When it comes to “super foods” walnuts are just that.  Super good for you.  They contain antioxidants called phytosterols (known cancer fighters) as well as plant based omega 3 fats.  Diets rich in omega 3′s also help keep your bones strong and healthy.

Throw some in your oatmeal, muffins, or pasta dishes.  Keep a bowl handy for snacking.  Walnuts in the shells will keep you busy working for your food…especially good for boredom eaters and TV snackers.

UNFORGETTABLE…Premiers tonight, Tuesday September 20th at 10:00/9:00 central  on CBS

This new series is sure to be, well unforgettable.  But for those of here at Marilu.com it should prove to be familiar as well.  Carrie Wells, the main character in this CBS Drama possesses  superior autobiographical memory.  She is one of the few people in the world to have been identified as having this ability.

Of course we all know that in real life Marilu Henner is one of a small handful of people possessing SAM.  The writers and creators know this as well which is why Marilu is a consultant on this exciting new show.  Not only is the vehicle modeled after Marilu’s ability but check out this clip featuring the beautiful lead actress Poppy Montgomery.  Remind you of any other gorgeous redheads? 

http://www.cbs.com/shows/fall_preview_2011/video/2110593626/unforgettable-meet-carrie-wells

This recipe is hearty and delicious.  Serve it over brown rice with a green salad and warm naan bread.  It’s company worthy!

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1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 plum tomato, diced

3 cloves garlic, chipped

1 large green chili, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

8 ounces tomato sauce

3 cups boiled red beans or 30 ounces canned, UN-drained

1/2 cup cilantro

-Heat oil in large pot.  Add ginger, garlic, onion, chili and let sizzle for one minute.

-Add sauce and spices.

-Add beans and a cup of water and tomatoes.

-Bring to a boil, reduce to medium, heat 10 minutes

-Garnish with cilantro

Let’s keep the weekend rolling with a new twist on Spirit Sunday.  Today we’re going to have “spirits”, “libations”  good old fashioned drinks. 

The alcohol is optional but the celebration is not! 

The weather is beginning to cool down in many parts of the country. If you’re lucky enough to be feeling the parting shots of summer why not enjoy one more afternoon with Sex on the Beach? 

This recipe is from Healthy Holidays and may be made with alcohol (for grown ups only) or without; suitable for the whole family or anyone who chooses to forego the alcohol. 

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SEX ON THE BEACH

4 ounces orange juice

4 ounces natural peach juice or 2 ounces natural peach nectar (Ceres is a suitable brand)

1 and 1/2 ounces vodka (optional)

1 Tablespoon natural unsweetened cranberry juice

Over ice, combine the orange and peach juices, vodka (if using) and cranberry juice.  Shake or blend and serve in a Collins or highball glass.

If you’ve been coming to this site for a while you know that we talk about anything and everything here !  In fact a question about panty lines led to the now famous “thong thread” that lasted for months. 

Everyone knows that the right undergarments will make what you’re wearing look better and give you a trimmer appearance,  but isn’t it about more than that?

In honor of the weekend let’s think about fun, sexy, flirtatious fashions from the skin out.   You don’t have to spend a bundle to unleash your sexy side….you just have to ditch the granny panties.  They’re not the real you.

Check out this primer for some ideas.

http://www.bing.com/shopping/panty-primer/r/212?FORM=HPSHPC&crea=091511plusdress

Later this month the United Nations will hold only it’s second ever summit to deal with a global disease issue.  The first was the 2001 HIV/AIDS meeting which led to the creation of the Global Fund.

You can read more about the summit here:

http://www.esmo.org/policy/political-initiatives/2011-un-summit-on-non-communicable-diseases.html

We’re including this today because these are issues that YOU are involved in.  Your presence here and your participation helps to educate, and may very likely lead others down a path that could spare them from the devastation of these diseases.  

Your questions, comments and encouragement matter.

If you’re just beginning your foray into healthy cooking you’ve noticed that the acronym EVOO is everywhere.  It stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Most of the time the word “extra” makes you think “more”.  In this case it means less in the sense that EVOO is the least processed and the least acidic olive oil you can purchase.

Virgin olive oil is the second least process and both contain monounstaurated fat and may lower your LDL or bad cholesterol.  What DO you get extra?  You get high levels of polyphenol, a powerful antioxident that promotes heart health.

More flavor.  Better health.  Win/Win

ANDI is the acronym for Aggregate Nutrient Density Index and it’s based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s (Eat to Live) nutrient density scoring system.  Whole Foods has recently adopted, and is promoting, this easy to use system to make it easier to choose whole foods according to their nutritional worth. 

Of course we all realize, as does Dr. Fuhrman, that eating strictly from the top of the list would deprive us of the healthy fats and calories that we need to sustain our active lifestyle.  File this under “knowledge is power” and you’ll find that a list can make for fascinating reading.  It can also make healthy choices easier to determine and meal planning less stressful.

You can pick up an easy to use index at Whole Foods or on line.  Check out these articles to learn more:

http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article17.aspx

http://www.fooducate.com/blog/2010/01/28/whole-foods-market-adopts-andi-nutrition-rating-system/

For many people this week has been about filling those backpacks and getting all the supplies that each class requires.  Think about picking up a few extras for those who are having financial stress right now.  Those of us who don’t have to think about back to school can also fill a back pack and take it to social services.  Stationery items can add up, and for a family in need, especially those in areas who have experienced recent property loss, a helping hand can make a big difference. 

At this time of year there is also a need for non perishable lunch supplies such as peanut butter, snack foods, and juice packs.  Personal care items are also in need; shampoo, toothbrushes, and deodorant.  Get out of the pasta and jarred sauce mindset and think about cotton balls, shower gel and beauty items as well.

This recipe is inspired by one submitted to Gourmet magazine by the late Lori Colwin,  author of delightful novels and equally delightful cookbook/memoirs.   This version is THM friendly, hearty and delicious.

BLACK BEAN SOUP

1. Soak 2 cups of dried beans in cold water to cover for 1 hour.  Drain beans.

2. Add 3 cups of vegetable broth, 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water

3. Add 2 big cloves of garlic chopped fine, 1 minced sweet onion,  and 2-3 small potatoes cut in pieces

4. Cover the pot and cook on low for 3 hours (stirring occasionally) or until beans are cooked through

5. Puree in batches.  (You can puree the entire pot of soup or leave half of the soup with whole beans if you prefer that consistency.  Alternately you can leave the entire amount whole and serve  over rice.)

This is wonderful topped with vegan sour cream and cheddar style dairy free cheese (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart).  Other toppings might include fresh salsa, chopped sweet onion, or green onions. 

Serve with a green salad and a side of cornbread and this is company worthy !