Eat Healthy Foods

Cranberry Spinach Salad

2012-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Preparation Time: 10 Min

Cooking Time: 10 Min

Ready In: 20 Min

Serving: 8

Ingredients

1 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
2 teaspoons minced onion
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup white wine vinegar

Directions

1. Using a medium sized saucepan, you need to melt butter using medium heat. Start cooking and stirring the almonds into the butter till it lightly toasted. Take away from heat then let it cool.

2. Using a large container or bowl, mix the spinach together with some toasted cranberries and almonds.

3. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, sugar, paprika, cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and lastly the vegetable oil. Toss the spinach prior to serving.

Proven methods to grow long beautiful long eyelashes

2012-04-15T05:13:00.001-07:00

Go for a healthy lifestyle.

Ever since childhood, people have been clobbered with the benefits of exercising, following a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle in general. Now there’s another reason why you should try living a healthy lifestyle, especially if you want to get thicker, longer and fuller eyelashes. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just help you get higher immunity from various diseases but it can also increase your eyelash growth rate. Just like the rest of the body, the eyelashes need their nourishment as well. The eyelashes grow from hair follicles, much like the hair found on your scalp. Hair is made from keratin, which is a certain type of protein. This is why foods that are high in protein including eggs, milk, meat, fish, tofu and chicken can help. Foods that are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals such as Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B6 should be incorporated into the diet as well. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking should be cut back, if not stopped, as well since they can only introduce various toxins in the body. You will truly be surprised how eating healthy and nutritious foods can make a lot of difference on the appearance and health of your eyelashes.

Triple-Berry Cobbler

2012-04-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, half-and-half, or light cream (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a small bowl, combine eggs, oil and milk. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, 1 cup sugar, the water and tapioca. Bring to boiling. Pour hot fruit mixture into a 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker. Immediately spoon the batter over fruit mixture.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the topper comes out clean.
Remove liner from cooker, if possible, or turn off cooker. Let stand, uncovered, for 1 hour to cool slightly. To serve, spoon warm cobbler into dessert dishes. If desired, top with ice cream.

Water Therapy

2012-01-09T01:44:00.000-08:00

Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H₂O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atomsconnected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, andgaseous state (water vapor or steam). Water also exists in a liquid crystal state near hydrophilic surfaces.

Under nomenclature used to name chemical compounds, Dihydrogen monoxide is the scientific name for water, though it is almost never used.
1

Japanese sick association has published the following experiment with water with excellent results for curing old and new diseases which are as under:

A.	Headache, BP, Anaemia, Arthritis, Paralysis, Palpitation
B.	Epilepsy and Obesity
C.	Cough Bronchitis, Asthma, T. B
D.	Meningitis and any disease connected with liver and urine
E.	Hyper-Acidity, Gastric, Dysentery, Constipation, Diabetic and Piles
F.	Any disease connected with eyes
G.	Irregular Menstrual period of women, cancer of Uterus
H.	Any disease connected with ENT

- METHOD OF TREATMENT-
1

Get up early morning, before brushing and cleaning the teeth drink four glasses of water (700 - 800 ML), thereafter:

1. No solid or liquid food to be taken up to one hour, except brushing the teeth

2. Normal food can be taken after one hour

3. For two hours, nothing to be taken after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ø Sick or old people, who find it initially difficult to drink four glasses of water at a time, can start with small quantities, to be gradually increased to the recommended level of four glasses.

Ø Those who are suffering from ARTHIRITIS should do this experiment, thrice a day for one week and thereafter once a day.

# The above will cure the disease of the sick people and will also ensure healthy life for others.

# There is no side effect. For the first few days, you might have to pass urine for more number of times.

# Important

Never try to wash your mouth or clean teeth before drinking water.

1
The experiment has proved that the following diseases have been cured with duration of treatment given against each:

	Diseases	Duration
01	HYPERTENSION	30 days
02	GASTRIC PROBLEM	10 days
03	DIABETIC	30 days
04	CONSTIPATION	10 days
05	CANCER	6 months (could be more)
06	T. B	3 months

The quality of drinking-water is a powerful environmental determinant of health. Assurance of drinking-water safety is a foundation for the prevention and control of waterborne diseases.

