Watermelon Feta Salad

Light & Refreshing

 

Why is watermelon such a natural powerhouse?

Vitamin C!

And beta-carotene, which is made by the body into Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is essential for eyesight. The aldehyde form of Vitamin A is called "retinal". Retina...retinal...get it? Vitamin A also keeps our cells moist and resistant to damage in its use as an antioxidant. Remember that helps ward off cancer. It slows down cancer growth and may keep leukemia cells from dividing. It also keeps all of our cells healthy from disease and infection by protecting the tissue that makes up the outer layer of our nose, skin, eyes, throat, digestive and urinary tracts. Wanna stay healthy this winter? Eat your watermelon! (And other fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A)

Good sources: Turkey! Beef liver, skim milk, eggs, carrots, leafy greens like spinach and kale, pumpkin, cantaloupe, peach, red bell pepper

Watermelon Feta Salad

* Watermelon cubes

* Feta cheese crumbles

* Mint leaves

* Balsamic vinegar

* Pepper

1. Simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns into a syrup.

2. Toss watermelon cubes with the mint and cheese, drizzle balsamic glaze on top. Pepper to taste.

3. Chill. You and the food.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Health kick's over! Time to love on Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Cupcakes
* 2 cups flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spices
* 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
* 4 eggs
* 2 sticks butter
* 1 cup sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting
* 1 stick butter
* 1 stick 1/3 less fat cream cheese
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup greek yogurt
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 T milk

Asian Inspiration

Health. Wellness. Nutrition. 

These words play a large role in my life now, and decidedly into the future. I have just decided to pursue a major in Dietetics! Incorporating food, science, and nutrition is the perfect blend of interests for me and I am so excited about finally knowing what I want to do with my life.

Soon we'll be getting enough indulgence in with the upcoming holidays. Trust me, I love Thanksgiving! Pumpkin ANYTHING. But I thought it would be nice to lead up to the day with some healthy eating, and who better to look to than Asia?

Thai Goodness Soup

Pork Spring Rolls

 

Both these dishes are filled with vegetables - important sources of essential vitamins and minerals (those which cannot be made by our bodies and must be consumed in food). Today I want to talk about my newly found fascination with vitamin C.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C does more than ward off colds and prevent sailors from getting scurvy. 

Girls, did you know how vital it is to natural BEAUTY? Vitamin C assists in the production of collagen, which is critical for the elasticity of our skin. It prevents bruises and ensures proper wound healing. Our connective tissues, bones, teeth, tendons, and blood vessels depend greatly on collagen as well.Vitamin C is also important for our thyroid gland  hormone production, which keeps our metabolism running smoothly and regulates our body temperature.

How's your mood? Vitamin C is vital to the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is known to contribute to happiness and feelings of well-being. And yes, our immune system does enjoy a good dose of vitamin C to fight sickness and infections by protecting our white blood cells from oxidation.

Most impressively, Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent the damage of cells and tissues, and help ward off cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In the stomach, vitamin C reduces the formation of cancer-causing agents found in foods such as cured and processed meats.

Look good and feel good!

Good sources of Vitamin C: citrus fruit, green and red peppers, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, kiwis, broccoli, cauliflower, and fortified cereals.

Thai Goodness Soup
* carrots, thinly sliced
* onion, thinly sliced
* green onion
* soba noodles
* mushrooms
* bean sprouts
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 1/2 tsp garlic
* 2 boxes (8 cups) College Inn Thai Coconut Curry broth

Pork Spring Rolls
* cooked pork, thinly sliced
* bean sprouts, thinly sliced
* carrots, thinly sliced
* red and orange peppers, thinly sliced
* mushrooms, thinly sliced
* garlic
* ginger
* sesame oil
* sesame seeds
* hoisin sauce
* mirin sauce
* rice paper
* mint leaves

good idea: dip in sweet chili sauce!