Tag Archives: healthy

Hot Cross Buns

Healthy Eating, , ,

Since Easter is coming up in just over a week, it’s about that time where you see hot cross buns in the grocery stores. Traditionally in England they are eaten on Good Friday. Growing up, we had them on Palm Sunday (which is a few days away this year.)

But are they healthy? If you read a few labels for some you can purchase you might see a whole lot of ingredients that don’t really need to be present. Why not try to make your own? This year, I will try to make them more healthy – perhaps some whole wheat flour instead of just all white flour. Or even whole grain pastry flour for a lighter texture. Perhaps we can substitute some honey for the sugar. To make them with even sugar, skip the sugar cross and make indents instead. Maybe just shake a little bit of sifted confectioner’s sugar on top.

Here are some links to healthier hot cross buns (they are mostly from England so you may need to do some conversions):

12WBT (12 week body transformation)
The Healthy Chef

The Victor crew

What’s in Season?

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The Victor crew found a great website if you are looking to eat fresh. You can put in your state and time of year and get a list of what produce in general is in season at that time in your area. Not only will it show the list of produce that are in season, but a link to a recipe for that item. They also have a “Learn More” link you can click to see its history, some facts, cultivation information, the environmental impact, what to look for when buying, nutrition, how to store, how to cook, and another recipe. On the bottom you can also click on the link to find Farmer’s Markets in your state.

Eat Local

Healthy Oils

Healthy Eating, , ,

In your quest to eat healthy, there are times you need to use oil. Try some of these:

Coconut Oil – contains vitamins E, K and iron. They are retained at higher temperatures.
Flax Seed Oil – contains omega-3 fatty acids. Can be used unheated.
Ghee – a type of butter that is free of impurities, use sparingly.
Grapeseed Oil – can work at high temperatures to fight cancers and lower cholesterol.
Hemp Oil – this also contains omega-3 fatty acids and should be used unheated.
Olive Oil – Can be used in sauces or salads.
Sesame Oil – Need just a small amount but is more expensive.
Avocado Oil – contains vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
Macadamia Nut Oil – good source of monounsaturated fats.

Steve Victor

Looking for a low calorie healthy dessert?

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Look no further! With summer coming to a close and peaches still being abundant, check out some ideas for grilled peaches.

Spicy Grilled Peaches
(Makes 4 servings with only 70 calories)
Ingredients:
4 medium peaches (about 1 1/2 lbs total), unpeeled, halved, pitted
1 T olive oil
1 T cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 T balsamic vinegar

Directions:

  1. Preheat grill on HIGH 10 min.
  2. Toss peaches with olive oil in medium bowl.
  3. Clean grill with wire brush. Coat grill grate lightly with vegetable oil. Sear peaches, cut side down, 3-4 min, until slightly charred.
  4. Remove from grill. Cut halves into approx 1-inch thick slices; toss lightly in large bowl with last 3 ingredients.

If you don’t want the spices, try tossing with some cinnamon or even some raspberry vinagiarette.

Top with one half cup of your favorite vanilla ice-milk. (Adds about 120 calories per serving).

After grilling the peaches, add them to your pulled-pork sandwiches.

Wondering what to eat at the fair?

Healthy Eating, , , ,

In many places, Jody, it is fair time (county or state). With so few “healthy choices” when you go to a fair, ABC TV’s show The Lookout did a segment on the calories in fair food. (Click on the 3rd segment once the video loads.)

A mother took her children to the fair and chose some options for their meals. Dave Zinczenko, author of the “Eat This, Not That” books, came to the rescue with healthier options. While not ideal, they were healthier options than the “deep-fried-on-a-stick” fare they had originally chosen.

This ABC blog shows some of the foods they looked at.

Steve Victor