to alcohol.
• Balance is key! No food is good or bad. All foods fit into your nutrition plan if you make sensible choices.

Here are some substitutions that can decrease the fat and calories in many of the typical tailgate foods:

Instead of:	Try:
High fat beef burgers	Extra lean beef or ground turkey burgers
White buns	100% Whole wheat buns
Gumbo/ Jambalaya made with white rice and smoked sausage	Gumbo/ Jambalaya made with brown rice and smoked turkey sausage
Cheesy spinach dip or queso dip with potato chips	Chunky salsa, low fat bean dip, or hummus with raw veggies, baked chips, or whole wheat pita bread
Fried chicken and Fried fish	BBQ or grilled chicken and fish
Sodas, Sweet Tea, Fruit punch, other flavored beverages	Water, Unsweet Tea, Diet soda, Crystal Light

Food Safety is a must for all tailgates.
From the time you buy the food from the grocery to when you pack up all your leftovers, you should always keep your food safe.

• Chop and prep meats and vegetables the day before, using separate knives and cutting boards to prevent contamination.
• Pack raw meats and vegetables separately in a cooler, tighly in foil, and cover completely with ice.
• Have a food thermometer on hand and clean after each use.
• Cook all foods to a safe temperature:
• Fish: 145 degrees
• Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb, and Egg Dishes: 160 degrees
• Poultry, Casseroles, and Leftovers: 165 degrees
• Wrap leftovers in foil and store in ice.
• Throw out all refrigerated foods that have been sitting out for over 2 hours.

Have a happy and healthy football season!

Best of luck to your favorite teams!

Michael Rodgers Tests Positive for Banned Stimulant in Energy Drink

Former American 100-meter champion Michael Rodgers tested positive for a stimulant found in an energy drink and could be ineligible for the world track championships later this month. Rodgers is the 2009 national champion and qualified for this year's team by finishing third at nationals. He said on his Twitter account that he tested positive.

USA Track and Field spokeswoman Jill Greer said the Anti-Doping Agency is handling his case and would decide Rodgers' eligibility for worlds. A hearing could be expedited and held later this week. A backup sample for Rodgers will be tested Wednesday. Tony Campbell, the agent for Rodgers, said the sprinter tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a stimulant that can be found in energy drinks. Campbell said Rodgers ordered a vodka with an energy drink at a club last month, two days before a meet in Lignano, Italy, where he ran the 100 and was a member of the U.S. relay squad.

"Bad decision on his part. Now he is paying the price for it," Campbell said. "We have to clear his name. That's the main thing we want to do right now. Mike is not a druggie. The only thing he is guilty of is making a poor choice." Two years ago, Rodgers was one of the feel-good stories coming out of nationals: An up-and-coming kid who once made a living selling shoes from the trunk of his car. Known for his bright headband, the 26 year old finished third behind Walter Dix and Justin Gatlin at U.S. championships in June.

"He's broken up by this," Campbell said. "I just told him, 'I hope it's an eye opener for you.' But it's tearing him up inside."

Writer: The Associated Press

August 15, 2011