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Way 6 - Pack a healthier picnic

Friday, June 14, 2013

“Adopting a Mediterranean diet isn't just about adding in more good-for-you foods, it's also about getting rid of high-fat and high-sugar processed foods…” www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,206
81632_8,00.html


Good to Know
The combination of beans, like garbanzo beans, and rice, preferably whole grain rice, is a complete source of protein and fiber. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, but it does not actually build muscle.
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Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Greek-Style Picnic Salad
(For authentic Greek flavor, substitute two teaspoons chopped fresh oregano for dried.)

Ingredients
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 cups bagged prewashed spinach (about 8 ounces)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups (8 ounces) reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• 10 lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation
1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Cool to room temperature; set aside.
2. Combine boiling water and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes or until soft. 3. Drain and cut into 1-inch pieces.
4. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach and garlic; sauté 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Combine rice, tomatoes, spinach mixture, cheese, and next 5 ingredients (through chickpeas).
5. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; toss gently to coat.
6. Sprinkle with nuts; serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 288
Calories per serving: 30%
Fat per serving: 9.5g
Saturated fat per serving: 2.6g
Monounsaturated fat per serving: 3.6g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving: 1.7g
Protein per serving: 10.3g
Carbohydrates per serving: 41.8g
Fiber per serving: 4g
Cholesterol per serving: 8mg
Iron per serving: 3.4mg
Sodium per serving: 713mg
Calcium per serving: 110mg

Here's to a satisfying—and all-natural—picnic as we become "AWAKE! ALIVE! AWARE! and Appreciative of ALL that IS".

Namaste
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SISSIE21 6/15/2013 11:59AM

    Love beans and rice. Thanks for this recipe, it looks delicious. Have a great weekend!
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_LINDA 6/15/2013 1:31AM

    This sounds great although neither Mom or I are a fan of olives, but it looks like it makes a lot and I assume a standard serving is only a 1/2 cup. Reminds me a little of risotto which I love.

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HONOURIA 6/14/2013 10:32PM

    I never buy canned beans anymore. It's the salt, but then I need to recycle the can, but most important, dried are a LOT cheaper. It's dead easy to throw them in a bowl before bed and cover with water, and then just simmer for a couple of hours. Ta da. And refrigerate.

This recipe sounds good and I will try it. Thanks. I am a huge Mediterranean cooking fan!

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LINDA! 6/14/2013 7:00PM

    Looks like a good meal. Thank you for the recipe.

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CELIAMINER 6/14/2013 1:07PM

    Sounds really yummy! I would probably use brown rice, but that's just my preference.

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LILYDOG11 6/14/2013 10:52AM

    Sounds yummy !! I love garbanzo beans, I will have to try fixing them myself I didn't realize there was that much sodium in the can!!

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HIPPICHICK1 6/14/2013 10:38AM

    You can take a lot of sodium out of that dish by using dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water then boiled for 50 minutes to cook). Another yummy recipe!
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Way 5 - Love Legumes

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Legumes are loaded with protein and fiber, not only that but the choices are “endless: Choose from soy beans, lima beans, or string beans, for example, or combine them all into a tasty salad.” www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,206
81632_7,00.html



Credit: Quentin Bacon

Two-Bean Greek Salad
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 8 minutes; Total time: 18 minutes.

Good to Know
Beans and fresh produce bring plenty of fiber to this mouthwatering Mediterranean dish.

Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, divided
• 4 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 (10-ounce) bag shelled frozen edamame or lima beans
• 3/4 pound string beans
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 2 multigrain pitas, halved horizontally
• 3 ounces haloumi cheese (or ricotta salata), sliced into 4 pieces

Preparation
1. In a serving bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, 2 1/2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.
2. Place steamer basket in saucepan filled with a few inches of water; cook edamame, covered, until tender (about 3 minutes). Transfer edamame to a bowl. Add string beans to steamer; cook, covered, until tender (about 2 minutes). Add beans to edamame. Add tomatoes and olives; toss to combine.
3. Heat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush 1 teaspoon oil on one side of pitas; grill, turning, until golden (about 2 minutes). Transfer pitas to a plate. Brush 1/2 teaspoon oil evenly on one side of cheese slices; sprinkle with the remaining oregano and pepper. Grill cheese, seasoned side down, until marks form (about 1 minute); transfer to a plate.
4. Place 1 pita half on each of 4 plates; top with bean salad and cheese. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.

Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 301
Fat per serving: 17g
Saturated fat per serving: 5g
Monounsaturated fat per serving: 7g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving: 2g
Protein per serving: 16g
Carbohydrates per serving: 23g
Fiber per serving: 8g
Cholesterol per serving: 14mg
Iron per serving: 3mg
Sodium per serving: 519mg
Calcium per serving: 139mg

Adding beans and lentils to snacks and side dishes pinterest.com/goodhealth/snacks-and-
sides/
will help fill us up & prevent overeating later on… An excellent way to become "AWAKE! ALIVE! AWARE! and Appreciative of ALL that IS".

