Tuesday, 14 September 2010

All You Need to Know About Avocados

Avocados come from primarily Mexico and the Yucatan, but their native range extends deep into South America as well. Basically there are two types: the smaller bulb-shaped variety that has bumpy skin and is nearly black when ripe, and the larger, smooth-skinned variety that remains green when it is ripe. While the smaller variety is by far the more common of the two in the Americas, it is also rare outside of them. The cultivars that have been introduced into Asia tend to be of a larger, green type. For eating, the black (or Mexican) variety is generally considered to be the superior of the two. It is buttery (in fact one of avocado's nicknames is tree butter) and rich in flavor, with deep, nutty, overtones. The smooth variety, while also quite palatable and yummy, tends to be watery in comparison to its bumpy brother, and has a more refreshing, light taste. The latter type can get quite large as well.

While I lived in Hawaii I noticed one evening that the apartment complex next to ours had a huge avocado tree growing in the parking lot, and it was fruiting! Well, I have heard that to pluck a flower doth not a thief make, and in that spirit I have rationalized using this principle to procure a number of low hanging fruits in my day, and this was no exception. The avocado was big and hard as rock. But it softened after a full two weeks and was delicious (a big watery type). I also procured a half a dozen lilikoi (passion fruit) from the same parking lot several months later.

Most of us are familiar with the various ways to enjoy this delicious fruit (it doesn't take to cooking by the way, in case you were wondering), but have you ever tried it as sashimi? Slice it up and dip into soy sauce with wasabi and perhaps some shredded daikon or a shisho leaf. Delicious!

Monday, 13 September 2010

Many Uses of the Avocado

Most of us are familiar with avocado, few dislike this odd fruit, and while the parameters of its use seem to be restricted to Mexican fare on most tables, it always seems to be welcome. It is mostly used as a topping to chmichangas and toquittos, but is most often used as a dip we call guacamole (the name originally refers to a cactus salsa however), which is basically mashed avocado mixed with fresh salsa. Avocado undoubtedly is used as a vegetable, but it is a fruit of course and it has an unusual deep and somewhat pungent flavor. It is also great in fresh salads; either mashed and mixed with a vinaigrette as a flavorful thickener or cut into chunks as a garnish. It is also used to add interest and sustenance to sandwiches and hamburgers. Avocado is also sometimes sliced and eaten as sashimi and also appears in California sushi rolls.

Sadly, the list pretty much ends there as avocados react dismally to any sort of cooking. Their flavor becomes unpalatable, their texture gloppy, and the meat turn an unappetizing brown when they are subjected to any kind of cooking heat. Fortunately for cooks like me however, there are still avenues to explore with the avocado, particular in luncheon fare. How about wrapping them with prosciutto, fresh basil and lettuce, and dipping them in a Parmesan vinaigrette? I can think of piquant cold coleslaw variations that would welcome avocado, and cold gazpacho is an obvious candidate as well.

One thing I've never done however is tried treating the avocado as a fruit. Apart from soaking them in a sugary syrup and seeing how that works out, you cold also gently fold avocado chunks into a tropical fruit salad several hours before serving. If that sounds unpalatable, I willing to bet that an avocado milkshake or ice cream would blend nicely.

Sunday, 12 September 2010

The Cherimoyas Fruit Producing Family Tree

The cherimoyas represent a quite large variety of edible fruit producing tropical trees, most of the fruit similar in shape and flavor. A notable exception is the edible paw paw, which looks rather like a mango and grows as far north as the Ozarks. Cultivars of the cherimoyas have spread throughout the tropics, but their origin is in North and South America. Cherimoyas and generally divided into two fruits, the guyabano (or soursop) and the cherimoya (or custard apple). Both fruits are similar looking; green, bulbous, and knobby. They feel like an avocado when ripe, and both have a similar appearance inside as well- they are filled with white, custardy yet juicy flesh punctuated with large black, bean-like seeds.

Now, I am a great fan of the magnificently complex and deliciously tangy guyabano, but the cherimoya fruits I've sampled have been a mixed basket for me. I have to remember though that I have undoubtedly been dealing with different species of fruit, and that I need to keep trying. For example, I've heard cherimoyas promisingly described as tasting like a combination of banana, pineapple, and strawberry, though the cherimoyas I've had in Southeast Asia were simply honey-sweet and disappointing, especially because I thought they were guyabano when I bought them. I will keep seeking the delicate and subtle cherimoya that I've heard so much promise of.

The guyabano soursop cannot be praised enough. Its flavor rivals mango and even mangosteen. I find it best eaten out of hand on a slow train in the tropics, the sun setting over the rice paddies, or on arrival to a cool hotel room in a steamy tropical city, bought fresh from the market. In all my dealings with fruit hawkers, by the way, guyabano was the only fruit I bought in which someone tried to cheat me, refusing to give my change, claiming the fruit to be ten times the price first agreed upon. I did get my change but not my guyabano- they turned out to be super sweet cherimoya instead. I was cheated after all!

Saturday, 11 September 2010

Going Bananas For Bananas

Bananas, along with apples, are probably the world's most underappreciated fruits. Somewhat awkwardly skirting the unsavory political facts of banana production that continue to this day (the term banana republic is no joke) let's the look at the wondrous gem of the tropics. First of all to really appreciate a banana you must forget that you've been eating them since you were a child and they are about the cheapest fruit in the supermarket. Next, whatever variety you have, when eaten out of hand bananas are without a doubt best when fully ripe, not turning black or mushy, but soft and fragrant (don't let a few dark spots put you off). It is just at the point of fermenting that the banana's complexity takes off. Smell your banana- before you peel it and after. Keep an open mind and pretend you are smelling one for the first time. When you do bite into it, try to place the taste and aroma. Try to compare it- my guess is that you won't find anything to compare it to. A banana is a banana.

When bananas first made their way into the markets of the United States and Europe, they were either revered with passion or reviled with disgust. Either way, though they may seem boring now, people had strong feelings about them. Up until the 60's, in Japan the banana was still considered the king of fruits.

Bananas come in a plethora of verities (including the potato-like plantain), hardly any of which make it to our produce shelves. If you ever see red bananas, buy them- the inside is golden-yellow and delicious. Finger bananas are a tasty dwarf version. Oddly, the middle stem in these bananas is the same size as in larger ones, giving them and interesting snap. Hawaiian bananas are sometimes called apple bananas due to their tartness. Finally, bananas take a very long time to ripen and ferment quickly. And their leaves make great picnic plates. This magnificent and attractive plant deserves our wonder.