Loose weight with Carrots

2012-01-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

Carrots and Losing weight

Losing weight with carrots is simple; integrate more carrots into your diet. Some people go on crash diets in which they eat carrots and little else. Don't do this. Crash diets are an unhealthy way to lose weight. Though you will lose weight on a crash diet, you will also suffer from malnutrition. Most diets focus on a single food and eliminate a
lot of other foods. While carrots are extremely healthy, they don't possess all of the nutrients you need in a day. They can be a powerful tool in losing weight. Integrate carrots into lunch and supper. Sprinkle carrot sticks on your salad.

Carrot are really an amazing vegetable. There are many benefits of carrots and they are easy to add to your diet without much extra preparation. Carrots, as raw fruit juice or in cooked form are good for health.

Read more about : Carrots & Helth Benefit

Carrots and Health benefit for human body

2012-01-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

The carrot's scientific name is Daucus carota, and the plant is probably originally native to Asia. Wild relatives of the carrot live in abundance throughout Asia and Asia minor, and evidence suggests that the carrot has been cultivated for food for thousands of years.
Like other plants in the parsley family, the carrot has an intense flavor when it is young, although it will turn slightly woody with age.

carrots are also good sources of this vitamins.

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
potassium
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B6
Biotin
fiber

Here are some health benefits of carrots for human body.but there are much more health benefits which will be benefit for human body.

01. Nourish Skin

Carrot has a strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, so that the overall effective for acne that is caused by toxins from the blood. Carrot is also useful for treating uneven skin tones because of pigmentation. The vitamin A and other nutrients contain in carrot efficiently nourish the skin, prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes.

02. Prevent Cancer

Many studies shown that eating carrots may help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Recently, researchers have isolated a compound called falcarinol in carrots that may be largely responsible for anti-cancer benefits. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects roots from fungal diseases. In daily diet, carrots are almost the only source of these compounds. A study conducted on mice found that they were fed with either raw carrots or falcarinol have one-third lower risk of developing colon cancer than mice not fed by them.

03. Improve Vision

The retina of the eye needs vitamin A to function, lack of vitamin A causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a substance which converted into vitamin A in the liver. In the retina, vitamin A is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that necessary for night vision. In addition, beta-carotene help protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat most Beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.

04. Prevent heart disease

Studies shown that a diet high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Also, it is believed that regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber in carrots can help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding with and removing bile acids, cholesterol triggers would be pulled out from the bloodstream to make more bile acids.

05. Reduce the risk of stroke

According to research from Harvard University, people who ate more than six carrots a week are much less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or more.

06. Anti-aging

Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which serves as an antioxidant that helps the body to fight the cell damage done to the body with dirt in the bloodstream and even oxygen. It also help slows down the aging of cells and various negative effect associated with aging.

07. Dental Health

Carrots can even help clean your teeth, and is the best way to keep your mouth clean after meals. They act as natural abrasives, help in eliminate the sticky dirt from the teeth and stimulate gums. They also trigger a lot of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Minerals in carrots helps to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damage.

08. Diabetes

Carrot is good for blood sugar regulation because of the presence of carotenoids in carrot. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

HEALTHY BODY & BEST NUTRITION

2012-01-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Those who have ever tried following a strict diet know how hard it can be to totally eliminate from the daily diet one or another group of foods that are high in calories, saturated fats, sugar, and other ingredients dangerous for our good health. Instead of suffering from feeling of being hungry or deprived of something,
most of modern people prefer making healthy choices in everything related to their nutrition. This includes consuming only 100% organic foods, using healthy ways of cooking, and so on. Below, there are top 9 tips for those who are concerned about their body mass index and want to remain slim in 2012.

1. Do not set too far going goals. Remember that too low calorie diet is linked to slowed down metabolism and other processes, impaired digestion, etc. Besides, too rapid weight loss can also be dangerous to your health, so do not get less than 1300-1500 calories a day.

2. Start you meal with a glass of water. Quite often we confuse our thirst with our hunger, so drinking a cup or a glass of water can definitely help you feel less hungry and eat less.

3. Control you portion size. It is a very known idea: eating 4-5 times a day and use smaller portions of meals. This strategy can be very effective for an excellent weight management and maintaining a great body mass.

4. Make your portion look larger by using the foods of different colors. Adding to your plate some of leafy greens, red tomatoes and yellow bell-peppers will strengthen the impression that you have a lot to eat at your plate.

