Healthy Cucumber Water Recipe

Want something different than water to quench your thirst? Try out making your own cucumber water! Nowadays with inflation the price of juices, smoothies and protein shakes have sky rocketed. Now is the time to get into your kitchen and develop a relationship in making your own beverages and food! Yes, you have to wash dishes! But you have take the negatives that comes with the positives and save yourself a lot of money! 

Healthy Cucumber Water Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Cucumber 
• 1 liter of Spring water
• 1/8 cup of lime juice
• 1 rounded tablespoon of stevia
• 10 leaves of peppermint 

Directions:

• Step 1: Get a cutting board and cut up a large cucumber into thick slices that can be blended down easily. Add a liter Spring water to your blender and then the cucumber slices.
• 
  
• Step 2: Add 10 leaves of peppermint or any type of mint you prefer. I grow peppermint in my garden so that is why I choose to use this mint. Add  1/8 cup of lime juice with 1 large, rounded tablespoon of stevia.
• 
  
• Step 3: Place the blender of the machine and blend down the whole mixture. Strain the pulp from the mixture to leave the juice left over in a juice storage container. Pour yourself 16 oz of your own homemade healthy cucumber water!

Sweet Potato & Quinoa Casserole Recipe

 

• Ingredients:

4 cups of diced sweet potato

3 tbsp of water

1 tbsp of olive oil

1/2 cup of thinly, sliced onion

2 tbsp of garlic

2 cups of chicken broth

1/3 cup of wine white

1 1/2 cup of quinoa

1 tsp of cumin

1 tsp of sea salt

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

1/4 paprika

1/2 cup of queso fresco

1/4 cup of fresh cilantro

• Directions
• Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 400 degree F. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Step 2: Add sweet potato cubes, onions and garlic to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add broth, quinoa, wine, salt, cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Bring to a boil. 
• Step 3: Spoon the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch broiler-safe baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake until the sweet potatoes and quinoa are tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, 35 to 40 minutes.

• Step 4: Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with cheese. Broil 8 inches from the heat source until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Foods to Eat When You Are Feeling Bloated

2011 My First Photo Shoot w/ Rocking Photography

 Feeling bloated and not yourself is a very uncomfortable experience that mostly women go through at least 2 times a month naturally. Men too also experience side effects from bloating mostly from the types of foods they ingest or side effects from certain medical issues. Best way to get rid of unnecessary bloating is to eat the right types of foods that are natural diurectics. Here is a list of foods to incorporate in your diet!

Raspberries

• Fruits:
• Cranberries
• Watermelon
• Pineapple
• Lemons
• Grapes 
• Peaches
• Pears
• Red berries
• Tomatoes
• Elderberry

Beets

• Vegetables:
• Beet
• Cucumber
• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell Pepper 
• Cabbage
• Horseradish
• Pumpkin
• Daikon
• Kale
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Sauerkraut
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Fennel
• Rhubarb
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Red Radish

Cilantro

• Herbs:
• Cilantro
• Ginger
• Mint
• Parsley
• Horsetail
• Nettle Leaves
• Dandelion
• Mate tea
• Coffee beans
• Birch leaves
• Goldenrod 

• Sodium Intake
• Too much sodium can lead to water retention and bloating. Reduce the amount of sodium intake in your food. 
• Switch your sodium to sea salt. Sea salt reduces retention and eliminates bloating. Sea salt is pink, gold or black. It is not WHITE!!! White version is the more processed and will do the opposite of real and organic sea salt
• Sea salt reduces blood pressure, inflammation, has important electrolytes the body needs, reduces muscle cramping, and keeps you hydrated! 

• Apple cider vinegar
• ACV is naturally acidic, and so for people with low stomach acidity, using it may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion.
• ACV is also an antimicrobial substance, which means it may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines. Excess bacteria or bacteria in the upper intestines release gases that can lead to bloating.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic

Facty

Healthy Hildegard

Science Daily

What a Great Grandmaate

Medical News Today

Winter Vegetables: Benefits of Cauliflower

Benefits of Eating Cauliflower

Contains Tons of Vitamins and Minerals

Cauliflower is a rich source of folate, B complex vitamins and vitamin E. It provides vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc without adding any harmful cholesterol. It is a good source of protein, unsaturated fats, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides dietary fiber and contains smaller amounts of natural sugars as compared to the other members of its botanical relatives, such as broccoli.

