Chic-Shuk Secrets

Some people would never dream of switching from regular peanut butter to a healthy, low fat version since lets face it- you get “low taste” as well!!!  I was sure to be one of those people, however, at my last trip to the local Trader Joe`s market, I`v noticed the “Better`n Peanut Butter” and apparently it is loaded with calcium, vitamins E & C, antioxidants and contains only natural flavors and colors! Well, I couldn’t resist buying it, and I have to admit this stuff is pretty tasty… It is creamy and soft, has a rich flavor, low sodium and contains only 2 grams of fat and 100 calories per 2 tbls!!! Very. very recommended product!! plus plus!

Now, since you can`t find it on the shelf of most of your local grocers, I would check thier website first, for a store locator : http://www.thirdperspective.com/bpb/storeLocator.html 

Enjoy!

Inspired by my dad, which still has his entire beautiful teeth at the age of 68, I`v learn this very important secret as a diet coke lover. First, I`d like you to ask yourself, and try to be honest- Do you drink carbonated drinks? do you drink a lot of them? how exactly do you drink them? mmm… interested questions, right? The reason you should care for your answers to these questions has to deal with keeping your teeth from the “not so healthy” acids they contain. Whether you drink a lot of those drinks or not, always use a STRAW in order to avoid direct acids contact with your teeth! This is how I make sure my teeth stays white and healthy for the long term!

All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but Red Peppers are simply bursting with them plus considered to be a great source of Vitamin B6. This very nutritious vegetable and the antioxidants it contain help preventing cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging. Further more, Red Pepper support the immune function, can reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma, promotes proper blood clotting and strengthens bones.

With all of these great health benefits and nutrition values, I love cooking this Moroccan-style healthy veggie meal since satisfy as steak and tasteful as a gourmet dish:  With 302 calories, 9 grams of protein,  8 grams of fat and 4 grams of fibre per serving, you cannot go wrong with this MUST TRY RECIPE !!!

Couscous-Stuffed Red Pepper W/Yogurt:

Ingrediants:

85 grams of whole wheat Couscous
2 tbsp Raisins
50 ml hot vegetable stock
1 tsp clear honey
1 large lemon- squeez for juice
2 garlic cloves
small bunch flat-leaf parsley
150 ml tub non-fat natural yogurt
2 tomatoes , roughly chopped
2 red peppers , halved, cores removed
1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

• Pre-heat oven to 400* degrees.

• Place couscous and raisins in a heatproof bowl. Stir stock, honey and lemon juice, then pour over the couscous. Cover and leave to absorb for 5 mins.

• Place the lemon zest, garlic and parsley in a mini food processor and whizz until everything is well chopped.

• Stir 1 tbsp of this mixture into the yogurt, then set aside. Stir the remaining mixture into the couscous with the tomatoes and some seasoning.

• Spoon the couscous mixture into each pepper half, then sit them in a small roasting tin. Drizzle with oil, then bake for 40 mins until peppers are tender.

• Serve with the yogurt and a simple green salad on the side, and- ENJOY!!! 

Supermarkets shelves are loaded with products claiming to contain 0 trans fat.  However, what many of us are not aware of is that this “zero” on labels isn’t necessarily a REAL Zero! Since according to the FDA trans fat labeling rulesand guideline, products may contain up to 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving in order to be claimed as “Zero” trans fat on their label. Companies are simply taking advantage of these regulations which results in deceiving us, the consumers!

Before you purchase your next box of crackers, cookies or any other product with a “zero trans fat” or “trans fat free” labels, take a look at the ingredients list. Be aware that labels don’t always tell the full story and try to pay attention to the nutrition facts which are normally located at the back of the product, in smaller fonts. That would tell you if the “Zero” is a real non-fat or maybe it is 0.3 or 0.4 grams of trans fat!  The reason this is so important is since the recommended daily limit of trans fat we should consume is 2 grams only! (about %1 of the daily calories, based on an 2,000 calorie diet). Just one of these so-called “zero grams trans fat” servings at each meal could easily adds up, therefore- Awareness please!!!       

Everybody`s taking about gorgeous talented Taylor Swift. Especially about her beautiful hair. However, if you wish to get those amazing, healthy looking shinny waves or curls, prior to any application use such as curly iron, simply apply a few droplets of Pure Wheat Germ Oil on a clean washed damp hair and let it absorb by massaging it gently from bottom to top, (avoid applying directly on scalp).  It would definitely do the work, and you will get that celebrity hair shine everybody`s dreaming off!
Extracted from germs of wheat, this beauty treatment oil contains very high percentage of Vitamin E , helps in nourishes and replenishes the shine lost in dull hair. It restructures the cuticle of hair, helping to maintain it in a healthy state, and instantly make the hair look healthier and shinier!

There are only few cosmetics brands which offer a certain version of this recommended beauty concept though a favorable one by many famous people and celebs is by `CarloBay- hair diffusion cosmetics` brand:  ($29 dollars, imported form Italy)