Twinkies

Curious about what is in a Twinkie?  You can actually see the ingredients - all 37 of them - on the Today's Show website at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38872091/ns/today-foodwine.

Protein and Meatless Monday

You can figure out your own recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein. Just grab a calculator, and multiply your ideal weight by 0.37 grams of protein. So if your ideal weight is 150 pounds:


150 lb. x 0.37 grams protein = 56 grams of protein per day

But for active people and older adults, calculate 0.45–0.54 grams of protein per pound of body weight. So, if you’re moderately active and your ideal weight is about 150:

150 lb. x 0.45 grams protein = 68 grams of protein
150 lb. x 0.54 grams protein = 81 grams of protein

This means you should get 68–81 grams of protein per day.

So how do you get your protein on Meatless Monday?  Because little protein comes from vegetables, you’ll need to be aware of other foods from which you can obtain the protein you need. By eating regularly from the foods on the list below, you’ll get more than enough. Remember, too, that combining several foods in one recipe makes it easier.

8 oz. milk/yogurt = 8 grams protein
1 cup tempeh = 31 grams
1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw vegetables = 2 grams
1 cup cooked beans = 16 grams
1/2 cup tofu = 8 grams
1 large egg = 7 grams
2 Tbs. peanut butter = 8 grams
1 cup low-fat ricotta/cottage cheese = 28 grams
1 oz. nuts = 6 grams
1 cup regular trail mix = 21 grams

3 food rules you should steal from the world’s healthiest diet

The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest—those who follow it are less likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol or become obese. Follow these simple rules for a healthier lifestyle.

1. Stock your pantry and cook at home. Do your best to cook more and use whole, unprocessed ingredients so you can control portion sizes, salt and calories.

2. Get most of your protein from beans and fish. By displacing meat, you’ll lower your saturated-fat intake while adding healthful nutrients, like fiber and antioxidant-rich flavonols.

3. Make olive oil your staple fat. Use heart-healthy olive oil as well as other plant-based oils like canola and walnut oil instead of saturated-fat-laden, LDL cholesterol-raising butter, lard or shortening—even in baking.