The Importance of Calcium

Growing up I was constantly reminded how important calcium is for bone strength and for a healthy diet. My mom asked me to drink a glass of milk every day or eat yogurt to make sure I was getting enough of this vital nutrient. Unfortunately, as I got older this became more difficult. Approximately 65% of humans have a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Most of these people are able to consume small amounts of dairy, but consuming too much can often result in abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea. In addition some dietary choices, like being vegan, necessitate the elimination of animal products from meals.

However, calcium is essential as we age, especially for women. About 8 million American women have osteoporosis, which is the development of pores in the bones which cause them to become very fragile. Women reaching or past menopause are at a higher risk since estrogen levels are dropping. Approximately 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 (nearly 50%!) will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Good lifestyle habits including exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, but one of the most important things is to make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet! The US Department of Health Services recommends 1,300mg per day for females ages 9-18, 1,000mg per day for females ages 19-50 (unless pregnant), and 1,200mg per day for females ages 51 and older.

So what calcium rich alternatives to dairy are out there?

1. Non-dairy Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, and rice milk can be found at most grocery stores today and can be rich in calcium, especially if fortified. Calcium fortified almond milk contains 451mg of calcium per 1 cup serving, and just 90 calories. Calcium fortified soy milk contains 299mg of calcium per 1 cup serving, and 80 calories. Calcium fortified rice milk contains 283mg of calcium per 1 cup serving and 113 calories.
2. Tofu: Tofu is made by extracting protein from soy milk, and is used as a popular meat substitute among vegetarians and vegans. With 1/2 cup serving tofu, you’re getting 434mg of calcium plus lean protein for 94 calories.
3. Tempeh: Tempeh is essentially fermented soybeans compacted into patties and used as a meat substitute. With a 1/2 cup serving of tempeh you'll get 92mg of calcium, lean protein, and fiber for 160 calories.
4. Edamame: These green soybeans are available fresh or frozen at most stores and make a great snack or addition to a meal such as stir fry. A 1 cup serving contains 98mg of calcium and 189 calories.
5. Collard Greens: This leafy vegetable can be used as a wrap or cooked and served as a side dish. A 1 cup serving (cooked) contains 268mg of calcium and 63 calories.
6. Spinach: Spinach packs a surprising calcium punch, delivering 241 mg in just a 1/2 cup cooked portion, making it perfect for salads or in smoothies.
7. Okra: Okra is high in fiber, low in calories, and packs plenty of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. A 1 cup serving (cooked) contains 123mg of calcium and 35 calories.
8. Broccoli: A 1 cup serving of this versitile vegetable contains 62mg of calcium and 55 calories.
9. Arugula: Add some arugula in your next salad as a 1 cup serving contains 32mg of calcium and only 5 calories.
10. Canned Fish: Canned fish is a great item to add to your grocery list- it's inexpensive and a great source of both lean protein and omega 3's. Per 3 ounce serving, canned sardines contain 216mg of calcium and 166 calories. Canned mackarel contains 205mg of calcium and 133 calories. Canned salmon contains 181mg of calcium and 118 calories.
11. Dried Figs: Dried figs are a sweet snack that provides a small boost of calcium. A 1/2 cup serving contains 150mg of calcium and 186 calories.
12. Fortified Orange Juice: Fortified orange juice is another beverage you can consume to increase your calcium intake- just watch the sugar content! A 1 cup serving contains 300mg of calcium and 117 calories.

Here is one of my new favorite smoothies that is loaded with extra calcium!

TransFit Almond Dream Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Vanilla Unsweetened Silk Almond Milk
• 1 serving Chocolate protein powder
• ½  frozen banana
• 1 tsp+ cinnamon
• 1 TBSP Chia Seed
• 1 cup peeled & chopped zuchinni (keep these in freezer in chunks)
• 12 almonds (should be 1/8 cup)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 5-6  ice cubes
•  ** can add 1-2 drops Stevia liquid or 1 TBSP honey or 1 pitted date for added sweetness!

–Blend, Serve & Enjoy

Blessings,

Caroline

Healthy Superbowl Snacks

I am so excited for the Super Bowl this Sunday that naturally I've been spending this week testing out appetizer recipes. Whoever said that you have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy has clearly never tried these snacks before!  Here are three of my favorites! 

Zucchini Fries

• 3 Medium Zucchinis, sliced into sticks
• 2 large egg whites, beaten
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside. In a small bowl, beat egg whites with a fork until frothy. Put the breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, garlic powder and cheese on a plate-I used a pie tin. Mix well. Dip the zucchini sticks in the egg whites and then into the bread crumb mixture, make sure all sides get coated well. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet. I did the sticks one by one. Bake at 425° for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and a little crispy, turning the fries half way through. Serve warm. We like to dip ours in marinara sauce.

Edamame and Avocado Spread

From Southern My Way Food & Family

• 1 (12 oz) package frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
• zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons of juice)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

In a food processor, combine edamame, avocado, shallot, lemon zest and juice, cumin, coriander and salt. Pulse until almost smooth. Scrape down sides using a rubber spatula. Add oil, water and parsley; process until smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve with crudité, flatbread, or crackers, or as a sandwich spread.

Hot Caprese Dip

• 10 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes
• 2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

I'm always looking for new recipes to try so let me know what your favorite healthy Super Bowl appetizers are, and check out the post from last year if you need any other appetizer inspirations! The healthy spinach  & artichoke dip with homemade pita chips is one of my ol' favorites! 

Blessings,

Caroline