Best Cooking Tips for Vegetables
By Norma Holt
As someone who grows their own fruit and vegetables my cooking methods are rather particular. The quality of food is essential for good health so preparation must be done to protect the enzymes and flavonoids within it. To begin with the way vegetables are gathered is important to ensure the goodness is preserved. How quickly they are eaten after picking is also important.
When gathered in the garden most vegetables can be eaten and enjoyed raw. There is nothing more beautiful than a freshly harvested corn cob. The sweet tender taste is enhanced by the juice it holds in abundance. So why should this be taken away and cooked? The same can be said of the home-grown tomato, peas, beans, or even broccoli.
In the case of the latter instead of picking the whole head take only a few florets when required. They can be cut or broken from the main stalk as needed. Don’t wash but lightly cook in a microwave if necessary. No longer than a minute on its own or with other varieties but always without water.
Silver beet can be gathered by the leaves as required. One leaf is usually ample for me plus a leaf of kale. Along with a few rounds of carrot or pumpkin my evening meal consists mainly of these beautiful products.
Anyone can grow vegetables as they are the least fussy of any crops. As long as they have sunshine, an occasional feed of seaweed fertiliser and plenty of water there is not much that can go wrong? Even in an apartment one can grow something, including essential herbs.
The best advice is not to over cook and it’s best done dry in a micro-wave. When they are boiled in water the goodness goes down the drain when the liquid is strained off. Don’t make that mistake but think of the wonderful healthy gut you can have by adding that extra fibre along with the other goodies in the food.
Fruit and vegetables that are uncooked or only partially so retain the enzymes and they will work the gut as they pass through it. This is like a huge cleansing bush that not only massages the colon but gets into the crevices and frees it of anything that might otherwise hang there and cause a polyp or worse, cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9778572
How to Cook Healthy Food
In order to cook healthy, the first thing to keep in mind is to use healthy ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. They are not only necessary for proper functioning of all the system but also keep our immune system strong so that it can effectively fight diseases. Of this fact, many are aware and make it a point to carefully choose a balanced diet and choice ingredients! But there are some equally important aspects of healthy cooking that unfortunately get ignored – mostly due to lack of awareness.
For one, the cookware we use greatly affects the quality of food cooked in it. Consider conventional cookware that’s made of different metals and ceramics that are not appropriate for cooking albeit being so popular. Why is it not appropriate? Read on:
Food is a biochemical entity. All metals are reactive to nutrients that are in the form of oxygen, hydrogen halogens, acids, and bases. At cooking temperature, metals break into ions and react with food. They are then digested with food and accumulate in tissues and organs. When this continues for long, it becomes the foundation for various health problems that may range from minor illnesses to chronic diseases. The immune system is compromised as well which makes it difficult for the body to fight diseases on its own.
Try touching a metal pan five minutes into heating, it burns tissues and leaves a scar. Same thing happens to the nutrients in food when cooked in metal or ceramic cookware. On one hand, the harsh heat damages the delicate nutrients by dissolving them. On the other, water-soluble nutrients evaporate as steam and deplete the nutritional value of food. What’s left is food lacking in nutritive value and full of toxins.
It’s easy to find out if your cookware is leaching, just do an alkaline baking soda test at your home to check the toxicity of a cookware!
There is no healthy cooking without healthy cookware! – one that doesn’t leach toxins into food and doesn’t mess with the nutrients. Pure clay is a healthy material that is appropriate for making healthy cookware. It can be harvested from unfarmed and non-industrialized lands, as it is found in purest form at those places. Pure clay has naturally inert properties making it the most non-reactive of all cookware materials in the market.
Also, they radiate a unique far-infrared heat that penetrates deep into every grain and gently cooks without destroying the delicate nutrients. They are known for their excellent steam management properties that play a key role in preserving water-soluble nutrients. Thus, the nutritional value of food remains intact, making pure-clay the best choice for making healthy cookware.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9799332
This Is What Happens When You Drink Only Water For 30 Days
The body—each molecular cell, tissue, and organ—relies upon water to remain alive and workable. Water provides a kind of health therapy, along with sustaining your life. It greatly impacts specific body operations and the maintenance of good health.
When you only drink water as your primary beverage, outstanding things can happen. Undertaking a special water regimen is not easily achievable for some, but positive consequences are possible. Here’s what can happen when you drink only water for 30 days, without changing your diet or exercise routine.
