Chicken And Snow Pea Salad

June 8, 2010
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This Chicken salad has a nice crunchy texture and sweet taste because of the snow peas.  Combine the 2 ingredients together by coating them with a creamy Asian dressing.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed, 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil(divided), 2 tablespoons tahini or cashew butter, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 pound snow peas (trimmed and thinly slivered lengthwise), 2 tablespoons chopped cashews

Procedure:

1. Boil chicken with the broth in a medium skillet.  Cover and reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.  Transfer…

Steamed Lima Beans And Snap Peas With Lemon-Mint Vinaigrette

June 8, 2010
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This refreshing salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare and is definitely low in calories because it only contains 137 calories.  Lemon and mint gives this salad a refreshing taste and the limas provide a creamy texture.  You can also try this salad using asparagus and green beans.

Ingredients:

1 small shallot (minced), 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1 pound sugar snap peas (trimmed), 10 ounces frozen baby lima beans, thawed

Procedure:

1.  In a large bowl, combine shallots, oil, lemon juice, mint, mustard green, sugar, salt and pepper.

2.  Bring…

The Best Antioxidant Are Cloves

June 8, 2010
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According to researchers at the Miguel Hernandez University, cloves are the best antioxidant because they contain high levels of phenolic compounds.  Cloves also have the highest capacity to give off hydrogen, reduce lipid peroxidation and are the best iron reducer.  Results show that the use of spices with natural oxidants is a viable option for the food industry and could have beneficial effects for health.

The team from MHU also evaluated the antioxidant effect of essential oils from other spices including oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage.

The study aimed to determine spices that will be incorporated into food products as natural antioxidants.  Antioxidants reduce lipid oxidation and without antioxidants, processed foods will…

How To Keep Hydrated

May 31, 2010
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Following a hydration routine will help maintain the healthy ratio of water content in the body under different conditions of heat and physical exertion.  Being well hydrated allows for a healthy extraction of nutrients from food, proper replenishment of vital fluids and an overall detoxification of the human body.  It also helps the kidneys to work properly.  Dehydration could cause cycles of fluid retention and chronic pain like headaches and arthritis.

Research has shown that water that is lightly sweetened or contains sodium helps facilitate the stimulation of voluntary drinking.  Hydration is also effective because of the sweetening agent.

A normal person is required to drink eight to nine glasses of water…

Chicken & Asparagus with Melted Gruyere

May 31, 2010
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This elegant and yummy chicken recipe is sprinkled with Gruyere cheese.  Add tarragon and lemon to add a delicious light and refreshing flavor that goes well with asparagus.

Ingredients:

8 ounces asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces), 2/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, 2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (trimmed), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 thinly sliced shallot, 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2/3 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Procedure:

1.  Steam asparagus for 3 minutes and set aside.

2.  In a small bowl, combine broth and 2 teaspoons of…

How To Make Your Favorite Recipe Healthier

May 28, 2010
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It is hard to stay away from your favorite dishes especially when you’re on a diet.  Here are a few tips on how to make your favorite dishes healthier while keeping the same great taste you love.

o Use healthy substitutions like reduced fat or fat free milk instead of whole milk; pick whole grains instead of refined ones, and food products with reduced sodium.
o If you love to bake, make the recipe healthier by replacing the fat source.  Replace the other half of butter, shortening or oil and replace it with unsweetened apple sauce, mashed banana, prune puree or other fruit based fat replacers.
o Use healthier oil like olive oil.
o…

DASH Diet Improves Brain Function

May 28, 2010
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According to a recent study done by the Duke University, following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet doesn’t only help promote a healthy heart, it also boosts the brain’s function.

The researcher’s analyzed the effects of the DASH diet on blood pressure as well as its effects on cognitive function.  The study also has a significant implication for slowing down or reversing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team followed 124 men and women who had mild to moderate high blood pressure who are not taking medication.  The subjects were divided into three groups.  One group followed the DASH diet alone; the other group followed the DASH diet with aerobic…

Chicken And Pasta Salad With Curry Dressing

May 14, 2010
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This recipe is definitely healthy, easy and quick to make. This pasta salad is also great for barbecue parties and is sure to impress the crowd.

Ingredients:

12 ounces large whole-wheat pasta shells, 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise,1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt or reduced-fat sour cream, 1/3 cup mango chutney, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ground cayenne pepper, 2 cups poached chicken (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped scallions, 1/2 cup diced celery, salt & freshly ground pepper

Procedure:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse.  Set aside.

2. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over low heat for…

Chicken And Rice Bowl

May 14, 2010
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This Japanese inspired dish is healthy, aromatic and rich in protein.  Although Japanese cooking uses a lot of sugar, you can reduce or omit the sugar for a less traditional flavor.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups instant brown rice, 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 2 large egg whites, 1 large egg, 8 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2-inch pieces), 6 scallions (trimmed and thinly sliced)

Preparation:

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions.

2. Combine chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce and mirin in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce to medium-low heat after the mixture boils.

3. Combine…

Foods That Reduces Stress

May 14, 2010
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A lot of people munch a lot of food when they’re having a bad day.  Instead of munching on random items, eat something that is scientifically proven to improve your mood and is healthy at the same time.

Choose fruits, vegetables, fish and other whole foods.  People who eat whole foods are less likely to feel depressed than those who eat a lot of desserts, fried foods, processed meats, refined grains and high-fat dairy.  Previous studies showed that the antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help lower the risk of depression.  Also, folate that is found in dark green vegetables like spinach affects neurotransmitters that…