Easy Potato Cobb Salad

 Potato Cobb Salad

Summer is FINALLY here and that means plenty of picnics, potlucks and get togethers with family and friends.  I thought I would share this colorful Potato Cobb Salad recipe that I make for year-round occasions.  It is so easy and best of all, it can be made a few hours before guests arrive. 

You can put the salad on a white platter or bowl so the colorful ingredients stand out!



Potato Cobb Salad - makes 10 hearty servings
(from Southern Living cookbook)

3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes

3/4 tsp salt

1 (16 oz.) bottle olive-oil-and vinegar dressing, divided

8 bacon slices

8 cups mixed salad greens

2 large avocados

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

3 large tomatoes, seeded and diced

12 small green onions, sliced

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

4 oz. crumbled blue cheese

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1.  Cook potatoes in boiling salted water to cover 30 minutes or until tender.

Drain and cool.  Cut into cubes

2.  Sprinkle potatoes with 3/4 tsp salt.  Pour l cup dressing over potatoes and 

gently toss.  Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.

3.  Cook bacon (I bake in the oven for less mess)

Put bacon on cookie sheet in 400 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

No turning necessary and no mess.  Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.  Crumble bacon.

** I buy the Applewood Smoked Dry-Cured Bacon from Niman Ranch (no antibiotics, hormones or animal by-products)

4.  Arrange salad greens on a large serving platter.  Peel and chop avocados; toss with lemon juice.  

5.  Arrange potatoes, avocados, bacon, tomatoes and next three ingredients in rows over salad greens.  Sprinkle with pepper to taste.  Serve with remaining dressing.

The amounts of ingredients might vary depending upon the size of the serving platter that you use.  In addition, I use about half the amount of dressing that this recipe calls for, in the marinade for the potatoes and when serving the salad. 

***Be sure to visit your local farmer's market or coop to get the freshest ingredients for this healthy salad.  

I saw this on the Shaklee website and thought it was worth sharing in honor of Earth Day and while we wait patiently, (not!) for Spring to arrive.  

Why Water?

Everyone knows that water is essential to life. But what's coming out of your tap or bottle may not really be your healthiest choice.

The Real Dirt on Clean Water

Sure, your water may look clean but is it?

Most people think that governmental agencies ensure that our water's clean. And while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Clean Water Act to safeguard our water supply, it only set standards and testing requirements in our municipal water treatment facilities for 114 different contaminants out of literally hundreds more.

In fact, the Environmental Working Group obtained test results from a database of over 20 million records from state water officials to determine the quality of drinking water in 45 states. The results revealed 316 contaminants were present in our water supplies. Among them were 202 chemicals that aren't regulated by any safe water standards.ⁱ

Checking the quality of your local water is easy to do. Just visit the National Drinking Water Database.

So yes, your water looks clean. But really, it's not.

Why Filtration?

The simple answer? You either use a filter or you are the filter.

Only 2% of all treated water is used for drinking water. The rest is used on your lawn, shower, laundry, or used for farms or industry. It's simply too time-consuming and expensive to test and remove the thousands of chemicals that may be present in any particular water source.

And even if your water was perfectly clean before it left your municipality, it still has miles to travel in pipes before it gets to your home. Who knows what it runs into along the way?

What are you really drinking?

Here's what may be in your water, and some of its hazardous effects:

Industrial Pollutants (such as benzene, nitrates, and petrochemicals): Long-term exposure may cause increased risk of cancer, as well as blood, nervous system, kidney, and liver problems.

Agricultural Pollutants (pesticides such as atrazine, lindane, alachlor, and others): Long-term exposure may cause increased risk of cancer, as well as eye, liver, kidney, spleen, blood, and nervous system problems.

Heavy Metals (such as lead, copper, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium): Even at low levels, long-term exposure may cause behavioral problems and learning disabilities. The EPA estimates that between 10 and 20% of total lead exposure in young children comes from drinking water.ⁱⁱ

Disinfection By-products (such as: trihalomethanes, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane,and bromoform): Long-term exposure may cause increased risk of cancer, as well as liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems.

