Food Keeps you Fit

 Rice with Chicken Spanish Style   Spanish chicken and rice is the perfect holiday meal not only because it is immensely easy to make, but also because of its incredible taste which will prove to be a true crowd pleaser! This is a good way to get vegetables into the meal plan. Serve with a mixed green salad and some whole wheat bread. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 medium red/green peppers, cut into stripe 1 cup mushrooms, chopped 2 cups uncooked whole grain rice 3 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, skin removed 1 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)  2 1/2cups low-fat chicken broth Saffron or Sazón for color  3 medium tomatoes.chopped 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup frozen green beans Olives or capers for garnish (optional) Directions: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a non-stick pot. Add onion, garlic. celery, red/green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat...

The Essential Guide to Vitamin B2 Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is one of the essential B vitamins that play a crucial role in maintaining good health. It's water-soluble, which means your body doesn't store it, so you need a regular intake of this vitamin through your diet or supplements. In this blog, we'll explore the uses, food sources, and potential deficiencies of vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 Uses: 1. Energy Production:  One of the primary roles of vitamin B2 is to help your body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into energy. This is essential for overall vitality and stamina. 2. Cell Growth and Repair:  Riboflavin plays a key role in supporting the growth and repair of tissues, including skin, eyes, and nerve cells. It's particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as childhood and pregnancy. 3. Antioxidant Defense:  Vitamin B2 is a component of two coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Th...

 The Power of Breakfast  A Path to a Healthier You The word "breakfast" itself holds a clue to its significance. It's a compound of "break" and "fast," signifying the end of a fast or abstaining from food and drink during the night. For many people, this fasting period extends for ten to twelve hours before breakfast. However, breakfast isn't just about filling your stomach; it's about nourishing your body and kick starting your metabolism. The Importance of Timing Eating within an hour of waking up is ideal. It provides your body with the fuel it needs to function optimally. On the flip side, if you skip breakfast, you prolong your fast, which can lead to various negative side effects. These can include fatigue, mood swings, and even headaches, including debilitating migraines. So, when you break your fast in the morning, you're not just satisfying your hunger; you're setting the tone for your entire day. Breakfast's Far-reaching B...

The Art of Mindful Eating  In our fast-paced lives, we often view food mere nourishment, a source of energy to keep us going from one task to the next. But let's take a moment to explore the deeper dimensions of food – how it can be a vehicle for connection, celebration, and mindfulness. Food Beyond Fuel: Food as a Social and Emotional Experience Food is not just about nourishing our bodies; it's about nourishing our souls. It has the power to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to foster deep connections. Whether you're sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a solitary dinner, there's more to food than meets the eye. However, in our hectic lives, mealtime often becomes a rushed and frenzied affair. I can relate to this all too well from my own upbringing. In my family, we always had homemade, wholesome meals on the table. Yet, once the food landed, it was a mad dash as my three younger brothers and I voraciously scooped up spoonfuls of curry, ric...

 Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast  Chicken is a versatile and nutritious option for a speedy dinner. It can be transformed in countless ways, and we've explored various recipes. Our love for this lemon herb dish lies in its minimal prep time, yet it boasts the rich flavors that might make you think we slaved away in the kitchen. The zesty punch of lemon, coupled with the warmth of lemon pepper, creates a delightful fusion of tastes that will leave you wondering how such a simple recipe can pack such a flavorful punch. **Ingredients:** - 1 tsp chopped garlic - 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil - 1 lb (455 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper - 1/4 cup (10 g) minced fresh basil - 2 tbsp (5 g) minced fresh parsley - 2 lemons - 2 tbsp (28 ml) water **Instructions:** 1. Mix chopped garlic with olive oil in a measuring cup and set it aside. 2. Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray. 3. Flatten chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) ...