Simple Tuna Salad Recipe You Can Make Before Work

Not only is this a simple tuna salad Mediterranean style, but it is also an extremely healthy one. No processed ingredients are used and best of all, the top stays firmly on the mayo jar! This recipe will provide enough for several large plate servings where it is the main attraction or for many more where it is part of a larger catering operation such as a buffet. Of course if it is just for yourself then scale back accordingly. This salad is best made before going to work as the flavors really intensify while it is stored.

Photo: Taste.com.au

To make the dressing:

• 4 Tb good olive oil.
•  Juice of 1 whole lemon.
• 1 Tb Dijon mustard. 
• A few finely chopped tarragon or basil leaves, to taste, or 1 ½ tsp dried tarragon or 1 tsp dried basil.
• Fresh ground pepper & Kosher salt to taste.

Then Stir dressing into a salad mix made up of:

• 2 finely shredded medium sized carrots. 
• 24 oz canned tuna, drained and crumbled. 
• ½ bell pepper, chopped. 
• ½ small onion, chopped. 
• ½ c pitted and chopped olives. 
• 2-4 oz crumbled Feta cheese. 

The salad can be eaten immediately after preparing but the combining of all the different flavors is the thing that really makes this dish work. Admittedly it is a little bit more involved than just slapping some mayo and the contents of a tin of tuna into a bowl and stirring in some chopped onion but your taste buds will really thank you for the small amount of extra effort. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce or with cut tomatoes. 

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Vegetable Green Smoothie Recipe

Vegetable Smoothie Recipes are Healthful and Tasty!

Are you thinking about introducing additional veggies to your daily diet? Maybe you have actually taken into consideration testing vegetable green smoothie recipes yet weren't certain if you want them.

I have been whipping up healthful vegetable green smoothie recipes each day for more than six-and-a-half years in my blender and I haven't stopped enjoying them yet!

When you settle into a consistent routine with creating your veggie smoothies, I believe you will find it very simple to mix a pitcher of smoothies for the job or your home. I am impressed with just how terrific green veggies taste as a smoothie.

If you want to drop a few pounds and inches and include additional veggies in your daily diet, keep reading to get a tasty recipe to start your day.

Can you have too many veggies? That is not very likely. It is difficult to picture somebody (such as your physician) suggesting that 'You are consuming JUST TOO MANY veggies. Cut that out!'

The food pyramid recommends getting a minimum of three to five portions of veggies each day. A good example of that would be one cup of leafy raw vegetables, 1/2 cup of prepared veggies, and 3/4 cup of vegetable juices. If you add in a number of veggies to a tasty smoothie or two, you will likely obtain your vegetable needs every day with no trouble!

I believe that uncooked veggies tend to be more nutritionally healthy than prepared veggies. Not everybody might accept my conclusions. That is certainly okay. I do encourage anyone to at least add more uncooked veggies to your daily intake and observe just how much healthier you feel over all.

To be able to respect my digestive problems, I tried my blender to split up the thick dietary fiber of the veggies. It really is much simpler for my system to digest and break down the remnants.

Frequently, I listen to people use the words 'Smoothie' and 'Juicing' interchangeably. The main difference is if you take your veggies in a smoothie as compared to juicing, you will be retaining the vital dietary fiber that we need to keep our colons healthy.

I've juiced veggies and will possibly do this again every once in a while. Juicing can be extremely advantageous while doing a veggie juice fast for instance. Smoothies nevertheless, appear to be exactly what my system likes the most!

Vegetable Smoothie Recipe

Out Of The Door So Quickly - Green Smoothie Recipe

Ideal for Weight Loss!

When among your main goals for the brand new calendar year is to drop a few pounds and you are considering weight reduction smoothie recipes, do this one! This healthful recipe may be rapidly whipped up in your blender in little to no time as well as have you out of the door each morning filled with energy.

When you have an inadequate amount of time in the early morning to prepare this recipe before departing, make it up the evening before and it is all good to go.

