Do you like eggplant?
I must admit, I wasn't a big fan. That is, until now. I recently tested a recipe for Golden Eggplant from Bal Arneson, Spice Goddess on the Food Network. I am hooked!
These eggplant sliced are coated with a lovely batter made from yogurt, chickpea flour and spices including cardamom, coriander, paprika and garam masala. (You can find all of these items at your local bulk food store.) They are then lightly pan fried in grapeseed oil and are a lot like a savory pancake. The eggplant becomes soft and almost tastes like banana. They are yummy!
Here is the link to the website: http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/recipe.html?dishid=11269
Eggplant is high in dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin, K, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. It is also high in phytonutrients that act as powerful antioxidants, protecting your cells from damage by free radicals.
I hope you try the recipe. Let me know what you think!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Food and Mood
Did you know that food can affect your mood?
If you are really stressed or are having trouble relaxing, you may need more serotonin- a neurotransmitter that helps you feel calm, content and perhaps sleepy. The best way to increase the level of serotonin in your brain is to eat carbohydrates, such as a piece of whole grain toast with jam, some organic popcorn or herbal tea with a tablespoon of honey. It takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects of increased serotonin, so be patient.
There is a theory that some people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, in the dreary winter months, may be lacking serotonin. Adding some healthy carbohydrates (without protein or fat) may help improve mood. Of course, unhealthy carbohydrates like cake and cookies can do the same thing, but they also spike your blood sugar and then cause it to quickly drop, leading to fatigue and sugar cravings.
If you want to feel more alert and focused, it's better to eat protein, with or without some carbohydrates. Examples include chicken with vegetables, beef stir fry with veggies, protein smoothie or apple slices with nut butter. This allows the proper amino acids to get to your brain to create neurotransmitters that lead to mental alertness.
So if you're having a bad day or need some extra help staying awake through a business meeting, try using healthy food choices to improve your mood or get focused!
If you are really stressed or are having trouble relaxing, you may need more serotonin- a neurotransmitter that helps you feel calm, content and perhaps sleepy. The best way to increase the level of serotonin in your brain is to eat carbohydrates, such as a piece of whole grain toast with jam, some organic popcorn or herbal tea with a tablespoon of honey. It takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects of increased serotonin, so be patient.
There is a theory that some people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, in the dreary winter months, may be lacking serotonin. Adding some healthy carbohydrates (without protein or fat) may help improve mood. Of course, unhealthy carbohydrates like cake and cookies can do the same thing, but they also spike your blood sugar and then cause it to quickly drop, leading to fatigue and sugar cravings.
If you want to feel more alert and focused, it's better to eat protein, with or without some carbohydrates. Examples include chicken with vegetables, beef stir fry with veggies, protein smoothie or apple slices with nut butter. This allows the proper amino acids to get to your brain to create neurotransmitters that lead to mental alertness.
So if you're having a bad day or need some extra help staying awake through a business meeting, try using healthy food choices to improve your mood or get focused!
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