Friday, 10 September 2010

Healthy Juices - What They Can Do For You

Healthy juices are a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day whilst enjoying a boost of vitamins and other important nutrients. The vitamins and minerals found in freshly made fruit juices act as catalysts to the enzymes that fuel our body processes. Every single chemical reaction inside our body requires enzymes and without the vitamins and minerals we eat, our general health would suffer. Fresh healthy juices can provide even more vitamins and minerals that you would get from eating the vegetables and fruits whole. This is because the juicing process helps to break down the fiber, which in turn releases many of the vitamins and minerals that would otherwise have stayed trapped.

Fruit juice is an ideal addition to a healthy diet. It is also an excellent way of making sure you get your five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables, since a glass of pure fruit juice is the equivalent of one portion. Pure fruit juice can also be used to make smoothies. These not only taste wonderful, they are almost a meal in a glass!

Fruit juice smoothies make great post-exercise recovery drinks. If you have finished a hard workout, your body needs to take fuel on board within thirty minutes of the end of your workout in order to replenish the glycogen you have used. Thick smoothies packed with a variety of tasty fruits will help your body recover sufficiently to be able to cope with another workout the following day.

Many supermarkets sell pure fruit juices, but the best way to enjoy the full flavor of the fruits you love is to make your own juices. Inexpensive juicing machines can be bought from most home stores and they are very easy to use. Fruits do not need to be pre-cooked in order to make juices, but any fruit that is not organically grown should be peeled first as the peel is where most of the chemical residues can be found. Some varieties of fruit will still need peeling even when they are organically grown, and these include pineapple, oranges, kiwis, grapefruits, and papaya.

Always choose fresh fruit and chop it into small pieces before you push it into the juicer. Once you have collected enough juice, make sure you clean the juicer thoroughly as left-over residue will soon turn sour and attract flies. Fresh juices should be consumed within one day.

Any fruits can be used to make tasty juices; simply pick the ones you enjoy eating and experiment with different combinations to make some interesting juices and smoothies. Ice cubes can be added to your healthy juices for a chilled drink that you can enjoy on hot summer days. You can also add some ice cream for a sweet treat.

Fresh fruit juices are a great way of encouraging children to eat a greater quantity of fruit. Many children turn their noses up at fruit as they tend to prefer sweets and junk food, but by making the suggestion that they might like to make their own juices, eating healthy fruit will soon become fun rather than a chore. They can pick the fruit they like the look of and try some fun combinations of healthy juices and smoothies. Turn healthy eating into a game and it is amazing how many kids will suddenly enjoy eating bigger quantities of fruit!



Thursday, 9 September 2010

Vegetables and Fruits - Make Your Body Feel Great

Everybody knows that fruits and vegetables are healthy choices, they're full of fiber and vitamins, and they can ward off illness and disease. We haven't always listened when we were told to eat more, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't take such advice to heart now that we are older.

If we took a closer look, we would see we are actually hurrying through the day up to our elbows in hamburgers and greasy french fries, topped with a chocolate shake for lunch. It is not very often that we pass up the convenient, sugary treats, which are so easy to pop in our mouths, to take the time to prepare a nutritious snack for ourselves, even if we don't indulge in unhealthy, fatty, fast food lunches every day.

Grapes, cantaloupe or watermelon are good examples. Fruits are the original fast food. Give them a quick bath and you can start noshing right away. Maybe you would prefer some carrots, celery or cauliflower, with a bit of Italian dressing for dipping. Scientists know that we're not eating what we should. They know that the turnips and tomatoes are going uneaten, untouched. So to motivate people to develop healthier eating habits, we're being reminded of the Five-a-Day campaign to help us pay more attention to our diets and challenge us to have five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

In the beginning, five servings per day appears like a lot. However, a few easy tips exist that might help you, like eating a piece of fruit in the morning. Fruit can be a tasty addition to cereal, pancakes and waffles. Apples or bananas make great portable snacks.

It is very easy to add veggies to your daily diet. For lunch, try including a salad. That's an easy way to get in a serving of green stuff. When dining out, you should order sandwiches with tomatoes, lettuce or sprouts. If you're baking, you can sneak in vegetables and never even realize it. If you're making a sauce or a soup, you can load up on vegetables. Cook up a batch of stew, and lay on the vegetables.

Try putting peanut butter on celery, something which is also a great snack for the kids. Offer a variety of foods to those picky kids who change their mind every day about what they like to eat. They are always told to eat their veggies in order to get a sweet treat, but this technique doesn't do anything to make veggies more appealing. It would be interesting to see what would happen if we tried the opposite approach.

How about some broccoli after that chocolate cake? Fruit and vegetable juices are another delicious and refreshing way to meet your goal of five servings a day. But, the drawback to juices is that they are not a good source of fiber. Kids can fill up on juice and then not eat their food. Juices are also packed full of calories.

There are numerous benefits to your health when you eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. It's getting harder and harder to pretend you don't know about them. If you eat more veggies and fruit, you reduce your risk of contracting about fourteen different types of cancer. You're that much healthier than folks who only get one or two servings a day. Fruits and vegetables also help in the reduction of risks of adult blindness, strokes, and heart attacks.

Even though we are well aware of these facts, we continue to find reasons why we can't eat our fruits and vegetables. People love to cry that fruits and veggies are costly. Some people whine that they're too busy to slice up healthy foods to eat. Yet, they're not too busy to wait in the drive thru line for the heart attack in a bag. Letting a piece of fruit or a vegetable get too ripe is another way some excuse themselves from eating more produce.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Low Carb Diets Recipes - How to Prepare Quick Low Carb Recipes

If you fancy low carb diets recipes, try any of the following treats:

  • Get a pound of eggplant and chop into desirable portions. Add a small zucchini (chopped as well). Have three (3) cloves of garlic and an onion ready. Of course, stock up on salt and pepper to taste. Roast all these ingredients for about 400 degrees for half an hour. Add nuts, yogurt and dill weed to for that irresistible, aromatic flavor.
  • Have your favorite yogurt ready in a blender. Add some almond milk and also some protein powder. A cup of oats will also be desirable. Blend all the ingredients to the consistency you like. Drink your way to good health.
  • Stir fry mushroom, spinach and broccoli. Add some tomatoes for a bit of interesting contrast. Prepare yourself some omelette with perhaps 2 pieces of egg. This will keep you full for hours on end.
  • Over a fire and on a grill, take a slab of your favorite meat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon. Cook until grill marks are fairly visible on both sides.