5. Give up using artificial sweeteners. Studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite that leads to eating more and gaining more weight.

6. Give up using alcoholic drinks. Alcohol slows down the processes related to fat burning in the body, and also, drinking alcohol is linked to getting out of control and eating more.

7. Choose fresh fruits instead of juices. There are two major reasons for that: first of all, fruits have less calories than juices, and also fruits are rich sources of fiber which is vital for normal digestion and effective weight management.

8. Take care of your lunch and dinner in the morning. Do some effective planning and know what you are going to eat for lunch and dinner. If you are not going to have an opportunity to have a healthy dinner or lunch, prepare something at home and take your meals with yourself.

9. Take it slowly. Avoid eating too fast as it usually takes time for your brain to produce necessary nerve signals about being full. Eat you meals slowly and enjoy the taste!

Green Tea Vs Weight Loss

2012-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

If you have ever tried to lose weight with classical methods, you certainly experienced lot of efforts doing exercises, diets, using pills, making sacrifices and suffering lot of stress. then have you try with green tea?

What is the Green Tea

Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimaloxidation during processing. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. It has recently become more widespread in the West Country, whereblack tea is traditionally consumed. Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where they are grown.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.

Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function.

Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Treatment and prevention of cancer.
Helps in stopping Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
It is used in raising metabolism and increasing fat oxidation.
Reduces heart diseases and attacks.
Reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
Used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
It is used to treat impaired immune function.
Keep your teeth healthy and kills bacteria which causes the dental plaque.
Treatment and prevention of skin cancer.
Regular consumption of green tea can effectively delay symptoms of aging.
The people who take green tea regularly do not fall prey to common viral & bacterial infections easily.
Green tea increases stamina and boost endurance.
Aiding in proper digestion
Green tea increases hydration through the consumption of more water.
Effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Reduces and prevents acne. Drink a cup of green tea regularly and you will not have acne problems.
Green tea reduces risk of thrombosis, arterial sclerosis, cerebral strokes etc.
It reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.
Green tea has certain vitamins that prevent abnormal formation of blood clotting in the wounds.

Green Tea for Weight Loss - The Best Way to Lose Weight Naturally

Green tea also causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood-insulin levels. This promotes the burning of fat.

The thermogenic effect was originally attributed to its caffeine content. However, green tea stimulates brown fat thermogenesis far greater than a comparable amount of pure caffeine. It appears that the catechin-polyphenols, in particular epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine that naturally occur in green tea work synergistically to stimulate thermogenesis and augment and prolong sympathetic stimulation of thermogenesis. It has been shown to increase 24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation (caffeine only increases metabolism during the time you take it).

Weight is gained as excess sugars and fats are stored in the body as fat cells. Green tea catechins can help prevent obesity by inhibiting the movement of glucose in fat cells.Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been found to be especially effective. There is now good evidence that green tea catechins are related to reductions in body fat.

Green tea is a wonderful tea to take daily and guess what you are secretly removing your extra fat just by sitting. Isn't it that amazing? Yes it is. It is surely a natural gift to keep you healthy and fit for your life.

Stop Hair Loss with Vitamin Reach Foods

2011-12-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

7-Vitamin Reach Food for Stop Hair Loss.

In order to get healthy hair, you need a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients, including vitamins. for the body to function properly, vitamins are critical,and the best way to get them is from fresh food as close to its natural state as possible. Hair loss has been the subject of scrutiny and bad humor for a long time now.

Images of bald, aging men often disturb the surface of political-correctness. These Vitamin Reach Foods can stop Hair Loss.

1. Biotin (Vitamin-H)

The most popular vitamin that aids in hair loss is biotin or vitamin H. Biotin is part of the B complex family and has been proven to prevent hair loss. Another benefit of biotin is that it prevents gray hairs.

Biotin reach Foods: Swiss Chard, Carrots, Almonds, Walnuts and Other Nuts, Chicken Eggs, Goat's Milk and Cow's Milk, Berries and Fruits, Halibut, Vegetables

2. IronLack of iron in the body not only causes to anemia, but it also contributes to hair loss. People who have iron deficiency and hair loss should increase their iron intake. This should make a significant change in hair growth.

