Food Keeps you Fit

 Herbed Potato Salad  Fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette give this salad a lively favor. Ingredients: 1½ pounds red potatoes (about 8 potatoes), cut into cubes ½ cup light Italian dressing ½ tablespoon spicy brown mustard 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper  ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ½ cup chopped green bell pepper ½ cup chopped green onions Preparation: 1. In a large pot, cook potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 10 minutes (do not overcook). 2. Drain well and let cool. 3. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in a medium bowl. 4. In a small bowl, combine dressing, mustard, parsley, and seasonings; pour over potatoes and toss well. 5. Carefully stir in bell peppers and green onions. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Nutrition information per serving:  Calories 122,  Carbohydrate 24 g,  Dietary fiber 4g,  Protein 2g,  Total fat 4 g,  Saturated Fat 1g,  T...

The Nutritional Value of Walnuts Walnuts, often referred to as "brain food," have been enjoyed for centuries for their rich flavor and impressive nutritional profile. These heart-shaped nuts are not only a delicious addition to various dishes but also offer a wide range of health benefits. In this blog, we'll explore the nutritional value of walnuts, their numerous advantages for your well-being, and creative ways to incorporate them into your diet. Nutritional Composition 1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Walnuts are a unique source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. These healthy fats support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular well-being. 2. Protein Powerhouse: Walnuts contain approximately 15% protein, making them a valuable plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans. 3. Fiber-Rich:  A 1-ounce (28g) serving of walnuts provides about 2 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps maintain a healthy...

 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...

 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) ...

 Tortilla Roll-Ups Tasty little tortilla snacks, with just enough heat to be interesting. Ingredients: 8 whole wheat tortillas 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened  4 ounces (115 g) black olives, chopped 4 ounces (115 g) diced green chiles 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce Directions: Cream together cream cheese, olives, chiles, and Tabasco sauce.  Spread approximately 2 tablespoons onto a tortilla,  Roll jelly-roll fashion, roll in plastic wrap, and chill.  Before serving cut into 3/8-inch-wide (1-cm) pieces. Nutritional value  Yield: 16 servings Per serving:105 calories   2 g protein;  7 g total fat;  3 g saturated fat;  3 g monounsaturated fat 9 g carbohydrate;  2 g fiber;   34 mg phosphorus;  37 mg calcium;  1 mg iron;  200 mg sodium;  41 mg potassium;  221 IU vitamin A;  51 mg vitamin E; 16 mg cholesterol

Greek Lemon-Drop Soup  (Avgolemono)  Greek lemon drop soup is not an ordinary chicken rice soup. There is just something special, and extra luxurious, about Greek lemon drop soup. It's a decidedly rich, comforting chicken soup with a silky broth that's heavily scented with lemon. Delicious! Servings: 6 Total Time: 30min. Ingredients: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth.  3/4 cup long-grain rice. 3 chicken breast halves, skinless, cooked and shredded. 2 eggs. 1/3 cup lemon juice .  Lemon slices, for garnish Directions: 1. In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth and rice to a boil. Reduce heat,cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add chicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice. Slowly add in 1 cup of hot soup broth, whisking continuously. Add warm egg mixture to soup pot and mix to combine.  3. Serve with a slice of lemon. Nutritional Information  (per serving) Calories: 315 Sodium: 180...

 CARIBBEAN FIESTA This recipe offers a lower sodium alternative for tortilla lovers by using the blue corn tortilla chips. Enjoy the crispy texture, fresh vegetables and delicious cheese.  Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 chicken tender, cut into bite-sized pieces (Approx. 2 oz.) Dash of seasonings like curry, allspice. 8 blue or yellow corn tortilla chips ¼ cup pinto and/or black beans, rinsed and drained 4 grape tomatoes, chopped ½ orange bell pepper, seeded and diced green onion, peeled and chopped 1 ounce reduced-fat shredded cheddar jack cheese Directions: In a nonstick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with optional spices, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Evenly spread the tortilla chips on a plate and evenly distribute chicken, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions. Top with cheese and microwave for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.   Nutrition Value:

 APPLE The apple is a pome, a round fruit that consists of firm, juicy flesh covered by a thin, tough, edible skin and surrounding a cartilaginous, seeded core. The skin color of apples can range from dark green to yellow to bright red, or some combination of these colors. Apples that are just ripe are crisp and juicy, whereas those that are overripe attain an aromatic flavor and a slightly mealy texture. Family Rosaceae Scientific name Malus pumila Malus veris, Pyrus malu Common name apple. Good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps reduce blood cholesterol A good source of vitamin C VARIETIES Thousands of varieties of apples are grown worldwide. As a result, apples are avail able in a seemingly endless array of colors. crispness, texture, size, sweetness, and aroma. Some of the more popular varieties in the U.S. marketplace are the Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Rome Beauty ORIGIN & BOTANICAL FACTS The apple is native to Asia and easter Europe....

 Fruity Green  Smoothie This vitamin-packed smoothie is an antioxidant powerhouse, packing 21/2 servings of fruits and veggies in each serving. Servings: 1 Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach leaves 1 medium banana, peeled  7-8 strawberries, trimmed ½ cup orange juice 1 cup crushed ice Directions: 1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.  2.Serve in tall glass. Nutritional Information (per serving) Calories: 235 Sodium: 64 mg Protein: 5 g Carbs: 56 g Fat: 1.5 g Sugar: 3.7 g

 Tomato & Watermelon Salad SUITABLE   Vegetarian PREP TIME       5 mins COOK TIME      0 SERVE              2 Nutrition (per serving) Kcal         177 Fat             13g Sat Fat.       5g Carb           13g Sugar         10g Fibre            1g Protein.       5g Salt           0.7g INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tsp chilli flakes 1 tbsp chopped mint 120g /8 cup tomatoes, chopped ½ watermelon, cut into chunks 100g / 3 cup feta cheese, crumbled METHOD  For the dressing,  Mix the oil, vinegar, chilli flakes and mint and then season.  Put the tomatoes and watermelon into a bowl.  Pour over the dressing, add the feta, then serve.