There are other quick low carb diets recipes out there. What is important is that you must be consistent. You need to have a well thought-out plan that will allow you to integrate the recipes into your lifestyle. While there may be other plans out there that promise quick results, only a low-carb diet will help you keep your newly improved body. Eating healthy is a conscious effort and requires your full attention for it to enjoy long-time success. Try to convince your family and friends to switch as well; this way, you can have the support you need.

Take note that when you choose low carb diets recipes, you are embracing a whole new way of healthy eating. The key to success is easy. Just remember to cut back on carbohydrates and increase your protein and fat food choices. The body can only take so much carbohydrates and the rest just add inches to your waist. Good luck on eating healthier, looking younger, and feeling so much better!

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

Low Calorie-Substitutions to Make Those Fat Recipes Into Skinny Recipes

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D-I-E-T is a 4-letter word that so many of us wish didn't have to exist. But, since it is a necessary part of life, regardless of your metabolic make up, it would really be convenient to know what to substitute when cooking or preparing foods that will make them more wholesome with fewer calories, less sugar and more fiber. Diet is not only defined as that "thing" that you must endure in order to lose weight, but as your daily intake of foods, which if done in moderation and with a few simple substitutions can make either your maintenance of, or your achievement of your weight loss goals a reality.

The goal here is to lower your fat, sugar and salt intake while also lowering your calories and increasing your fiber, without sacrificing taste, which so many diet foods lack.

The following ingredients or foods are things you can either consume in place of or utilize in recipes as a substitution for the "fatter" alternative:
All-purpose flour-Whole-wheat flour. In baked goods you can substitute half of the flour with whole-wheat flour. You might want to use whole-wheat pastry flour in cakes and muffins as it is less dense and will produce a 'lighter' product. Bacon-Canadian Bacon, Turkey Bacon, Smoked Turkey or lean Proscuitto Butter, Shortening or Oil-Use Applesauce or Prune Puree for half of the butter, shortening or oil that is called for in a recipe. Oil is not an adequate substitution for butter or shortening though. If using it to prevent sticking, use a cooking spray and/or a non-stick pan instead Creamed Soups-Fat-Free Milk-Based Soups, Mashed Potato Flakes, Pureed Carrots, Potatoes or Tofu. Creamed soups are usually used as a thickening agent, so consider one of the substitutions, maybe adding a bit of low-fat, low-sodium liquid with the mashed potato flakes and adding fresh ingredients such as broccoli, chicken or cheese when those flavors are called for. Dry Bread Crumbs-Rolled Oats or crushed Bran Cereal. You can use these substitutions measure for measure. Eggs-Two Egg-whites per egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute for one whole egg. Enriched Pasta-Whole-wheat Pasta Evaporated Milk-Evaporated Skim Milk Fruit-Flavored Yogurt-Plain Yogurt with Fresh Fruit Slices. Cream Cheese-Low-Fat or Fat-Free Cream Cheese; Low-Fat Cottage Cheese or Neufchatel pureed until smooth. Sour Cream-Low-Fat or Fat-Free Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt. Ground Beef-Ground Chicken, Ground Turkey or Extra Lean or Lean Ground Beef. Main Ingredient Meat-Three times as many vegetables as what meat is called for can be used on pizzas or in casseroles, stews and soups. Margarine in Baked Goods-Butter Spreads or Shortenings that are Trans Fat-Free and formulated especially for baking or you can also experiment with the same substitutions used for Butter above. Oil-Based Marinades-Wine, Fruit Juice, Balsamic Vinegar or Fat-Free Broth. Garlic, Celery or Onion Salts-Garlic Powder, Celery Seed, Onion Powder or Finely Chopped Garlic, Celery or Onions. Soy Sauce-Hot Mustard Sauce, Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Sweet-and-Sour Sauce.

Further options are to always opt for the low-sodium or reduced sodium versions of your favorites and stop cooking with additional salt, especially if it is an "option" in a recipe. The taste difference is negligible when compared to the health benefits. Sea salt is also an option as it has less sodium, but you need the iodine in salt to some degree in your diet. You can use sea salt in a grinder on your table and iodized sea salt in your cooking if you wish. You can also easily cut calories and fat by using low-fat, reduced-fat or fat-free dairy products and whole-wheat to replace plain old white bread. Rice is also a preferred option to pasta and can fill out or extend a recipe, but use wild rice, brown rice, bulgur rice or pearl barley instead.

Now, isn't that easy? These are the most common "healthier" substitutions, but any time you are looking to cut fat, calories, sugar or salt, look closely at your recipe first and then think what you may be able to substitute instead. You may just like the new recipe much better and your family doesn't even have to know.

Tina loves cooking for her husband and to make her recipes even more tasty and healthy she grows her own vegetables. She has many fall vegetables which she can fertilize with jobes fertilizer spikes.

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Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Bread 2.0 - Better Choices For Every Body

When it comes to dietary staples, one need not look much further than bread. Bread, often referred to as the "staff of life," has formed the main part of the average diet for centuries. Check out my new video on how to make better bread choices:

No Knead to Banish the Bread
So it seems a bit ironic that bread is often listed as one of the first foods to go when one is looking to limit carbohydrates. The reality is that one ounce of plain bread averages just 80 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrate, and is a valuable source of energy for any diet. The problem is that variations in size, density and ingredients can vastly alter the nutrient content of the bread we choose, converting a simple healthy whole grain piece of bread into a budget busting nightmare.

Great Bread Choices For Every Body

Fortunately for all us who love bread, there are more slim and healthy bread choices than ever. From portion-controlled, calorie-conscious hamburger buns, to tortillas packed with healthy fiber and English Muffins that fill you up but not out, here's a primer on some of today's best bread bets.

Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

* "Light" buns, like Delightful Hamburger Buns by Sara Lee have just 80 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrate and 6 grams of fiber per bun compared with up to 40 grams of more of carbohydrates and 200 calories in a traditional bun. The hot dog buns offer a similar savings.
* "Thin" buns, like Orowheat and Earthgrain Sandwich Thins, make it easier than ever to enjoy calorie-conscious sandwiches and burgers. Both offer just 100 calories per bun and 4 grams of hearty fiber. Selections range from wheat and wholegrain to white.