With all these problems with tap water, you might think that bottled water is the answer—but you're wrong. What most people don't know is that there're no regulations regarding the quality of bottled water. That's right, none. Bottling companies don't even have the same regulations to follow that your local municipal water supply does. That means that despite the clean look of your bottle, in many cases the water it contains isn't any better than tap water.

The bottom line is that you can't control what happens to your water before it gets to your house. But you can control what happens after. If you want to make sure you have really clean drinking water, you really have to use a filter—a good one.

i http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/executive-summary.php

ii http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/lead1.cfm

* Comparison of current WQA and NSF certified reduction claims conduced on May 26, 2011, referencing Brita® pitchers using OB03 cartridge and PUR® pitchers using CFR-950Z cartridge and is valid only for the named products marketed at that time. Product data claims obtained from the NSF and WQA website certification listings. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. "Big name brands" defined as Brita and Pur.

** Compared to Brita and Pur pitcher filters at 40 gallons.

† Compared to traditional carbon production.

Why Get Clean® Water?

Because it's safe, powerful, green and smart—and it outperforms both Brita® and PUR®*, hands-down:

• Safe It reduces 59 harmful contaminants—at least 21 of which Brita doesn't even touch—including up to 99% of water-borne lead.
• Powerful It's incredibly thrifty, delivering over 80 gallons of purer water from every hardworking, environmentally friendly filter—twice as much as big-name brands—for just a little over a penny per glass**.
• Green It uses a unique refillable filter system, so there's less waste in landfills.†
• Smart It features a convenient smart-meter that shows you exactly when to replace your filter, so there's no more guessing. And on top of all that, it's 'Gold Seal' certified to tough ANSI/NSF Standards 42 and 53 by the Water Quality Association (WQA).

http://pamtonymcdonald.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=HomeCare&sub_cat=water

"The Ethics of What We Eat"

I recently came back from a wonderful vacation with my husband in Scottsdale, Arizona where we got plenty of rest, warm sunshine and healthy food.  We did splurge on a bit too much on salsa, guacamole and chips though.  Unfortunately, we came back to the reality of Minnesota's harsh cold weather temperatures and a few new inches of snow.  We are so sick and tired of the cold and ready for spring no doubt.  Anyway, what I found to be very interesting was that in Scottsdale, all of the restaurants we visited had foods on the menu that were grown and raised by the local farms.  This trend of supporting the local farmers is something that I hope continues to grow in all states throughout the United States.   

As many of you know, I am taking a Food Science Nutrition course at the University of Minnesota and have been watching some really interesting videos.  I just finished watching a video called, "The Ethics of What We Eat" by Peter Singer.  It is dated from 2009 but the information is very pertinent and really makes us think about the different possibilities of what we should eat.  

One of the statements worth repeating - "Is there something wrong with a society that doesn't really know how their foods are being produced.  Don't we have a responsibility to know so that we can make an ethical decision?"

Enjoy the video!

Do you know what's in your prenatal vitamin?

DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR PRENATAL VITAMIN?

As many of you know I have been using Shaklee products since I was 14 years old.  Many years ago, it was not popular to take a daily vitamin and protein shake, use non-toxic cleaning products or non-toxic personal care products.  However, in today's modern age, it is the trend to live a more preventative, healthy lifestyle.  Too often people choose a supplement because it is trendy or they heard about it on Dr. Oz, however, I have used the Shaklee products for over 34 years because of my strong conviction of the safety and efficacy of their products.  I am also so very thankful that I was able to trust Shaklee as my prenatal supplements, knowing that they were safe and effective. 

A few years ago, I became aware of a study that was conducted by the FDA on supplements that contained lead.  Be sure to check out this lead study -   

FDA studied lead in Women's daily and prenatal Vitamins and Children's Vitamins. 

