Recipes for Healthy Living

Lunch is often our most rushed meal of the day but it should be the most enjoyed meal of the day. This is actually a great time to have your healthiest meal as you are most active in the afternoon and will burn more calories and use more energy then during the rest of the day.

The definition of healthy lunch is one which will improve or maintain your health. This is a lunch that will naturally boost energy levels and stabilize blood sugar levels. A healthy lunch will leave your mind clear and fully functioning.

Here are two healthy lunch ideas and their health benefits:

Fresh Caesar salad:
Romaine lettuce, chopped boiled egg, croutons, red onion, grated Parmesan cheese, grilled chicken strips, tomatoes, bottled Caesar organic dressing.

Benefit of some of the above ingredients in the fresh salad:
Romaine lettuce: nutrition value of romaine lettuce is significantly higher than iceberg. It has higher levels of protein, fiber, calcium, foliate, and vitamin K. And is only eight calories per serving.
Boiled Egg: High in protein
Tomatoes: One of the most nutritional vegetables. Tomatoes also fight cancers such as prostrate, cervical, rectal, and cancers of the throat and stomach.
Organic Dressing vs Conventional Dressing: The benefit of organic dressing is the taste is great, there are no food dyes, high fructose corn syrup, or fillers. The result: a healthier day with no headaches.
Chicken is high in protein and protein is a key nutrient for our bodies strength and healing. (Why do you think Grand mom said have some chicken soup if you weren't feeling well?) It is essential to cells for maintenance and repair. It also regulates a wide range of body functions.

Ground Turkey Burger on a fresh kaiser Roll:
Dark ground turkey meat (found pre-packaged in the butcher section of the grocery store)
Thawed out frozen spinach (about 2 cups)
Feta cheese (1 cup)
1 egg
Mix together by hand in a bowl and form patties
Cook patties in a frying pan with some olive oil (takes about 20 minutes)

Benefits of some of the above ingredients:
Dark turkey meat: high in myoglobin which brings oxygen to your muscles. It also contains iron and zinc.
Spinach: High in fiber, calcium and great for your bones.
Feta Cheese: Adds great flavor and is high in both vitamin A and folate.

Begin enjoying creating various lunches with the ingredients listed above. Your body will begin to show signs of health improvements as you choose to for-go fast food and quick snacks for lunch. There is also evidence that shows that cooking daily reduces aging and keeps people healthier...so no matter how you look at it...you win.