When to Buy Organic

Are you confused when to buy organic or not?  There is so information that bombards us every day about organic vs non-organic it is no wonder that it is confusing.  We have created a free infographic you can download and print and here are some simple guidelines to follow:


Buy organic if you are going to eat, or juice, the peel of the fruit or vegetable.  You can choose either when buying fruits or vegetables with thick skin that you will peel away, such as bananas.  Fruits with thin, or porous skin, such as berries, peaches and grapes, as well as leafy greens, are the ones where it is most important to buy organic. 


Another great option for you are frozen organic fruits and vegetables.  Grab a bag of organic blueberries, strawberries or other fruits when they are on sale so that you will always have something delicious and ready to go in your refrigerator. 


Look for our free list of fruits and vegetables that should be bought organic (or not), click here. 

Belly Achin' Green Smoothie

Belly Achin' Green Smoothie

Did you eat too much and your belly is aching?  This green smoothie is quick and easy to make and will use some healthy probiotics and enzymes to help your body digest the food. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup papaya, peeled and diced
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, broken into large pieces
• 1 cup plain kefir or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 Tablespoon raw honey  (you can use regular honey if you don't have raw)

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to your blender and blend well.
• Pour into a tall glass. 
• Add ice cubes (optional)
• Garnish with a lime wedge (optional)

Take your green drink with a favorite book to the back porch and relax!

(Photograph from www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net)  

Jalapeno, Bacon and Zucchini Muffin

We found this recipe on The Daniel Plan website and it looks SO good!  There are step-by-step with photos and instructions.  Click here to get the full article.  

Jalapeno, Bacon, Zucchini Muffin

by Chef Mareya Ibrahim

Ingredients:

• 1 muffin pan
• 6 cage-free or organic eggs
• 6 pieces of nitrate-free bacon
• 1/2 zucchini, grated
• 6 small pieces of fresh mozzarella or 2 tablespoons feta cheese
• A dab of room temperature coconut oil
• Smoked sea salt
• White pepper
• Dried tarragon
• Jalapeno oil to brush on bacon (optional)

You can make your own jalapeno oil by soaking whole jalapenos in a cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or you can use prepared chili oil.

Directions:

• Pre heat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit.
• Grease each muffin cup with a little coconut oil.  Use a paper towel to rub the oil into the cup.
• Brush each piece of bacon with a little jalapeno, or chili, oil for kick.  You can omit this step if you like.
• Position each bacon slice around the circumference of each muffin cup.
• Crack an egg into each liner keeping the yolks intact.  
• Place a spoon of grated zucchini on top of each egg.  
• Top with a slice of mozzarella or pinch of feta cheese.  
• Season each egg cup with a small amount of smoked sea salt, white pepper and dried tarragon.  You can also add smoked paprika if you like it hot and spicy.
• Bake for 8-9 minutes or until the eggs are firm.  

Makes a great brunch dish.  Serve by placing on a plate and cutting the egg in half and separating the two sections slightly.  

Click here for the full article and more information on The Daniel Plan. 

Food Takedown on Facebook

Calling all foodies!  There's a new page on Facebook called Food Takedown. 

Do you have a favorite recipe or cooking tip?  Or, maybe you have a question.  Then we want to hear from you!  

Hop on over and give us a thumbs up "LIKE" and share your favorite recipe.  See ya on Facebook!

Real and Healthy Chinese Cooking

Got a craving for Chinese food?  I've got good news, you don't need to get in the car and fight traffic to spend a lot of hard-earned money at your favorite restaurant.  You can now prepare Chinese food and healthy meals in your home that will taste better and cost less!  

Did you know that Chinese food is healthy and well-balanced in addition to being downright delicious!  And, did you know that if you eat healthy and balanced food each day you can dramatically reduce your risk for health problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure?  Well, it is true and what better way to do this than to fix wonderful and tasty Chinese food that your family and friends will rave about!

Nicholas Zhou has published this bestseller cookbook based on the secrets from his aunt and ancient Chinese philosophy that has had an important influence in Chinese food culture where dishes are made of a mixture of healthy ingredients that contain a balance between yin and yang and is good for your health.  

According to a survey conducted by the food industry:

• 72.4% of people think that Chinese food is healthy.
• 89.3% LIKE Chinese food, and
• 67.8% would like to learn how to cook Chinese food. 

We would like to introduce you to Nicholas Zhou's bestelling cookbook titled "Real and Healthy Chinese Cooking."  In this 543-page digital cookbook with over 173 pictures you will get over 500 authentic recipes that are quick and easy to prepare.  By the way, when you purchase the book today you will also get TWO bonus books as well.  So, in all, you get three books for the price of one which is less than the cost of going to dinner and a movie! 

Why not cook up and serve Kung Pao Chicken tonight?   Or perhaps you prefer Beef with Brocoli, or Moo Goo Gai Pan, Sweet and Sour Chicken or Vegetable Lo Mein.  You can get started in any, or all, of these tasty dishes right away by clicking here to immediately access your new cookbook.  Then, pull out your wok and start working magic in your own kitechn!  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.  

Once you've made your favorite dish, come back here and post your comments below.  We want to know what your fave is!   Enjoy yourself!