Tortillas

* Looking for a tasty way to boost the fiber in your diet? Grab a tortilla! Reduced-carbohydrate, high-fiber tortillas are amazing for creating healthier carb- and/or calorie-conscious recipes. Mission Carb Balance and La Tortilla Factory Smart and Delicious Wraps are two brands to look for.

Bagels and English Muffins

* Skip the bagel store with its large, dense bagels (where just one-quarter of a bagel equals one carb choice) and head to the grocery store. The makers of Thomas' English Muffins now offer Bagel Thins. With just 110 calories, 24 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, this 1½ carbohydrate choice selection puts bagels back on the breakfast menu.

Sandwich Breads

* While whole grain breads are a healthy choice, be sure to read labels to find more carb- and calorie-friendly choices. "Light" breads, such as those made by Sara Lee and Wonder Bread have just 40-45 calories and 9 grams of carbs per piece. Add to that a healthy dose of fiber and these are bread selections that every body can love.
* Move over wheat. Rye and pumpernickel are also great "whole grain" selections. Check the label for choices that offer no more than 18 grams of carbs and 100 calories per piece. Lastly, do you love white bread? The lactic acid used to sour "sour dough" also brings down the glycemic index (the rate at which it raises blood sugar). Switch to sour dough for a better-than-white choice.

Monday, 30 August 2010

Discover If Nutrisystem Diet Can Work For You

It is common to find persons looking for good diet plan practically every day and most of them end up spending huge sums on different programs. If you want to find a diet without all the hassle and stress of finding the right food, then the following paragraphs will tell you about Nutrisystem diet.

This diet plan can very convenient for individuals who are not interested in planning menus, shopping for food or even cooking their meals as well as monitoring serving sizes. All you are required to do is select the food of your choice and you will be provided with microwaveable meals to last for a month, which would be delivered to your home.

Can Nutrisystem work for everyone?

When compared with several other types of diet, it will be easy to see how this diet plan will work effectively for everyone. It offers convenience, ways to control hunger, education on weight loss and comes in different variety. There is not much work to do and you are not required to check for calorie intake or even try to figure out what meals to eat daily. In essence, you are eating the meals that are delivered and if you want you could include healthy choices such as fruits and vegetables with every meal.

Presently, you will not find a number of diets which allow you to choose candy bars, cookies, pizza and cereals. But, this corporation is actually focused on establishing comfort foods which are safe and healthy when you're attempting to lose weight. The diet plan includes in excess of 120 meal choices, plus a recent "select" course including frozen gourmet foods.

Whenever you opt for Nutrisystem diet you are provided with education in regards to maintaining a healthier lifestyle and weight loss. Additionally, you are provided with coaching and counseling free of charge. Most people will tell you that when it comes to providing valuable information and assistance required for success, this company will be leading in this regard.

In general, this diet is a healthy choice. The meals are generally lower in sodium, Trans and saturated fats, but include a wide range of food items including whole grains. The option of having meals which are prepared in the correct portions will definitely be a plus when you are looking for a simple way to lose weight.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

What You Must Know About Nutrisystem Diet

Are you searching for a diet plan that works? Well, why don't you consider the Nutrisystem diet which is getting increasingly popular these days? Due to the fact that there are a lot of infomercials and commercial advertisements some people are considered about the benefits of this program. For this reason, this article was put together to highlight what you must know about Nutrisystem diet.

To begin with, this diet plan has been in existence for more than thirty-five years and is actually among the first diet programs accessible online. This offers excellent suggestions and counseling on telephone as opposed to group sessions at the traditional weight loss centers. As a result of providing support for weight loss, individuals are able to accomplish this from their conveniences at home.

How it really works

When you opt for this diet program you will get special meals delivered to your doorstep. This includes three meals a day, plus snack. It is possible to get fruits and vegetables if you want this as an inclusion as well. You will discover in excess of 170 meal selection on the menu and you also have the option of customizing the meals to your preference.

This diet program allows you to order food to last for a month at any given time. All the meals will consist of preparation guidelines. The majority of them can be prepared within 5 to 10 minutes, helping to make this kind of diet extremely advantageous considering that there is no prolonged preparation time.

Generally, the meals will be based on low-glycemic food items, which mean that you are getting only good carbohydrate. These food types help to keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent insulin surges, which cause you to get hungry. In addition due to the dietary fiber within the meals, this will make you feel full for longer period instead of getting hungry fast.

In conclusion, once you try Nutrisystem diet you will discover that this is a simple way for you to lose weight. So, take advantage of the opportunity to join hundreds of individuals who are losing weight with this program. The great news is that you can to do this for roughly $11 daily and get effective results for less.

Saturday, 28 August 2010

What You Don't Know About Losing Love Handles

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You may not know this, but soda drinks and those sugared juices can be packing the pounds onto your waistline without you even knowing. This makes it quite hard when you are losing love handles. Surprisingly, guzzling down those drinks have a bigger impact on our waistlines than anything that we eat. Some people start their diets, but continued to drink these high sugared drinks and wonder why they don't lose weight. Well, this guide will help you choose what drinks you can drink freely and what drinks you have to stay away from.

Many people would be surprised to hear that tea is great for drinking and losing love handles. The good thing about it, is that regardless of whether you can get hot or cold, it's calorie free and takes great. Also, there have been a few studies that have shown that green tea can enhance your metabolism for up to 24 hours, which actually means that it's helping you burn more calories.However, by putting sugar in your tea you're taking away from these health benefits. So, drink tea without sugar and it'll be a good start to losing weight.

Coffee is actually another drink that you can drink freely when losing love handles. An unsweetened brew is jampacked with healthy compounds, without the calories. Also, try not to put too much milk or creams in your coffee as these are filled with fat. If you really must, try using skimmed milk.

Milk is actually a drink that you should go easy on, as it does contain fat. However, if you go with the skim or low-fat version, then it can actually lead to weight loss. This is because dairy contains calcium and the amino acid leucine. Another good alternative, is drinking soy milk. Soy milk actually gets the same health benefits as skim milk or low-fat milk.

Alcohol is weird. In fact, having a drink once a day does have its perks, which include reducing the risk of heart disease. However, each little glass contains a lot of calories. So if you're trying to lose weight, the worst thing you can do is drink a bunch of beer.