Iron reach Foods: Red meat,Egg yolks,Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards), Dried fruit (prunes, raisins), Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels), Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops), Turkey or chicken giblets,Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans, Liver, Artichokes

3. Vitamin-B

We’ve seen it as ingredients of shampoos and conditions, the vitamin B complex family also aids in hair loss as it strengthens hair follicles - making it less prone to damage and hair loss. Eating food with vitamin B content will increase hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Vitamin-B reach Foods: Clams, Oysters, and Mussels , Liver , Caviar (Fish Eggs), Octopus, Fish, Crab and Lobster, Beef, Lamb (Mutton), Cheese,Eggs

4. Zinc

An often taken for granted supplement, Zinc - which is abundant in red meat - can reverse any scalp problems once brought back in your diet. Another benefit of increased Zinc intake (for those who suffer Zinc deficiency), is it boosts your sex life. It has also been found by researchers to have that effect. So it guarantees not only beautiful hair but a wonderful time in bed.

Zinc reach Foods: Oysters, Toasted Wheat Germ, Veal Liver, Sesame Seeds and Tahini (Sesame Butter), Low Fat Roast Beef, Roasted Pumpkin and Squash Seeds, Dried Watermelon Seeds, Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder, Peanuts

5. Anti-Oxidants

Anti-oxidants, more popularly known as Vitamin A, C and E are commonly taken to have beautiful skin. But do you know that aside from giving you clear skin, it prevents hair loss and boosts further hair growth by flushing out the toxins in the body and boosting your immune system. Truly, these anti-oxidants are more than we think they are.

Anti-Oxidants reach Foods: Small red beans, Wild blueberries, Red kidney beans-(dried), Pinto beans,Cranberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Red delicious apple, Sweet cherries, Artichoke hearts(cooked), Raspberries.

6. Vitamin-A

Though part of the anti-oxidants group, vitamin A - when taken excessively leads to hair loss and since it is non-water soluble, it can be fatal to certain consumers. So it is advisable to check-in with your dietician or nutritionist to know what is too much.

Vitamin-A reach Foods: Liver, Paprika, Red Pepper, Cayenne, Chili Powder, Sweet Potatoes , Carrots, Dark Leafy Greens , Butternut Squash , Cantaloupe, egg yolks, mozzarella cheese

7. ProteinCommonly found in meat and poultry, Protein is yet another vital component of the hair. Actually, it composes 90% of the hair’s structure. Along with B complex vitamins, protein is also a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments. It is also one of the thing that make hair strong and resistant against damage.

Protein reach Foods: Milk,Soy Milk, Eggs, Cheese, Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Lean Meats, Fish, and Poultry, Beans, Tofu, Lentils, and other Legumes, Grains, including bread and pasta, Nuts and Seeds

Let your hair do all the talking. Everyone knows that having a head full of healthy, sleek, beautiful hair is your ticket to making heads turn. So if you are suffering from hair loss or any hair or scalp problem, try to look in your diet. You may be eating too much or too little of what is vital for your body systems to function correctly. A person may splurge on all those expensive anti-hair loss shampoos, conditioners and hair loss treatments but without proper diet and nutrition all those will go to waste.

Watermelon

2011-12-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Citrullus Vulgaris

Biological Background: The fruit of an annual vine belonging to the squash and melon family. Watermelon originated in Africa and has been cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean region, Egypt and India.

Nutritional Information:

Vitamin A – 1627 IU
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.094 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 0.06 mg
Niacin – 0.509 mg
Folate – 9 mcg
Pantothenic Acid – 0.632 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.129 mg
Vitamin C – 23.2 mg
Vitamin E – 0.14 mg
Vitamin K – 0.3 mcg

Minerals

Potassium – 320 mg

Phosphorus – 31 mg

Magnesium – 29 m

Calcium – 20 mg

Sodium – 3 mg

Iron – 0.69 mg

Selenium - 1.1 mcg

Manganese – 0.109 mg

Copper – 0.12 mg

Zinc – 0.29 mg

Pharmacological Activity:

Watermelon is rich in lycopene, glutathione and vitamin C. It has great activity against cancers and some antibacterial, anticoagulant activity.

Eating Tips: Choose watermelon with a deep red color.

about amazing health benefits of watermelon!

Antioxidant firepower. Watermelon contains some of the most powerful antioxidants so far discovered. This is where most of the health benefits of watermelon are derived from.

