In the quest to look for new practices to promote a Healthy Lifestyle, I stumbled upon one that was so simple I had overlooked it; Cooking. Cooking your own meals is perhaps the best way to know exactly what you are eating, and making sure that what is in your meal is good for you. It will benefit yourself as well as your family. I think most people know that, but there are always reasons Not to cook. So in this article, I aim to look at the reasons Why not to Cook, and how we can overcome them.

I don’t/can’t cook

With out a doubt, cooking can be a daunting task especially if your experience is limited to Ramen Noodles. But having said that, being able to cook is not that hard; the key is to start easy. Look on the internet for some recipes, or better yet, buy your self a few cookbooks, look through them, find some easy recipes for Pasta, Salads, etc. and start cooking. After you cook a few easier meals you will have more experience and familiarity with the kitchen so you can challenge your self and go for some harder ones.

I don’t have time to cook

Everybody is busy, that is true. It isn’t always easy to find time to cook. But you don’t have to always cook. Start off slow. Cook yourself dinner on the weekends when you have a bit of extra time. It is usually an easier option to cook lunch than dinner, so the weekend is a perfect time to get some practice under your belt. Also, if you want to cook yourself a meal, it doesn’t have to be a long process. There are plenty of meals that can be cooked in 10 minutes (again, look through some cookbooks).

I don’t want to cook

Sometimes the hardest reason to cook, is simply a lack of spark to get ourselves up and just do it. If you care about a healthy lifestyle, for yourself and family, you have to just start. Once you cook a few meals, it will not be so much of a task, or as difficult, and you might even enjoy yourself. Cooking can not only be great for everyday, but also for special occasions, for holidays, for romantic dinners, for parties, and any other reason you can think of.

I wouldn’t even know what to cook…

Again, buy some cook books. There are millions of cook books available for every type of food you can imagine; Healthy Cooking, Italian Food, Indian Food, Thai Food, Easy Cooking, Cooking with the Microwave, and almost anything else you can think of. Take a look at whats available and have fun with it.

Also at Sabaidi Health

Gazpacho Soup Recipe
Easy Indian Food Recipe

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Its that time of year, the Natural Products Expo East is back again, and back in Baltimore. Their website says it best, “Natural Products Expo East isn’t just a trade show. It’s your chance to see, hear, smell, taste and get your hands on everything new in the natural, organic and healthy products industry. ”

If you have been there before then you know what its all about. If you have never seen the sites of the the Natural Products Expo, it truly is an experience. I have been fortunate enough to visit the show both in Baltimore, as well as the few years it was in Washington DC. Suppliers from all facets of Natural Products come to showcase their company, and new products.

It will be in Baltimore again this year, from September 27 - 29th, in the Baltimore Convention Center which is large, and will be packed with suppliers, buyer, brokers, retailers, and onlookers, each of which will be busy filling up their freebie bags with the endless rows of samples that will be given away. Some of the most memorable samples in the past, other than all of the food, would have to be the chewable tooth brushes, vitamin C gum, aura readers, and most of all free back massages (honestly, I am not sure what that company was selling).

For all who are going, Enjoy !! For those who do not yet have plans to be there, do what you can to change whatever plans you may have and get there, you will not be sorry.

Keep an eye out for the all natural food products company Health Is Wealth Products Inc. who will not only have their own new products to showcase, but will also have Sabaidi Tea bags to show to brokers, retailers, and all those who are interested in selling them. Unfortunately we were unable to get sufficient amounts of samples sent to the US for the show, but as we are preparing for Sabaidi Tea Bags to arrive in the US by the middle of October, we are beginning to introduce the our products. Remember, HEALTH IS WEALTH…You can go check them out and not only will you get some good food from Health is Wealth, but might also get Sabaidi Tea Samples.

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Here is a recipe for Gazpacho, a cold Spanish Soup which is perfect for the hot summer months.

Ingredients

2 peeled cucumbers, one chopped and the other thinly sliced
1 lb ripe tomatoes,chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, seed and chopped
1 baguette, half chopped, half thinly sliced
4 cups water
5 garlic cloves
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 cup olive oil, plus extra for frying the bread slices
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt
Freshly group pepper
Add Tabasco sauce for a little spice if you want
Thin ice cubes

Directions

1. Soak chopped vegetables and bread chunks in water
2. Crush 2 garlic cloves and cumin with a mortar; add to vegetables
3. Add paprika, oil, and vinegar. Let sit for half an hour
4. Pour mixture into blender; chop
5. Drain mixture and put in bowl
6. Add salt and pepper. Refrigerate for several hours
7. Lightly fry baguette slices in oil, then rub both side with garlic
8. Add ice to the Gazpacho soup for a freshing chill
9. Add garnish and serve with cucumber slices.

This recipe for Gazpacho Soup serves 6. It is healthy and tastes great.

