TOPS News–October 17, 2013

Eight TOPS and two KOPS were present for the October 17 meeting of Imperial TOPS NE0267. The best loser for the week was Barb.

The same two challenges this week: 1) Keep a food journal and give it to Shirley to grade, and 2) Eat at least two servings each of fruit and vegetables every day. Shirley will also check for time exercised and water consumption.

Karen S.’s program on the 10th, with 7 members in attendance, included a list of healthy food we seldom use: Beets, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, and kale.

1. Beets – a tasty way to fix beets is to toss them in olive oil, then bake in foil. Health benefit: possible protection against cancer.
2. Mushrooms – good source of Vitamin D, which strengthens bones.
3. Eggplant – a source of antioxidants.
4. Cauliflower – lowers your risk of arthritis. Mashing cauliflowers is a good substitute for mashed potatoes.
5. Brussels sprouts – high in calcium and an antioxidant.
6. Swiss chard – an antioxidant.
7. Kale – baking kale gives you a nutritious, low-calorie crunchy treat – good substitute for French fries.

Fun Pumpkin Facts (from pumpkinfresh.com)

Karen also presented the following facts about pumpkins.

• Pumpkins originated in Central America.
• The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."
• Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
• Pumpkins are fruit.
• Pumpkin flowers are edible.
• Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.
• Pumpkins are used to make soups, pies and breads.
• Pumpkins are used for feed for animals.
• Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
• The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.
• In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
• Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.
• Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
• The largest "official" pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,340 pounds. The largest "unofficial" pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,458 pounds, but was not awarded due to damage.
• The Connecticut field variety is the traditional American pumpkin.
• Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
• Eighty percent of the pumpkins supply in the United States is available in October.
• Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.
• Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm, or isquotersquash."
• Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

Pumpkin Health Claims (from about.com)

• Because of their high fiber content, eating pumpkin can help curb your appetite.
• Pumpkin is a tasty source of vitamins and minerals, particularly beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium.
• It can help prevent arterosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to strokes and/or heart attacks.
• Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids, which are effective help for prostate ailments.

This week’s program was to finish putting together the gift basket for the Fall Rally on the 19th. All 10 active members of the chapter plan to attend. Next week will be a discussion of the Fall Rally, and on October 31 will be a Halloween party. Members should bring a small, wrapped grab gift.

TOPS Club meets from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Imperial Community Center, with weigh-ins beginning at 8:30. For more information about TOPS, phone Cheryl at 883-0265 or see www.tops.org. The first meeting is free.