Vitamin warehouse. Loaded with Vitamin C and packed with Vitamin A (due to its concentration of beta-carotene).

Stop getting the cold. Vitamin C is something most people associate to oranges. But watermelon has a lot of it, and it contributes to a strong immune system as well as slower aging.

Lycopene. A potent antioxidant that gives watermelon its bright red color. Up until recently, it was thought to be only in tomatoes. But recent studies have shown watermelon to have the highest lycopene content out of any fruit or vegetable.

Prevents prostate cancer. This is due to the antioxidants, especially lycopene. Watermelon is great when juicing for cancer prevention.

Rehydration. Rich in electrolytes and 90% water so it’s a healthy alternative to Gatorade, as well as tasting downright amazing.

Increased energy. Truckloads of Vitamin B contribute to increased energy production. Some food experts recommend watermelon for Vitamin B1, B6 and magnesium deficiencies.

Cope with anxiety and panic. Vitamin B6 increases the brains ability to cope with anxiety and panic.

Cooling effect. Scientists have found that the health benefits of watermelon include a special cooling effect.

Lose weight. Watermelon is completely, 100% fat free.

Cholesterol free. No need to worry if you have cholesterol problems.

Prevents macular degeneration. Another word for loss of vision, macular degeneration can be prevented by eating or drinking watermelon. The benefits of carrot juice are similar.

Prevent heart disease. Another benefit of the antioxidants, and something you will find with most fruits and vegetables.

Prevent erectile dysfunction. Scientists are even saying it works similar to Viagra by relaxing the blood vessels.

A good way to look at a watermelon is just like a multivitamin, only with an amazing taste.
On a side note, green tea has been found to work synergistically with foods rich in lycopene (such as watermelon). When green tea is consumed alongside these foods, the beneficial effects are more pronounced.

Related Posts: 10 HEALTHY FOODS, APPLES, CANNED BEANS.

A RECIPE FOR A SALAD

2011-12-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

To make this condiment, your poet begs

The pounded yellow of two hard-boiled eggs;

Two boiled potatoes, passed through kitchen sieve,

Smoothness and softness to the salad give.

>.Let onion atoms lurk within the bowl,

And, half suspected, animate the whole.

Of mordant mustard add a single spoon,

Distrust the condiment that bites so soon;

But deem it not, thou man of herbs, a fault,

To add a double quantity of salt.

Four times the spoon with oil from Lucca brown,

And twice with vinegar procured from town;

And, lastly, o'er the flavored compound toss

A magic soupcion of anchovy sauce.

Salads are an excellent way to pump up your daily food with some essential and healthy nutrients; Salads can be prepared from everyday vegetables and are the easiest of all recipes. Experts have recommended including atleast one variety of salad daily. Since most salads have vegetables and other ingredients in thier raw form, all the essential nutrients are preserved.

Kachumbar.

2 medium tomatoes
2 medium onion, peeled
4 tbsps chopped fresh coriander
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsps lemon juice
Cut the tomatoes and onions into 1/4 inch pieces and put them in a non-metallic bowl.
Add all the other ingredients and mix.

Kosumbari

from South India.
Cooked Moong dal - 50 gms
Cooked Chana dal - 50 gms
4-5 green chilies
coriander leaves- a small bunch
freshly grated coconut - from 1/2 a coconut
Fresh cucumber - 1
Lime - 1/2
Mustard seeds - 2 tsps.
asafoetida - a pinch

Soak 50 gms each of moong dal and chana dal separately for one hour. Grate the coconut to get a handful of grated coconut. Drain the water from the moong dal and chana dal. Peel one cucumber and cut it into small pieces of the size of a pea. Chop two green chilies. Keep one spoon of oil in a kadai, warm it and put in mustard.

Wait till they splutter , then put the chopped green chilies, turn around and put a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Put the entire mixture onto the moong dal and chana dal. Add salt to taste and then squeeze the juice of half a lime (green variety). Turn around and then garnish the grated coconut.

Any salad with yogurt is called raita. A raita is a simple preparation made by adding fruits, vegetables or any other thing to beaten curds. Most Indian families enjoy curds either plain or in the form of delicious raitas as an accompaniment with lunch or dinner. Raitas are unique because they are cool and spicy at the same time. Indians cherish a large variety of raitas and the following are some of the recipes of raita.

