Nature's Beauty. Tips For Storing Your Fresh Fruit

I'd like to share this informational post about how to properly store fresh fruit. There's no doubt we inevitably have questions whether to leave at room temperature on the kitchen counter, or to refrigerate.

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Nature's Beauty. Coconut Water

Coconut water is perfect after a light workout (because of natural electrolytes) or as a refreshing alternative to other beverages or sports drinks. Rich in potassium, coconut water assists in weight loss as it boosts metabolism. The cost can be a bit pricey, but when it's your health I'd say it's worth spending a little more to be healthier.

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Coconut Water Benefits

Your Health. Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a healthy way to jump start the week for you and your family. It can still be nutritious, and tasty. I'll be having a white bean soup with (carrots, tomatoes, celery, cilantro, garlic, herbs, chopped kale) and a large salad for dinner. Maybe I'll throw in a corn muffin or pita chips. Superstar Chef Marcus Samuelsson give tips on how to get protein eating vegan (if only once a week).

Your Health.

What are you eating and doing differently for your personal fitness? How are you tweaking your lifestyle for a more healthy you? Have you tried adopting a less meat (including chicken) each week approach? Are you drinking more water, getting in a little more of some form of exercise or meditation? Are you eating more vegetables, beans (packed with protein), leafy greens and fresh juices?
Try something new on the way to a healthier you!

Nature's Beauty. Arugula

Arugula is a spicy option to to add to your mix of dark leafy greens whether it be for salad or saute. I just learned it's also a good source of chlorophyll which cleanses and energizes the blood.
An arugula salad with small cherry tomatoes and splash of olive oil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper is a light and healthy low calorie option for any time of the day.
I also like making my own salad dressings using various blends of balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, a touch of fresh orange or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh ground garlic and herbs. Making your own dressings is also a great way to reduce hidden calories found in over the counter dressings for eating at home.

Nature's Beauty. Sea Salt

Red Hawaiian Sea Salt

Throw out that old box of iodized salt you may have grown up on. Sea salt is a better option with a variety of flavor, color and texture. There's less processing involved with sea salt which is produced from the evaporation of seawater. The more heavily processed table salt is iodized and mined from underground salt deposits.
I find you need less when using sea salt, and of course anything with less processing is healthier in the long run.

There are many varieties of sea salt from Smoked, Truffle, Vanilla, Moist Grey found in the South of France to name a few.  Hawaiian Black Lava Salt sounds perfect for a meat rub for the carnivorous.
I like the presentation as well as the crackling sound the sea salt makes coming out of the grinder like fresh black pepper.
You can find varieties of sea salt at most commercial grocery stores, Trader Joe's and even the grocery section of your local Target store.

Nature's Beauty. Eating Healthy

I thought I'd share this article on 15 Superfoods for Under $20.00 :
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/15-superfoods-for-under-20-stocking-your-pantry-on-the-cheap.html

Nature's Beauty. Legumes

The winter is a great time to put on a pot of beans for a side dish, main course or prepare as a soup. Legumes or beans are full of natural protein and cholesterol lowering fiber, also typically low in fat. It's another whole food associated in lowering the risk of cancer.  Take your pick and preferably not from a can;  black, white, kidney, lima,  red (I love red beans and rice), garbanzo, navy, pinto, soy, chick and black-eyed peas, lentils and so on.

Nature's Beauty. Lentils

As I get older, I make it a point to eat less meat. I try to have 3 on average meatless meals per week. I've tried to be a vegan, but old habits die hard.

Because of my love of Indian food (thanks to my daughter), dhal also known as lentils have become one of my favorites from the legumes, bean and pea family. Lentils come in a variety of colors and density.  It's another food that helps lower cholesterol, provides protein and includes Vitamin B and folate. Black beluga lentils are another great antioxidant for your diet. Unlike other beans, lentils don't need to be soaked and cook in less time.