Cauliflower -- Fake It Til You Make It

     If cauliflower doesn't make at least a weekly appearance on your dinner plate, consider giving at a second chance.  While it may not be anybody's favorite vegetable, its health benefits are second to none:  It's a cancer-fighting cruciferous powerhouse that's low in calories, high in fiber, and extraordinarily high in vitamins (especially Vitamin C) and minerals.  And if you can't get very excited over a pile of boring white shrubs with your dinner, here are a few ways to sneak it in.

     1)  Place raw florets in a food processor and pulse slowly until you have small, rice-sized pieces.  (You see where I'm going with this already, don't you?)  After that, you can either saute it in a little olive oil, white wine, or chicken broth, or cook it in the microwave for a minute or two until it's tender.  Then, just pretend it's rice!

     2)  Microwave, steam, or boil florets until tender, and chop them into small chunks.  Then use them just as you would potatoes in your favorite potato salad recipe.  The texture will be the same, and it's doubtful that anyone will notice the difference.  

     3)  Finally, here's the original fake-out recipe:  Microwave, steam, or boil florets until tender, then process them in your food processor with a little skim milk or chicken broth (plus garlic, mustard, or whatever you prefer) until they're the consistency of mashed potatoes.  Voila!  Faux-tatoes!  (Okay, yes, I made up that ridiculous word, but it is cute, isn't it?)

     Enjoy!

   

Love The One You're With -- YOU

     This post has nothing to do with food -- well, not directly anyway -- but I loved it for all of us who struggle with body image and body disappointment and aging and just simply not loving what we see in the mirror.  Check out this woman's take on it.  

 

http://living.msn.com/family-parenting/me-through-my-childrens-eyes#scpshrjmd

Just Say NO To Processing!

     I ran into my friend, Tallulah de Groot, the other day at the grocery store (okay, that's not her real name, but sometimes names are changed to protect innocent bystanders), and she was looking fit and fabulous.  When she noticed me eyeing her basket, which was filled to overflowing with nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables (where the heck are the goodies, I wondered quietly to myself!), she began extolling the virtues and benefits of a new eating program she was trying, which had already resulted in a 10-pound weight loss.  I was all ears!  The regimen revolves primarily around fresh juices, fruits, and vegetables, accompanied by fresh meat and fish and absolutely NO processed foods.  You heard me correctly -- NO processed foods.  My eyes nearly crossed.  But as I thought back on her comments during the rest of the day, I began to wonder if I could manage such a spartan program (compared to my current, fairly liberal dietary plan).  So I decided to challenge myself, and I am here and now inviting you to give it the old college try with me.  Ready?  Here goes!

     Can you eat one meal a day (JUST ONE!) that includes only fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat or fish from the freshly packaged butcher's case (not frozen or canned)?  I bet you can.  And I'm willing to bet that it won't be as hard as you think it will.  

Specifics:  Eat only from the fresh produce and fresh meat/fish departments.  You won't even have to read labels for those items because there won't be any.  (Maybe there is an upside to this!)  You may include packaged beans or grains as long as the label ingredient is only the item in question.  Dress salads with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.  Do not use sugar or other condiments (they contain preservatives and tons of sodium). 

Care to give it a try?  I'm going to.  Wish me luck! 

The Old Switcheroo

     Whether you're trying to lose a few pounds or just mindful of making healthier food choices, here are a few instances where it's not a bad idea to stray from the recipe. 

1.)  Replace bread crumbs with rolled oats in meatloaf, meat balls, or on top of a casserole.

2.)  Instead of bacon, add smoked paprika for a deep, smokey flavor in soups, stews, or sauces.  

3.)   Eliminate the salt and add a squeeze of lemon or lime to chicken, fish, or vegetables.  

4.)   Instead of butter, use avocado for creamy richness and a dose of healthy fats.

5.)   Replace half the oil in baked goods with applesauce for moistness.  

6.)   If the recipe calls for white flour, use whole wheat flour to sneak in heart-healthy grains without compromising taste.

7.)   Instead of buttermilk, add plain lowfat yogurt to your recipe.  For sauces or dips that don't require cooking, Greek yogurt adds a high-protein punch.

8.)    Eliminate the heavy cream when making soup and add a combination of chicken broth and pureed white beans instead.  You won't miss the cream!