Other Healthy Recipes at Sabaidi Health

Seafood Pasta
Healthy Breakfast Recipes

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Recipe from Real Fast Indian Food by Mridula Baljekar

Prawns in Coconut Milk - Microwavable

In standard Indian preparation of this recipe, large Prawns and milk from fresh coconuts would be used. This is not always readily available, so this recipe has been adapted to compensate for supermarket shopping and time constraints to make it fast and easy.

Total prep and cooking time - 20 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:
85g (3oz) creamed coconut
150ml (5fl oz) boiling water
1cm (1/2 in) cube fresh root ginger peeled and grated
1 green chilli, sliced at a slant
8-10 fresh curry leaves
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
2 teaspoons ground roasted Coriander
1-1 1/2 teaspoons chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
450g (1lb) peeled uncooked prawns
2 small tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
4 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced

Cooking

1) Using the coarse side of a grater, grate the coconut and put it into a 1.2 litre (2 pint) casserole or dish suitable for microwave cooking. Add the boiling water and stir until blended. Add the ginger, green, chilli, curry leaves and salt. Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 minutes.

2) Add the coriander, chilli powder and turmeric. Stir the ingredients and add the prawns. Stir until the prawns are coated with the spiced coconut milk. Cover and cook on high for 2 minutes, stir and rearrange the prawns, cover again and cook on medium for 3 minutes.

3) Stir in the tomatoes, cover and cook on medium for 2 1/2 minutes. Leave to stand for 5-6 minutes

4) Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small pan over gentle heat on the hob. Fry the garlic for 1-2 minutes, until light brown. Stir the garlic into the prawns and serve with rice.

I hope you enjoy this Easy Indian Food Recipe..

Also at Sabaidi Health:

Can Curry Fight Cancer ? The Health Benefits of Turmeric

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Known as the Diamond of the culinary world, Gourmet Truffles carry a certain allure to them unmatched by any other food. An exotic relative of mushrooms, Truffles are known to grown in Italy, France, and Asia and are most commonly Black, though their elegance is epitomized by the White versions. So rare and hard to find, that it was once believed that truffles grew where the ground had been struck by lightning. Now however, after scientific study, it is known that Truffles grow in a similar fashion to mushrooms, feeding off the nutrients of roots from other plants, trees in the case of truffles; where each specific type of tree lends a unique flavor. Though unlike mushrooms, truffles never grow above the ground, and are scouted out secretly from a group of individuals who virtually keep a lock and key to their traditional methods and “treasure maps.”

In addition to their unique and sought after taste, Gourmet Truffles are generally considered to be a healthy addition to your meal; especially for vegetarians. Along with other mushrooms, Truffles are considered to be low in fat and a good source of protein and amino acids. They are also known to have a low energy value, making them good for low calorie and low carbohydrate diets.

Fortunately for the consumer, it is now easy to find to this culinary delight, whether you are looking for Black Truffles, or the ultra rare White. Generally considered a gourmet item, Truffles are now more affordable as they come in a variety of ways. In addition to the more expensive fresh whole truffles, you can also purchase truffle oil, truffle butter, truffle paste, and truffles in water and mixed with beans, which are all much more affordable methods of adding the exquisite taste of truffles to your meals.

Truffles are available online, as well as in many gourmet food stores.

For those looking to take their first steps into the world of truffles, here is a Lobster Recipe that is delicious, and uses the affordable yet superb White Truffle Oil.

Ingredients:
2 live lobsters (1 1/2 lbs. each)
About 1 tbs. plus 1 tsp. white truffle oil
Table salt and freshly ground pepper
Rock salt, for serving
Chervil sprigs, for garnish

Directions:
1. In a large stockpot of boiling salted water, boil the lobsters for 12 minutes until red all over. Using tongs, transfer the lobsters to a work surface.

2. Twist the lobster bodies to separate the tail sections. Place the sections upside down and, using a large sharp knife, halve the tails lengthwise, cutting through the shell. Remove the tail meat from the shells and place in a stainless steel bowl. Set the bowl over the hot lobster cooking water to keep the meat warm. Reserve the tail shells. Crack the claws and remove the meat in one piece.

3. Using a large sharp knife, cut all the lobster meat in broad, thin slices. Return to the bowl, pour in 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil and toss to coat thoroughly. Season with table salt and pepper to taste and another teaspoon of truffle oil if desired.

4. Pour enough rock salt on each salad plate to hold a lobster tail shell, Nestle 1 tail-shell half on each plate and stuff with lobster meat. Garnish with chervil sprigs and serve at once

More information about the health benefits of truffles and mushrooms is available in the article “The Real Nutritional Value of Fungi” by Stephanie Ingram.

