Event: 2nd Annual 10TV Health & Fitness Expo

"The 10TV Health & Fitness Expo is an event designed to capture the attention of tens of thousands of health conscious consumers. Attendees are given access to free potentially life saving health tests and screenings and valuable medical and health information, even as they are engaged and entertained by a variety of interactive sports and activities that are fun for the whole family, including Healthy Cooking demonstrations, soccer, rock climbing, and much more."

When: August 20 - 21, 2011

Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center: 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Time: 10am - 5pm

Cost: Free (open to the public)

More Info

Native Ohio Plants for Sale

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the Beth Coyne, creator and operator of Nodding Onion Gardens. 

This is a family run business that is working to preserve plants native to the area.

Why use native plants?  

*Many reasons:

• Once established they don't require watering or fertilizing
• Many attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife
• Natural resistance to the insects and diseases common to the area and therefore will maintain health without intervention
• You are helping to bring a bit of ecological balance to the area
• You are helping to replace lost food and habitat for native wildlife

Spider Wort

Beth was very knowledgeable in helping me find a pretty blue plant, that would spread readily.  She suggested a Spider Wort and it's already taking off with no intervention from me.

Prices are more than fair, maybe too fair - ranging from $1.00 - $7.00, from the selection that I saw.

Currently Nodding Onion Garden's has a booth at the Frostville Museum Farmer's Market.  They also have a limited selection of plants through Diederich Florist, located at 38599 Center Ridge Rd. North Ridgeville, OH 44039.

If you are looking for low maintenance, hardy plants check this place out.

Contact Beth or Marty Coyne for specific requests or questions: contact.us@noddingoniongardens.com

Happy Planting!
The Hoff

*Source: http://www.dfsgardenclub.org/natives/intro.htm

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

FREE: Cookouts Veggie Style! (Kindle Book)

I just downloaded my free Kindle Book, Cookouts Veggie Style! from Amazon.com.

I don't have a Kindle, so I just downloaded some software (also free) from Amazon in order to read this book via my computer.  You will be prompted once you "purchase."

I don't know how long this has been offered or how long it will continue to be free, so you better not hesitate.

Shout out to Debbie for sharing!

The Hoff

How Do You Use Your Vitamix?

Dear Healthy Hoff,

Love the site, can't get enough!  You've mentioned your Vitamix in a few posts.  I'm thinking of getting one, what do you with yours?

Thanks!
Blender Envy





Dear Blender Envy,

I'm so excited - you're my first fan mail!  And you've inspired a new section on The Healthy Hoff - Ask The Hoff!  Just email your question to thehoff@healthyhoff.com and if I know the answer, I'll post it on the blog - comments and suggestions are welcomed as well!

Back to business...

This is an excellent question!  When I contemplate any purchase let alone a substantial purchase, such as a Vitamix ($$$), I ask friends, family, co-workers (anyone who will listen) a few key questions:

1. What do you use "it" for?
2. How often do you use "it."
3. How long have you had "it."
4. What do you love/hate about "it."

Facebook is great for this type of research as well as Amazon personal reviews of products.

This way I can see if the appliance or "purchase" will fit into my current lifestyle and actually be used instead of wasting away in the basement.

So here it is, the Top 10 Things my Vitamix does for me:

1. Fresh Orange Juice - every Saturday & Sunday
   
2. Rice Milk - once a week
3. Smoothies - every day
4. Fruit Pops - periodically throughout summer
5. Soups - once a week throughout fall & winter
6. Sauces/Dressings - periodically
7. Fruit Sorbets - periodically throughout summer & spring
8. Hummus - once a week
9. "Milkshakes" - periodically throughout the year
10. Almond Butter - once a month

There are a ton more things the Vitamix can do, but that's what I specifically use it for on a consistent basis.

Happy Blending!

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Event: Vegetarian Summerfest

37th Annual Conference of the North American Vegetarian Society

When: July 5 - 7, 2011
Where: Conference Center at Pitt-Johnstown, on the picturesque campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA

Over 50 speakers!

Get the full 411!

Benefits of Summer Produce

Repost Courtesy of: Beachbody

Seasonal Summer Produce
By: Cecilia H. Lee
 

· Apples: Different varieties come in season starting in mid- to late summer and right on through autumn. Be sure to eat them skin and all to get the best health benefits.