A few blenders only require a tiny bit of liquid while some may need a little more for vegetable smoothie recipes. When you prefer your smoothie a little heavier, begin with a smaller amount than the recommended volume and increase if required.

Be totally free to try things out, making this recipe precisely as you enjoy it!

Ingredients

Liquid - Begin with one cup of liquid-Perhaps filtered water/kombucha/kefir water/raw apple juice or your own liquid of choice. Increase liquid if required to make your vegetable smoothie recipe the perfect texture to suit your needs.

Beet - 1/2 inch piece or to liking

Carrot - One average sized

Cucumber - One average sized

Spinach leaf - One handful or two

Tomato - One smaller to average sized

Lemon juice - Liquid from freshly squeezed bigger sized

***Optional-Sweetener - A couple of droplets of liquid Stevia extract to preference (be cautious because it is VERY powerful!)

Directions

Put liquid together with cleaned and ready ingredients into your blender. Process all of the ingredients until silky.

Sip and savor!

*** Disclaimer-the above recipe and suggestions are merely that-suggestions! Make use of sound judgment and do your homework before using ingredients you might be new to. ***

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

15 Fat Burning Foods - Eating Your Way To Natural Fat Loss

Quickly, can you name 15 fat burning foods in the next 30 seconds? How did you do? Well, there are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are hyped as foods that you can eat to help you to lose weight. They are also known as negative calorie foods and have what is known as a high 'thermogenic' value. In other words, they use more calories in the digestive process than what is actually contained within the food itself. This process speeds up your metabolism, which can lead to fat loss.

In actuality, it is not the food that burns the fat, but the nutrients in these foods that help in breaking down fatty deposits and make it easier for your body to help flush out the fat. Also, when your body is properly nourished it has a positive affect on maintaining your blood sugar level. Regulating your blood sugar level has proven to be the most effective method to maintaining the body's fat-burning capacity by eliminating the feel of hunger.

Following are 15 fat burning foods known for accelerating fat loss; they are packed with nutritional value and can assist you in achieving your weight loss goal and improve your overall health in numerous ways:

Beans

Steep in fiber and an excellent source of protein as well as iron, a single serving of beans is very filling and can satisfy your appetite for hours. The great thing is that they come in many varieties including lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, green beans, wax beans, northern beans, and garbanzo beans. They are great for helping to keep the blood sugar level balance.

Garlic

This staple has a worldwide reputation as a miracle food and comes in over 300 varieties; it contains vitamins A, C, and D. One of the most common is the American garlic; it has a white paper-like skin and a very strong flavor. Its many forms include whole peeled gloves, minced fresh cloves, dried garlic powder, garlic extract, garlic salt, and whole peeled gloves. Garlic contains the compound allicin which studies have shown can help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure; it is a natural diuretic food that aids the breakage of fat. It has been observed that allicin begins to degrade immediately after it is produced, so its medicinal effect decreases over time. Cooking degrades its even further and microwaving allicin, more likely than not, totally annihilates any health benefits.

To receive the optimal effect, crush a little raw garlic and combine with the cooked food shortly before serving. Be careful not to overdo it - too much can irritate or possibly damage the digestive tract. Keep in mind that raw, crushed garlic yields not only the most powerful flavor but, as an entry on the 15 fat burning foods list, it is an extremely effective ingredient to have as a part of your health and fitness arsenal.

Carrots

This vegetable contains high levels of carotene, which is transform into Vitamin A. Carotene stimulates the metabolic rate of the body and speeds the elimination of fat deposits and waste. In addition, research has shown that this compound may be of significant benefit for maintaining blood sugar level and possesses antioxidant properties that can reduce the rate of certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular diseases.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Known as a simple home remedy for ailments ranging from sinus headaches to a sore toe, apple cider vinegar also has the natural ability to accelerate fat loss. Made from apples, it contains malic acid, which is an essential ingredient for converting sugars and fats into an energy source that fuels the bodily functions such as walking, running, breathing, and blood flow.
Apple cider vinegar also have high levels of potassium that has an antiseptic quality , which helps to eliminate stored fats. Pectin is another ingredient contained in the fresh apples from which the vinegar is made; it is a soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol globules and pulls them out of the body. It works 24 hours a day to help your body remove unwanted fat. This also helps remove unwanted heavy metals. Less fat and cholesterol in the body reduces the risk of just about any ailment!