Your mental creativity and performance will be boosted
When you drink only water for 30 days, your brain reacts faster, according to the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal. As the brain needs tons of oxygen to operate efficiently, and water is one of the great sources, your brainpower will be boosted. It helps you think and help you focus. Also it makes you keen, clever, and quick. Ingesting 8 to 10 cups of water per day can improve your cognitive performance by as much as 30%.
You’ll age more slowly than your peers
Drinking water helps decelerate the aging process by keeping your skin adequately hydrated. It moisturizes your skin, keeps it healthy, soft, plump, glowing, youthful, and wrinkle-free. It helps maintain muscle tone, also. To realize these benefits, you must drink pure water.
In an article published by the Daily Mail, a 42-year-old mother managed to make herself appear 10 years younger in 30 days by drinking only water. She started by drinking three liters of water a day to overcome her long-standing headaches and poor digestion dilemma. After only one month, she was absolutely stunned by the spectacular results. Both of her problems were resolved, and she fully recovered from the effects of chronic dehydration.
She announced, “I genuinely can’t believe the difference in my face. I look like a different woman. The dark shadows around my eyes have all but disappeared and the blotches have gone. My skin is almost as dewy as it was when I was a child. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable… I’m feeling leaner and fitter, too, which is amazing, since the only thing I’ve changed is the amount of water I drink.”
Your immunity will be strengthened
A Slovakian Proverb says “Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine.”
That is no exaggeration! Water behaves as a catalyst for the renewal of optimal body functions. Drinking adequate amounts of water supports the performance of your liver and kidneys. These organs eliminate toxic substances, waste, and salt from your blood.
FullFitSure asserts that sufficient water consumption neutralizes pH levels, strengthens your immunity against kidney stones and other illnesses, and supports pain management (body aches and headaches), too.
You’ll have a stronger heart
Water helps you become heart healthy. It decreases the threat of a heart attack by preventing your blood from thickening, and by lowering your blood pressure.
One glass of water an hour before bed is said to prevent a heart attack or stroke. It makes it easier for the heart to send freshly oxygenated blood to the organs. The American Journal of Epidemiology published a six-year study that found that people who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank less than two glasses a day.
Your bones will be strengthened
Water helps rebuild shock absorber cartilage, so joints can move smoothly, curtailing joint damage triggered by tension. Testimonies give evidence that joint flexibility improves with adequate intake of water.
You’ll lose fat
When you drink only water for 30 days, your body removes irritable, harmful toxins and waste products from your vital organs. This makes your body cleaner and helps trim belly fat.
In the beginning, an increase in pounds could become a concern if your body is retaining water before adjusting to the higher intake consumption. Even so, acting as an appetite suppressant, water comes to the rescue. You’ll soon begin to consume fewer calories, lose weight, and keep it off, because the water flushes out your system, cleansing your body and reducing your hunger.
Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD, and spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, submits that drinking one or two glasses of water before a meal can fill you up so you naturally eat less. Consuming water at regular intervals will assist with your weight management.
Your metabolism will be enhanced
Studies suggest that consistently drinking water during each day stimulates a more dynamic metabolism, regardless of your diet. Consuming 16 ounces of water just after awaking in the mornings raises your metabolism by 24%, according to the Health Fitness Revolution.
ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.lifehack.org/355818/this-what-happens-when-you-drink-only-water-for-30-days
Tawa Naan (Without Tandoor)
Naan is definitely the most popular bread in Indian restaurants. Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor (hot clay oven). I have already done a naan recipe using the oven and I used pizza stone to give a tandoor texture. But I find at home “tawa naan” is much easier to make. Tawa Naan turns out really soft and it tastes great. It’s hassle free because you don’t need a tandoor or oven. Naan Goes well with chole, palak paneer or any gravy based dish.
This recipe will serve 2.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plain flour, Maida)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup yogurt at room temperature
- 1-1/2 tablespoons oil
- About 1/4 cup look warm water
- Also need 1/4 cup all-purpose for rolling
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon soft butter or ghee
- About 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro
- About 1 tablespoon chopped green chili (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
We also need tawa or skillet to make naan, nonstick skillet will not work for this recipe. Iron tawa or skiller works the best for making naan.
Method
- For garnishing mix all the ingredients, butter, salt, cilantro, and green chili Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients together, add 1 tablespoon of oil and yogurt mix it well. Then add the water gradually to make very soft dough but not sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough well. Apply light oil to the dough and cover. Let the dough sit for about 3 hours in warm place.