Provides Protection and Nourishment By Boosting the Immune System

Cauliflower has power antioxidants, such as, Vitamin C and manganese that help provide protection  and nourishment to the body. With immune-strengthening nutrients, and other healthy components, the presence of vitamin C, cauliflower in it inhibits various infections and strengthens the defense mechanisms of the body by hampering the growth of disease-causing inflammation. It also contains photochemical called glucosinates and insoles that stimulate cancer-blocking enzymes and alleviates oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

Helps with Hypertension

Besides fighting free radicals, cauliflower has Vitamin K and glucoraphanin that ensures blood circulation and proper function of the blood vessels. Eating cauliflower also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and promotes cardiovascular health. Also, vitamin K, may help in preventing bone loss in both men and women.

Great Source of Fiber, Controls Cholesterol

Cauliflower is a great source of dietary fiber. It aids in digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. The presence of glucoraphanin, glucosinolate, and sulforaphane in this vegetable protects the stomach lining and helps in resisting the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present in cauliflower help with the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. 

In addition, the fiber and omega-3 fatty acids present in cauliflower also prevent hardening of the arteries. Dietary isothiocyanates in cauliflower prevent the risk of various abdominal disorders such as stomach ulcers and colon cancer.

Helps Absorb Iron and Bone Density

It helps to better absorb iron in the blood with Vitamin C present in cauliflower . This helps to increase the hemoglobin count in the body. Vitamin C, also plays an important role in the production of collagen that protects the joints and bones from inflammatory damage. 

Aids In Weight-Loss 

Cauliflower possesses anti-obesity bacteria called indoles . Studies have found that consumption of cauliflower is beneficial in preventing various inflammatory and metabolic disorders in the body. It also helps in the stimulation of fat-burning thermogenesis, aids in weight loss and prevents obesity.

Aides In Growing Healthy Babies

Including cauliflower in your diet during pregnancy is beneficial because of the presence of essential folate, which helps in healthy neural development of the baby.

Helps Keep Efficient Nuerological Communication

Cauliflower contains minerals choline and phosphorous that are both effective in repairing cell membranes. This is essential for the efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system for transmitting nerve signals. In addition, the presence of potassium and vitamin B6 in cauliflower plays an important role in maintaining brain health and promoting proper communication in the nerves

Source: Organic Facts

Winter Vegetable: Benefits of Eating Carrots

Image Credits: Burpee.com

Benefits of Eating Carrots

    Carrots are one of the most used root vegetables in the world. They are easily grown and come in many colors such as: orange, yellow, red, purple and white. The taproot is part of the carrot mostly comsumed, however the greens are edible as well. Below are a list of benefits gained from including carrots in your daily intake.

• Regulates Cholesterol
• Researcher found in a study that cholesterol levels dropped over 10% when at least 7 ounces of carrots were eaten each day for 3 weeks. In Sweden, it was discovered that carrots can reduce chances of having a heart attack. 
• Eye Health
• Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which can help difficulty of reading at night and/or night blindness. Helps prevent machelor degeneration in the elderly.
•  Diabetes
• Due to the presence of cartenoids, carrots can help diabetics by lowering blood sugar, regulating the amount of insulin and glucose metabolized by the body. They are great substitutes to use for daily bowel movements and liver functionality. 
• Blood Pressure
• Carrots are rich sources of potassium, which is vasodilator that relaxes your blood vessels allowing for better circulation and blood flow. Potassium also aids boosting all organ functions thoughout your body.
• Immune System
• They are a rich source of vitamin C, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cell activity in which strengthens the body's immune system.
• Digestion
• Like most root vegetables, carrots are loaded with fiber. Fiber helps stool pass smootly through the digestive tract. A healthy functioning digestive tract leads to weight loss, reduces chances of constipation and hemorroids. It also protects your colon and stomach from diseases which include cancer.
• Oral Health
• Carrots have beneficial antioxidant compounds and consuming them stimulates gums and produces excess salivia. Salvia's akaline properties are important to combat bacteria that otherwise would result in halitosis, cavities or other oral diseases. 
• Stroke
• Research has shown that eating a carrot a day reduces changes of stroke by 68%! Lutein is a cartonoid present in carrots and has been linked to brain health. A study at the University of Illinois, discovered that stroke patients with high beta-carotene levels also had the highest survival rates. 

Sources: Organicfacts.com, Healthline.com

The Benefits of Eating Squash

Benefits of Eating Squash

• Full of vitamin C, magnesium, and other antioxidant compounds

• It helps to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals have been connected with a wide spread of illnesses, including cancer, heart diseases, and premature aging.

• Contains high levels of vitamin A, including carotenoid phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. These help the body boost its immune response and defend against foreign substances

• Great source of B-complex vitamins which helps boost metabolism,. Certain types of squash contain good amounts of dietary fiber and pectin. Pectin regulates blood sugar  throughout the body, making sure that the insulin and glucose activities within the body remain constant and smooth. 