Onions

Like its fellow vegetable in the 15 fat burning foods category - garlic, onions have minerals and oils that will help to promote fat loss by the breakdown of fat deposits and speeding up your metabolism. They also are rich in vitamin C and chromium. Chromium is a mineral that is promoted as a weight-loss supplement due to it's supposed ability to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost the body's fat-burning metabolism.

Tomatoes

Whether raw, steamed, fried, stewed, crushed, pureed, or reduced to a sauce, the tomatoes is one of the most frequently eaten "vegetables" in the United States. It has a high Vitamin C and Citric malic-oxalic acid content. The acid contains enzymes that will hasten the metabolic process. It also helps the kidneys to release more water, which filters out large amounts of fatty deposits. Because it is a "fatless" vegetable, many people employ tomatoes fat-loss diet for a brief period of time.

Celery

Raw celery has a high calcium content and when eaten the calcium is sent directly to work. This pure form of calcium will stimulate your endocrine system. The hormones in your body will break up the fat that is stored in the body. In addition, celery contains a high amount of iron and magnesium; these minerals are excellent for flushing out your system.

Cucumber

The high silicon and sulfur content in cucumbers works to stimulate the kidneys to filter out uric acid, which is a waste product formed from the metabolic breakdown of substances in food called purines. Once this uric acid is washed out, it speeds up the removal of fat, and loosens the fat from the cells.

Asparagus

A good vegetable source of vitamin E, and a natural treatment for rheumatism and arthritis, asparagus is also a natural diuretic that promotes the elimination of fluids in the body. This pick for 15 fat burning foods contains a chemical that accelerates metabolism by assisting in the breakdown of the oxalic acid that tends to bind fat to cells. Its affect in reducing fatty deposits into small bits makes it easier to expend them out of the body.

Beets

This is another powerful diuretic that supports the functions of the liver and kidneys. Beets wash out floating body fats; they are rich in a special iron that cleanses the corpuscles. Corpuscles are blood cells that can contain fat deposits.

Cabbage

Because of the cabbage ability to inhibit the transformation of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat it is of great value in the fat loss war. It contains the minerals iodine and sulfur, which cleanses the body of waste matter from the membranes of the stomach and intestines. If you have a pot belly or want to rid yourself of love handles, cabbage is a natural diuretic that will help to break up the excess fat stored in these areas.

Olive Oil

This item should be at the top of the 15 fat burning foods for everyone. Numerous studies have shown that the reasons for southern Europeans low rate of cardiovascular disease is their frequent use of olive oil as their primary source of dietary fat. By utilizing olive oil in the same way, you can reap the same health benefits. Extra-virgin olive oil (nuts, avocados, and canola oil) is made of monounsaturated fat and helps to lower the levels of the 'bad fat' ldl cholesterol and also the blood fats that are known as triglycerides.

The fats that you need to avoid, the saturated fats found mostly in animal foods and diary products, are what raise those levels. That is why it is recommended that you eat only lean meats and nonfat dairy products. The bottom line here is, olive oil, used in healthy amounts as a replacement for the "unhealthy fats," will enhance your fat loss program.

Apples

This is a food that is high in fiber and provides your body with volume; it prolongs digestion, which makes you feel full longer. Eating apples in place of junk foods, decrease the likelihood of you eating foods that are less filling and high in calories. This encourages stable blood-glucose levels. Because fat burning foods such as apples have fewer calories, they are popular in fat loss programs that involve calorie counting. The high water content of apples is another reason why apples are great for weight loss. The water within the apple is absorbed by the body and helps to keep blood-oxygenation levels high.

