Tag: clean eating

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Playing with Water

We are 70% water, so it’s no mystery why it is one of the most necessary nutrients our body needs. But why is it so hard to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water a day? We know the endless benefits of drinking water: heart circulation, metabolism, joint health, digestive health, clearer skin, etc.

Think of a dried prune; it’s all dry and wrinkled. Now, think of a fresh prune; full of hydration, smooth and healthy. As much practical sense that this all makes, I have to admit the idea of sipping on the same thing all day long can get boring. So lately I have been experimenting with Infused Water. Spring brings us bright, beautiful, and colorful produce that can naturally enhance the flavor of water. Infused water can be any combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs and even flowers. Why infuse water? The answer is simple. By improving the flavor with a healthy option, it’s an easier way to achieve your recommended daily amounts but also include essential vitamins into this healthy drink.

Although there are many flavored waters on supermarket shelves, producing a homemade option is cost effective and far healthier. Most infused waters available at supermarkets include preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and refined sugars. All of these are bad for your short and long-term health, in addition to being an enemy of your skin health.

Everyone has their favorite fruit infused water ingredients, but some are more popular than others. Lemon, lime, strawberries, apples, and oranges are the most popular fruit ingredients, while cucumbers, mint, basil, cinnamon, and ginger are the most popular vegetable ingredients. I think it’s time to produce your own, so I’ve included a basic method to follow. Have fun with it; the rest is up to you! To make your fruit-infused water, simply wash and slice a combination of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Pour cold filtered water on top. Cover the jar and store in the refrigerator. The flavor will get stronger after a few hours. You can replenish the water throughout the day.

Some of my favorite infused water combinations are: Lemon with Strawberry and Cucumber, Cucumber with any Citrus, Apple with Ginger and Cinnamon, Watermelon with Mint, Pineapple and Berry…sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? Here are 3 more tips I follow to ensure I drink enough water throughout the day:

  1. Set a specific goal for the day: Mine is to drink at least 32oz a day, I am working my way to 64oz but for now, 32oz is the goal!
  2. Get a bottle you will actually use and keep it close: My bottle requirements are: absolutely no dripping, BPA free plastic and it must fit in the car cup holder.
  3. Use a straw: I notice that when I use a straw I drink more and faster.

Here’s to a more hydrated you!

Sara Balcazar-Greene (aka. Peruvian Chick)
Peruvian Food Ambassador
peruvianchick.com
instagram.com/peruvianchick
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Asparagus Soup                              

Growing up we had soup as the first course almost every day, this soup made it to our family table at least once a week. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 lb. asparagus, trimmed, cut in ½ in pieces

1 onion, finely chopped

1 leek (white part) chopped

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon oil

5 cups chicken or vegetable broth

¾ cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Melt butter and oil in a medium size saucepan at low heat. Add onion and leek and cook until golden brown. Add asparagus and season to taste. Cook stirring for 5 minutes. Add broth and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until asparagus are very tender.

With an immerse blender blend mixture until creamy and soft. Return cream to pan and add milk or cream. Serve with bread croutons if desired.

Asparagus

Uncooked asparagus will stay fresh for three to four days in the refrigerator. The secret is to keep the vegetable cool and damp. Store spears upright in a container with the stems wading in an inch of water, then cover loosely with a plastic bag. Easier still: Wrap the ends in moist paper towels and drop the bundle into a plastic bag.

Use: cooking asparagus takes only a few minutes. The goal: Preserve the bright color and delicate flavor. Broiling or roasting the spears intensifies their inherent sweetness. Steamed or boiled asparagus is great for salads.

 

If you boil, forget the fancy equipment. Just launch the spears in a skillet full of lightly salted boiling water. The pan should be large enough to fit the spears in one or two layers, so that they cook evenly and quickly. Don’t cover the skillet; otherwise the asparagus will go from bright green to army drab. Start testing for doneness after two or three minutes by piercing the ends with a knife. They should be barely tender, with a slight crunch. Asparagus will continue to cook after you’ve removed it from the pan. If you like asparagus with snap, drop it into a sink full of cold water to stop the cooking.

