Home Economics.

It seems there never is "enough time" to get our meals prepared correctly to get the proper nutrients that our bodies need. However, it is possible to make sensible healthy meals in just a few minutes. The first thing(s) I emphasize as a must have in every kitchen is glassware not plastic tupperware. From water bottles to the lining of food tins, the chemical BPA is present in most plastics. BPA is what’s known as a suspected endocrine disruptor this basically means it can mimic the body’s hormone system and potentially create reproductive health problems, with possible links to cancer. So, people add some class and get some glass!
The whole idea in having glassware is so that you can prepare food and store it for a couple of days. How great would it be to actually still enjoy a healthy meal that you know how, when and who prepared it. Having enough food prepared for a couple of days can save you money ( for some glassware!) In comparison to eating out on a day to day basis which can drain your wallet, lead to poor eating choices and sometimes not worth the experience.

Eating healthy does not have to be a challenge and does not need to be costly. There is a difference between eating and being hungry. Try to start your day with breakfast in your stomach. It is definitely the most important meal of the day and gets the wheels turning. Limit your meals to three balanced meals. Snack sensibly, drink water, avoid unnecessary salt and sugar as most foods already own these properties naturally, Importantly stay hydrated! The human adult body is made up of 55-60% water. Incorporate some exercise even something as simple as walking is great extender of life! Smile and laugh more it reduces calories and relaxes the muscles of the face.

Even though all foods are important, I have a list of foods that I hold up on a pedestal because of how much our bodies benefit from them. The three main basic vegetables that are easily accessible and affordable year round are collard greens, red onions, and tomatoes. All vegetables are good for you unless of course you have allergic reactions or simply just do not like the taste. In those instances you can find a way to make the vegetables more appealing to your pallet example: use variety of spices and get creative. Remember the more green leafy vegetables you eat the better!


Sunday, June 8, 2014

KITCHEN PHARMACY.

Recently my friend and I were exchanging recipes about food and life. It was refreshing as I consider him to be an excellent cook as well as person. We share a common love and respect for food, people, life and culture. Collectively we decided to call this blog entry Kitchen Pharmacy because we both agree that food is our medicine and it does sustain us. Many people blame food for their health issues when really, the root of the problem begins with an individual and most times is self inflicted by poor choices and lack of exercise. Every plant and animal on this planet was created with intent. How we live and how we treat our selves both inside and out will reflect and will determine your health and lifestyle, so it is important to listen to your body, honor it and treat it well. You have to live with what you did all your life, that is why you ought to be careful about what you do. The older we get the more we need to pay closer attention to our diet and exercise. Like my Father says,"Accept your age and chose to age gracefully." That is very true, there is nothing more sad and depressing than a person who denies his or her age. Old is gold!
All food just as life has a value. It is important to educate ourselves on our food and the benefits to our bodies. Having daily rituals and routines that accommodate our lifestyles also helps. Laughing and surrounding yourself with positive and happy people also adds zest into your life. Strong friendships are formed through food. I believe this and I live it. Do not let anybody or anything come between you, your happiness, your love for food, life and people. Do not compromise your happiness for anyone or anything. 
As my friend and I continued on our long hike we joke, talked, laughed and enjoyed the beautiful views. We later sat down under  a tree and enjoyed some fresh fruit that we had packed and continued exchanging recipes and ideas about food and nutrition. There was like always surplus information and so we came to the conclusion that the Kitchen is our Pharmacy with endless prescriptions. At the bottom we compiled a few creations and some of the beneficial values.

Fresh tuna steaks cubed and marinated in seasoned spicy lemon juice...
This is excellent, easy and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. The choice is solely yours! Fresh tuna is actually a rich source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. A diet with a high intake of these nutrients can benefit your health by enhancing the function of your organs and by possibly lowering your risk of chronic medical conditions. Young children and women who are pregnant or nursing can eat up to 6 ounces of fresh albacore tuna weekly but should refrain from consuming raw tuna, sashimi or sushi. Replacing red meat in your diet with fresh fish like tuna is a smart choice and may help decrease your chances of colon cancer and diabetes.

FACT: Beets are a super food that contain a super anti-oxidant that fights cancer and reduces inflammation. Besides that Beets are also good for...Improving blood flow, which increases endurance during a workout. Purifying the blood and also cleansing the liver. Beets have been proven to lower blood pressure and reverse hypertension, they could also help to deliver oxygen to the parts of your body that need it, even the brain. Beets carry an aphrodisiac effect as they contain high amounts of boron, related to the production of sex hormones, they are also high in fiber,vitamin C, folic acid and contain sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorous. Folic acid aids in physical healing and is truly really excellent for pregnant women. Beets are great for mental health, as they contain betain which aids in depression, they are the sweetest vegetable, high in good carbohydrates as well as low in calories and will most certainly give you the right kind of energy. Beet it up!

Photo: I am Crazy for Tomatoes! My neighbor has the green thumb for tomatoes and I am blessed because I get to enjoy them. He also appreciates and knows how much I love them. Once a week he graces me with his presence, a warm smile and a beautiful gift of Homegrown Organic Tomatoes in a basket. This always makes me so happy! and I am always looking forward to my next visit. I honestly cannot get enough of them. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. The body cannot produce or store vitamin C. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. Consuming fruits high in vitamin C benefits the skin by boosting collagen production. Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant that is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may help protect your immune cells from destructive free radicals, molecules that can harm cells and damage DNA. Lycopene can also help defend the skin from UV rays of the sun as well as also help prevent prostate cancer and some other forms of cancer, heart disease, and other serious diseases. A new and recent study found that adequate intake of lycopene and vitamin A helped reduce exercise induced asthma symptoms. Tomatoes also contain vitamin K, which plays a key role in clotting blood and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, hair, mucous membrances, bones and teeth. One cup/ 250 mL of chopped tomatoes provides over half of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A for women.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. The body cannot produce or store vitamin C. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. Consuming fruits high in vitamin C benefits the skin by boosting collagen production. Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant that is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may help protect your immune cells from destructive free radicals, molecules that can harm cells and damage DNA. Lycopene can also help defend the skin from UV rays of the sun as well as also help prevent prostate cancer and some other forms of cancer, heart disease, and other serious diseases.A new and recent study found that adequate intake of lycopene and vitamin A helped reduce exercise induced asthma symptoms. Tomatoes also contain vitamin K, which plays a key role in clotting blood and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and teeth. One cup/ 250 mL of chopped tomatoes provides over half of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A for women.

Make smart and healthy choices even when you feel too tired to prepare something to eat. Challenge yourself, strive for ultimate health and well being, it is attainable. Making healthy choices to maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle is essential.Your body will thank you for choosing to eat smarter and healthier. Encourage yourself as well as children to eat more greens, drink more water, refrain from consuming foods that own preservatives and artificially colored and flavored properties. Make your food fun, colorful, natural and appealing. 
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LOVE AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.