Recipe of the Week

This week's recipe is from Real Simple Magazine.. it's less than 400 calories per serving!

Roasted Shrimp with Peppers and Lemons

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 30m

Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
4 scallions, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound frozen large peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Heat oven to 450° F. Cook the rice according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, lemon, thyme, scallions, red pepper, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper.
Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet (reserving the bowl).
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss with the paprika, remaining tablespoon of oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Nestle in the mixture on the baking sheet.
Roast until the shrimp are cooked through and the bell peppers are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve over the rice. 

Fit Tip

Exercise is good for your body-but did you know it’s also good for your stress level? Virtually any form of exercise-from aerobics to strength training-can act as a stress reliever. This is because exercise can improve your sleep and your mood- and lower symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Also, it can help pump up your endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in your brain.

This week's Fit Tip was submitted by B. R., Union County Health Dept

-From Mayo Clinic Embody Health, a monthly publication by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.



Check out this website and learn  How to Save Money on Healthy Foods!

Recipe of the Week

This recipe of the week is courtesy of one of our committee members, K.P.

It just became fall, and we still have a ton of summer squash and zucchini left in our gardens.  A weekly (well, close to weekly) staple at our house is Squash Pasta.  It doesn't sound too good, but it tastes amazing.  It's really just pasta with zucchini and yellow squash on top.


First, start by adding Garlic Expressions to a medium skillet on medium heat.  Garlic Expressions can be found at Giant Eagle and/or Kroger in Ohio.  You can also order it online here: Garlic Expressions This stuff is great as a saute aide, a marinade, or even a salad dressing.  All Natural and made in Ohio.

Next, slice 1 zucchini and 1 yellow squash in 1/4 inch rounds.  Place the squashes in the skillet with the GE and allow them to cook.  Sometimes, if I am in a hurry, I will put a lid on skillet and sweat the squashes and force them to cook faster.  They will be a little softer if you do them this way.  Or, you can cook them until they start to caramelize.

While the squashes are sauteing, start a pot of boiling water and add 1 cup of your favorite kind of pasta.  We use either a whole wheat penne, rigatoni, or a vegetable pasta.  Once the pasta and the squashes are cooked to your liking, make up a plate by either first putting down the pasta and topping with squash or, put the squash on the side.

Since we had a ripe tomato in the garden, we chopped it up and added it to the squash at the last minute.  You can skip this step or add more, whatever tickles your fancy.  This dish is also good with sprinkle or shaved Parmesan cheese.  The whole meal takes about 15 minutes to cook, and depending on the pasta you use, is only about 300 calories.  Serves 2.  Enjoy!

UC Fit with Five

Our current challenge is UC Fit with Five... are YOU up to it??

Do you think you can be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day and eat at least 5 fruits and veggies a day?  Well if you think you can, this challenge is for YOU!  This is an eight week challenge between September and November.  Participants will receive 3 points for each day they eat 5 fruits and veggies (can be a combo, but must be at least 2 fruits and 2 vegetables).  A total of 21 points can be accumulated each week.  Participants will also receive 3 points for each day they are physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes.  Again, a total of 21 points can be earned for the week.  To be receive points for exercise, participants must be active for at least 26 of the 56 day challenge.

There will be a drawing for prizes for those participants who complete the challenge and have logged at least a total of 168 points out of a possible 336.

This challenge is based on the honor system, so be truthful.  Also, the cost of this challenge is FREE!  Don't you just love free stuff?!

Check out the Challenges and Events page to get more information and log sheets!

Where do I find...

Where can I find past articles. print-outs, fliers, or reference pages for Challenges and Events, links to past recipes, or other items?

Check out the tabs along the top of the page.  These tabs will keep a running history or any post regarding their respective category.

Or, check out the bullet points at the bottom of the page. Here you can find the printable event fliers, log sheets, and other helpful information to assist you during your journey to enhanced overall wellness!

Welcome!

Welcome! and Thanks for visiting UC Fit. 

UC Fit is a committee that hosts year round programs that aim to educate employees of Union County on the importance of good health for themselves and their families, encourage action to improve their health and increase awareness of preventive care services to aide in early detection of health problems.

Check back frequently to learn about our current wellness program, Lunch and Learn series, preventive wellness screening opportunities, and more!  We will also be featuring health and fitness tips as well as recipes, articles, videos.  If you have questions or would like to know more about specific activities send us an email at UC Fit.

Have a great day!