Namaste
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HIPPICHICK1 6/14/2013 10:36AM

    I love my black beans and coconut rice. I'm going to make some today!!
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EARTHSEAME 6/14/2013 2:21AM

    Yup! Those beans are SO good for us. And filling, too. emoticon

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_LINDA 6/14/2013 2:09AM

    Yes, oh so good, colorful and lively food! Mom made an incredible not sure what I would call it, but chock full of beans and lentils. Total vegetarian dish instead of the usual chili type (although she makes that incredible too) I am so lucky she is branching out her eating and sharing with me :) She has been wanting to try edamame in a salad
Thanks for the recipe!

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PATRICE_E 6/13/2013 10:11PM

    Yumyum! Love edamame, and this salad looks delicious :) Have recently learned that most soybeans are now GMO, so it's Only organic for me.

My favourite legume recipe:
Southern Beans and Greens
Cook 2 strips of bacon until crisp, pat oil away on paper towels and crumble (or use soy bacon bits if you're not a meat eater.)
Julienne a bunch of collard greens, kale, swiss chard, or spinach.
Open a can of black eyed peas, drain and rinse (or soak some dried black eyed peas overnight).
Mix beans, greens, bacon and some chicken broth or water.
Bring to a boil and simmer as long as you'd like. Collards or kale can cook an hour or more (just watch that you don't run out of liquid.) Chard or spinach don't need much more than 5 to 10 minutes.
Add a little salt and pepper, sprinkle with apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar, and either red pepper flakes or a few shakes of Tabasco sauce.

Great with pork chops or chicken. Good 'n' good for ya! ;)

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HONOURIA 6/13/2013 10:02PM

    This looks delicious, and marvellously healthy. Thank you for the recipe.

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WATERMELLEN 6/13/2013 6:56PM

    Sounds (and looks) delish!

I'm heading for a bowlful of my curried chick pea lentil brown rice soup: yay legumes!

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15-Step Healing Rhythms Program

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I’ve been remiss in not notifying all of The Wild Divine Team’s 15-Step Healing Rhythms program, a daily journey with Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Andrew Weil, and others.



Day One was “Quiet your Mind”
Day Two was “Observe your Thoughts”
and

Day Three is “Finding Inner Balance”

You can register @ www.mentorschannel.com/Bestsellers/L
andingPage.aspx?BookId=177


A wonderful resource on our way to becoming "AWAKE! ALIVE! AWARE! and Appreciative of ALL that IS".

Namaste
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUSANNAH31 6/13/2013 7:42PM

    Thanks for the link. I also just signed up - and I'll catch up with everyone in a day or so.

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NIXIEWILLOW 6/13/2013 9:44AM

    Have signed up! emoticon emoticon

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GRATEFUL_BEING 6/12/2013 9:08PM

    Thank you Kali. I pre-registered, but I forgot all about it.

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HONOURIA 6/12/2013 8:57PM

    emoticon

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HEALTHY4ME 6/12/2013 3:24PM

    Awesome thanks they were great! I need them to quieten my what ifs!


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MADEIT3 6/12/2013 2:50PM

    This looks wonderful - thanks for sharing!!

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LILYDOG11 6/12/2013 1:48PM

    emoticon emoticon

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HIPPICHICK1 6/12/2013 10:59AM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon

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CELIAMINER 6/12/2013 10:52AM

    Thanks! I just signed up, so I have some catching up to do.

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Way 4 - Try new grains

Monday, June 10, 2013

The USDA recommends getting at least half of our grains from whole grains—something the residents of Ikaria have been practicing for years; ‘mixing it up’ with healthy, high-fiber alternatives like bulgur. The nutty-tasting grain, along with tomatoes and feta cheese, is used to make traditional tabbouleh salad.

Greek Tabbouleh



Prep: 8 minutes; Cook: 35 minutes.

Ingredients
• 3 cups boiling water
• 2 cups uncooked bulgur
• 1 1/2 cups diced plum tomato
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
1. Combine 3 cups boiling water and bulgur in a medium bowl; let stand 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork. Combine bulgur, tomato, and next 4 ingredients (through onion) in a bowl; set aside.
2. Combine 1/4 cup water and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Pour dressing over bulgur mixture, tossing gently to coat.

Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 245
Fat per serving: 8g
Saturated fat per serving: 2g
Monounsaturated fat per serving: 5g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving: 1g
Protein per serving: 8g
Carbohydrates per serving: 40g
Fiber per serving: 10g
Cholesterol per serving: 7mg
Iron per serving: 2mg
Sodium per serving: 346mg
Calcium per serving: 77mg

4 More Hearty Whole-Grain Recipes can be found here: www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,203
06833,00.html
More resources to use as we become "AWAKE! ALIVE! AWARE! and Appreciative of ALL that IS".