- Dough should be about 1-1/2 time, knead the dough again on floured surface. Divide the dough in four parts, lightly roll into the flour, cover the balls and let it sit for about five minutes before rolling.
- Roll the naan one at a time on a lightly floured surface little less than 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the water lightly on one side of the naan.
- Heat the tawa on medium heat, to check if tawa is ready sprinkle the few drops of water on tawa, water should sizzle.
- Put water side naan over tawa, once the naan start bubbling and dough start drying, turn the tawa over flames keeping about 2 inch away from the flames to cook the naan from top. Note: yes naan will stick to tawa and will not fall of, this the reason you cannot use the nonstick skillet.
- Once naan browned to your satisfaction, remove, and spread the butter mix over. Place in a on a plate and cover with a cloth to keep warm until serving. Naan is ready!
RECIPE SOURCE : http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/tawa-naan-without-tandoor/
8 Facts You Need To Know About The Top Vegetarian Diet Myths
Probably the healthiest eating pattern you can follow is that of a vegetarian or vegan. However, people (especially meat eaters) or individuals who tend to like fast food often classify vegetarians, or those who practice the lifestyle, as being frail in frame or anemic.
However, those are just two of the “myth-conceptions” that are perceived by people who are not accustomed to eating vegetarian or vegan cuisine. In fact, many of the vegetables and fruits that are featured in vegetarian menu plans are nutrition-rich and low in calories.
Plant diets offer elite nutrition and a great boon in health effects, such as lower risks for heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The Adventist Health Study 2 showed that vegans weigh an average of 30 pounds less than meat eaters do. Eating from the earth has great benefits, and it is important to know the facts and ignore the rumors.
The following myths and facts should assist you in debunking some of the “myth-conceptions” associated with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Myth 1: Vegetarian Diets Lack Iron, So Vegetarians, And Vegans Are Often Anemic
Fact: The vegetarian or vegan diet features such iron-rich, anemic-unfriendly foods as mushrooms, dried apricots, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and peas.
Myth 2: Vegetarians Do Not Get Enough Protein
Fact: Many vegan foods, such as beans, and whole grains provide ample protein.
Myth 3: You Cannot Follow a Vegetarian Diet When You are Pregnant
Fact: Pregnant women find a vegetarian diet the best way to provide nutrition for their unborn baby and lose any extra pounds after giving birth. Not only do fruits, legumes, grains, and vegetables provide plenty in the way of iron and calcium, they also supply fiber, which cuts down on the digestive discomfort associated with pregnancy.
Myth 4: You Cannot Follow a Vegetarian Diet if You are Involved in Sports
Fact: Many athletes successfully follow a vegetarian diet and obtain quality protein for muscles from foods such as beans, grains, tempeh and soy products, which provide just as much protein as animal products.
Other foods that increase endurance and keep athletes lean and mean include peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, cheese, eggs, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, black beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Quinoa is an excellent source of nutrition and protein.
Myth 5: It’s Hard to Get Kids to Follow a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
Fact: Some of the foods that are featured in vegetarian or vegan fare includes peanut butter, popcorn, and a variety of delicious fruits, such as strawberries, mulberries, kiwi, grapes, apples, oranges, and pears. Tacos, wraps, and smoothies are vegan and vegetarian foods that are tasty and nutritional. Most kids will not turn down these healthful and delicious foods.
Myth 6: Switching to Vegan or Vegetarian Eating is Difficult
Fact: You don’t have to make a significant switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as adapting to one can, in time, become quite easy. Make a few changes to begin, and then keep adding until animal products are completely eliminated.
For example, you might try making tacos with black beans instead of meat. You can eliminate meat or chicken from stir-fry. Progressive changes will help you make a switch that is as successful as it is healthful. Mushrooms are hearty and make a great main dish. Veggie burgers, tofu sausage, Tempeh bacon are all tasty vegetarian foods.
Myth 7: Vegetarians Do Not Like To Use Any Animal-based Products
Fact: Vegetarians are simply avoiding meat to eat more healthily. They often do not mind using such animal by-products as wool or leather. Vegans, on the other hand, usually have given up both meat and animal derivatives. Generally, vegans do not support the use or consumption of any animal-derived products, including, honey, and wool, silk and leather. Veganism is more of a philosophy than a diet.
