Court House Deli’s Weblog

Originally posted July 9, 2007

Wow! It’s hot!!

Even though every single day it’s important to get your water in, days like today are even more critical. I read somewhere (and I’m sorry I couldn’t find the source) that many Americans are dehydrated. Dehydrated!! We don’t drink enough water.

Some of us are so chronically dehydrated that our bodies don’t respond to the “thirst” signal any longer and translate it into a “hunger” signal. So for your health and your weight, drink your water.

I’ve been told that water flushes fat (and other toxins) from the body. So drink your water for good health!

Originally posted June 30 2007

<p>I don’t know about you but it seems like every where you turn, someone is trying to convince you to take antioxidant supplements.   So what are they and why do I care?</p>
<p>Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.  Lot’s of “experts” who are smarter than I am believe that free radicals can damage blood vessel development, cancer and other nasty stuff.  You are exposed to free radicals by natural body functions like burning sugar for energy; through some medications; and pollutants.<!–more–></p>
<p>Antioxidants include some vitamins (such as vitamins C and E),     some minerals (such as selenium), and flavonoids, which are found in plants. The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables.  Those smart experts say that most of us should be eating between 5 and 9 services of fruits and veggies each day.  You can find lavonoids in fruits, red wine (my personal preference), and some teas. You can also buy antioxidant              supplements.</p>
<p>So how do you get 5 to 9 servings of fruit and veggies each day?  Well, you can get your veggies here in our salads.   If you’re like me and get bored with even the best salads, we have grilled veggies, coleslaw, and fresh fruit nearly every day.  Chef Steve’s tomato, cream of carrot soups are servings of vegetables.  Have fruit for dessert!</p>
<p>I love it when the vegetables can be combined into a regular sandwich.  Instead (or in addition) to lettuce and tomato, add grilled vegs on as well.  Chef makes a grilled chicken and grilled veggies in a wrap that is excellent!</p>
<p>If you sneak vegetables wherever you can, you’ll get to those nine servings daily.</p>
<p>We have green teas in bottles and brew black tea each day.  Teas are reportedly high in antioxidants.</p>
<p>So eat your fruits and vegetables alongside fresh brewed tea to help you in your goal to live healthy!
</p>

Originally posted June 23, 2007

How can you watch your weight and eat at a deli? I talk to many people (when I’m in the Deli on Saturdays) who are wondering this as well.

I’ll admit it… it’s not easy. There are a lot of tempting foods that are not friendly to our waistlines!! Being around that food — the French Fries, and onion rings, and the Senator quesadilla — it’s hard. If I could eat anything, I would eat them all!!

Maybe I’m in denial, but I don’t think it is such a bad thing to indulge myself from time to time in just those foods. But most of the time, I have to eat smart or I would weigh a ton. I personally don’t care if I weigh a ton but my doctor seems to think that my health in somehow important and tied to my weight.

So what do I eat when I’m eating at the deli?

• First, everything is on wheat or multi-grain bread. Chef has a wheat wrap that is just perfect for what I want.
• I pick ingredients carefully – lean meats, the grilled veggies.
• Sometimes I skip the bread or wrap totally and Chef will put chicken and grilled veggies in a “boat”. Perfect! It satisfies me but also saves any points or exchanges for later in the day.
• I will get sandwiches served open faced — just one slice of bread. I can always simply not eat both slices but I oftentimes need to put the temptation aside and have it come out open faced.

When I talked to Chef Steve about the soups he makes at the Deli, I was pleased to learn that many of them are totally within my bounds. He uses 2% milk instead of cream, the base is typically a vegetable or chicken stock, and he uses fresh veggies or lean meats for the main part of the soup.

Life is about living. If you want French Fries, get them. You can always make up for it tomorrow. If you get the fries, could you tell me about them? Living life vicariously!

Enjoy!

Carole