Out of 324 brands tested, only four did not have lead in them! Included In the brands that contained lead were such commonly known brands as GNC, Centrum, One a Day, Puritan's Pride, Doctor's Trust, etc. Even vitamins sold at health foodstores that are considered more "natural" had lead in them (e.g., New Chapter Organics, Nature's Plus, etc.).

Although the FDA believes that a small amount of lead is "safe," there are plenty of others who strongly disagree. Some believe that lead can be a "neuro-toxicant" and that the amount of lead consumed on a daily basis, such as in vitamin supplements, provides an unnecessary and preventable source of exposure.  The government does allow a certain amount of lead to be acceptable, however, Shaklee believes that NO amount of lead is acceptable ever.  

I recently received a post from a fellow blogger with great information on prenatal supplements.  Below is her story...

http://www.ecoliciousmama.com/blog.html

Shaklee vitamins are made with whole foods and contain no synthetic, man-made materials like most vitamins on the market. If you have read my Shaklee story, you know that when I became pregnant with my daughter, I was reintroduced to Shaklee after having horrible side effects with many prescription pre-natal vitamins that my doctor offered me, to the point where my doctor told me to stop taking them and try a children's multi-vitamin like Flinstones. My mom went a little crazy (lol!) when she heard the doctor recommended me Flinstones vitamins and told me I have to start taking Shaklee supplements. I had no side effects, my vomiting and nausea stopped completely and I felt so much more energy.

Many doctors have said that the Shaklee vitamins are far better than anything that they can prescribe. All you have to do is do a vitamin and mineral comparison!

Shaklee babies have been found to be less lethargic and more alert when born than babies who received synthetic vitamins. The doctors couldn't believe how alert she was and how pink her coloring was when she was born. The Shaklee Vita-lea is only one of the vitamins recommended as pre-natal vitamins. Shaklee is known for their research and quality products and is always safe. For more information on the recommened pre-natal vitamins, please contact me. It is always best to consult with your physician. I encourage you to take this comparison with you to your OB/Gyn. Most doctors are amazed when they see the comparison sheet and many doctors start recommending Shaklee supplements.


SHAKLEE VITA-LEA - Please remember, this is only ONE of the vitamins recommended for a pre-natal regimen. It was recommended to me to also include Shaklee's B Complex, Osteomatrix and OmegaGuard...

-- Contains all essential 12 vitamins and 7 minerals in proper balance
-- Contains 27 whole vegetable sources, which are readily absorbed
by the body
-- Contains no chemicals
-- No Herbicides
-- No Pesticides or fungicides
-- No sugar or artificial sweeteners
-- No artificial colors, flavors or additives of any kind
-- CONTAINS phyto-nutrients and the live enzymes not found in synthetic vitamins
-- Processed by low-heat method keeping enzymes alive
-- Contains 100% of the RDA of Biotin


THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE PRENATAL VITAMINS 
ON THE MARKET TODAY AND WHAT THEY CONTAIN: 


ZENATE (SOLVARY PHARMACEUT1CALS)

-- CARNAUBA WAX WHEN HEATED TO DECOMPOSITION AND EMITS ACRID SMOKE AND IRRITATING FUMES.
-- MAGNESIUM STEARATE (WHEN HEATED, CAUSES TOXIC FUMES)
-- CONTAINS POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL. WHICH MAY PRODUCE BRAIN AND KIDNEY DAMAGE
-- CONTAINS STEARIC ACID, WHICH MAY CAUSE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.
-- SKIN SENSITIZATION IS USUAL.
-- TITANIUM DIOXIDE, WHICH MAY CAUSE PULMONARY IRRITATION.
-- NO BIOTIN.
-- NO PANTOTHENIC ACID.
-- LOW MAGNESIUM.
-- NO COPPER
-- NO PHOSPHORUS 


PRECARE CAPLETS (NORTHAMPTON MEDICAL) 

-- CONTAINS NO VITAMIN A
-- NO VITAMIN B1
-- NO VITAMIN B12.
-- NO BIOTIN.
-- DUE TO IMPROPER BALANCE OF B VITAMINS THIS CAUSES A DUMPING, THUS NOT UTILITZING THE PROPER ABSORPTION OF VITAMINS B6 AND FOLIC ACID
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- NO IODINE.
-- NO PANTOTHENIC ACID. 