Juice is very tricky. Many people think, if it comes from a fruit it must be healthy. However, this is not always the case. If you had to choose between fruit juice, or eating a whole fruit, you're better off getting the whole fruit. For instance, an orange has a mere 59 calories, and it's chock-full of fiber. Whereas, a typical glass of orange juice as around 110 calories.

So,what is a drink to stay away from? Well, it's diet soda. New research suggests that these artificially sweetened drinks will mess up your brain's ability to measure caloric intake. So instead of drinking milk, alcohol, or diet soda, why not have some soy milk, tea, or coffee.

Good luck losing weight!

Click here for more information on losing love handles. Also, here's an article on losing love handles that I recommend.

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Friday, 27 August 2010

Delicious and Low Fat Summer Dessert

Everybody asks me how to get fit and enjoy the summer and still eat a delicious dessert. It is very simple if you choose and correctly use the ingredients, a recipe without a lot of calories is not synonymous of a tasteless recipe. And I am going to show you with this delicious recipe.

Shall we?

Blueberry Cheesecake

SERVES 8

Ingredients:

300g / 8 oz blueberries
12 digestive biscuits
50g / 1 1/2 oz low fat spread
250g / 7 oz low fat soft cheese (room temperature)
300g / 9 oz low fat Greek yogurt (room temperature)
3 gelatine leaves
400g/1can of peaches (halves)

How to do it:

Divide the blueberries into 2 bowls, one with 50gr and other with 250gr

Crush the biscuits in a freezer bag with an end of a rolling pin or use a food processor to make fine crumbs. Melt the low fat spread in a small pan, then stir the crumbs until coated. Spoon into a 24cm loose-bottomed sandwich tin and level the mixture with the back of a spoon. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together the low fat soft cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Set aside

Put the gelatine leaves into a bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain the cold water and add a little bit of warm water and stir until dissolved

Mix the dissolved gelatine into a yogurt and cheese mixture and add the 250gr blueberries,mix well.

Spoon the yogurt mixture over the biscuit base in a single layer. Chill for 2-3 hours until just set.

Remove from the tin and transfer to a serving plate. Decorate with the peaches and the reserved blueberries, after draining off any juice, and serve immediately.

What Should You Include in Your Low Fat Dinners?

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If you are looking for ways to lose weight and develop greater stamina, adopting a low fat diet could definitely help you out. This means choosing meals that are healthier alternatives to the traditional calorie-ridden foods. But where should you start? We've put together some ideas that will help you prepare low fat dinners and take control of your life. Let's look at the different food groups.

Grains group

There are several possibilities for you in the grains group. Any good low fat cookbooks will tell you that normal white bread should be replaced with whole-grain bread, rolls or bagels. If you are a huge fan of white bread, I suggest that you try out whole wheat bread for a month. Just try it out. You'll see how easily our body gets accustomed to change.

Whole-grain cereals like bran and oatmeal should be a part of your snacks. Switching from plain noodles and pasta to whole-grain pasta is also an easy change to make. Your spaghetti won't taste that different with whole-grain pasta, but the effect on your health will be felt. Buy also brown rice. If you are reluctant, you can always alternate: white rice one month and brown rice the other. Although your diet won't be perfectly, it will be much better than before. If you want a healthier snack, trade your granola for a low-fat one or cooked oatmeal.

Fruits and vegetables

And when you're thinking about your menu for the week, don't forget about vegetables. Veggies should form a crucial part of your low fat dinners. Don't add too much cream or sauces though. Otherwise, you'll end up with big fat veggies in your plate.

Think about integrating fruits and vegetables, such as apples, peaches, pears, watermelons, peas, chick peas, soy beans, and broccoli into your low fat dinners. Keep in mind that you don't have to add a whole apple tree to your recipe to make a difference. Some low fat cookbooks offer interesting dessert recipes using pureed fruits instead of oil. Frozen fruits with no added sugar also make up a great low fat snack.

Meat and poultry

Your best options will always be lean cuts of meat over regular ones. Chicken and turkey are great. Cooking them without their skin will result in an even lower fat percentage in your meals. If you cannot live without hot dogs, choose chicken or turkey sausages instead of beef. Fish is a healthy source of good fat and omega 3 (especially salmon). In general, North Americans do not eat enough fish. For those who don't like fish, it may be because you have never had the chance to taste a delicious recipe. Preparation is the secret.

Dairy Products

Regarding dairy items, you can sometimes cook only with the egg whites instead of the whole egg. Many recipes based on egg whites are available in low fat cookbooks. And the final result tastes just as great. Moreover, make sure that you include skimmed or reduced-fat milk rather than whole milk in your low fat snack. Lighter versions of butter and margarine should be substituted in place of regular butter. Here again, you can alternate between the lighter and the regular versions of milk or butter that you are used to eat. This will still make your diet much better than it was.

Desserts

We know that dessert is not a new food group. But we thought that it was important to touch on it since so many of us love finishing their meal with one. For instance, you can have low fat versions of muffins and scones. You can also bake Angel food cakes or gingerbread cakes instead of pound cakes/chocolate cakes. Using skimmed milk will equally improve your puddings and custards. Your ice cream treat can easily be replaced by sorbet and frozen yogurt.

A low fat diet does not mean you have to refrain from eating dessert. However, you may have to rely on good low fat cookbooks to get the tips and techniques necessary to prepare delicious and healthy desserts. In the meantime, we hope that above-mentioned tips will help you to get started on the road to a slimmer and better you.

Find out more about how low fat cookbooks can help you develop healthier eating habits. Put everything on your side to ensure that you achieve your objectives and avoid preparing tasteless low fat dinners.

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Thursday, 26 August 2010

Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli

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Really tasty and easy to make. I usually somehow end up making this for at least three dinners per week. It takes barely any time at all, and it tastes great.

Try this recipe out any time if you are trying to lose weight, or add on muscle. It is high protein and low car.

Ingredients

1 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 Cup Broccoli
3 Tbsp Honey Mustard
3 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
3 Tbsp White cooking wine
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic Powder

Heat the oil on medium Heat in a small pan. Add about 1 tbsp garlic powder and let it melt. Add the chicken breast to the oil and sprinkle with more garlic powder. Turn the chicken to brown on each side and cook through. While the chicken is cooking, heat 1 cup broccoli with 2 tsp water in a small pot with medium heat. Mix the mustard, soy, and wine in a separate bowl. When the chicken and broccoli are each finished cooking, combine in the pan and cook in the mustard sauce. cook on low-medium for about 5 minutes or until the sauce starts boiling.