• Due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene,and polysaccharides called homogalacturonan squash gives out anti-inflammatory properties to help heal the body. Anti-inflammatory effects can extend to arthritis and gout. Studies on squash have linked it to reducing gastric and duodenal ulcer reduction, and general anti-inflammation of the cardiovascular system. Inflammation in the body is closely linked to type-2 diabetes.

• The seeds of squash can also be eaten or chewed to get a number of health benefits. These seeds have been directly connected to antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic activity within the body, protecting us from a wide variety of diseases, including tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

• Having magnesium and potassium present in squash forms a very effective defense line against cardiovascular issues. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow, oxygenation and reducing the stress on the heart. The fiber found in squash is very good at scraping excess cholesterol from the walls of arteries, thereby reducing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. The high levels of folate in squash neutralize harmful levels of homocysteine that builds up in the body. Homocysteine has been linked to increased chances of developing cardiovascular diseases

• High levels of essential vitamins found in squash is very important part of developing bone matter and bone mineral density. Squash is a valuable source of calcium, manganese, zing and other very important trace elements. This helps reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis as you age and ensure the strength and durability of your bones.

Chicken and Green Salsa

Ingredients:

3 boneless chicken breast

olive oil spray bottle

1 lb of pureed tomatillos

1 cup of chicken broth

3 cloves of garlic, chopped

3-5 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro

1 fresh red chili, seeded and chopped

1/2 tsp ground cumin

sea salt and pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Season the chicken breast with the sea salt and pepper. Spray the pan with some olive oil and heat on medium. Cook the chicken breast for 5 minutes on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Place the pureed tomatillos, chicken broth, garlic, cilantro, chile, and cumin in the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the temperature and simmer on low heat. Add the chicken breast and cook both sides for 10 minutes each, spooning the sauce over the breast.

Step 3: Slice up the chicken breast and serve with the sauce spooned on top.

Nutrition Facts Chicken and Green Salsa Serving Size 5 ounces Amount Per Serving Calories 171.34 Calories from Fat  45 % Daily Value Total Fat 4.83g 7%    Saturated Fat 0.83g 4%    Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 64.61mg 22% Sodium 566.6mg  24% Total Carbohydrate 9.75g 3%    Dietary Fiber 2.78g 11%    Sugars 5.47g Protein 22.36g  45% Vitamin A (IU) 388.47 8% Vitamin C 41.25mg 69% Calcium 29.81mg 3% Iron 1.9mg 11%

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Pasta
3 boneless chicken breast
1 cup of balsamic vinegar
1 onion, chopped
8-10 cloves of garlic
8 roma tomatoes
3/4 of a package of whole wheat pasta
2 oz. of fresh basil
sea salt and pepper

Directions:
Step 1: Heat up the grill and season the chicken breast with sea salt and cracked pepper. Once, the grill is hot, add the chicken breast and cook thoroughly on both sides.

Step 2: Put some oil in a pan with your spray bottle and allow to get hot. Add the onion and saute until clear. Chop up the garlic, add to the onion and saute for 1 minute. Heat up a small sauce pan and add the cup of balsamic vinegar. Allow it to reduce by half.

Step 3: Place a pot filled 3/4 of the way with water on the stove and heat to a boil. With your spray bottle add some oil so that the pasta will not stick together while cooking. Slice the tomatoes and put in the pan with the onion and garlic. Cook the tomatoes until tender so you can smash them with a spoon.

Step 4: Once the chicken is done, slice and put it to the side. By this time your balsamic vinegar should be almost reduced by half. You can add some organic sugar if you like to make it sweeter. Put it on a lower heat and allow the vinegar to thicken into a syrup. Your pasta should also be finished by this time (usually 13 minutes on medium temp.). Put the pasta into a strainer and run some cold water through it to stop the cooking process.

Step 5: The tomatoes in the pan should be almost like a thick sauce (if not add a little water). Add the fresh basil (I got mine from my garden!) and cook for 2-5 minutes. Once it is done, grab a large mixing bowl and put the pasta, the tomato and basil mixture, the sliced chicken breast and then the reduced balsamic vinegar. Mix together and it is done.

Hope you like this recipe. I love it!

Nutrition Facts Grilled Balsamic Chicken Pasta Serving Size 1 bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91.83 Calories from Fat  5
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0.79g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.23g	1%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 26mg	9%
Sodium 217.59mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate 9.79g	3%
Dietary Fiber 1.15g	5%
Sugars 5.6g
Protein 10.93g	22%
Vitamin A (IU) 443.49	9%
Vitamin C 8.85mg	15%
Calcium 30.03mg	3%
Iron 0.93mg	5%