NATALINS TABLETS (MEAD JOHNSON) 

-- CONTAINS NO BIOTIN.
-- LOW CALCIUM.
-- L0W MAGNESIUM.
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- NO PANTOTHENIC ACID.
-- CONTAINS POLYETHLLENE GLYCOL WHICH MAY PRODUCE BRAIN AND KIDNEY DAMAGE 


NIFEREX PN (CENTRAL PHARMACEUTICALS) 

-- CONTAINS NO VITAMIN E.
-- NO MAGNESIUM.
-- VERY LOW CALCIUM LEVELS.
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- NO BIOTIN.
-- CONTAINS METHYLCELLULOSE WHICH MAY CAUSE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IF
INSUFFICIENT WATER IS TAKEN.


PRENATE 90 (BOCK) 

-- CONTAINS NO BIOTIN. 
-- NO PANTOTHENIC ACID. 
-- NO MAGNESIUM 
-- VERY LOW CALCIUM LEVELS 


MATERNA TABLETS (LEDERLE) 

-- CONTAINS ONLY 19% CALCIUM
-- ONLY 6% MAGNESIUM.
-- ONLY 10% BIOTIN.
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- CONTAINS METHYLCELLULOSE WHICH MAY CAUSE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION, IF
INSUFFICIENT WATER IS TAKEN.
-- CONTAINS METHYLPARABEN WHICH MAY CAUSE GASTRIC UPSET. CONTAINS
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, A TYPICAL COMPOUND FOUND IN ANIONIC DETERGENTS. 


NATALINS RX (MEAD JOHNSON) 

-- CONTAINS NO PHOSPHORUS. 
-- NO IODINE.
-- CONTAINS HYDROCHLORIDE WHICH MAY BE A DIRECT    PULMONARY IRRITANT AND INFLAME CONJUNCTIVE OF EYES.
-- CONTAINS CYANOCOBALAMIN WHICH MAY CAUSE SENSITIVITY REACTIONS, GASTROINTESTINAL DISTRESS, THROMBOSIS AND ITCHING RASH. 


STUART PRENATAL (STUART) 

-- CONTAINS NO BIOTIN.
-- LOW CALCIUM.
-- NO MAGNESIUM.
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- NO IODINE.
-- CONTAINS HYDDROXPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE WHICH MAY CAUSE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION, IF INSUFFICIENT WATER IS TAKEN 


STUARTNATAL (STUART) 

-- CONTAINS NO BIOTIN
-- LOW CALCIUM.
-- NO MAGNESIUM.
-- NO PHOSPHORUS.
-- NO IODINE.
-- NO PANTOTHENIC ACID.
-- CONTAINS CYANOCOBALANIIN WHICH MAY CAUSE SENSITIVITY REACTIONS,
GASTROINTESTINAL DISTRESS,ITCHING AND RASH. 

REFERENCES - UNIVERSITY OF MISSlSSIPPI
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS 5TH EDITION GOSSELIN- SMITHODGE
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AND HUMAN HEALTH CYNTHIA WILSON
HANDBOOK OF POISONING - 12TH EDITION ROBERT H. DREISBACH - WILLIAM
ROBERISON > POISONlNG: TOXICOLOGY: SYMPTOMS: TREATMEMTS JAY ARENA - RICHARD H.DREW
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL. DESK REFERENCE - 2ND EDITION RICHARD J. LEWIS, SR  

"Wheat Belly" Pizza Crust Recipe!

I just finished reading an interesting book called Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD. which discusses how eliminating wheat from the diet can lead to weight loss and other health benefits.   Included in this book are recipes that replace wheat  with healthy alternatives.  