If you don't mind adding some carbs to the mix, either Mix with brown rice or serve the rice on the side.

Approximate nutritional info (based off my iPhone app)

Calories - 281
Fat - 2g...0 trans, 0 saturated
Cholesterol - 80 mg
Sodium - 1500 mg
Carbs - 21g
Net Carbs - 16g
Fiber - 5g
Sugar - 6g
LOW CARB, LOW FAT, LOW SUGAR, HIGH PROTEIN!

Bad sodium level though.

Mike -
Fit By Example -

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What Are Leaf Vegetables?

Leaf vegetables are also known as leafy greens, potherbs or just greens. They are the leaves of vegetable plants, and can be eaten in salads, stir-fries, and smoothies. There are over 1000 species of leaf vegetables, but some of the common ones are lettuce, kale, spinach, collards, swiss chard, mustard greens and beet greens.

Nutrition Information

Leaf vegetables do not contain any unhealthy fats or cholesterol, and are low in calories. But they are high in vital nutrients such as vitamins A, B vitamins, C, E and K, folate, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. They also contain lots of fiber, amino acids, antioxidants and chlorophyll.

How to Buy

When buying your leaf vegetables make sure that they are crisp and not wilted, as they will last longer in your fridge. Also buy organic whenever possible as they will contain more nutrients and less chemicals.

If you have a garden you can grow your own in the summer time. Or, if you have a window that receives a fair amount of sunshine you can even grow them in pots. The vegetables require very little maintenance and will last a while if you only pick the outside leaves so that the inner leaves can continue to grow.

How to Eat

Salads. Leaf vegetables are great for in green or garden salads. Simply wash the leaves and chop them up into bite-sized pieces and enjoy with your favorite dressing.

Smoothies. Smoothies are a great way for you to eat more of these, as you can mix them up with your favorite fruits and other root vegetables for a flavorful and nutrient rich smoothie.

Stir-fries. If you enjoy stir-fries, then leaf vegetables will make a great addition. You can use any leaf vegetable, just remember that they will require less time to cook as your peppers and other vegetables.

Juices. These vegetables also contain a good amount of juice which you can obtain by sending them through a juicer. If you have never juiced green vegetables, then you will want to juice them along with your favorite fruits to help take the bitterness out.

Health Benefits

Weight Loss. Due to the low amounts of calories and high amount of nutrition, they are the perfect food to add to your diet if you want to lose weight. Not only will they help to fill you up, but they will also help you to avoid other food cravings.

Prevent Diseases. Due to the high amount of antioxidants the vegetables can help to protect you against many age related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, eye diseases, heart disease and diabetes. They do not contain any unnatural sugars, and therefore they will not spike your blood sugar levels.

The Colourful World Of Oats

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Oats are one of nature's super foods. A cereal with a thousand and one uses, oats can be consumed raw, cooked or mixed with other foods for a nutritious meal. First farmed in the bronze age in mainland Europe, oats have quickly become part of the staple diet of many nations but are easily overlooked for their health benefits that include lowering cholesterol, providing a natural source of fibre and serving up an alternative to wheat for those with coeliac disease.

So what kind of foods allow us to enjoy the goodness of oats on a regular basis? When asked this question, many people might say porridge oats. A staple part of the Scottish diet as well as plenty of other countries around the world, porridge oats can be enjoyed as a filling and wholesome breakfast when cooked with hot milk then topped with lashings of honey, fruit and chopped nuts. Porridge oats are also popular in cold cereals such as muesli or granola which can be enjoyed with a dollop of low-fat yogurt as a healthy snack at any time of day.

Believe it or not, oats are also popular in liquid form. For those suffering from lactose intolerance or even people following a vegan diet, oats can be used to create a tasty and healthy alternative to regular cows' or goats' milk. Often containing a delicate blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates, oat milks are perfect for a balanced diet or those keen to reduce cholesterol. For drinkers looking for something a little harder, oats can even be used to make beers. Malt in particular is one of the four main ingredients involved in the production of beers and ales; many of which date back to the 12th century.

Whether eaten as part of a natural and healthy breakfast or even consumed in a pint glass down the pub, the wide ranging use of oats doesn't stop there. Increasingly enjoyed in healthy cookies and fibre-rich muffins, oats can be enjoyed by those with sweet or savory tastes alike. Oat biscuits in particular are seen as a wholesome alternative to high-fat, sugary baked goods that can contribute towards obesity and other life threatening illnesses. Instead, oat based biscuits offer a sweet pick-me-up without the synthetic added extras commonly found in processed foods.

Like the sound of oats? Now's the time to add this super food into your diet and start enjoying the health benefits of one of Mother Nature's most versatile crops.

Harvey McEwan writes to make insurance (especially car insurance!) a happier place.

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Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Gourmet Cooking - How To Become A Gourmet Chef

Gourmet cooking is a way of preparing food that only uses the finest and freshest possible ingredients. Meaning that to eat astonishing gourmet food you must cook your cuisine straight after buying the fresh ingredients to put in your foods. Not just do you wish to purchase the freshest ingredients when cooking gourmet meals but you also want to insure that you are selecting ingredients of excellent quality.

Those who excel at gourmet cooking and food preparation have many options accessible to them. When you come from a big family it's exciting to be able to invite everybody for a first class banquet at your house.

Just don't think that any and everyone can turn into a gourmet connoisseur only by going out and picking up the absolute best ingredients and putting them into an oven. You require a lot of passion for gourmet cooking and a large quantity of skill which is essential to accomplish this level of gourmet excellence.

Unfortunately fresh ingredients are not always on hand therefore compromises ought to be made when preparing gourmet foods. Contact your favorite shop so you know what is in season and plan your dishes accordingly whenever possible. When cooking gourmet food the layering of flavors is very essential. You should be able to taste the meat or seafood as well as the veggies, herbs, and spices to make you a true gourmet chef.

When making your gourmet dish you will require more then just great tasting skills. As I talked about above gourmet cooking desires a large ability but there is some degree of art involved as well. For this reason, presentation is a key part for success. Add a few freshly chopped herbs on the plate before placing the cooking or top the food with appealing and aromatic herbs that will compliment the flavor of the meal you have prepared. Present the fruits and vegetable sides in a visually appealing fashion rather than simply tossing them onto a plate.