Myth 8: Vegetarians and Vegans Often Need to Include Supplements in their Diet
Fact: The only supplement that is needed to support a vegan diet is B-12, which is found only in red meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Otherwise, vegetarians and vegans get plenty in the way of all the required vitamins (B-grouping, A, E, C) through grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Many vegetarian and vegan foods are also rich in iron and calcium.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9038240
Quorn Moussaka
This low-Syn Greek-style favourite tastes every bit as good without meat.
ingredients
- 1 large aubergine, cut into 1 cm thick slices
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 350g pack Quorn Mince
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 500g fat free natural yogurt
- Salt & ground black pepper
- Low calorie cooking spray
method
- Place the aubergine slices onto a clean paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 20 minutes then rinse with cold water and dry.
- Meanwhile, dry fry the onion, garlic and Quorn Mince in a large heavy based saucepan. Add the tomato purée, canned tomatoes and parsley and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until tender. Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
- Beat the eggs and yogurt together in a bowl and season to taste.
- Place the aubergine slices on a grill pan and spray with low calorie cooking spray. Place under a preheated hot grill for 4-5 minutes each side. Arrange the aubergine on top of the Quorn mixture and pour the yogurt and egg mixture over. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4 for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/quorn-moussaka.aspx
Welsh Onion Cake
Great on its own, or as an accompaniment to roast lamb, this Welsh onion cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
ingredients
- 225g green cabbage, finely shredded
- Low calorie cooking spray
- 500g onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 900g Maris Piper potatoes, thinly sliced
- Steamed green beans, to serve
method
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5. Blanch the shredded cabbage in a pan of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Spray a pan with low calorie cooking spray, add the onions, a little salt and one sprig of rosemary. Cover and cook gently over a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often. Discard the rosemary and set aside.
- Spray the potato slices all over with low calorie cooking spray and season. Arrange half the potatoes in the bottom of an ovenproof frying pan, overlapping, in a circle. Add a layer of cabbage, a layer of onions and finally another layer of potatoes. Place the pan on the hob over a medium heat for 5 minutes to colour the bottom, then transfer to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked.
- Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Place a plate on top of the frying pan and turn out the onion cake. Remove the leaves from the remaining sprig of rosemary and chop. Garnish with the chopped rosemary and serve with steamed green beans.
ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/welsh-onion-cake.aspx
Mushy Pea Curry
s=speed weight loss
ss=super speed weight loss
ff= free foods
sff= super free food
- Serves 4
Syn Free on EE
Ingredients
1 300g Tin of mushy peas (ss)(ff)
1 400g chopped tomatoes (s)(sff)
1 onion, chopped finely (s)(sff)
2 Tbsp. of garam masala
1 Tbsp. of curry powder
1 Tsp paprika
1 Tbsp. sweetener
Method
Cook the onion in a pan sprayed with fry Light until transparent
Add curry powder & paprika, stir continuously for a few minutes until the onions are coated.
Add the mushy peas, tomatoes, sweetener and cook for 15 mins until it thickens. Add garam masala 5 mins before the end of cooking.
Allow to cool then blitz with a hand blender.
When reheating add 100mL per person of hot water and bring to the boil, then turn to simmer.
Add chicken to the sauce or use it as a general sauce.
(I had chicken & chips)
SOURCE : MINIMINS
Cointreau Chocolate Orange Pots
Luscious layered desserts, with a dash of tangy orange liqueur.
ingredients
- 3 oranges, peeled, pith removed and separated into segments
- 50g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- 2 medium eggs, separated*
- 1 tbsp sweetener
- Finely grated zest of ½ orange
- 1 tbsp Cointreau
- 4 tbsp fat-free natural fromage frais
- 1 level tbsp milk or dark chocolate curls (or grated chocolate)
- 1 level tsp cocoa powder, to decorate
Method
- Divide the orange segments between 4 dessert glasses.
- Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water (or in the microwave on a low heat for 30 seconds). Stir until smooth and leave to cool slightly.
- Put the egg whites in a large, clean glass bowl. Beat with an electric hand whisk on a medium speed until they form stiff peaks.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetener, orange zest and Cointreau. Stir in the melted chocolate.
- Using a large metal spoon, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Spoon the mixture over the oranges and chill for 3-4 hours, or until set.
- To serve, top each chocolate pot with a tablespoon of fromage frais. Decorate with the chocolate curls and cocoa powder.
ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/cointreau-chocolate-orange-pots.aspx