Beat the Heat in Iowa

Iowa is not cooling down anytime soon and with the consistent lack of rain, crop production is sure affected.. but our health can be affected too if we aren't smart with staying hydrated..During these uncomfortable, hot and humid days in Iowa, I do my best to drink the extra water throughout the day!  With our body made up of 70% water, now more than ever, water is crucial to help replenish fluids lost from our bodies....Sometimes the plain old water needs a little something extra and fun, though. 

Water Coolers is a sparkling beverage with zero calories and comes in a variety of delicious flavors like peach, black cherry and kiwi strawberry.  Great way to drink in some flavor and stay hydrated..



Here is a refreshing tea that will give you a boost of antioxidants to keep your skin protected from those hot summer rays...

Raspberry Iced Tea

Serves 8

All you need:

• 3 cups Hy-Vee 100% cranberry raspberry juice
• 3 cups Hy-Vee raspberry Water Cooler
• 2 cups water
• 4 tsp Lipton™ instant iced tea mix
• 24 fresh raspberries

All you do:

• In a large pitcher, stir together juice, Water Cooler, water and tea mix.
• Place 2 raspberries into each cube of a (12-count) divided ice cube tray. Pour tea mixture evenly among cubes. Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight. Refrigerate remaining iced tea.
• To serve, place ice cubes in iced tea. Refrigerate remaining tea.

Nutrition information per serving:

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrate: 13 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Sugar: 13 g

Always important to keep your caffeine intake lower during these hot days as it will only lead to further dehydration. Why not trade out the regular coffee or pop for a water cooler? Hydration leads to longer lasting energy and helps you beat the heat!

The Laughing Cow Alfredo

The Laughing Cow Alfredo

Are you a cheese lover?  If so, I am sure you have at least heard of laughing cow cheese and even hopefully tried it! It is a delicious, low-fat, low-calorie cheese that is creamy, delicious and versatile for many different recipes.  I am a pasta lover and have always been partial to cream sauces.  Typical fettuccine alfredo recipes can pack on many calories... a dinner portion at Olive Garden is 1200 calories, 75 grams fat and 99 grams of carbohydrates. This can be discouraging for those who LOVE alfredo pasta.  Well, you are in a treat! I have the perfect recipe for you if you love alfredo sauce.. This is a MUCH healthier version and yes, the flavor is still present!  Plus, it is super easy and your family and friends will love it. It is called the Laughing Cow Alfredo.  It is a perfect pair with cooked broccoli.

Ingredients
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. butter
3 wedges Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss Cheese

Instructions
Combine all ingredients on low until melted.  Stir with your favorite cooked vegetable and whole-grain or high fiber pasta.

Tip:  If you want a thicker sauce,  take a few spoonfuls of the combine sauce and pour into a separate small bowl.  Add a bit of corn starch and stir until mixed.  Pour corn starch mixture back into sauce, to help thicken. 

Enjoy!!

Nutrition for Healthy Vision
Have you had an eye screening that checks your levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in your eyes?  If not yet, it is not too late for a screening!
Lutein and zeaxanthin are critical in maintaining the health of your eyes.  The American diet only provides about 2 mg daily - far below intakes clinically shown to help your eyes stay healthy.
Taking eye vitamins containing 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin can help bridge this gap.
Alcon ICaps Lutein & Omega-3 is formulated with FloraGLO brand lutein, the most trusted brand by doctors.

From a nutrition standpoint :-), eating dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, can help boost your lutein and zeaxanthin levels as well.  For best absorption, add some fat to your greens, i.e. regular dressing with spinach.  Stay clear of the fat-free varieties! Great news, huh?

The benefits of taking lutein and zeaxanthin every day:

• Maintains healthy vision as you age
• Act as powerful antioxidants that work like internal sunglasses, protecting your eyes from damaging light
• Shown to reduce the risk of certain eye conditions
• Reduces the time your eyes need to recover from glaring light, like headlights, while driving at night

Based on the results of the National Disease and Therapeutic Index Syndicated Report among physicians who recommend a dietary supplement with lutein for eye health - Aug. 2010 - Aug. 2011 (USA data).