Winter squash is a favorite because of its sweet flavor and versatility in dishes. It has great health benefits too! Acorn squash, highlighted in this recipe, is a good source of fiber and potassium, as well as magnesium, manganese and vitamins C and B. Squash can help defend against winter colds because it is rich in beta-carotene and other antioxidants.

Ingredients:

1 acorn squash
1 cup onions, diced
1/2 cup walnuts, in pieces
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp. cinnamon, grounded
1/2 tsp. ginger, grounded
1/4 tsp. cloves, grounded
1 Tbs. margarine
1 cup brown and wild rice
2 cups water

Directions:

1. After cleaning the squash, cut in half along its length (top to bottom) and scoop out the seeds (save the seeds for roasting, if desired).
2. Boil water in a covered cooking pot on the stove top; add the seasonings, margarine and rice; replace cover and reduce temperature to a simmer.
3. Add remaining ingredients, and simmer until all water is absorbed into the rice.
4. Remove from heat and mix thoroughly; replace cover and let stand for about 10 mins.
5. Stuff the squash halves with the rice mixture; bake in a covered roasting pan at 350F for about 1 hour, or until the squash is tender.

For this and other great veg recipes, visit www.all-creatures.org!

Earth Balance makes the healthiest and tastiest margarine on the market. This buttery spread is an ideal balance of natural, healthy vegetable oils from around the world. Naturally free of unhealthy trans fats, Earth Balance is non-dairy, gluten-free, and made with non-GMO ingredients. Look for it in your local supermarket or natural food stores in the following varieties: Natural, Whipped, Soy Garden, Buttery Sticks, and Shortening. With Earth Balance, eating right is a cinch!

For information about this or other products, visit www.EarthBalance.net!

Researchers reveal that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can increase bone density. Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study assessed the fruit and vegetable consumption of 500 research participants.

Researchers reported significant positive associations between fruit and vegetable intake and bone mineral content. Older women who doubled their fruit intake gained an impressive 5% of bone mineral content in their spine. The higher the bone mineral status, the denser and healthier the bones are, thus lowering the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Global estimates for 2006 predict that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men now aged 55 years will have osteoporosis in their lifetime. In the U.S. 10 million Americans currently have the disease.

To read the full article, click here!

Randi had been battling with her weight since she was 10 years old. As a teenager, she had poor eating habits, which exacerbated her health issues, such as acne. After seeing an exposé on the Korean dog and cat meat market, Randi was watching her mother cook pork chops and realized that there is no difference between the pig they were about to eat and a dog or cat. She then made the decision to go vegan. At first she was afraid of what others would think about her decision, but the results were amazing. She no longer had to use acne medication and dropped 40 pounds without even giving up “ice cream” (she now eats Soy Delicious and other dairy-free ice cream).

Randi says “Going vegan was like being given a new beginning. My eating habits before made me feel heavy, guilty, and bogged down. Now, I feel light, healthy, and energetic. Being vegan really enables me to live my life without obsessing over counting calories… Now, instead of eating hamburgers and chicken nuggets, I enjoy the Boca brand faux alternatives – Boca Chick’n Patties are my favorite.”

To read more about Randi, visit www.GoVeg.com!

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