All posts tagged: eating well

Food: No Carb, No Sugar Avocado Smoothie

I’ve been on this plan since April 2nd and I have to say, I am proud of myself for not falling off the wagon. Meaning, ordering chili fries and beer, or the need to munch through a large bag of skittles just because it is forbidden on this healthy eating plan. I can actually look at rice, or potatoes just to name a few, or sit through a meal with friends eating starchy foods and be okay.  So I guess my body has adjusted – hopefully well into the rest of the year. This morning, after eating two eggs in scramble, or boiled, every morning past, I decided to try this smoothie, even though I had a tough time thinking avocado to be a tasty option in smoothies – but it was fine and a great alternative to the usual eggs and bacon option. Ingredients 1/2 avocado (3-4 oz) 3/4 cup full – fat coconut milk (from a can) 1/4 cup almond milk 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (about 1/2 inch piece) 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (or more to taste) 1 cup crushed ice …

Lifestyle: No Carb, No Sugar Plan

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: There Is Actually 43 Cauliflower Recipes?

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: Dinner Tonight – White Bean Burger

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}

Lifestyle: Healthy Food Swaps For A Better You

Well this year started out not so well in terms of watching what I eat or intake actually. Because although I watch what I eat no matter at home or out, I have to now watch which food pairings work best for me or my metabolism to function properly And no this is not really age related. It’s more how a person’s body works since we know being overweight is something many folks struggle with. I’ve learned in the last year or so that, even if you diet, you may not lose the weight you hope because it comes down to individual metabolism and/or digestive processing. So if a diet works for one person, it may not do so well for another. I always go back to researching how I can eat healthy, and eat the right foods, not only to lose or maintain my weight, but also feel healthy in the belly.  There are many places that can help individuals obtain their goals, and  then there are the self-help sites online that can help …

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean Stew

This recipe is a variation of one my mother makes and I have to say, all the years I’ve devoured her style of recipe, I never once considered adding beef to it. So, for tonight, I am making this version: INGREDIENTS 2 pounds beef chuck, fat trimmed and cubed 1 sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 4 carrots, chopped 1/2 pound mixed baby potatoes, halved 3-4 jarred hot chili peppers in oil roughly, chopped (I buy Delallo Brand) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder (gf option) kosher salt and black pepper 2 cups low sodium beef broth 2 cups red wine 1/3 cup tomato paste 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 can (14 ounce) white beans, drained 2 cups winter greens, such as char kale or spinach

Health: Flatter Stomach Debate

Let’s face it. Losing weight around the belly is the most difficult for anyone whose body doesn’t metabolize through good genes (a.k.a naturally skinny folk) The sad thing is – most everything we eat can cause bloating, swelling and all things that strip our changes to a flatter stomach.  The foods that come to mind quickly are beans, broccoli, sprouts, and even tomatoes and carrots. So even though this list has nine foods to avoid if you want to achieve the flatter stomach – there is much more to the science of eating the right way to achieve a healthier stomach-> which could appear flatter. Such as probiotic and well-managed portions. Nevertheless, here’s the list of things to avoid.  I’d love to hear your take. Have you tried the suggestions and if so did you see any results? {featured photo source}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Buttered Wild Mushroom Pasta

My body is a temple and I listen to it wholeheartedly, especially when it craves…PASTA! Here’s what’s happening for dinner tonight: Ingredients 3/4 pound tagliatelle or other long cut pasta 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms kosher salt and pepper 6 tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic cloves, smashed 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage 3/4 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 8 ounces burrata cheese 1/4 cup shaved manchego cheese

Health: How To Metabolism

I sort of chuckled at the title of this topic, but you know what, you gotta have a sense of humor to appreciate a little bit of silliness. Anyway, metabolism is a huge topic in my circle of acquaintances, friends and family. Every conversation leads to what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat and how to combine the right type of meals to kick up ones metabolism. So, in case, this is a concern for you, then check out here for the answers to the same old myths and facts listed below: If you have a fast metabolism in your 20s, you’ll have a fast metabolism for your whole life You Can Reset Your Metabolism in 24 Hours You can “hack” your way to a faster metabolism by eating more healthy fats Certain vitamins can boost your metabolism Eating at night can slow your metabolism Certain foods, like white flour, farmed beef, and butter, slow down your metabolism. Drinking gin can speed up your metabolism {featured image source}