This is your source for healthy food news and events in the Cedar Rapids area during the coming week.
Blue Zones finalists to be announced February 10.
The next step in the Iowa Blues Zones Project takes place Friday, February 10, when a selection committee will announce up to ten finalists from among those 54 Iowa communities that applied to be Blue Zones demonstration sites. The finalists will host site visits between February 27 and March 16, 2012, culminating in the selection of the first demonstration sites in May 2012. The selected communities will receive expert support in making environment, policy and social changes to promote healthier behaviors among residents. Cedar Rapids is among the applicants under consideration.
The next step in the Iowa Blues Zones Project takes place Friday, February 10, when a selection committee will announce up to ten finalists from among those 54 Iowa communities that applied to be Blue Zones demonstration sites. The finalists will host site visits between February 27 and March 16, 2012, culminating in the selection of the first demonstration sites in May 2012. The selected communities will receive expert support in making environment, policy and social changes to promote healthier behaviors among residents. Cedar Rapids is among the applicants under consideration.
One factor in the selection decision is whether a community has a broad base of community support for the project. Show your support by pledging on-line at http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup. Make sure to enter "Cedar Rapids" and a zip code between 52401 and 52411.
Enhance your culinary skills.
Did you know people who eat at home eat healthier than those who dine out? Cooking need not be a chore. Enhance your culinary skills, add new recipes to your repertoire, learn about new foods and wines, or just have fun by checking out one of these classes being offered in the area this week:
Did you know people who eat at home eat healthier than those who dine out? Cooking need not be a chore. Enhance your culinary skills, add new recipes to your repertoire, learn about new foods and wines, or just have fun by checking out one of these classes being offered in the area this week:
Lebanese Cuisine with Maha Cheetany
Feb. 6, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hy-Vee Cooking and Lifestyle School
5050 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids
Learn healthy cooking the Lebanese way with Maha Cheetany, who will be sharing some of her family's favorite recipes. Learn how to make flavorful hummus, bulgur tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. Cost is $15. Pre-registration required. Call 319-378-0762.
Feb. 6, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hy-Vee Cooking and Lifestyle School
5050 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids
Learn healthy cooking the Lebanese way with Maha Cheetany, who will be sharing some of her family's favorite recipes. Learn how to make flavorful hummus, bulgur tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. Cost is $15. Pre-registration required. Call 319-378-0762.
Whole Food Vegan Cuisine: Vegetables and Sauces
February 6, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
Regina High School, Room 313/314, Iowa City
Red Avocado owner and chef David Burt will teach you how to prepare and cook different kinds of vegetables and to incorporate seasonal eating into your lifestyle. Tuition $29; materials fee of $10 payable to instructor at class. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
February 6, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
Regina High School, Room 313/314, Iowa City
Red Avocado owner and chef David Burt will teach you how to prepare and cook different kinds of vegetables and to incorporate seasonal eating into your lifestyle. Tuition $29; materials fee of $10 payable to instructor at class. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
Wine and Artisan Chocolates
February 8, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Benz Beverage Depot, 501 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Just in time for Valentine's Day, explore the coupling of incredible wines including Champagne, Port, Muscat, Merlot, and Rosé with fine artisan chocolates and pick up some gifts for your sweetie. Cost is $10; receive 10% off any purchase. RSVP by calling 319-365-2556 or on-line at benzbeveragedepot.com.
February 8, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Benz Beverage Depot, 501 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Just in time for Valentine's Day, explore the coupling of incredible wines including Champagne, Port, Muscat, Merlot, and Rosé with fine artisan chocolates and pick up some gifts for your sweetie. Cost is $10; receive 10% off any purchase. RSVP by calling 319-365-2556 or on-line at benzbeveragedepot.com.
Cooking for Few: Low-fat Desserts and Sweets
February 8, 2012, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
Northwest Junior High School, Room 114, Coralville
Instructor Barbara Lauer will teach you how to make delicious, low-fat recipes in smaller quantities that won't leave you knee-deep in leftovers. Bring a container to take home samples. Tuition $39, including all material fees. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
February 8, 2012, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
Northwest Junior High School, Room 114, Coralville
Instructor Barbara Lauer will teach you how to make delicious, low-fat recipes in smaller quantities that won't leave you knee-deep in leftovers. Bring a container to take home samples. Tuition $39, including all material fees. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
Wine and Dine Your Valentine
Feb. 9, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hy-Vee Cooking and Lifestyle School
5050 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee chef Josh Delperdang will teach you how to make a special three-course meal for your Valentine. Courses include romaine and blood orange salad with pomegranate vinaigrette; cocoa encrusted filet mignon with cherry port reduction, truffled Yukon gold whipped potatoes and caramelized cippolini onion; and chilled vanilla bean bourbon soup in a chocolate shot glass with a crisp wafer straw and strawberry sorbet. Lisa Frett, Hy-Vee's wine guru, will teach you how to pair a wine with each course. (Must be 21 and over to sample the wine.) Cost is $20. Pre-registration required. Call 319-378-0762.
