Food is and has always been medicine. Eating healthy is closely linked to living a healthy life. A nutritious diet has numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of diseases, improving mood, enhancing memory, and supporting overall well-being. Healthy eating involves consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups, such as lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and vegetables, together with local spices and herbs to heal the mind, body, and soul. Avoid foods high in trans fats, added salt, and sugar.
Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight, preventing diseases like diabetes and heart disease, improving mood, increasing energy levels, and enhancing the quality of life are all outcomes of eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Additionally, healthy eating habits can lead to sustained weight maintenance, better mood regulation, increased energy levels, disease prevention, and improved overall health.
Furthermore, the connection between healthy eating and an active lifestyle is significant. Choosing nutritious foods provides the energy needed for physical activity. Being physically active can also increase awareness of how food impacts health. Carbohydrates are essential for fueling an active lifestyle. Please look at some of our favorite healthy recipes that will help you invest in your health and yourself.
Fruit and Nut Bars
Makes 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup dried chopped apples
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced dates
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking sheet. Spread the nuts on the baking sheet and toast lightly for 5 minutes. Simultaneously, warm honey over low heat to the consistency of thin syrup. Place the nuts in a food processor and chop briefly. Add the oats, cranberries, apples, raisins, dates, and cinnamon, and mix briefly till coarsely chopped. Place in a bowl and drizzle the warm honey on top until the mixture binds together. Spray the baking sheet lightly and press the mixture into the pan until the mixture is even. Freeze for 30 minutes and cut into bars.
Lemon-Herb Roasted Salmon
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon
- l lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch black pepper
Directions
Wash herbs, dry them, and chop them. Set aside. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Season salmon with herbs, salt, and pepper. Slice lemon into rounds and place over the fish. Roast salmon in a 350F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until done.
Alsatian Plum Cake
Serves 6
Ingredients
3 fresh plums
For frangipane paste:
1/4 cup almond paste
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons nonfat sour cream
4 tablespoons sugar
1 large whole egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350F. In a medium bowl, cream together almond paste, butter, and sour cream. Stir in egg and vanilla. Gradually stir in the flour and sugar. Set aside. Cut plums in half and remove the pit. Scoop 3 tablespoons of the frangipane paste into a ramekin. Place 1/2 of the plum in the center of the paste and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Bake 30–35 minutes or until the plum is roasted and the cake is spongy.