Also at Sabaidi Health:

Eating Lobster is Healthy

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New healthy recipes are always good to add to your collection, especially when they taste good. Whether they are for yourself, your kids, family, or whoever else, low fat, low calories, vitamin packed appetizers, meals, and drinks are
good for everybody. Below is a list of 3 great breakfast recipes that are healthy and easy to make.

Strawberry Orange Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup orange juice (for more calcium and protein and a thicker shake use 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup skim milk)
1/2 cup crushed ice
1/4 teaspoon honey

Directions:

Combine strawberries, orange juice, ice, and honey in blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with sliced strawberries. With the summertime ahead of us, this will make a perfect and healthy drink on a hot day.

More Information on Smoothies and Milkshakes

Homemade Muesli

Upon first glance, this recipe is a bit more daunting, though it quite easy when you really make it. Also, it is a great mixture of vitamins and minerals making it very healthy, and of course, its tastes good.

Ingredients:
350g jumbo oats
50g sunflowerseeds
50g pumpkin seeds
200g mixed nuts (roughly chopped)
200g semi-dried figs (quartered)
75g dried cranberries
100g dried apple (roughly chopped)
Skim Milk or Low fat Yogurt (the more you add, the softer the oats will become

Directions:

Prep. - Preheat the oven to 190?C, gas mark 5.

1. Spread 350g jumbo oats in a large roasting tin and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Tip into a large bowl and leave to cool completely.

2. Mix together 50g sunflower seeds, 50g pumpkin seeds, 200g mixed nuts (roughly chopped), 200g semi-dried figs (quartered), 75g fried cranberries, 100g dried apple (roughly chopped) and then toss with the oats. To serve, soak a portion of muesli in a little yogurt or milk, overnight in the fridge, ready for breakfast the following morning. Soaking the muesli softens the oats and will give it a lovely creamy texture.

More information on Healthy Breakfasts

Apple Nut Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tablespoon Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tablespoon White Sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/8 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon Allspice

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

3/4 cup Apple Cider (or Juice)

1/4 cup Soy Milk

1/4 cup Pecans, chopped

1 Granny Smith Apples, peeled cored and diced

Directions:

1. Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour through allspice).

2. Make a well in the center and add vanilla, cider, and soy milk, stirring just until blended.

3. Stir in nuts and apples.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil or cooking spray. When hot, pour 1/3 cup batter on skillet. Cook until bubble appear and then flip.

5. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey.

More information on Pancake Recipes

Also at Sabaidi Health:

Healthy Cooking Tips
Healthy Eating Tip - Lemongrass Tea

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Here are 2 great tasting, all natural pasta recipes that are easy for you to cook at home. The first pasta recipe is Shrimp Scampi, and the Second, Spaghetti Agli olio con Calamari. I hope you enjoy…

Shrimp Scampi
provided by Hans Dekker

Many people have different ideas on how to prepare great shrimp scampi recipes as you will see below. Some of the ingredients are the same and usually it is served with pasta. The type of pasta that you serve with your dish is up to your own taste.

Be sure to clean and de-vein your shrimp. Preheat your broiler. Cut them into a butterfly style. Place them in a large pan. Now, combine the butter, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, bread crumbs, and egg, seasoning salt, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Now place this mixture by spoonfuls over the shrimp. Broil for around 5 minutes until done.

Other shrimp scampi vary also in the ingredients but are just as tasty. For this pasta recipe you will need:

1 pound of thin spaghetti noodles(substitute whole wheat blend for added health),
1/3 cup of olive oil,
2 pounds of shrimp,
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic,
¼ teaspoon of crushed peppers,
¼ cup of chopped green onions,
1 cup of diced mushrooms,
¼ cup of white wine,
¼ cup of butter (substitute extra olive oil for a healthier mix),
salt and pepper to taste.

To prepare you need to cook the pasta until it is al dente, usually around 3 to 5 minutes, drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, (sprinkles of water will dance around the pan) sauté the shrimp for a few seconds. Now add the garlic, peppers, green onions and mushrooms. Cook for about one minute. Now add the wine and bring to a boil, cook until slightly thick. Remove from the heat and add the butter, stir until dissolved. Now, you can add the pasta and gently stir. This is a very wonderful and unique dish that everyone will love.

Finding the best shrimp scampi recipes are a matter of taste. You can try all different types of spices and other ingredients that you want to try to create your own recipes. Usually shrimp scampi is kind of spicy, so you can try other items such as salsa, for a new and unique flavor that no one else has thought of to add to the basic recipe.