Namaste
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MJREIMERS 6/11/2013 8:04PM

    I've never tried bulgar, but I may have to after seeing the recipe. It looks good! My husband isn't the adventurous type when it comes to food, but he sometimes works nights. emoticon

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SLASALLE 6/11/2013 5:51PM

    I like bulgar also, but my favorite "new-ish" grains are quinoa and amarynth(sp?). I just discovered it a few years ago and it's one of the few grains that actually has protein in it, if I remember correctly.

This recipe looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing!!

Stephanie

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HONOURIA 6/11/2013 12:00PM

    Wow. How interesting! I am surprised that you are using spinach instead of fresh parsley, but ok. Tabbouleh is one of my faves. This is a new way of making it for me, as I have been following the Lebanese tradition.

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SUSANNAH31 6/11/2013 11:26AM

    I have tried tabbouleh and liked it, but have never made it myself.
Thanks for the recipe. I've printed it out and will give it a try.


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_LINDA 6/11/2013 2:12AM

    I have tried bulgar and like it, this recipe sounds fabulous! Thanks to being a vegetarian, I have inspired my Mom to try all kinds of meat protein alternatives, and so have enjoyed quinoa, bulgar, all those 'ancient grains', a variety of beans most people have never heard of, its been fabulous! They have such fabulous flavors and textures, I really don't know how people can enjoy that soggy, flavorless enriched flour stuff.
Thanks for the link!

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ONEKIDSMOM 6/10/2013 7:57PM

    Haven't tried bulgar yet... it's on my list. Love quinoa. There's so much great stuff out there!

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WATERMELLEN 6/10/2013 7:54PM

    Love bulgur! That looks like a great tabbouleh recipe. Quinoa. Whole wheat couscous! Recently discovered brown rice vermicelli: awesome stuff and quick cooking too. Want to try some of the others: spelt, amaranth and so on . . .

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ERNO8151 6/10/2013 1:31PM

    Thanks for sharing. My dietitan recommends eating exclusively whole grains. I have tried a lot of new things but not bulgar. I'll have to give this a try! Thanks.

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CRYSTALJEM 6/10/2013 12:07PM

    More yummy things! I've never tried bulgar that I know of. Think I'm going to have to give it a whirl. Thanks for sharing all this delicious healthy information. CJ

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Way 3 - Get creative with toppings

Friday, June 07, 2013

Pizza Pie!
www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,206
81632_5,00.html


Credit: Corbis

Mossavar-Rahmani, member of the panel, likes the Mediterranean diet because it’s relatively easy to adopt and follow.

One way to change it up is be adding vegetables or fruit to pizza, so we can increase the nutrient and fiber content. (Remember - tomato sauce is considered a vegetable serving, too!)
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Roasted Asparagus and Fontina Pizza
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Makes: 4 servings (serving size: 2 slices)



Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces asparagus
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• All-purpose flour and cornmeal
• 1 pound whole-wheat pizza dough, room temperature
• 1/2 cup grated Fontina cheese

Good to Know
For the dough, go with 100 percent whole-wheat dough in bags in the refrigerated section of the market. Round out the meal with a refreshing salad.

Preparation
1. Place an oven rack on lowest position and preheat to 500°F.
2. Combine oil and garlic. Trim asparagus; toss with salt, pepper and half of garlic mixture on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 5 minutes.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 16- by 10-inch rectangle. Generously sprinkle a second baking sheet with cornmeal. Place dough on sheet. Add cheese and asparagus, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Bake until cheese has melted and crust is crisp, about 12 minutes. Top with remaining garlic oil. Cut into 8 slices. Serve.

Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 336
Fat per serving: 11.5g
Saturated fat per serving: 2.9g
Monounsaturated fat per serving: 3.6g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving: 0.6g
Protein per serving: 13g
Carbohydrates per serving: 52g
Fiber per serving: 10g
Cholesterol per serving: 14mg
Iron per serving: 5mg
Sodium per serving: 671mg
Calcium per serving: 131mg

Another yummy way to become "AWAKE! ALIVE! AWARE! and Appreciative of ALL that IS".

Namaste
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HONOURIA 6/7/2013 1:09PM

    these are wonderful creative ideas.

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_LINDA 6/7/2013 12:03PM

    Pizza -everyone's flavor favorite! Thanks for the recipe!

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CRYSTALJEM 6/7/2013 11:21AM

    So yummy.

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MADEIT3 6/7/2013 10:09AM

    Yum - love arugula and asparagus. The wheat ... not so much. Wonder how that would be with an egg?

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LINDA! 6/7/2013 9:24AM

    Looks like a great recipe.

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CELIAMINER 6/7/2013 9:07AM

    Now I'm salivating! And it's just past breakfast. Sounds really good, but I never seem to see prepared pizza dough in the refrigerated section. I'll have to look harder.

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INBRAZILFORNOW 6/7/2013 8:41AM

    That sounds great!

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