Tips from thekitchn.com

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Why I cleanse in February

Week of February 1, 2015

It’s that time of year when everybody talks about detoxes, cleanses, diets, etc. I have to admit, I may have overindulged during the holidays, but a detox or cleanse is not the answer to overcome that guilt. I am a huge advocate of detoxing, but cleanses are more than a quick weight-loss solution. Weight management simply comes by making a habit of making better eating decisions.

I tend to avoid the fad of cleansing right after the holidays because I like to decompress and get back to my “real” routine. By mid-January the Christmas tree has served its purpose and gone to the “park” where all Christmas trees go after the holidays. The last remaining decorations have been put away and the cookies are finally gone! I have time to juice in the mornings and am once again able to think clearly.

Now is when I am finally ready for the benefits of a cleanse! But why cleanse in the first place? The only way that toxins are eliminated from the body is through the natural processes of detoxification, which occurs through the skin by perspiration, through the colon by elimination, through the kidneys by urination, and through the lungs by respiration. When the body has accumulated more toxins than it can handle, the body, in its amazing natural healing process, attempts a healing response. It must force the toxins out or the body will disease and die. I have been detoxing twice a year for four years now and the benefits I have experienced are endless. Here are just a few:

  • Increase in energy.
  • The digestive tract will rid itself of accumulated waste and bacteria.
  • Liver, kidneys and blood are purified and function more effectively.
  • The peristaltic action of the colon is strengthened. (Peristalsis are a series of muscle contractions that occur in your digestive tract.)
  • A mental clarity occurs that is not possible under the constant bombardment of chemicals and food additives.
  • Dependency on habit-forming substances such as refined sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and drugs is greatly diminished. (No more cravings!)
  • Bad eating habits are broken. As you come off the program it will be easier to make wiser food choices.
  • The stomach has a chance to return to its normal size, making it easier to control the quantity of food you eat.

I was super excited when Klesick Family Farm announced their Juice Cleanse Box last year. This box contains all of the produce you need to participate in a basic juice cleanse. They even include a copy of their juice cleanse plan with all of the recipes.

After you cleanse it is important to pay attention to your body and what it needs. Your “cravings” will be different and your palate will be cleansed as well. Real fruits and vegetables will taste better, so take advantage of this situation and avoid introducing “not-so-good” food into your daily diet.

One of my go-to recipes for after a cleanse is Fresh Summer Rolls: thin rice paper stuffed with veggies, protein and rice noodles, and served with a side of lightly spicy peanut sauce.

If you’re not familiar with these little delicacies – also known as fresh spring rolls – then my, you’ve got a treat in store! Cucumber water aside, they’re just about the freshest thing I can imagine: a jumble of crunchy raw vegetables, soft, aromatic leaves and cool, squidgy noodles, all stuffed snugly into a feather light rice wrapper. In fact, summer rolls were what first hooked me on the fresh flavors of Vietnamese cooking: so much lighter and punchier than the fried snacks I was expecting. It’s a delicious Asian salad packed into an edible container.

Once you’ve mastered the basics you can play around with the recipe to your heart’s content, but the guiding principle should always be to cram as many contrasts of flavor and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll’s elegant appearance. And listo! Ready to enjoy!

Please Note: A juice cleanse is not for everyone. Consult your doctor to be sure a juice cleanse is right for you.

Sara Balcazar-Greene (aka. Peruvian Chick)
Peruvian Food Ambassador
peruvianchick.com
instagram.com/peruvianchick
facebook.com/theperuvianchick

 

                  

Recipe: Fresh Summer Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce    

 

Your choice of protein: cooked prawns, sautéed chicken or tofu

1 block of rice vermicelli noodles

4 sprigs of mint, leaves picked

4 sprigs of basil leaves (Asian or Italian)

1 carrot, peeled and grated

1 red pepper, peeled and grated

¼ cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks

1 soft lettuce, ½ shredded

4 tbsp. salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

8 rice paper wrappers

 

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Juice of 1 small orange

2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon of garlic-chili sauce

1-2 tablespoons of agave

 

Put the vermicelli noodles in a large bowl and pour over boiling water. Add ½ tsp salt, leave for about four minutes until al dente, then rinse well in cold water and drain thoroughly.

Set out all the ingredients and place within reach of a clean, dry chopping board. Half fill a bowl big enough to fit the wrappers in with warm water, and then dunk one in the water and continue patting until it becomes pliable, but not completely soft. Lay flat on the chopping board.

