Suzy Eats

New evidence published in Public Health in January supports that the Mediterranean Diet may actually protect against cancers, heart disease and respitory illnesses caused by smoking and second hand smoke.  Since the Mediterranean Diet is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, the evidence states that the vitamins and antioxidants in the Mediterranean Diet can alter the negative outcomes of smoking.

Basically the Mediterranean Diet can overpower the negatives of smoking.

Further research is underway to gather more support. But for now I say….make the right choice of diet!!

Congratulations to Dianna, Sumi, Rita and Amber!! They were the four randomly selected winners of the Saffron Road Entree Giveaway!!!

Thank you for everyone who participated in this Giveaway and there will be another one coming soon!!!

The FOUR Saffron Road entrees we taste tested included Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, Lamb Saag, and Lamb Vindaloo. For people on the go looking for healthy alternatives, these frozen entrees will give you just what you’re looking for like savory spiced sauces, tender cubes of meat, and fluffy rice which taste even better if you mix it all together!

Now what about the Olive Factor?

Saffron Road prides itself on natural, vegeterian fed meat raised without antibiotics. Why is this important? From a scientific perspective, vegeterian fed meat provides a significantly higher level of protein versus fat which can lead to decreased stomach problems and certain cancers.  Recent health statistics point to colon cancer as the third leading cause of death from cancer among women right after breast cancer.  It is also the third leading cause of death from cancer in men. The number one risk factor for colon cancer other than family history is DIET! Traditional processed meat can sit in your colon for  up to 8-10 days!! So choose wisely!

All of their meals are also lower in sodium content compared to other frozen entrees on the market. Sodium can lead to high blood pressure and stroke. So choose wisely!

Read the rest of this entry »

Please check out www.tonyapeele.com

It is a great site about simply eating better. Tonya is a Certified wellness coach, and I recently did a guest post about ways to incorporate the Mediterranean Diet into your life.

http://tonyapeele.com/blog/2011/03/01/3-tips-to-incorporate-the-mediterranean-diet-into-your-life/

Today’s guest blogger: Kim Woodrum. http://inspiredbythemediterranean.blogspot.com Kim is a blogger who specializes in Mediterranean Inspired Meals. She and her daughter take old meals and make them healthier. Please check out her site for other recipes.

Israeli Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 3 – 1 of each color, red, yellow, orange bell peppers
• 1 – zucchini grated
• 1 – large onion chopped
• 1 – tablespoon of garlic
• 1 – teaspoon of thyme
• 1 – teaspoon rosemary
• 1 ½- teaspoons of mint
• ¼ – teaspoon of Baharat
• 8 ounces of ground lamb
• 1 cup of Israeli couscous-
• 4 – tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 2/3 cups of chicken stock
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 1 – 4 ounce container of plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup of chopped parsley

Directions

1. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise through the stems and remove the seeds. Place the peppers cut side down in a baking dish with a little bit of olive oil and bake at 450 for about 15 minutes until they are lightly browned and tender. Then flip them over and leave in the dish.
2. While the peppers are cooking start your filling by browning the onions, after onions are slightly browned add in the garlic and herbs and stir for a minute or two, add in the lamb and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, cook the lamb until it is brown and crumbly.
3. Pour in the chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the couscous, bring to a boil and cover until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Then stir in the grated Zucchini and cover and simmer for another 5 min. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, salt to taste. Fill the peppers with about 2/3 cup of the lamb mixture put back In the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes.
4.  Top with a tablespoon of yogurt and a little bit of mint and serve.

Please let me us know if you try it and comment below.