I understand why women are confused about eating and exercising correctly. There are lots of opinions on what to eat, how to exercise, and why. How often should we exercise and what types of exercises are most effective? Some opinions are based on personal experience, and some are backed by research, so it’s no wonder why women are confused.
I, like most, have combed through articles over the years, succumbed to bestselling books on diet and exercise, and even consulted with doctors on occasion. In the end however, the differences between men and women’s physiology related to diet and exercise (hello hormones), have never been articulated…until now.
When I read Dr. Stacy Sims book Next Level, I was literally starved for information. She explains, in depth, how the nutritional needs for men and women are different, and why women NEED to exercise differently than men. I learned for example, that if you run for 45 minutes a day, and restrict calories, you can get FATTER, and how lifting heavy weight, not only maintains/builds muscle, but increases metabolic function.
Stacy has spent her entire career researching female-specific nutrition and exercise, and her work is truly groundbreaking. Her contributions to a space dominated by male-centered research, will transform the lives of women for decades to come. On a more personal note, female-specific research hits home, especially for me right now. My mom was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and her cognitive decline has been rapid in the last few months. She was always concerned about her weight, and dieted routinely throughout her life. Although her condition may not be related to the nutritional information that was available to her at the time, I can’t help but think she would have benefitted from Stacy’s research.
Sweet Potato Kugel
For those of you unfamiliar with the Jewish dish Kugel, it’s a kind of sweet or savory pudding, that’s made from potatoes or noodles. I look forward to sharing more of Dr. Sim’s and my collaborative work in an upcoming cookbook.
This light and fluffy version of Kugel is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion, and immunity.
Ingredients:
3 pounds of shredded sweet potatoes
2 medium white onions, cut into a small dice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
5 eggs
3/4 cup matzah meal
1/4 cup melted butter, cooled
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground, black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Squeeze the water out of the onions, and then the sweet potatoes (squeeze by the handful over the sink, or wrap in a dish towel and squeeze out excess water). Set the onions and sweet potatoes aside, separately. Heat the olive oil and onions in a saute pan over medium heat until browned. Mix the eggs, matzah meal, butter, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Add the onions and sweet potatoes to the wet mixture and toss until the onions and sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
Grease a 12 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Spread the mixture into the the prepared pan and bake until browned, about one hour. Enjoy!
You can watch this recipe here!
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