When this occurs, your body's metabolism is stimulated and burns glucose energy. A low blood-oxygenation level makes your body feel sluggish and the nutrients that you do eat cannot be effectively transported to the areas of the body where they are needed. So, why not add apples to your list, and the next time you feel the urge to have a snack, pick up one and start munching knowing that you are making a significant contribution to your fat loss efforts.

Oatmeal

There is a reason why professional bodybuilders have relied on oatmeal as a staple of their breakfast; it is very high in nutrients. It is an amazing source of cholesterol fighting, fat-soluble fiber that is filling and provides a good amount of energy to propel you through any workout. Avoid instant oatmeal and choose rolled or steel cut oats instead.

Lean Turkey

This is another favorite food of bodybuilders. Many studies have proven that the proteins contained in lean turkey boost the metabolism that promotes fat loss and helps to build up the lean muscle tissue that enables you to burn even more fat. (calories.) The reason lean meats stimulate metabolism and burns calories is because it uses more energy in the digestion process that other foods.

So there you have it, 15 fat burning foods that not only promote fat loss but contains vitamin and minerals that yield many other health related benefits as well. As with any changes in diet or fitness related activities, you should always consult with your health care practitioner first!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The Most Nutritious Food Combinations In The World

Maybe you do not understand why the Italians like to add some olive oil when eating tomato, or why the Japanese like to add some soybean oil when eating sashimi. As a result, this is because the combinations of these foods can double the nutritional value of the foods. This article will introduce six kinds of most nutritious food combinations in the world, which are recommended by the nutrition experts.

1. Tomato and avocado
Tomato is rich in a kind of antioxidant--carotenoid, which can prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. While the fat contained in avocado can effectively promote the absorption of carotenoid by the human body, which is very beneficial to human health.

2. Lemon and cabbage
Vitamin C can help the absorption of iron by the body. Citrus fruits such as lemon contain a lot of vitamin C, while cabbage is rich in iron. As a result, if you eat these two kinds of foods together, it can promote the absorption of iron by the body.

3. Broccoli and tomato
Research has found out that, eating broccoli and tomato together can prevent prostate cancer. Both tomato and broccoli can prevent the growth of tumor cells. As a result, if you combine these two kinds of foods together, the effect will be much better.

4. Apple and chocolate
Apple, especially red apple, contains some anti-inflammatory flavonoid-- quercetin. Quercetin can prevent the occurrence of allergies, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, prostate cancer and lung cancer. While chocolate contains catechin, which can help prevent atherosclerosis and cancer. Study has found that, the combination of these two kinds of foods can promote cardiovascular health, and improve the anti-coagulation effect. What's more, buckwheat, onion, and mulberry also contain quercetin.

5. Oats and orange juice
Study has found out that, a glass of orange juice and a bowl of oatmeal can help clean the arteries and prevent the attack of heart disease, because the phenolic compounds contained in these two kinds of foods can stabilize the low-density cholesterol.

6. Soybean and fish
Research has found out that, soy isoflavone--genistein can inhibit the growth of enzyme in the colon and prostate, and improve the bioavailability of vitamin D in these tissues, while vitamin D can be used to cure cancer. The salmon and tuna are rich in vitamin D. As a result, when you eat fish, do not forget to eat some soybeans at the same time.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Is it Too Late For a Summer Garden?

Summer is here and with it comes summer gardens. These summer gardens are not only a delight for the eye, but for the body too. Now is the time to put on the finishing touches. If you did not put out seeds then plants are still a viable option. There are many great plants available. Greenhouses and nurseries offer a wide variety.  

Even if you are a little late in the planting season you still have plenty of time for reaping. The later planting only means more watering for some plants and finding a shade for others. Consider what you are planting then go ahead and take a step out.
 
