Happy Thursday! Like I had mentioned the other day, today I attended the seminar Better Brains, Better Bodies presented by the Institute for Natural Resources. The seminar was really interesting. Since I work with kids, I tend to usually use my continuing education to keep current in that area. It’s nice to get a change of pace and keep up to date on other areas as well.
There was a lot of information and studies provided. I would recommend one of these seminars if you are an R.D. Here is a recap of some of the studies that were reviewed:
- “Research suggests maintaining a healthy body weight during adulthood may help prevent or delay the onset of age-related physical disability.”
- Chronic excessive calorie consumption is linked to compromised cell function as well as the promotion of various disorders.
- Two prospective studies have found those who consumed diets higher in Vitamin E (through foods, not supplements), had a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
- A number of studies support the theory that “elevated blood cholesterol is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
- A study that tested patients who were sleep deprived for 6 days (4 hours of sleep per night), showed “profound alterations of glucose metabolism.”
Other little tidbits I found interesting:
- Every ten years, our body needs 100 fewer calories per day.
- Being obese in adult life, doubles your risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
- 1/2 pound of muscle mass is lost every year as we age.
Source: Better Brains/Better Bodies seminar instructed by Thomas Deahl, D.M.D., Ph.D.
On to my dinner eats!
I finally thought it was time to tackle making spaghetti squash. I think time is the biggest factor when making this dish. Since I got done earlier than my normal work day, I thought it would be a perfect time to try it out. I took some of my mom’s advice but also found some directions when looking online.
How to Bake a Spaghetti Squash: source
- Prick spaghetti squash with a skewer several times.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake in shallow pan for one hour.
- After cool, cut in half using serrated knife.
- Scoop out seeds.
- Gently scrape with fork to shred.
I had my spaghetti squash serve as pasta for this dish. I sautéed garlic then added onion and cherry tomatoes. I cooked those until softened. I topped onto the spaghetti squash and sprinkled with feta.
Oh my gosh..this dish was amazing! The flavors all tasted so good together. The great thing is I have leftovers! I will definitely be making it again!
Tonight I am heading off to meet my mom for a wine tasting. We found this cute wine shop by my parents house called Valley Cheese and Wine. Each week they offer a different class. Tonight’s class that we are going to is about French Wines.
I am having a girls night this weekend for Valentine’s Day with some tasty treats which I will be sure to share. My parents are also having my sister and I over for a Valentine’s dinner. I guess they could be my Valentine this year.
Any Valentine’s Day plans?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely love spaghetti squash. So versatile. I’ve even made patties out of them. YUM. I think a wine class sounds fantastic. Hope you you enjoy! Can’t wait to hear some of your favorites.
Awesome post! What a cool talk! I can never get enough of them
And, great spaghetti squash making info! Hopefully, I can get it to “string” now! Happy Valentines Day 
I have always wanted to try spaghetti squash as a substitute for pasta. I just had no clue what it looked like or how to do it. Now i’m good to go. Thanks!
I also had Spaghetti Squash for dinner! Yours is much prettier than mine was though
No specific Valentine’s plan for me. It’s actually a good friends birthday, so we’re going out Saturday night, but I think Vday will just be studying and maybe a little Yoga.
Ah the spaghetti squash. Aren’t all squashes fantastic. I like the butternut as a side dish. Nice site!
Thank you for the terrific, interesting information! I’m especially excited to learn about the Vitamin D studies…
Your spaghetti squash looks incredible! I adore spaghetti squash, and I love your idea of topping it with feta! Yum!!
I’m currently sick but when I get a little better, I’m going to make that spaghetti squash, it looks so good!
Glad you had a good time at the seminar, sounds like an interesting event.
Not sure about Vday, was meant to be at the Exercise to music workshop (the whole day) but it will have to be postponed.
That seminar looks great. Take home message: Alzheimer’s is strongly linked to diet! I knew that calories needs decreased over the years, but that’s a simple equation to remember – thank you!
No V-day plans here (isn’t the first year of marriage supposed to be a tad more thrilling?)!
Have fun with your girlfriends – that sounds like a lot of fun! And my daddy has been my valentine several times! No shame!
Your squash looks delicious! Once I tried to make spaghetti squash and it just turned out all weird. Not good at all.
Im actually working at the flaming ice cube sunday so ill be there till about seven them Ill be spending the day with my favorite person (my mom!) and baking up a storm.
Sounds like an interesting seminar! Thanks for sharing the research; I think nutritional studies involving brain function are so fascinating!
Isn’t spaghetti squash amazing?! Your dish looks fantastic. Cory and I debated cooking for V-day but I think we may order sushi take out instead because we both have been craving sushi. Have a great weekend!
Those stats are so depressing! 100 calories less every ten years??? I want more! haha, well in reality I think I will lose my appetite as I age anyway (although that doesn’t seem to happen until we REALLY age, like age 70…) Oh well, I’ll keep being active! I love seminars like that, I’m a nerd and get really into them.
Nick and I did a low key night last night (which was our valentine’s day celebration because he works on Sunday). We did lobster and steak at home, then watched the Olympics! Perfect.
Enjoy the wine tasting, and dinner with the family. Sounds like a great time to me! I can’t wait to see the “tasty treats”.
{ 2 trackbacks }