Are You What You Eat?

There are so many opinions about food. ‘Pork is the other white meat’; ‘don’t eat pork’. ‘Got milk?’ Got lactose intolerance? ‘Red meat gives you protein and iron’; ‘too much red meat is bad for you’. ‘Chocolate has no health benefits’; ‘dark chocolate is high in antioxidants’ ‘No carb diet’; ‘low carb diet’…And so on and so on… The list of contradictions is long. So what is right? And why be concerned about it at all?

Studies show that healthy eating affects every aspect of life: more energy, better sleep, better concentration, feeling happier, more enjoyment of life, and even getting along better with others.

Healthy eating, of course, affects your health. Eating right for you helps with chemical levels and weight control. By eating the right kinds of foods, you are fueling your body with the fuel it needs to function effectively and efficiently.

The truth is for you to decide. There are many books on the subject, especially on how to determine what is right for your body specifically. Do your research and identity what you are.

"See" Salt

Salt is a necessary nutrient, older than human history, needed by not only humans, but animals and ocean plants. It is needed by the human body to regulate water, sugar and acidity levels. Digestion, bone structure, nervous system and respiratory functions are all aided by salt.

Refinement of salt causes the salt to lose key nutrients. Studies show that often, we crave salt because of this deprivation of salt’s natural nutrients.

Real ocean sea salt is produced by allowing the water to evaporate from the minerals in the ocean. In the most natural sea salt you should be able to see multiple colors. (The good stuff, with the most beneficial minerals, that is).

Because salt is such an essential part of our diet, try to purchase the best quality of salt as possible.

Hopefully, now you can “see” salt in a different light.

Breast "Wellness" Month

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrating the 25th year of awareness, education, and empowerment. I like to promote the positive side of things, so I hope you can support me in calling it the “Breast Wellness Month”.

Taking care of your body can improve overall wellness.
Here are a few tips:
Increase physical activity
Limit alcohol consumption
Stop smoking
Avoid obesity
Eat more fruits and vegetables

Is there anything listed that you haven’t heard before? Probably not. However, they are important!

For instance, Web MD Health News has published an article speaking of the health benefits that soy foods have in promoting breast wellness. The soybean contains all the essential amino acids, also it has Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and many other healthy properties.

Here's a simple and tasty recipe for your enjoyment. Live well and be happy!

Soybean Succotash
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen (green soybeans), thawed
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 (8-10 ounce) frozen whole kernel corn
• 1 dice tomato
• seasoned salt to taste
• seasoned black pepper to taste

Directions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, corn, tomatoes and soy beans, and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Season to taste with seasoned salt and black pepper.

Spice Up Your Kitchen

If you are tired of being bored with the same old meals, add some “spice” to your life. Yes, I am talking about spices. Seasoning. Flavor. Spices can make your food sooooo flavorful. Here is a list of basic seasonings which I feel are wonderful to have in your kitchen.

Salt
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Curry Powder
Chili Powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano

You may be pleasantly surprised how oregano can wonderfully transform salmon; or what chili powder can do for baked chicken. Of course, you can feel free to experiment and build on this list. If you have a particular seasoning that you don’t use often, look for recipes that require that seasoning. If you are daring, try a new seasoning on a familiar dish. For extra flavor, try recipes with new combinations. For extra nutrient value, try fresh herbs. Go ahead, spice it up a little.

Make Your Kitchen A Clutter-Free Zone

As a personal chef, the heart of my business is what is known as the heart of the home – the kitchen. More and more these days, people seem to be intimidated by their kitchens. In my opinion, this seems to be evidenced by the rise in restaurants and fast food establishments over the past few decades. However, I find that the kitchen is a lot less intimidating when it is organized.

Here are some tips for decluttering and organizing your kitchen:
In my opinion, the number one rule for keeping your kitchen clean and organized is this:
KEEP COUNTERTOPS, THE TOP OF THE REFRIGERATOR, AND THE TOP OF THE MICROWAVE CLEAR. These are spaces in the kitchen that can become catch-all spots too easily. However, I’ve noticed that in admirable kitchens, these spaces are clutter-free.
CLEAR COUNTERTOPS ~ STASH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. Put away the can opener and small appliances. This way, they collect less dust and grease and there is less to wipe down during cleanup. To make room for these appliances, GET RID OF APPLIANCES YOU DON’T AND WON’T USE… Like the stuff you bought from late-night television. Consider alternatives to on-the-counter spice racks: racks that hang on the inside of the cabinet door, spice drawer organizers, tiered or rotating stands placed inside a cabinet that allow you to see your spices.
The top of the refrigerator and top of the microwave spaces can also be clutter magnets. Put napkins, paper plates, etc in a drawer or cabinet near the eating area. Store the microwave splatter cover IN the microwave, not on top. Put cereal, crackers, cookies, chips in the pantry. Do you really use that bread box? If not, give it to Goodwill. REMOVE ALL THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH COOKING FROM THE KITCHEN. Emergency numbers can be posted near a different phone, or in your cell phones. Find another place for mail, keys, backpacks and purses. If your kitchen was designed to be family command-central, you may want to consider a remodel. :-)

The second rule to a decluttered kitchen is this:
PURGE REGULARLY. To avoid waste from expired food, check dates monthly. Look for recipes to use your spices/food prior to expiration. Freeze if you have to. Set a regular time weekly to purge your refrigerator. If you wouldn’t serve it to a guest, do you really think your family wants to eat it? Besides, how many ½ jars of pickles do you really need?

A third rule for getting rid of clutter in the kitchen:
ORGANIZE YOUR STORAGE
STORE ITEMS IN YOUR CABINETS AND REFRIGERATOR LOGICAL TO THE WAY YOU USE THEM. Dishes may be better stored near your dishwasher, spices and pots near the stove, napkins and place mats near the eating area. Group cans and packages in your pantry according to size and/or function. Make use of the refrigerator movable rack feature to store items properly. If you have glass front cabinets or open shelving, MAKE SURE THAT THE THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE ARE NEAT AND ORDERLY. If you have nice glassware, this is the place to store and display it. Decorative baskets can be used for hiding things that might not be attractive.

And finally:
MAKE HABITS OF CLEANING UP AFTER COOKING AND ALWAYS PUTTING THINGS BACK WHERE THEY BELONG. As it is said, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

You’ve heard of the saying: “A clean car drives better”? I think that most people can agree that food is much more appetizing and appealing when prepared in a clean, tidy kitchen.