· Apricots: Originally from China, apricots are not only delicious, but they're also a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Look for fruits that are plump, firm, and uniform in color.

· Avocados: Though their seasons vary, summer is a good time to find ripe avocados in your local stores. High in monounsaturated fats, they also contain vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, plus a couple of those B vitamins.

· Basil: Summer is the best season to enjoy this aromatic herb—a great ingredient to liven up pastas, sandwiches, or salads.

· Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, a handful of these babies are great when you toss them into a low-fat smoothie or on top of some yogurt for a nutritious snack.

· Carrots: Not only are carrots good road-trip snacks, they also have pro-vitamin A carotenes that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

· Chard: Like spinach, chard is low in calories and contains phytonutrients including syringic acid, which inhibits carbs from breaking down into simple sugars, thus warding off issues like diabetes by keeping blood sugar steady.

· Cherries: Cherries are high in vitamin C and potassium, and if you go pick them yourself, you'll get the additional benefit of some good old-fashioned exercise.

· Corn: A summer BBQ staple, its folate and B vitamins can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

· Cucumbers: Cucumbers are great for your skin, muscles, and connective tissue, plus they're chock-full of water, fiber, and vitamin C.

· Eggplant: The beautiful purple skin found on these late-summer vegetables is good food for your brain.

· Fennel: This Mediterranean bulb is rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients, especially anethole, which a 2000 University of Texas study showed to have some anti-cancer effects.

· Figs: Fresh figs available during the hot months are a great source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

· Garlic: Volumes have been written on the benefits of this stinky bulb, which include how good it is for heart health and how its antiviral properties may be able to help keep us from getting sick.

· Grapes: Great for snacking, they're low in calories and contain the heart disease-fighting phytonutrient resveratrol, normally associated with red wine.

· Green beans: Steam these crisp vegetables for a healthy side dish that's filled with carotenoids, which are great for your heart and more.

· Lemongrass: Used in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking, this citrusy herb is high in folic acid and has been shown to have antioxidant and disease-preventing properties.

· Lettuce: Not all greens are equal, so go for the mixed greens, romaine, or red leaf lettuce for the best benefits in your salads.

· Mangos: Though higher in calories, one cup of diced mango can provide 75 percent of your daily vitamin C recommendation.

· Melons: Cantaloupes and honeydews should be heavy for their size and give off a sweet, melony smell. And watermelons aren't just refreshing, they help hydrate you and give you antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

· Nectarines: Look for firm fruits with smooth skin, and enjoy them for their delicious flavor and vitamin C.

· Okra: Delicious grilled or in gumbo, this summer vegetable has an abundance of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folates.

· Onions: Onions are high in polyphenols and flavonoids, which means good news for your cardiovascular system.

· Oregano: Found in cuisines from the Mediterranean to Mexico, this herb is great for its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities.

· Peas: These delicious and easy-to-eat legumes help support blood sugar regulation.

· Peppers: Originally native to Central and South America, these spicy and sweet beauties contain lots of natural antioxidants.

· Plums: Related to other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots, these antioxidant-rich fruits are also great for helping with iron and vitamin C absorption.

· Rhubarb: Rhubarb is good for more than just pie—it's a high source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

· Spinach: As Popeye can attest, spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, rich in lots of vitamins, and especially in iron and calcium.

· Strawberries: Most strawberries are grown in California and Florida, where the peak growing season is April through June. Most other places will see local berries in July, just in time for an Independence Day celebration. Grab a bowlful and get ready for off-the-chart levels of vitamin C and fiber.

· Summer squash and zucchini: Usually in season between May and July, these relatives of the melon are great for your heart.

· Tarragon: This culinary herb has been used in medicine throughout history for such things as stimulating appetite and alleviating insomnia. It's also great for calcium, manganese, iron, and a bunch of vitamins.

· Tomatillos: Little green cousins of gooseberries, these summer vegetables are high in niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin C.

· Tomatoes: Vine-ripened varieties of tomatoes are in season from July through September. They're high in lycopene, a great antioxidant.

Click here for original article

Cecilia H. Lee is a food and travel writer, an artist, and a chef. A James Beard Award nominee, she has authored several books. Her latest, Quick & Easy Mexican Cooking, includes delicious, nutritious Mexican recipes you can make in just 30 minutes or less. When she's not climbing a mountain somewhere, Cecilia writes, eats, and gardens in Los Angeles.