Spaghetti Agli Olio con Calamari
provided by: Mymesra.com.my

150 gm Spaghetti (Substitute whole wheat blend for added Health)
100 gm Squid rings
50 gm Mushroom (sliced) - Fresh button mushroom
30 gm Garlic (chopped)
10 gm Onion (chopped)
1 tbsp Chilli flakes
1 stalk Coriander leaf (chopped)
3 tbsp Chicken stock or water
Salt, pepper, chicken stock powder (to taste)

Directions

1. Boil spaghetti for 8 minutes, drain and put aside.
2. Sauté onions & garlic until fragrant
3. Add mushrooms, chili flakes and squids.
4. Once the water from the mushrooms and squids have evaporated, add in 3 tablespoons of water or chicken stock.
5. Add in spaghetti, coriander leaves and seasoning.
6. Spoon the spaghetti onto the centre of a plate, and dribble tomato salsa around the plate.

Also at Sabaidi Health:

Healthy Cooking Tips
Cut the Fat in Familiar Foods

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Here are the highlights (plus a few personal comments) of an article I read in Men’s Fitness Magazine about Easy Ways to cut the fat in familiar everyday foods…

PB&J

A classic with a twist good for kids and Adults. Switch the bread from white to whole wheat. This will help to increase the fiber by 2 grams per slice. Instead of using Peanut butter, the article suggests switching to something I never knew existed until I read the article; Cashew and/or Almond butter. Great taste with more fiber and Vitamin E. And to top it off, something that seams so obvious, yet I know I never thought of it, replace the “sugar-laden” jelly, with sliced fresh fruit; notably banana and strawberry. They are lower in calories and significantly higher in metabolism-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients.

OMELET

Quick and easy to make, high in Protein and various other nutrients depending on what you add. And with these tips, it CAN be low in fat. Most simply, take out some of the egg yolks. Each yolk contains 55 calories and 5 grams of fat. That’s one egg. If you make you omelet with 3 eggs….well, you can do the math. An egg white contains 17 calories and zero grams of fat. Next, and perhaps most deceiving, instead of melting butter to grease the pan, invest in a non stick pan and use a cooking spray. One tablespoon of butter has 100 calories and 12 grams of fat !! That’s just to grease the pan !! And finally a way to cut the fat while adding to the taste, use low-fat shredded cheese and veggies as your filling. Frozen vegetables will do just fine…

SPAGHETTI

My personal favorite. Instead of using a standard spaghetti, or even a 100% whole wheat, high fiber pasta (where taste becomes a concern), the article suggests using a whole wheat blend. The article gives Barilla a plug, by saying they make an excellent blend called Barilla Plus. With the pasta chosen, the sauce is next. Honestly, its not too hard to make a good sauce. Find a recipe online, and after a couple attempts you will be able to make a great sauce with exactly what you want in it. But I understand that time is a factor and most people buy jarred/canned sauce. For this the article warns that most jarred sauces are filled with sugar and high fructose corn syrup. If either are listed among the first four ingredients, find yourself a new sauce.

BURGERS

No real trick here, just choose a lean beef, and add some all natural fixings, like onions, and fat-free shredded cheese. Make your burgers, and grill as normal. Top with other vegetables to add to the taste.

ICE CREAM SUNDAE

Everybody loves a good Sundae, and here are a couple tips on how to keep the taste, and not feel so bad about eating an ICE CREAM SUNDAE…Most obviously, switch from a 30gram of fat per cup ice cream to a low fat low sugar variety; most notably Haagen Dazs, Breyers, and Ben & Jerry’s make “great tasting lean varieties.” Then switch the sugary toppings for ground nuts or high fiber cereals. There are some all natural cereals that taste pretty good, and would work as ice cream toppings. One again, Fresh Fruit makes its way to the table. Its all natural, tastes good, and above all, FRESH FRUIT IS HEALTHY. You can still add chocolate topping. Just switch standard Hershey’s for a sugar free kind, and top with Reddi-wip Light, and of course, a cherry…Maybe its not the same as an Ice Cream Sunday we have all grown to love, but if you are looking to cut the fat, and still want a guilty pleasure, you can compromise and make an adjustment or two.

ICED TEA

This one wasn’t in the magazine but it is closest to my heart; all natural Iced Teas. Instead of instant iced tea, or bottled iced tea which are both filled with sugar which deceivingly packs on the pounds, make your own iced tea. It is very easy. First, buy a higher quality tea bag, such as SABAIDI GOURMET TEA BAGS, that contain high quality loose teas and herbals teas giving higher health benefits, and a better taste. Herbal teas such as Lemongrass and Bael Fruit are very refreshing and taste great. Make a pitcher of hot tea. With higher quality tea bags, One bag will work for a pitcher, or you can use 2 for a stronger taste. With most herbal teas, you can keep the tea bags in, unlike Black and Green teas, a bitter taste will not form if you keep the bag soaking. After the hot tea is made, let the pitcher cool, and then put it in the refrigerator over night. Great taste, all natural, a variety of health benefits, and NO SUGAR needed. Great for kids and Adults !!!

Overall, cutting the fat and sugar content in your foods can only do good. I hope these tips can help.

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