Eudene Harry, MD, author of Live Younger in 8 Simple Steps, offers five healthy, crave-worthy food ideas that will help you thrive.
Eudene Harry, MD, author of Live Younger in 8 Simple Steps, offers five healthy, crave-worthy food ideas that will help you thrive.
We live in a culture of now, one where thinking about how the choices we make—from the foods we eat regularly to the personal care products we put on out bodies—will affect us in 20 years isn’t always easy. Who’s to say right now we shouldn’t eat cream buns and doughnuts and fruitcake with no nuts? I blame you, Veruca. And the rise of fast food, modern media, the Twinkie …
Educating ourselves about the long-term impacts of our nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle choices is critical. But the bottom line is that for anyone to truly embrace a healthy change, it has to be easy and delicious too. One of the best things about being part of Delicious Living is that we strive to always live up to that name, proving that whatever your healthy change is for 2013, you don’t need to sacrifice what you love (you really should come to one of our food tests, which we hold regularly to guarantee that every recipe tastes great). Foods that will help you look and feel your best down the road are also those that you will enjoy here and now.
Eudene Harry, MD, author of Live Younger in 8 Simple Steps and medical director for Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center reinforces this concept with five healthy food ideas, not recipes but ideas, using foods that will help you thrive. “The more you eat, the more you’ll crave,” Harry says. Check out her ideas; then search any of these vitality-supporting ingredients for more ways to use them in our recipe archives.
Chicken with tomato, garlic, and almonds
First thought: Supereasy weeknight dinner! Tomatoes are one of the world’s most concentrated sources of cancer-fighting lycopene, which has also been show to protect skin from UV rays; garlic helps fight cancer-causing free radicals; and nuts support healthy blood pressure and mood. Slip them into dinner by using almond crumbs instead of bread crumbs on chicken.
Check out more anticancer foods and recipes.
Pomegranate-balsamic tempeh
High in protein, fiber and isoflavones, tempeh is a healthy alternative to red meat. Marinate it in antioxidant-rich pomegranate and zesty-tangy balsamic vinegar so you don’t need to add salt to get loads of rich flavor.
Also try pomegranate in our Pomegranate-Spinch Salad with Cabernet Dressing.
Mashed “Greek” cauliflower
Ditch fatty, cholesterol-filled butter and starchy potatoes. Instead, pair mashed cauliflower with Greek yogurt and fresh black pepper. Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and richer taste, plus is denser in lactobacilli, the healthy bacteria that may delay the onset of cancer. And it’s low in fat and high in protein.
More ways to make mashed potatoes healthier.
Sushi
Ah, yes, your favorite guilty pleasue isn't guilty at all. (Though do remember that, surprisingly, it may not be gluten free). Start with nutrient-dense kelp then add in other healthy veggies, omega-rich salmon, and sesame seeds—high in calcium, copper, and magnesium, cholesterol-lowering phytosterols, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. Many natural products retailers also offer premade sushi if you’re pressed for time (or intimidated!).
Also try these low-sodium Asian recipes.
Fruit salad
One way to wean yourself off of sugar is by combining your favorite fruits such as chopped apples, berries cantaloupe, watermelon and pineapple. Not only do they provide natural sweetness and nutrients, but fruit also has high water content, which supports your cellular water to keep you looking and feeling young. Top with Greek yogurt blended with vanilla or almond extract.
Spice up fruit salad with Cardamom-Clove Dressing.