Cucumber and Red Pepper Raita

1 cup of natural yoghurt
1/2 cucumber / diced or grated
1/2 red pepper / diced
2 sprigs of mint,leaves removed and chopped
Salt and pepper

Whisk the yoghurt with a little water to thin it to a smooth consistency.

Add the all remaining ingredients with the salt and pepper to taste. Mix well

Pour into serving bowl, garnish with mint leaves and chill.

MIX FRUIT RAITA

Ingredients:

2 cups Curd (yogurt)
3 Bananas
1 small Pineapple
2 Apples
1 Ripe Mango
1 cup Pomegranate seeds
Chopped coriander leaves
Sugar to taste
Salt to taste
Black pepper powder to taste

Preparation:

Stir the curd with hand mixer (Mathni) properly and mix salt, sugar, and curd is thick add little milk or water.

Cup all fruits in small cubes and add to the curd.

Garnish the fruit raita with chopped coriander and pomegranate.

10 Healthy Foods That Help You Lose Weight

2011-12-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

Historically, food has always been there to keep us healthy. Unfortuntately, the Western Diet has become filled with processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial ingredients. And we remain hungry.

The following foods are nutritious, can help you feel full, and can help you lose weight.

1 - Eggs - an organic egg will help you feel full all day. Eggs are a good source of protein and have 13 different vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin D. I often have a hard boiled egg in the morning and it keeps me satisfied. When it is lunch time I am not ravenous. (see link below for an eco-friendly way to boil the perfect egg).

2 - Mushrooms - instead of meat use mushrooms in a sauce or salad. They are filling and cut hundreds of calories. Mushrooms are a rich source of germanium which increases oxygen efficiency in the body. They are also extremely low in calories and are a source of vitamin B.

3 - Beans - they contain resistant starch which triggers key appetite hormones. These hormones are what make you feel full. Beans have soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol and helps to improve insulin resistance.

4 - Crushed Red Pepper - the compound found in crushed red pepper is capsaicin. This is what ups the calories you naturally burn after eating.

5 - Olive Oil - contains oleic acid, which sets satiety hormones. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats than other oils. (Dark chocolate also has oleic acid and curbs hunger - see link)

6 - Nuts - high in fiber and protein, nuts help you feel satisfied. Nuts have omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, vitamin E, and potassium. By eating just a few nuts each day you are likely to eat 200 calories less per day. Also walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts are mono-and polyunsaturated fats - all good for your heart.

7 - Fresh Vegetables - a necessary part of our diet. By loading up daily on vegetables you can lose 25 percent more weight than people who only trim the fat in their diet. Plus, the magnesium, calcium and potassium in most fresh produce may help lower blood pressure. Organic or locally grown are recommended.

8 - Soup - by starting your meal with soup you are likely to eat 20 percent fewer total calories, than you would if you had opted to skip the soup. Soup fills you up. (Also see the Japanese shirataki noodles link - eaten as soup, they are amazing when it comes to feeling full, even a day later).

9 - Oatmeal - especially good for helping you lose weight around the middle. Oatmeal, like beans, is a source of soluble fiber and is full of heart-healthy B vitamins. Whole grains give you energy with staying power. Five servings per day can help you lose belly fat.

10 - Green Tea - considered a great pre-workout drink. It increases endurance by as much as 24 percent, which can allow you to exercise longer and burn more calories. According to a Journal of Nutrition study, drinking five cups of green tea per day can help you lose twice as much weight - most of it around your middle.

Creamy mushroom and bacon macaroni

2011-12-24T00:23:00.000-08:00

This dish is quick and inexpensive, and will appeal to the whole family - making it the perfect week-night meal.

Instructions
Recipe Information

Time to make: 20 minutes

Low fat
Low kilo joule
Low sodium

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni or other small pasta

2 rashers lean bacon, chopped

2 spring onions, finely chopped

3 cups sliced mushrooms

2 cups rocket leaves

1/4 cup light evaporated milk

4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Add the broccolini in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and mushroom and cook for 5 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a plate.
Melt the spread in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until combined. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until combined. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens. Add the cheddar and shredded parmesan and stir until melted.
Add the pasta mixture and the bacon mixture to the pan and stir until combined. Divide among serving bowls. Season with salt and pepper and top with shaved parmesan to serve.

