Food, Recipe, and Activity of the Week - November 2, 2008
This week's features include:
Food - Rutabaga
Recipe - Vegetable noodle soup
Activity - Hula-hooping
History
Rutabagas, a cross between a cabbage and a white turnip, are native to Sweden. This root vegetable gets its name from the Swedish word “rotabagge” meaning round root. From Sweden, rutabagas were first introduced into Scotland, and from there to the rest of Britain and North America. Rutabagas were virtually unknown in the United States until the 19th century.
Facts
Rutabagas, sometimes called “yellow turnips”, are available all year round with a peak in the fall and winter. They range from tan to violet in color and are much larger than turnips. When purchasing rutabagas choose ones that are smooth, heavy, and firm. Avoid roots with hairy rootlets that indicate age. Rutabagas should be stored in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, preferably the refrigerator. They will store for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or one week at room temperature. To prepare rutabagas, use a chef’s knife to cut of the root ends first, and then peel around the sides.
Rutabagas are a good source of Vitamin C and have two grams of fiber in a half cup serving. They are also low in calories and fat and cholesterol free. To include rutabagas in your diet put them in stews or casseroles, mash them like potatoes, or roast quartered rutabagas with other root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Nutritional information (per 1/2 cup serving): 25 calories, 0 g fat, 6 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein, 0 g cholesterol, 15 mg sodium
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup noodles
- 1/4 cup rutabaga, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/2 cup other vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots, peas, zucchini, turnip)
- 1-15 ounce can diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add noodles, vegetables, and tomatoes.
- Return mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer soup until noodles and vegetable are tender.
Nutrition Information: 90 calories, 0 grams total fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 2 grams fiber, 180 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol.
You probably haven't tried hula-hooping since you were a kid, but it is actually a really great work out for your abdominal, back, and hip muscles. If you have kids, go out and join them in a hoola-hooping contest. As a parent, being an active role model will increase your child's participation in physical activities. Plus it helps you stay fit too! If you do not have kids, you can still hoola-hoop to some fun music on the radio. Any song with a quick beat will help you get those hips moving! A 150 lb person can burn approximately 50 calories hula-hooping for 10 minutes.
Note: always consult with a physician before starting a new exercise program.