Herbs do well in well drained soil and lots of sunlight. Herbs include thyme, basil, oregano, tarragon, and mint. These will thrive well in small areas or containers and make a great addition to your recipes.

Tomatoes are available for just about every climate. Most tomatoes thrive in mild temperatures, but need lots of direct sunlight. Some tomatoes are more heat and drought resistant. Know your climate and plant accordingly.
 
There are so many peppers it would take pages just to name them. Peppers are also available in plants. I have found peppers are about the easiest plant to grow. They do well in direct sunlight and can withstand the afternoon sun. However, for me, the best produce is during the fall. Don't get me wrong, peppers produce all summer, but when fall comes. . .WOW can they put out!
 
Cucumbers are also a great garden plant. There are so many things to do with these delights. Eating them raw is just one option. If you are into canning they make great pickles. These can be canned without a lot of trouble. 

 
Peas and green beans come up from seed rather quickly and put on fruit almost as fast. If you have never tried fresh peas or green beans you have missed out. These little wonders can provide the body with much needed nutrition such as vitamin A and calcium. Fresh peas can provide one of the best colon cleanses available. For this reason eat fresh peas and beans with care. You may enjoy the moment, but despise the after effect.
 
If you live in a cooler region, you can plant lettuce. It is a cool weather plant and fresh lettuce is a real treat. If you have a green house with a shade, or an area with lots of shade you can still get by with planting lettuce even in the summer time. 

 
One of my favorite vegetables is okra. This plant tolerates heat well and is usually planted in May and ready to harvest around July. Okra provides many great vitamins, minerals, and is a source of protein and fiber as well. Okra is one that needs to be planted from seed. It does not transplant well. 

 
There are so many plants available for a great garden. Some I didn't mention include: squash, melons, and eggplant. Enjoy your summer and add some freshness to it with a great garden. It not only provides a great meal, but also a great work out!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Growing Your Own Fruit & Veg Is Simple And Easy | VIDEO

Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables is a very easy task and can be done in very different places and various ways, you just have to be creative, dedicate some time to take care of your plants and nature will reward you with amazing, fresh and home-grown produce that can be used for your health, nutrition and beauty purposes.

Potted sweet peas

No matter if you own a house with a large outdoor space or live in the smallest of apartments, you can have your garden adjusted to your space and needs. In apartments - balconies and even windowsills can be used as little gardens where herbs or smaller vegetables, e.g., mini tomatoes, lettuce, peas or beans can be grown. Larger spaces will allow you to plant all kinds of fruit and veg in designated veg and fruit raised beds, you will have enough space to plant also fruit trees and even have your own greenhouse.

Greenhouse

The simplest way to start a garden is by obtaining potting soil and plant containers from local garden centers or from neighbors who already do some gardening. This will work the best for people who want to grow their own herbs and veg but does not have enough space.  

Raised veg beds for carrots (in front), garlic (to the right), spring onion and scallions (at the back)

Last weekend I spent some time in Waterford, visiting my family and had a great chat with my Dad who is a proud gardener with huge experience growing his own food. He walked me through his garden and we had a great chat about different herbs, fruit & veg he is growing this year. Watch the video to see my Dad's garden and find out how easy it is to grow your own food and how little you really need to start your own little garden project:

Feeling very inspired myself and might give it a try. I am keen to start growing my own herbs for tea and food, especially sage which is super great for the health of your skin & body, has anti-inflammatory effects for rosecea skin and acne, and is just really tasty and adds lots of flavour to your food.

Sage

Apple trees

Greenhouse and raised beds with herbs

Benefits of Tomatoes - The Natural Fat Burner!

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of tomatoes, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from tomatoes - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

Botanically, tomatoes are fruit, but they are considered vegetables because they are not as sweet as other fruits.

Tomatoes are divided into four basic types according to their size.

* Cherry tomatoes are the smallest variety you can find. They grow in clusters and are sweet tasting.