With good presentation even foods that were simple to cook can take on the taste of a gourmet banquet. This is something you should take into account. The thing about gourmet cooking is that it is to some extent more art than science. This means that there is always room to develop your competencies and become a good cook.

Even if you are the most experienced chef, know that knowledge can grow over time with determination and desire to learn.

Nevertheless when you want to be absolutely certain about the excellence of your gourmet dinner, when for instance inviting your closest friends or new mother in law, you might think about having a more experienced chef make your dinner for you. You can then have it delivered to your kitchen before your guests arrive. It's up to you whether you will take the honor for serving a gourmet dinner.

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Low-Carb - Best Solution in Senior Diet for Lowering Cholesterol

Melissa Rubin
Level: Platinum

I am a web copywriter and developer for OTOnetworks, a digital marketing firm located in Baltimore, Maryland. I work with our network of internal sites ... Article Word Count: 282

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Grain - The Best Diet Food to Lose Your Weight

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Rice, wheat, oat, corn, and barley are just a few name of grain. This seed of plant consists of several nutrients and moisture content that bring many advantages for our body. High of fiber, it is one of superiorities of this seed that can be your alternative in the effort to lose your weight since it consists of a few calories only.

Limiting portion of our daily food is one of efforts in changing our daily habit in eating. Besides, avoiding food that consists of high calories such as cakes, cookies, fats, oil, chicken and others also help you in losing your weight. Before we discuss about it as the best option to lose our weight, let us observe about it closely. Grain consists of three main parts that are bran, germ and endosperm. Bran functions as a cover that protects it from disease, pest, water, and sunbathe. Germ functions as main potential in the growing of grain into the new seed. And the last, endosperm functions as the supplier of food for the new seed.

Then, what is the effect of consuming more grains. It is riches of Vitamin E and B also important fats saved in the germ. Proteins find in endosperm, meanwhile iron, fiber, copper, zinc saved in the bran. The whole of these nutrients are needed for us as the complement to suffice the necessity of our body everyday. What is the relation between these nutrients with our daily diet, just look about it in the following paragraph.

Many researches stated that if you keep away from food that consists of high carbohydrate, it can be ensured that your weight will lose more quickly. It is because carbohydrate is one of causes that make our weight increases. In this case, grain only consists of little carbohydrate, so you can start to practice this habit in your daily diet food.

Moisture inside grain has an essential thing in determining the nutrients contents of it measured by using moisture meter. For further information about it, read also grain moisture meter and soil moisture meter in other articles of the author as the addition of your knowledge.

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Monday, 23 August 2010

Alternatives to Unhealthy Foods

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Everyone has their own version of the "standard grocery list" that they adhere to from week to week. Most of the items that are on our lists don't always offer a proper amount of healthy dietary support. If you're one of the concerned millions that's tired of their bad eating habits, or maybe a little worried about their future health; you probably have asked yourself "are there any other alternatives to the items I normally buy?" Of course! There are some wonderful alternatives to standard grocery list items most of which are not only better for you, but more flavorful.

The bread aisle

Instead of going to the white bread every single time, try some whole grain wheat bread. Where white bread has an even sponge-like texture, wheat bread has a more natural and hearty texture and flavor. Wheat bread is much better for your circulatory and digestive system than regular old white bread. Look for breads with "whole grain" printed on the packaging.

Chips and Dips

Who doesn't like nachos? People who are concerned with their health, that's who. Instead of binging on sluggish cheese dip, go for salsa. Not only is it much more flavorful, but you're also contributing to your vegetable intake as well.

Meats

Cutting back on pork and beef intake can be a daunting task for some, but there are great alternatives to these high fat laden foods. Whether you're looking for a burger, bacon or a slice of lunch meat; turkey is the way to go. Turkey is so much healthier than other meats, and with the proper seasonings it is very comparable in taste as well. If you are brave enough to forgo meat altogether, try tofu or a veggie burger on for size. Tofu is an especially versatile meat substitute; if you're into Asian cooking, substitute some extra firm tofu for pork or beef dishes, it's wonderful.

Soda and drinks

The negative effects of constant soda use are well documented, instead of soda try some juices (100%, not concentrated) on for size. Grape juice is a wonderful and much more heart healthy alternative to soda drinks.

Sauces, salts and sodium

Cutting back on your sodium intake is always a good idea; the problem is that it is in everything. Most sauces have 5-10 times the amount suggested per serving. Instead of table salt or expensive sauces, make a little visit to the herbs and spices section. There are so many options here that it boggles the mind. Read some labels to make sure they don't include too much sodium. Dark soy sauce has been discovered to offer health benefits, although it has high sodium content; use it sparingly.

Hopefully now you have some better ideas for your next trip to the grocery store. Making little changes like these can have such a significant impact on your future health; and by taking care of yourself you're saving money on future medical costs as well. For more information and healthy alternatives go to: http://eatingunhealthy.net

An article by Soren Jorgensen, http://eatingunhealthy.net

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Saturday, 21 August 2010

Three Quick, Delicious and Nutritious Dishes

Zhiyong Zhao
Level: Basic

hello,everyone. I have writed article in internet for 4 years. I wish you can love my articles, and wish my articles can help you. Thank ... Article Word Count: 269

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Healthy Snacking During Pigskin Season

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3 Simple Smoothie Diet Recipes

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Smoothies have been all the rage for quite some time, but are they really beneficial to dieters? Yes!

Smoothies help dieters maintain hydration, provide more fiber and vitamins than most foods, and provide plenty of natural fructose, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

All of this comes in an easily-digestible form that delivers the nutrients quickly and efficiently.

Here are three delicious smoothie recipes that will help you start your morning with a burst of energy and keep feeling good all day long:

The Ultimate Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are packed with rejuvenating chlorophyll and antioxidants that kick the immune system into high gear.

This one delivers several servings of dark green veggies along with sweet-tasting fruits to please the palate.

It also contains just enough healthy fat to help your body absorb and use the smoothie's many vitamins.

What You'll Need:
4 leaves of kale, de-stemmed4 leaves of chard, de-stemmed1/2 bunch of parsley1 large aloe vera leaf1/2 bunch of dandelion greens3 pears1 ripe banana, peeled1 avocado, peeled3 cups of waterDirections:

Remove stems from kale and chard leaves. Peel banana and avocado. Remove seed from avocado.

