January 2008 Archives

It seems we're always on the go, on the run and under stress. And are you eating at that speed, too? Here are some tips to slow down and enjoy meal time:

1. Set the table. no matter what. table, desktop, where ever you are eating...set it appropriately. Take the time to can the styrofoam take out containers and opt for some chinaware. And while you're at it, swap the plastic utensils for silverware. 

2. Breathe. How many lunches have you inhaled because you were ravenous and needed to get back to your to do list? The action of eating too fast is wreaking havoc on your digestive system. Take a couple of deep breaths before you begin eating. My integrative medicine physician also suggested sipping ginger tea, or diluting a spoonful of cider vinegar in a glass of water -- and drinking 1/2 hour before meal time. Both options get your digestive juices flowing, and allow you to digest efficiently.

3. Say grace. Whether you're religious or not, this helps slow down your eating habits. Be thankful for the food in front of you, and for the hands that prepared the meal. 

4. Savor every bite. Enjoy the site and aroma of your meal. Then take one bite at a time and enjoy the explosion of the senses. 

5. Put the blackberry, computer, phone, etc. on hold. Focus on eating a nourishing meal. The phone call can wait a few minutes.

Here's a recipe for a great tasting beet soup.

Ingredients: 

    3 large red beets, peeled and chopped

    1 medium onion, diced

    5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

    4 TBL olive oil

Directions: Place chopped beets on baking sheet, sprinkle with 2 TBL olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste. Roast on 400 for 30 minutes or until beets brown. Drizzle 2 TBL olive oil in pan, add onions and saute until they start to brown. Add the beets and broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes.Blend in food processor, serve warm.

I just had the best, juicy grapefruit, fresh from the farmer's market!  Grapefruit are a great source of fiber (5.5 grams), Vitamin C (114 mg), folate (33 mcg) and lycopene (3,768 mcg). 

 

Body + Soul magazine offered a great recipe for "Warm Grapefruit Tea", I can't wait to try it: 

2 cups fresh grapefruit juice

2-4 TBL honey1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries

 

Combine juice, honey, cinnamon, allspice and 1/2 cup of water in a medium pot.  Bring to a boil over high heat; strain and discard solids. Serve with a grapefruit segment or strip of zest. (113 calories, 1 gram protein, 0 grams of fat, 29 grams of carbs, and 0 grams of fiber.)