* Early Girl and Better Boy are better known as the medium variety. These delicious and sweet tomatoes are the first to ripen.

* Plum tomatoes, which include Roma tomatoes, have thicker walls and fewer seeds which is why they are preferred for tomato sauces.

* For excellent sliced tomatoes, Beefsteaks are the best choice.

Supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmer's markets usually carry tomatoes year-round.

Fat Burning Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C content along with citricmalic-oxalic acids.

The acid helps speed up your metabolism in addition to boosting the kidneys to get rid of large quantities of fat deposits; it also helps remove fat from your system.

There are large amounts of Vitamins A and K, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc in tomatoes. To produce natural detoxifying and cleansing agents for your body, you need Vitamins A and C.

The chromium in tomatoes helps you keep your blood sugar levels even and reduce the cravings for sugar.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, which helps protect the body from being damaged by free radicals. This antioxidant helps the body make collagen, an important component for healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, and can help heal scar tissue. However, they are mainly made up of beta carotene and lycopene. Tomatoes get their lovely red color from lycopene. The powerful antioxidant quality of lycopene counteracts free radicals and prevents cell damage. Recent studies seem to show that lycopene may have twice as much antioxidant properties as beta carotene.

Studies have shown that the lycopene found in tomatoes can help defend the body against rectal, colon, breast, lung, stomach, and skin cancers.

Recent studies demonstrate that two compounds found in tomatoes, coumaric acid and chologenic acid, assist in blocking the effects of nitrosamines, especially for people who are smokers. They are shown to effectively prevent lung cancer because it blocks the damage done by nitrosamines.

Tomatoes contain niacin, which lowers cholesterol. Potassium, also found in tomatoes, is known to help lower high blood pressure.

Vitamin K activates osteocalcin, which is necessary to add calcium to your bones, helping you keep your bones strong.

Preparation of Tomatoes

There are more ways to prepare tomatoes than there are varieties of tomatoes! When selecting them always try to get tomatoes that are the darkest red [if you are buying red tomatoes]. This is because lycopene's presence is in the red pigment.

Raw tomatoes are great tasting, but if you cook them, more lycopene is released. However, cooking them in olive oil first allows your body to more easily absorb the lycopene.

The Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian, uses a lot of tomatoes.

Sliced or chopped tomatoes are great in a green salad, or you could add cherry tomatoes.

Tomatoes can be put in all kinds of grilling, baking, steaming, and broiling recipes.

Sliced cucumber and sliced onions are great when served with sliced tomatoes. Chop up some parsley or chives to put on top, finally sprinkle some lemon juice over the salad, or perhaps drizzle a nice olive oil.

Fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese is great with sliced tomatoes.

You can use Roma tomatoes in stews, soups, pizzas, and even casseroles. Romas, Beefsteaks and other varieties can be added to sandwiches and wraps.

Broil sliced tomatoes on top of fish with thin slices of onions, put chopped tomatoes in a gazpacho, or stuff your tomatoes with spinach. Another tasty treat is using shrimp to stuff your tomatoes.

And you should really try okra with tomatoes and corn! Tomatoes can be baked, or combined with eggplant or artichoke hearts.

Try making your own fresh, healthy, homemade tomato soup instead of buying canned soups full of additives and preservatives.

There are hundreds of tomato recipes out of the thousands available that will fit your tastes and needs, for the tomato 'vegetable which is really a fruit' is that flexible and healthy.

They can be included in just about any meal or snack, and when you do so, you can be sure that your body will benefit.

How Much Should You Eat?

The answer depends on how you will fix the tomatoes, e.g., are your going to chop them for a salad, are you going to add cherry tomatoes to dish, are you going to slice them for a sandwich or wrap, or will they be part of a recipe?

Typical serving sizes for you to consider would be: one plum tomato (62 grams) or one medium-sized whole tomato (123 grams), a cup of cherry tomatoes (149 grams), or one cup chopped or sliced tomatoes (180 grams).

Article Source: EzineArticles.com