Herbs, Spices.. and health

What’s really good for my health?: It’s hard to adapt to a new lifestyle of healthy food, but the change is within you!

 

I know that I am a health nut. I would like to think that I could be a personal trainer no problem- but the more I read about health and foods that you should and should not eat- I am just as much to blame as everyone else for having the ‘wrong’ things in my pantry. I try to make a grocery list a head of time that way I know what my meals are going to be and I try to know everything that is going into my food. Do we set our kids up to become obese? Do we allow them to eat 'unhealthy' foods because of the labels we are suckered into? The claims that these companies are allowed to make although the outside of the package may not be as clear as we think it is. They claim that manufactures are adding sugar just because there is a growing demand of a sweet tooth. Americans have forgotten what healthy food was supposed to taste like because we have all gotten sucked into the world of sugar. A test: take away one thing of sugar a day and replace it with something healthy and see the change of how you feel as you progress- I bet not as sluggish and you might actually lose a little weight. The sugar that they are adding in is going to our waistline- and if you don’t get up and work out than it will never go away.

A rule of thumb- well a couple of them- if you want what’s healthiest then stick to the outer edges of the store, they have the fruits, vegetables, meats, and all the healthy foods. Buying frozen foods like fruits and veggies is also okay though because they are usually just as healthy. Another tip- if sugar is in the top 4 ingredients FIND SOMETHING ELSE!!! Most people hate to buy fresh foods a) because they go bad quicker and b) because then that actually requires them to cook a meal. I know that sometimes that can be dreadful, but the benefits that you are giving an entire family is worth it. There are plenty of websites that you can find that show you recipes to make- spend 4-5 hours a day and cook meals for over a month all with fresh food.

What spices do?

Basil: filled with antioxidants; contain oils that prevent bacteria growth and inflammation.       Make fresh pesto by blending 2 cups of fresh basil leaves with 2 tablespoons pine nuts, ¼ cup parmesan, and ¼ cup olive oil.

Peppermint: clear phlegm and mucus; soothes indigestion, gas, menstrual cramps, and IBS.      Add to batch of fruit salad with a squeeze of lime and handful of chopped mint leaves.

Sage: strengthen memory; alleviates effects of asthma and arthritis.            Quick pasta sauce- melt butter in pan until turns light brown, then add handful of sage leaves. Toss with cheese or pumpkin ravioli.

Rosemary: increase cognitive function; can prevent alzheimers and stroke.            Mix together minced rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Use as a marinade for chicken, steak, pork, and vegetables.

Thyme: rich in iron; protects food from bacterial contamination.      Pair with roasted meat and vegetables, tomato sauce, or scrambled eggs.

Cilantro: creates more insulin.     Chop up some tomatoes, an onion, and a jalapeno, mix with heap of cilantro and you have fresh salsa.

Parsley: anti-inflammatory properties; helps prevent decline in cognitive functions.        Chop and mix with bulgur wheat. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and mint- a nice salad.

Oregano: four times the antioxidant activity of blueberries. Add equal parts fresh parsley and oregano to blender- then slowly drizzle olive or canola oil. Strain and use the infused oil to top grilled fish or chicken. Or as a dip for toasted bread.

Tarragon: improves gastric efficiency and whets the appetite. Grill up a mixture of veggies and sprinkle with fresh goat cheese, tarragon, lemon juice, and olive oil.

All of these spices are great to use and can add some extra calorie free flavors. Also try looking through the spice rack as well because there are just as good things put in a container. I almost dread trying to learn new things, but I really have become accustomed to cooking and baking and have found a love for it- although I must say that pinterest is making me want to lose my mind with all the chocolate lovers out there. I know that I can make them, but I need to watch eating as many. Most people though who would meet me would say that I am crazy if I think I need to watch what I eat- but I do watch what I eat, why do you think I ‘look the way you think I do?’ I work out at least 4 times a week and I always watch what I eat. If I want a chocolate chip cookie I will try to limit myself to 2…. I try to think about what is in what I am eating. Especially if you didn’t make what is going into your body- then you shouldn’t divulge yourself into it. I think that if we read the ingredients and there are over 25 in something that is crazy! It is amazing what people are allowed to put into food and actually quite scary. I would not want to know what I am eating half the time.

            Anyways, I know that I am a health nut and that I really truly care about my body and the people around me, I thought maybe this could help with a little insight.. plus any new recipes. If someone has a great recipe that uses one of these herbs or a spice from the spice rack let me know please!!!