All posts filed under: healthy eating

Lifestyle: No Carb, No Sugar Plan

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April fools day, I began a lifestyle change – in terms of eating better. Meaning, I don’t want to diet, or order a meal plan to follow. I simply decided to cut out carbs and sugar as much as possible from my daily meals. I have to tell you, it is day 9 and I feel pretty determined to go on, even when I am craving sugar like nobody’s business.  I also want to report that I’ve been a little grouchy, call it having withdrawals, but I know in the long run this is going to help me. At least I hope in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Last night I was craving a fat dessert, and opted to drink two bottles of water instead. Which helped. But today, I decided to make a list of desserts that are good to keep in mind  – for the just in case.  

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pesto, Asparagus, ricotta, prosciutto pasta on the spicy side

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Love a spicy kick to my meals and this pasta is going to be made for dinner tonight – with a bottle of my favorite chilled white Merlot wine. INGREDIENTS 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto 1 pound long cut pasta 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and chopped 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought 1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired, and chopped 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives grated parmesan, for serving {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Roasted Cauliflower and Halloumi Cheese Tacos

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Last March I visited a friend in England and she introduced me to Halloumi cheese dish served in a Mediterranean restaurant in London. Since then I have included this amazing cheese in salads, and simply served fried with a bit of tomato sauce for dipping – kind of like mozzarella sticks in a restaurant without the batter.  You see the cheese has the best elasticity and even melted holds together very well – so you can actually use it in variety of appetizers and as a side dish. So, guess what happened to me when I saw this recipe for roasted Cauliflower and Halloumi cheese tacos!!!!!!!!!  With a beer of your choice to wash it down of course. My mouth is watering as I settle into my kitchen to duplicate the recipe: INGREDIENTS 1 large, or 2 small, heads cauliflower, cut into florets 2 tablespoons sesame or olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced 1 cucumber or zucchini, shredded SPICY AVOCADO BASIL GUACAMOLE 1 avocado, halved …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken, Lemon Butter and Orzo

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I love cooking or coming up with a different take on the same old protein. And for tonight, I am tasting lemony chicken, and this recipe will do the trick. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts or small thighs kosher salt and pepper 1 Meyer lemon, sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1 cup orzo pasta 1/3 cup white wine 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1/2 a bunch kale, roughly torn zest + juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken, Chickpeas and Sweet Potato

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A simple take on the old recipe with chicken. A funny story I had been turned-off of chicken recently, mostly craving beef instead for my protein intake. But I am back to serving meals with chicken in mind – and here’s a great one for dinner tonight: INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs 1/4 cup olive oil plus, more for drizzling 2 lemons, juice and zest from 1 + 1 sliced 2 tablespoons Harissa seasoning 1 tablespoon honey kosher salt and black pepper 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks 1 sweet onion, sliced 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained 1/2 cup crumbled feta 1/3 cup green olives, smashed plain greek yogurt and fresh mint or cilantro, for serving {more}

How I’ve Stopped Feeling Guilty About Drinking Beer

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While in France, I noticed the women ordering a cold tall glass of beer in the afternoons, rather than coffee at a sidewalk cafe and sip while catching up on gossip, I can only imagine, since I have no idea what they are talking about, in French. I was impressed and confused at the trend, because I was always under the impression beer was fattening and not good for you. Recently, I’ve craved beer with every meal but for the life of me could not figure out as to why. But remembering the French women, and the fact, my body seems to know what is good for me I guess, I decided to do some research and here’s what I discovered – 7 backed by science reasons that beer is good for you. So no more guilty feelings, beer has now become my choice of drink: BEER APPARENTLY CONTRIBUTES TO OUR DAILY NUTRIENT INTAKE IT MAY LOWER YOUR RISK OF DIABETES IT MAY MAKE YOUR HEART HEALTHIER IT MAY BUILD STRONGER BONES IT MAY BOOST …

Food: There Is Actually 43 Cauliflower Recipes?

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Cauliflower is the best tasting vegetable but it is an acquired taste or takes time acquiring the taste for it.  While growing up in a Mediterrean home – my family used to simply saute the cauliflower in olive oil and sprinkle a dash of sea salt  and black pepper and voila – the best snack ever. I used to eat an entire cauliflower in one sitting – not too smart – but that’s how much I love(d) it. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this article about 43 cauliflower recipes to choose from: I mean you get the picture(s) – for the rest go here

Food: Anti-Inflammatory or Bust

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I do appreciate these articles – about what to do and not in terms of taking care of different ailments. Although I am going to share with you the suggested anti-inflammatory list of foods to consider, I do have to warn you – that some of these foods can contribute to bloating, food/spice  allergies or gluten related complications. So, approach the suggestions with care or mindfulness: You might also find this interesting: How To Easily Remove skin tags

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean Burger

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I’ll try any veggie burger, at least once, and this one is something the entire clan appreciated a few weeks ago, so I decided to share it here, in case variety in veggie meals is something you need right about now. Sure it’s a bit of work, but make the slaw and aoli the day before or save it all for a lazy Saturday afternoon at home: WHITE BEAN BURGERS WITH FENNEL SLAW   INGREDIENTS – FOR THE BURGERS 2 cloves garlic zest from 1/2 lemon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1/4 cup chickpea flour 1 15oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup parsley oil for frying FOR THE SLAW 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil juice form 1/2 lemon salt and pepper to taste FOR THE CAPER AOLI 1/4 cup capers, roughly chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon black pepper {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salmon Burger

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Variation is key to a successful dinner get-together – even for a busy family – who sometimes can’t sit down together for a proper meal. I say, create a menu and put it on display in the kitchen and see just how quickly everyone shifts their schedules around to be present for dinner. Here’s one I’m making tonight. I love Salmon burger and most of the time I order it in restaurants, thinking I can’t make it happen at home. But…this recipe has helped me get over my insecurity about making Salmon burgers: INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALMON BURGERS 1 8-ounce salmon fillet 1 teaspoon salt freshly cracked black pepper 2 stalks lemongrass 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled zest and juice from 1 lime 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3 tablespoons ground flax 3 tablespoons oil FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 tablespoon peppercorns 1 tablespoon honey 1 cucumber, ribboned 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced FOR THE CILANTRO …