Healthy Snack Stack

It's the middle of the day. That time between "lunch is over" and "dinner's coming" when you need to nosh. Our team created this delicious mini masterpiece in our continuing effort to make smarter food choices. For a quick snack we would have normally grabbed a bag o' crisp chips with accompanying dip and had at it. Not today folks. So here's to your health & creating the body you want with easy and guilt-free snacks like this.

Healthy Snack Stack
Start with a brown rice cracker (or 2)
Slather some good hummus on. We chose carrot and kumara.
Slice one small tomato very thin and layer them on top of the hummus.
Put a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Sprinkle with parsley and salt if you desire.

No ingredients list here because it's just a snack to inspire and you stack on what you like. Use fresh spinach, grated carrot, sliced cucumber, diced capsicum, or grated cheese. Options are endless so get stackin' and start snackin'!

The Foodies Trendy Trinity

There is always a new trend sweeping through the food world for people to shop for and test out in their kitchens. Whether it is at home or in four-star restaurants, we are all sampling the latest and freshest offerings from the food world. Food popularity comes and goes: sliders today and the club tomorrow. Pesto and alfredo. All delicious and all given their time to shine on our plates. The choice trends in the food world today are based mostly on leading a healthy lifestyle and how better eating can benefit us in our whole body. We have compiled our own Foodies Trendy Trinity with age old foods that are all around beneficial. We daresay that they are the new staples for your kitchen.

Chia Seeds
Yes. That kind of chia. The tiny black and white ancient seeds are chock full of protein making this the latest option for vegetarians. It packs a good 4.4 grams of protein per serving. It is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre as well. These both have direct links to greater cardiovascular function as well as higher immunity. Mix them in salad, blend them in a smoothie, or bake them into your sweet and savoury treats. Shop for them at your local grocery shop or fine food retailer.

Olive Oil was used in Egypt for medicinal purposes.

Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used since the beginning of time for the body, face and food. It heals, moisturizes and flavours making it one of the most versatile oils out there. Unlike some other oils, olive oil lowers the bad cholesterol making it a healthy choice for diabetics and those watching their weight.

Kava
Known also as "kava kava" or "cava", this cure all has been around for centuries. The Polynesians still serve it as a tea to their honored guests and is more revered than alcohol. The benefits are almost endless but it is most commonly used as a relaxation aid and soothing pain reliever. It is know to take away tension, help with migraines and menstrual cramps. We know a few people who never have their medicine cabinet empty of kava. Wtith all of the benefits, we think we agree.

We are by no means doctors or nutritionists, though we seek both for advice when researching articles. Before you add anything to your diet that you are unfamiliar with, please do research that makes you the most aware of the pros and cons. What we found on all three of our Trendy Trinity was quite negligible and/or insufficient in regards to their harmful affects.

Don't Waste The Water

Looking for ways to conserve water in your home? 

Put drinking water in a pitcher and place it in the fridge to cool. There is nothing quite like a refreshingly cold glass of water to perk you up. It is also easy to get to so we are inclined to drink more of it.

Find this and other tips to lower your "water footprint" here! The world uses over one million gallons (3.8 million litres) each day to drink, bathe, rinse and wash. With a limited supply, we must start to realize that every drop counts so vow to make simple changes today & they are sure to make a big difference everyday. 

Shop smart today for water conservation!

        

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ABC: Apples, Bok Choy & Corn

NZ's Crush Market offerings

The importance of fruit and vegetables cannot be overstated. Their all-natural goodness is highlighted by no unhealthy fats or cholesterol and they are extremely low in calories. Here's a debatable argument: Studies have shown that serious illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular disease could be easily averted with the heavy inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the diet. 


I don't believe that there is one miracle cure for diseases that plague us but giving our bodies a fighting chance through food is probably worth a go. There are so many delicious varieties that truly the possibilities are endless when it comes to re-inventing your diet. You can eat mounds of any of them a day to meet *nutritional guidelines and there is no guilt involved. Everything in moderation of course.


Now that I am blogging from New Zealand, I must point out that the food culture is pretty spot on when it comes to food. They try to avoid huge factory farming and chemicals which interfere with the natural deliciousness of fruits and vegetables. These practices may also compromise the nutritional value. Organic, local & savory fruits and veggies are available at markets and natural food stores worldwide. More and more mainstream grocers in many countries are offering organic and chemical free options in the produce sections. Be sure to stock up just a little bit on each trip to keep a good flow of variety.


One of the best age old foodie practices is eating right along with your local growing seasons. Let what is available at specific times in your area be a guide for what to eat. It's also usually cheaper to buy the in season items which avoid additional transport and gas costs. Let the local stuff be the guide for your menu planning. If it is readily available at the local market in the morning, then it may just end up on your plate that night. This is how it should be.

A wee little hand is so tempted by these oranges which are chocked full of Vitamin C

Here are some of my yummy market choices from this past week:

"An apple a day" pretty much says it all. These babies are nutritious, delicious and come in a multitude of varieties. Their nutritional value is the highest when they are savored in their most pure form. Skin on and raw. Most commercially grown apples end up as sauces or ciders with less than 50% of the fiber and mineral stores. What a waste if you are looking more than a fast fruit fix. There is nothing quite like crunching into a juicy apple. 

Quick & Savory Recipe

Looking for a dessert that will wow tonight? Served alone or a la mode, Baked Apples are simple and can be made with just: 

Apples, Butter, Cinnamon & Sugar

Cut apples into wedges & place in bowl. Generously sprinkle cinnamon/sugar & stir.

Pour seasoned mixture into baking dish.

Cut butter pats & place 1-2in. across (2 rows).

Cover, Bake 20 min & stir half way through.

(*Contains: fiber, lutein, beta-carotene, calcium & flouride)

My family is seriously multi-cultural and that includes a rich Asian element which serves as the foundation for many of our meals. Here is bok choy. It is a member of the cabbage family and we use it in stir-fry because it's absolutely delicious. 


(*Contains: Vitamin C, magnesium, Omega-3 & 6, folate and potassium)

Everyone is familiar with fresh corn. Summer is coming upon the United States and since we just finished ours down unda', we are passing the goodness on to them. Native to the Americas, it serves as an excellent carbohydrate just the way it is. Though its versatility yields it in many directions, I feel it's best enjoyed alone. Oh! And with butter...

(*Contains: B1, B5, folate, calcium, fiber and thiamine)

Think about your day today and if you've not yet savored a fruit or veggie, I must ask,

 "What are you waiting for?"




*All of these foods contain at least the ones listed and many more. Be sure to check the dietary guide for your own personal daily requirements. We found Planet Pace where you can input your stats and get a report on what you need to keep your own body fueled each day.