Business First Article 10/9/09

When Ford Motor Co. was making cuts three years ago in an effort to ensure its viability, among the first things scaled back were employee wellness programs.

That dealt a sharp blow to Jody Swimmer and her Louisville company, which had provided such services as facility management and fitness program design to Ford locally for nearly two decades.

[CompanyWatch allows you to receive email alerts with stories related to your companies of interest.

You can watch up to ten companies at a time.

] Swimmer Wellness Services Inc. took a big hit on revenue as a result of the automaker’s belt tightening, although Swimmer declined to say how much. Her business, which has provided wellness services for other companies over the years, also had to eliminate a handful of positions.

As a result, Swimmer is pondering her long-term strategy for the company while relying heavily on its remaining business, [CompanyWatch allows you to receive email alerts with stories related to your companies of interest.

You can watch up to ten companies at a time.

] Fitness on Frankfort.

Greek Style Pasta

Recipe of the Week

Afraid of carbs? Stop the carb melt down and try this healthy pasta. Go light on the noodles and fill up on the veggies and meat. You will not feel guilty after this meal.


Greek-Style Pasta with Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce
and Crumbled Feta Cheese

Makes 4 main course servings

Ingredients

6 oz whole grain penne or fusilli (such as Healthy Harvest brand)
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cups (about 28 oz fire roasted tomatoes)
1 (8-oz) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and halved lengthwise
¼ cup crumbled low-fat feta cheese
8 kalamata or other black olives, sliced
1 tbsp fresh lemon peel
Fresh Italian parsley or oregano (optional)
Top with grilled chicken or shrimp

Directions

Prepare the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft and just starting to brown. Add the garlic and simmer for 1 minute longer, but do not allow the garlic to brown. Add the bell pepper and cook just until softened.

Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 4 minutes. Gently add the artichokes and cook for 1 minute longer, or until just heated through.

Pour the sauce into a large mixing bowl and add the cooked pasta. Toss lightly and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with cheese, olives, and lemon peel.

Divide between serving bowls and garnish with parsley or oregano if desired. Top with shrimp or grilled chicken. Serve hot or at room temperature.


Recipe Source: The Biggest Loser Simple Swaps, 2009 pg 67

Leo's Reader's Choice

Fitness on Frankfort came in third place this year in The Leo's Reader's Choice Awards, hanging with the big mega-gyms in Louisville. Thank you wonderful FOF members!

New Receipe

Recipe of the Week

Stay warm this fall with a healthy breakfast. This recipe is rich in fiber, calcium, protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, and healthy fats. Speed up your metabolism and start seeing the pounds fall off with a well balanced breakfast! For more healthy recipe ideas contact Julie Woodmansee, RD.


Fast and Fruity Oatmeal Bowl
1 Serving

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats or 1 packet plain instant oatmeal
2/3 cup 1% milk
1/8 cup almonds
1 Tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 ½ cups sliced strawberries

Directions

Mix oats and milk in a microwavable bowl and nuke for 1 to 2 minutes. Top with almonds, yogurt, and strawberries.


Recipe source: Women’s Health Magazine, June 2009, pg. 48