Study Break

Good evening, all! I’ve spent much of today studying for my metabolism midterm tomorrow, and I still don’t feel comfortable with the material…so I am combining studying with blogging this evening. Consider it educational entertainment.

Did you know?

• The first set of Recommended Daily Allowances for Americans was published in 1941, with the intent of producing more healthy soldiers fit to fight in World War II.

• Saliva serves not only to moisten food and facilitate chewing/swallowing, but also to provide antibacterial protection in the mouth.

• The stomach is not an important absorptive organ—only small amounts of lipid and alcohol can be absorbed. (Most absorption occurs in the small intestine).

• Adult hypolactasia (i.e., lactose intolerance) is actually the normal phenotype; those who are able to digest lactose past childhood are considered to have a “disorder” called persistent adult lactasia.

• Recent studies have indicated that by increasing insulin levels above the normal range in elderly individuals, it is possible to restore the muscle-building process following sarcopenia (i.e., age-related loss of muscle mass).

• Serum levels of 25-OH cholecalciferol (vitamin D) are positively correlated with increased muscle strength.

Alright, now it’s your turn. Tell me something you learned today!

Amidst my studying I did manage to prepare some good meals.

These days I am on a bit of a blueberry-coconut-chocolate kick (see last Friday’s pancakes). I transformed the combination into oatmeal form this morning, and it was nothing short of fabulous.

For lunch, I used up some leftover White Bean and Roasted Garlic Dip and paired it with another Ellie recipe, Tomato and Red Onion Salad.

My tweak:

-I used “vintage” tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes.

This was a delicious salad, although the recipe was nothing unique. What made the flavors shine was the freshness of the produce.

I had planned on making falafel this evening, only to discover that I had no Greek yogurt. There is no falafel without tzatziki in my book. So instead I cobbled together a curry, using last night’s Carrot Ginger Soup as a base.

Back to the books!

Filed under: Meals

11 Responses to “Study Break”

1. Matt @ The Athlete's Plate, on June 22nd, 2011 at 9:23 pm Said:

   Running out of Greek yogurt is a crime

2. katie, on June 22nd, 2011 at 10:37 pm Said:

   So interesting about the lactose!

   Hope your test goes well

3. Lauren @ What Lauren Likes, on June 23rd, 2011 at 3:45 am Said:

   Cool breakie! I enjoyed ALL the pictures….especially the one about serum levels

4. Marissa, on June 23rd, 2011 at 9:26 am Said:

   Well, that settles it. I’m moving to Never Never Land so I never have to grow up. I love my cheese and yogurt (and ice cream!) WAY too much!

5. Nikki, on June 23rd, 2011 at 10:32 am Said:

   What I learned today doesn’t have to do with food but health and I was wondering your opinion on it, Caroline. On a radio how this morning they were talking about some show on TLC about being pregnant and not knowing it until it’s actually time to give birth. A friend of someone on the radio show told their personal story of giving birth at home with the baby popping out into the toilet. She really had no idea even 5 minute before it happened. Could this really be bad for one’s health, not knowing what extra steps to take that most pregnant women who know they are pregnant take? It just seems so bizarre.

   

   BroccoliHut Reply:
   June 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 am

   I actually just watched that show last night! The concept strikes me as bizarre too, but apparently it happens often enough that they can make a whole series out of it. What’s more amazing than not know that they are pregnant is the fact that most of the babies survive! Having no pre-natal care is a major risk factor when it comes to childbirth. Also, it concerns me that those mothers did not take the proper nutritional measures during their pregnancy, so it’s possible that they may have consumed alcohol, excess caffeine, and foods possibly carrying harmful microorganisms (e.g., Listeria in soft cheeses and deli meats).

6. Seth, on June 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 am Said:

   I too take long study breaks and google images of matthew mcconaughey… or at least google some rendition of his last name.

   

   BroccoliHut Reply:
   June 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am

   I promise next time I’ll use a picture of you instead.

7. Tara, on June 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 am Said:

   I love all the info you shared! The lactose bit surprised me. Apparently I’m not normal!

8. Missy, on June 23rd, 2011 at 2:16 pm Said:

   Comment from Seth = priceless.

9. Christine, on June 23rd, 2011 at 3:37 pm Said:

   Great info. Good luck with your test.

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