I tried the Wheat-Free Pizza recipe which was excellent and I thought I would share it on my blog.  Keep in mind, that the "crust" is not sturdy enough to hold in your hand, however, it will satisfy your craving for pizza.  I used all organic ingredients for added health benefits.  Enjoy!

Wheat Free-Pizza (makes 4 - 6 servings)

1 head of cauliflower, but into small pieces

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 

2 large eggs

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz)

12 ounces pizza sauce or 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Choice of toppings: Some suggestions include - uncured meats, vegetables, fresh or dried basil or oregano and black pepper.

In large pot of boiling water or in a vegetable steamer, cook cauliflower until soft (about 20 minutes).  Drain cauliflower and transfer to a large bowl or mixer.  Mash until the consistency of mashed potatoes with minimal "chunks".  Add 1/8 cup of the oil, eggs and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and mix well.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat a pizza pan or large rimmed baking sheet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Pour cauliflower mixture onto the pan and press the "dough" into a flat, pizza like shape no more than 1/2 inch thick.  Bake for 20 minutes.

If using meat, cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through.

Remove the pizza "crust" from the oven.  Spread with pizza sauce or tomato paste and the remaining ingredients of your choice.  Top with remaining mozzarella, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Bake until mozzarella melts, approximately 15 minutes.

STOP! Don't go on another diet until you read this...

Happy New Year Everyone!

I know you'll want to read this issue of Making a Difference!. Just look at what you'll find this month:

 

Cinch does a 180!

Are you overweight? Have you been on diet after diet hoping that this will be the one that works? Even if you have lost weight, are you finding it increasingly difficult to keep those pounds from creeping back?  

This never-ending (and seemingly hopeless) struggle... to lose weight and keep it off... that so many people face is the largest single health issue in the U.S. today! Learn more in the newsletter link below... 

To transform your health, start with a healthy weight!

The choices we make every day play a critical role in shaping our future health. 

But losing weight is not easy. In fact, 80% of people who do manage to lose weight, regain it all back within 2 years! Why?

Then ask yourself... Is excess weight affecting your health?

Introducing... Shaklee 180! 

This page… in chart form… will talk about:

• What is Shaklee 180?
• Weight loss phase... the 180 Turnaround Kit
• Maintenance phase... the 180 Lean and Healthy Kit
• Support tools that will ensure your success
• It’s easy to earn Shaklee 180 products... FREE!
• And there’s even more...  

Also featuring… 

Sensational Shaklee 180 Energizing Smoothees! Try these...

• Banana Berry Blast
• Peaches & Cream
• Peanut Butter Cup 

To read about these important subjects in this edition of Making a Difference!, click here


Once you've read these articles, it’s easy to order the featured products! Just visit www.pamtonymcdonald.myshaklee.com or http://ptmcdonald.myshaklee180.com/us/en/ email tpmcdaaa@comcast.net. 

To learn more about...
- health, nutrition and fitness
- cleaning products that are safe for you and for our planet
- natural skin, personal and beauty care
- air and water filtration
- how you can work part-time for a full-time income... from the comfort of your home

...just email me at tpmcdaaa@comcast.net and start receiving our FREE NEWSLETTERS & REPORTS.


P.S. If you know anyone who would benefit by receiving Making a Difference! Newsletters, please forward their first name and email address to tpmcdaaa@comcast.net and we will make sure they get their FREE COPY each month.

Lose the Fat - Not the Muscle!

Introducing Shaklee 180!

I'm so excited about Shaklee's New Weight-Loss and Maintenance Program that is launching January 1st, 2013.  This program is similar to the Cinch program, however, Shaklee has listened to it's customers and made some enhancements.


Be sure to watch this video to learn more about the program and how you can get your products free.  It could change your life!
  

To learn more visit our new website at http://ptmcdonald.myshaklee180.com/us/en/

(this site is only for purchase of the Shaklee 180 products, however, if you would like to look at the complete line of Shaklee products, visit our All-Products site at http://pamtonymcdonald.myshaklee.com/us/en/)

Feel free to share this with others you might think would be interested.