LSU Food & Health Experts Offer Tips for a Healthy and Delicious Thanksgiving Meal

LSU Athletic Department's Registered Dietician Jamie Mascari was recently interviewed for a piece that ran on Louisiana State University's website. She was asked to discuss how student athletes, and others interested in eating well, handle the holiday season. Find out Jamie's tips and straegies that she suggests to maneuver holiday feasts without steering too far off your meal plans. To read the complete story, please click on the link below.

http://www.lsu.edu/departments/gold/2011/11/thanksgiving.shtml

Supplement Contamination = Positive Drug Test

Athletes must be very cautious with any type of dietary supplement. Even though the ingredient label may not list any known banned substances, contamination with banned ingredients is still possible. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements, which means the supplements’ manufacturers are the ones responsible for ensuring the ingredient list is correct, not the government. This has led to many problems with athletes and positive drug tests.

In the following NUTRAingredients.com article: CLICK HERE for the full article

2 athletes were tested positive for the substance DMAA, also known as: 1,3-dimethlyamylamine, dimethlyamylamine, dimethlypentylamine, forthan, forthane, floradrene, geranamine, geranium oil, and geranium flower extract. These athletes argued that the product they took was contaminated and the DMAA was not listed on the ingredient list.

It is extremely important to remember that not all supplement products are safe, even if they are sold over-the-counter and have an ingredient list that seems okay. Before buying or trying any supplement, be sure to check FIRST with Sr. Associate Athletic Trainer, Shelly Mullenix, Head Strength Coach, Tommy Moffitt, and/or Sports Dietitian, Jamie Mascari. Being SAFE is always better than being SORRY.

Death of Teen: Synthetic Marijuana Takes Another Life

A recent story on msnbc.com shared the story of a 13-year old boy who tragically died after needing a lung transplant brought on by use of synthetic marijuana. it is just another example of the dangers we face when using these types of drugs. We know this is a man-made drug that is labeled not for human consumption for a reason. It's side effects are very random from person to person and use to use. Reports of psychosis, loss of appetite, very rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure as well as heat intolerance are just a few of the symptoms that have been noted after even single use. Click the link below to read the story of this teenager whose life was cut short by the use of synthetic marijuana.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45062477

Synthetic Marijuana: Serious Consequences

Use of synthetic marijuana has been discussed within the LSU Athletic Department for some time now. Early warnings regarding the legality and dangers of smoking synthetic marijuana have been clearly outlined within LSU's ADAP Substance Abuse Policy. It is clear that this man-made product is very dangerous, having very negative consequences on one's ability to perform in the classroom and perform at high levels athletically. While we have heard cases of random deaths from the use of synthetic marijuana, it hit fairly close to home with the death of a Division I Men's Basketball player from Anderson University in South Carolina. Click the link below to read the details of this tradegy.

http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/15706199/coroner-synthetic-pot-killed-anderson-university-basketball-player

Texas Toast Tomato Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 (9.5 oz.) package five-cheese texas toast
2 lb. assorted heirloom tomatoes
1/4 cup bottled blue cheese vinaigrette
6 tbsp. torn fresh basil
Salt and pepper
Garnishes: crumbled blue cheese, fresh basil leaves

Directions:
Prepare Texas toast according to package directions. Meanwhile, halve larger tomatoes and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices; halve or quarter smaller tomatoes. Gently toss tomatoes with vinaigrette, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over hot Texas toast. Garnish, if desired.

Southern Living July 2011

Spicy Chicken-Corn Chowder

Ingredients:
8 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut in bite-size pieces
1 1/2 cups chopped red sweet pepper
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1-2 fresh jalepeno peppers, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 large Yukon gold potatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves

Directions:
In a 5-6 quart Dutch oven cook bacon until crisp. Remove with spoon; set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in pan. Add chicken to pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Stir over medium-high heat until chicken is no longer pink; remove. Add sweet onion and pepper to pan. Cook and stir until tender. Add jalapenos and garlic; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or just until potatoes are tender; stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken, corn, cream, cayenne, and bay leaves. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Discard bay leaves. Top with jalapeno slices, if desired.

Better Homes and Gardens

Strawberry-Ricotta Bruschetta

Ingredients:
2 tablespoon(s) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1 pound(s) strawberries, hulled and cut into 1/3-inch slices
8 slice(s) (each 3/4 inch thick and 5 inches wide) rustic country bread
1 container(s) ricotta cheese
1 bunch(es) (about 32 leaves) basil, torn if large

Directions:
In large bowl, stir brown sugar, vinegar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves. Stir in sliced strawberries. Let stand 1 hour. Toast bread until golden brown. Cool completely. Spread 2 tablespoons on each bread slice. Alternate strawberries and basil leaves in a single layer, overlapping slices. Drizzle strawberry juices over top and serve.

Good Housekeeping