Feb. 9, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hy-Vee Cooking and Lifestyle School
5050 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee chef Josh Delperdang will teach you how to make a special three-course meal for your Valentine. Courses include romaine and blood orange salad with pomegranate vinaigrette; cocoa encrusted filet mignon with cherry port reduction, truffled Yukon gold whipped potatoes and caramelized cippolini onion; and chilled vanilla bean bourbon soup in a chocolate shot glass with a crisp wafer straw and strawberry sorbet. Lisa Frett, Hy-Vee's wine guru, will teach you how to pair a wine with each course. (Must be 21 and over to sample the wine.) Cost is $20. Pre-registration required. Call 319-378-0762.
Discovering the Grill
February 9, 2012, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
The Hotel at Kirkwood, Room 190A, Cedar Rapids
Chef Daniel Dennis of the Kirkwood Hotel will teach you how to create an entire, professional-caliber meal on the grill, from appetizers to dessert. Bring a chef's knife, apron and plastic container to take your work home. Tuition $69, includes all material fees. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
February 9, 2012, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
The Hotel at Kirkwood, Room 190A, Cedar Rapids
Chef Daniel Dennis of the Kirkwood Hotel will teach you how to create an entire, professional-caliber meal on the grill, from appetizers to dessert. Bring a chef's knife, apron and plastic container to take your work home. Tuition $69, includes all material fees. Register by calling 319-398-1022 or on-line at kirkwood.edu.
Area farmers' markets this week:
Ely Indoor Farmer's Market
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows Street, Ely
Ely Indoor Farmer's Market
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows Street, Ely
Mt. Vernon Indoor Farmer's Market
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 221 First Street East, Mt. Vernon
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 221 First Street East, Mt. Vernon
Urbana Farmers' Market
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Community Room below City Hall, 906 West Main Street, Urbana
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Community Room below City Hall, 906 West Main Street, Urbana
The shopping cart is open at Iowa Valley Food Cooperative.
Looking for a source for local food? The Iowa Valley Food Cooperative links consumers with local producers of meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and other items. Co-op members place their orders on-line from a selection that changes monthly based on the growing season. Orders are filled on a first come, first serve basis. After the ordering cycle closes, members pick up their purchases from a central distribution site (currently First Presbyterian Church, 310 5th Street SE, Cedar Rapids). This month, the shopping cart is open until midnight on Friday, February 10, and orders may be picked up between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15. You must be a member to place an order. To join, visit the Iowa Valley Food Cooperative website.
Looking for a source for local food? The Iowa Valley Food Cooperative links consumers with local producers of meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and other items. Co-op members place their orders on-line from a selection that changes monthly based on the growing season. Orders are filled on a first come, first serve basis. After the ordering cycle closes, members pick up their purchases from a central distribution site (currently First Presbyterian Church, 310 5th Street SE, Cedar Rapids). This month, the shopping cart is open until midnight on Friday, February 10, and orders may be picked up between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15. You must be a member to place an order. To join, visit the Iowa Valley Food Cooperative website.
What's in season now.
In early February, look for lettuce and spinach from local Iowa growers.
Healthy eating tip of the week.
February is American Heart Month. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. Heart disease and strokes are responsible for one in three deaths in the United States and cost us over $444 billion in health care costs and lost productivity. Heart disease is preventable through diet, lifestyle changes and medication.
February is American Heart Month. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. Heart disease and strokes are responsible for one in three deaths in the United States and cost us over $444 billion in health care costs and lost productivity. Heart disease is preventable through diet, lifestyle changes and medication.
Two of the underlying causes of heart disease are inflammation and oxidation. When your body creates energy by burning calories, it creates a by-product, free radicals, much like the exhaust your car emits when it burns gas. Free radicals oxidize the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, making it stick to the arteries and blood vessels, causing injury. When that happens, immune cells rush in to repair the damage, causing inflammation. Inflammation causes even more damage to the blood vessels, thickens the blood and factors in the formation blood clots. These conditions lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Certain foods and herbs promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, fighting inflammation, and acting as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals before they can cause much damage. This week, add these heart-healthy foods to your diet:
- Almonds: Almonds provide vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. Eat a handful as a snack before working out, or use them to add flavor and crunch to a vegetable side dish.
- Beans: Beans and other legumes like lentils are high in folate, which reduces inflammation, and fiber, which helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Eat protein-rich beans in place of meat for a few of your meals this week. Try black bean burritos or lentil and vegetable soup.
- Dark leafy greens: Spinach, kale and chard are high in magnesium, which improves heart function. Add fresh spinach to sandwiches and salads and chop up a handful of dark leafy greens to add to soups and stews.
- Olive oil: This is a heart-healthy super food. Olive oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and reduces cholesterol levels. Use in cooking in place of other oils, to make salad dressings, and to season vegetable dishes in lieu of butter.
- Pomegranate: This fruit has properties similar to pharmaceutical ACE inhibitors used to treat heart disease. Use the seeds in salads and rice pilafs and other grain dishes. Use the juice to make salad dressings and smoothies.
- Rosemary: This fragrant herb is a powerful antioxidant. Use it to enhance everything from meats to vegetables to soups and stews. Toss root vegetables with a few tablespoons olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, salt and pepper and roast in a 400°F oven until tender.
Have a happy and healthy Super Bowl Sunday and week ahead.
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