Place ingredients in blender. Add 2 1/2 cups water. Blend for approximately two minutes, or until completely smooth. Drink and enjoy!

The Vitamin C Monster Smoothie

This yummy recipe is a favorite during cold and flu season. It's packed with vitamin C to help your body fight off illnesses.

The antioxidants also help rid your body of free radicals that can lead to disease.

What You'll Need:
1 package fresh strawberries, leaves removed2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced1 orange, peeled1 cup fresh blueberries1 kiwi, peeled and sliced1 cup cantaloupe, cubed2 ice cubes, crushedDirections:

Peel all fruits and slice as directed. Crush the ice cubes.

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high power for two minutes, or until completely smooth and frothy.

Add a little honey for more sweetness, if desired. Serve or drink immediately.

The Quick Morning Hunger-Buster Smoothie

This is an easy recipe that can be made in minutes, but it will satisfy you for hours to come. It serves up a whopping 6 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per cup!

Silken tofu adds a smooth texture and plenty of hunger-fighting protein, while the fiber from the apples and berries will keep your digestive system in top form.

The yogurt adds more protein, plus calcium

What You'll Need:
1 cup frozen mixed berries1/2 banana2 sweet apples, cored and sliced1/2 cup silken tofu1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurtDirections:

Combine berries, banana, apples, yogurt and tofu in blender.

Blend on high speed for two minutes or until smooth. This smoothie can be placed in a covered container and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Bonus: Build Your Own Smoothie

You can create a custom smoothie recipe that perfectly suits your taste. Here's how:

Custom green smoothies can be made by taking your favorite dark leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, or arugula) and combining them with your favorite sweet-tasting fruits (such as bananas, pears, or apples).

Add a fruit or vegetable with high water content (such as cucumber or melon) for added hydration. Blend on high speed until smooth.

Hunger-busting smoothies can be created by mixing a few of your favorite fruits with a protein source (such as yogurt or silken tofu). Experiment until you find the mix that works best for you!

Remember: You can add powdered supplements to any smoothie recipe for an extra dose of protein or fiber.

For heaps more elliptical tips and elliptical reviews check out ellipticalreviewer.com where you will find reviews and ratings on all the leading elliptical brands and models including Nordictrack elliptical, Sole, Smooth, Proform, Horizon, Healthrider and more.

Get your FREE 'Elliptical Buying Guide and Home Fitness Tips' full of tips and tricks on how to buy and the get the most out of the best elliptical for your needs.

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Friday, 20 August 2010

3 Healthy and Delicious Diet Recipes

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One unfortunate truth about diets is that when we're on them, we have a tendency to focus on all the foods we can't have. A better approach would be to look at a diet as an opportunity to try exciting, delicious, and healthier foods. Here are three heart-healthy, low-calorie meals that don't skimp on flavor:

Orange-Tamari Salmon

This recipe features an exotic blend of citrus and tamari, with all the nutritional benefits of omega-3s!

What You'll Need:

1 1/2 lb salmon fillets (4 equal portions)1/3 cup dry white wine2 tbsp low-sodium tamari1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice3 tbsp ginger (peeled and grated)1/4 cup chopped scallions1/2 tsp olive oil (extra virgin)1 tsp raw honey

Cooking Instructions:

Rinse fillets and pat them dry.

Combine white wine, tamari, orange juice, green onions, honey, and ginger in a bowl and whisk them until they form a well-blended marinade.

Place fillets in a baking pan with the pink flesh facing up. Pour the marinade evenly over all fillets. Cover pan with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

When you're ready to cook, remove fillets from refrigerator while you preheat your broiler.

Remove excess scallions and ginger from the fillets, and brush the scaled side of each fillet with extra virgin olive oil.

Place fillets, skin down, on broiling pan.

Broil fillets on high heat for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. The flesh should be slightly brown on top, and firm, flaky, and light pink throughout.

Spinach-Ricotta Portobellos

This vegetarian treat goes great with whole wheat pasta and a side salad. As an added bonus, each stuffed mushroom cap serves up a healthy dose of calcium and protein!

What You'll Need:

4 large Portobello mushrooms (caps)1/4 tsp sea salt1/4 tsp black pepper, divided1 cup reduced fat ricotta cheese1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided2 tbsp kalamata olives,diced1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning3/4 cup marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions:

Coat a baking sheet with no-calorie cooking spray and preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Place Portobello caps on baking sheet, gills facing up.

Sprinkle with sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook until tender (about 20 minutes).

While caps are cooking, mix ricotta cheese, spinach leaves, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, diced olives, Italian seasoning, and remaining pepper in a bowl.

Pour marinara sauce into a separate bowl and cook or microwave until hot.

Remove caps from oven and drain them. Place them back on the baking sheet and spread 1 tbsp marinara sauce on each.

Heap each cap with 1/3 cup ricotta spinach filling. Sprinkle all caps with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 10 minutes, and serve with remaining warm marinara sauce.

Sweet & Tangy "Fried" Chicken

This recipe puts a healthy spin on a Southern favorite. It's also packed with selenium, a vitamin that boosts the production of disease-fighting antioxidants.

What You'll Need:

3 tbsp Dijon mustard2 tbsp grade B maple syrup2 tbsp peanut oil, divided1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped3/4 tsp black pepper1/2 tsp salt, optional4 lb bone-in chicken pieces, skinless and fat-trimmed1 1/2 cups whole grain breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix Dijon mustard, maple syrup, 1 tbsp peanut oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Whisk until well-blended.

Dip chicken pieces in mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

Cover chicken and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 6 hours).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet to cook chicken.

Mix breadcrumbs and remaining peanut oil on the surface of a large plate. Dredge the meatier side of each chicken piece through the breadcrumb mixture.

Arrange pieces on wire rack, dredged side up. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

More Tips

Here are some more tips for putting together exciting and healthy recipes:

Try new meats. Veal, lamb, and bison are ultra-lean and full of flavor.Add color to your recipes. A balanced diet should contain plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Take this opportunity to try new varieties of produce.Use whole-grain rice and pasta. Whole grain products provide plenty of fiber and keep blood sugar spikes to a minimum. Many dieters also find them to be heartier and more satisfying than regular white flour products

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