Apples

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Great for: Snacks, green salads, main dish salads, and fruit salads.

What's a serving? 1 large apple.

Nutrition Info per serving: 117 calories, 5 grams fiber, 17% Daily Value for vitamin C, and 7% Daily Value for potassium.

Canned Tomatoes

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Great for: Italian and Mexican recipes, chili, stew, and casseroles. Flavor options range from no-salt-added sliced stewed tomatoes to diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil.

What's a serving? One can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.

Nutrition Info per serving: About 25 calories, 1 gram fiber, 10% Daily Value of vitamin A, and 15% Daily Value of vitamin C.

Canned Beans

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Great for: Green salads, casseroles, stews, and chili. Types of beans range from 50% less sodium kidney beans and black beans to white beans and garbanzo beans.

What's a serving? Each can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.

Nutrition Info per serving: About 120 calories (for kidney beans), 7 grams protein, 6 grams fiber, and 6% Daily Value for calcium, and 10% Daily Value for iron.

Healthy Breakfast Foods

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It might be the last thing on your morning to-do list, or worse, it might not be on your list at all. But a healthy breakfast refuels your body, jump-starts your day and may even benefit your overall health. So don't skip this meal — it may be more important than you think.

Consume more vitamins, minerals and less of fat and cholesterol.

Increased strength and endurance.

Better concentration and productivity all day long.

Control over weight

Low cholesterol = no risk or little risk of heart disease

Children who eat breakfast are likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They will be alert, creative, and less likely to miss days of school.

If you think skipping this meal, will help you lose weight, think again. By passing over this meal, your body will go in the starvation mode and make you crave for snacks especially sweets. Impulsive snacking on unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain. So you motive of losing weight by skipping breakfast stays unachieved.

Try to choose healthy foods from at least two food groups each morning

Fruits & Vegetables
Grains
Dairy
Proteins

A glass of pure fruit juice, bananas, yoghurt, low-calorie muesli with semi skimmed or skimmed milk, fresh fruit salad with few spoonfuls of low fat yoghurt, fresh and raw veggies mixed with flavoured yoghurt, a slice of toast or plain bread with eggs, boiled or poached are some of the options for breakfast. Kids can enjoy a Smoothie with their favourite fruits; add dash of yoghurt or honey to make it more delicious.

If you look forward to eating different kinds of healthy foods for breakfast, you are less like to skip this meal. If time is your hurdle, think about packing your breakfast or eating on the 'run', its better than skipping it altogether.

Weight Loss Recipe: Avocado Walnut & Crispy Bacon Salad

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Losing weight doesn't have to be boring when you focus on bright, colourful meals. What does this mean? Simply by making sure your plate reflects a range of colours, you'll naturally create more balanced and healthful menus. Not everyone has the time or the patience to count calories, but assessing the colours on your plate is something anyone can do - and it only takes an instant!

That's because these beige foods often are high in calories and can leave you feeling hungry later. A cup of beige or brown beans can be over 200 calories.... but a cup of red or green vegetables is under a hundred! Add fresh greens, deep purple-reds and bright yellow-orange to a meal, and water the nutrient content go up, while calories go down! Plus, you'll get more enjoyment from eating when there's a variety of colours and flavors on your plate.

Although these ideas may sound whimsical, they're grounded in scientific fact. Dr David Heber, renowned nutritional expert from University of California, Los Angeles established the role of colour in his book, "What Color is Your Diet?" So, next time you visit the refrigerator, think colorfully. And remember to mix, not match!

To get you started on the color plate, here is a deliciously interesting salad: Avocado, Walnut & Crispy Bacon.

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 8 minutes
Serves: 3

Ingredients:

7oz/200 g rindless bacon, chopped

½ cup walnut haves, roughly chopped

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup fresh lime juice

sale and ground black pepper

6oz/150g baby spinach, trimmed and washed

3 ripe Roma (egg) tomatoes, diced

1 large ripe avocado, halved, peeled, seed removed and sliced

1 small red onion, very thinly sliced

Directions:
1. Heat a non-tick frying pay over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside to cool.

2. Add walnuts to pan and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside.

3. Add oil and lime juice to pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.

4. Combine spinach, tomatoes, avocado, onion, bacon and walnuts in a large serving bowl. Pour warm lime dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.