How To Make Healthy and Delicious Farro and Tomato Salad

 "Inside every seed is the potential for an incredible harvest."

- Farrah Gray.

Ripe, juicy, and sweet tomatoes are full of nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin B, E, C, and a substance called lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.  Tomatoes are also a good source of fiber, approx. 1.5 grams per (average-size) tomato.  

Farro on the other hand is a nutritious grain that has been around for thousands of years.  It has a nutty taste and a chewy texture (light brown in color) and is packed full of protein, fiber, minerals, B vitamins, magnesium and, antioxidants.   You can cook Farro in place of white rice for dinner and it can be used as an ingredient in stews, soups, and, salads.  See recipe below:

 Farro and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. farro

4 tbsp. olive oil, divided 

3 tbsp. small capers patted dry

2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley 

3 tbsp. sherry vinegar

Kosher salt 

Freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 lb. 

mixed

 

colors grape and

 

cherry tomatoes,

 

halved

Directions:

1. Cook farro according to package directions. 
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add capers and cook, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Cook parsley in the same skillet, in two batches, until crisp;
   transfer to plate with capers, adding another tablespoon oil to skillet between batches.
3. Whisk together vinegar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and farro and toss to combine. 
4. Top with crispy capers and parsley just before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Prep Time - approx. 20 mins

                                                          Healthy Farro and Tomato Salad

                                                     Source:  Country Living Magazine

Looking for smoothies?:  healthy cocktails

 

How To Make Healthy Turmeric, Ginger And Apple Smoothie

 "Let Juice Be Thy Medicine And Medicine Be Thy Juice"

                                     Hippocrates

Refresh your thirst this summer season and stay healthy with this delicious Turmeric smoothie. 

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (ease joint pain and stiffness) as well as protecting the body from heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.  

Ginger helps the body fight diseases such as high blood pressure and chronic lung disease. Ginger is full of antioxidants that protect the body from stress and promotes healthy aging.

Give your body the necessary fuel it needs to protect it from disease with a healthy smoothie.  Juice smoothies are an excellent way to get the proper nutrients to your body quickly and efficiently.  See below for the recipe:

How To Make Healthy Turmeric, Ginger, And Apple Smoothie

Ingredients

2 apples, cored, peeled, and chopped
1/4-inch fresh ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 cup ice
1 cup water
Maple syrup (or any other sugar substitute, to sweeten it such as Stevia)

Directions

1.  Add all the ingredients to a blender.

2. Pulse to form a smooth mix.

3. Pour in serving glasses.

4. Enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

                                                        

                                                                      Source:  Getty Images

Dinner Ideas - How To Make Snap Pea Salad With Tarragon Dressing

 "To keep the body in good health is a duty"

                              - Buddha

Nourishing our bodies with healthy food is a must especially during these extraordinary times.  Protecting our cells from damage and boosting our immune system requires the intake of certain foods, i.e. salads.  

Snap Pea Salad is not only nutritious but visually pleasing as well.  Sugar Snap Peas contain vitamin A essential for keeping your immune system healthy.  It is also loaded with vitamin C, iron, beta-carotene, magnesium, and fiber.  If you are looking for an alternative to your usual salad try this quick and easy salad, see below for details:

SNAP PEA SALAD WITH TARRAGON DRESSING

Ingredients:

8 ounces sugar snap peas, sliced lengthwise

1 cup shredded Napa cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks

1/2 cup toasted cashews

2 scallions

1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Tarragon Dressing:

3 tbs. avocado oil

2 tbs. rice vinegar

2 tbs. chopped tarragon

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. grated ginger

1/2 tsp. honey

Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

2.  Add all the salad ingredients to the bowl (excluding sesame seeds) and toss. 
     Season with salt and pepper.  

3.  Serve salad topped with extra cashews and chopped tarragon. 
     Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds. 

A quick and simple salad to eat any time or as a side salad with your Thanksgiving dinner.  Enjoy!

 

                                                      Source:  Shape Magazine

                            

Review: Nate's Meatless Meatballs

Nate's Meatless Meatballs are simply scrumptious!

If you are thinking about eating healthier and don't want to sacrifice taste for nutrition, Nate's Meatless Meatballs is for you. They taste just like the real thing, but a whole lot healthier as they have less calories and fat than a traditional meatball.

Nate's Meatballs are all natural, contain high vegetable protein and soy with no cholesterol. With only 90 calories per serving (three meatballs) this dish is perfect for anyone watching their waistline, and for the vegan connoisseur.

Their delicious meatless meatballs come in three varieties: Zesty Italian, Savory mushroom, and Classic Flavor. Each variety is blended with the right amount of spices to complement any meal. The packaging is well thought out as it has a re-closable seal for portion control/single servings.

They come fully cooked, so all you have to do is heat in an oven for about 10 minutes, serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy.

Nate's Meatless Meatballs is a winner!