Arrange lettuce horizontally towards the bottom edge of the wrapper. Top with protein in a horizontal line, then top your protein with a line of herb leaves. Add a pinch of carrot and red bell pepper with a few cucumber sticks, and then add a small clump of rice vermicelli noodles. Finish with some shredded lettuce and a line of crushed peanuts.

Bring the bottom edge of the wrapper tightly up over the filling, and then fold the sides in over it. Continue to roll up tightly and place on a plate, join-side down. Cover rolls with lettuce leaves to keep them fresh.

Once all the rolls are made, prepare your peanut sauce. Whisk all the ingredients. Adjust to taste if necessary.

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Tangerine Roasted Beets & Greens with White Beans and Feta

Tangerine Roasted Beets & Greens with White Beans and Feta

Adapted from thefirstmess.com

Tangerine Roasted Beets & Greens with White Beans and Feta

Print Recipe
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beets
  • 3-4 beets peeled (greens removed, and separated for later)
  • splash of sherry balsamic vinegar
  • juice from 1/2 tangerine
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
Beans, etc.
  • 2 cups white beans
  • olive oil
  • the beet greens
  • juice from 1/2 tangerine
  • salt+pepper
Topping
  • crumbled Feta cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Cut the beets into 1 inch wedges and place them in a glass baking dish. Add the splash of sherry vinegar, tangerine juice, a nice slick of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the beets evenly. Cover the dish with foil and roast for 30 minutes or until the beets give when pierced with a small knife. Uncover the beets, toss them around and roast them for 5-10 more minutes, just to evaporate some of the juices.
  3. Heat some oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the beet greens and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in the grapefruit juice. Keep tossing them until all of the greens are lightly wilted. Remove from the pan and chop them up. Toss the chopped greens with the white beans, some extra olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay the beans + greens on the base of your serving plate. Arrange the roasted beet wedges on top and finish the plate by topping generously with the crumbled feta cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

Serves 4-6.

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Red D’Anjou Pear and Broccoli Salad

Red D’Anjou Pear and Broccoli Salad

Red D’Anjou Pear and Broccoli Salad

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the dressing
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • pinch kosher salt
For the salad
  • 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 bunch)
  • ¼ cup red onion diced
  • ½ cup walnuts or cashews
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 ripe d’Anjou pears cut into thin slices (about 1¾ cup after slicing)
  • Crumbled Roquefort blue or gorgonzola cheese for serving, bacon bits

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (like you would for cooking pasta).
  2. Dump your broccoli in the boiling water and cook for about 15 seconds. You want bright green broccoli, without loosing the crunch. Drain and rinse broccoli under cool water to stop the cooking process.
  3. In a small container or jar, whisk or shake lemon juice and honey to combine until honey is completely dissolved. Whisk in cider vinegar, olive oil and salt, until completely blended.
  4. In your serving bowl, place all the salad ingredients (broccoli, onion, walnuts, yellow bell pepper, and pears). Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat.
  5. Crumble blue or gorgonzola cheese, and/or bacon bits on top.
  6. Serve and enjoy!
  7. Recipe created by Marty, for the Klesick Family Farm

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Raw Beet Salad

Ingredients

1 to 1½ pounds beets, preferably small

1 yellow onion or 2 large shallots

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or to taste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons sherry or other good strong vinegar

1 sprig fresh tarragon, minced, if available

1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves

 

Instructions

  • Peel the beets and onions/shallots. Combine them in a food processor and pulse carefully until the beets are shredded; do not purée. (Or grate the beets by hand and mince the onion/shallots, then combine.) Scrape into a bowl.
  • Toss with the salt, pepper, mustard, oil and vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Toss in the herbs and serve.

 

Variations

  1. Raw Beet Salad with Carrot and Ginger. Ginger and beets are killer together. Use equal parts beet and carrot, about 8 ounces of each. Treat the carrots as you do the beets (you can process them together), adding about a tablespoon of minced peeled ginger to the mix; omit the tarragon. Substitute peanut for olive oil, lime juice for sherry vinegar, and cilantro for the parsley.
  2. Raw Beet Salad with Yogurt Dressing. Replace the olive oil and one of the tablespoons of vinegar with 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, preferably whole-milk or low-fat.

Recipe adapted from http://markbittman.com/recipe/raw-beet-salad/