Chic-Shuk Secrets

Santa Barbara is a beautiful California city, somewhere on the pacific coastline in between Los Angles and San Fransisco, however, this is Not a traveling blog, therefore I would like to mention the real reason why I mentioned Santa Barbara Bay. It is actually the name of a great seafood products company which I am absolutely in-love in their healthy, low fat and low calories Seafood Spread! 

It is delicious and versatile spread, made from high-quality imitation crab with snow crab, bay shrimp, fresh celery, and some spice blend. It is a truly original and unique food product, has some wonderful nutritional benefits and most important thing- I can enjoy having it with some fresh celery sticks and keep up with my daily diet routine!!!

Yummmyy!!!

Seriously guys, one of the best secret I can share with you should be my `guilt free` nutrient snack, since you can`t always be in the mood for carrot or celery sticks, right?! A plain popcorn, my friends! It ranks the highest in the snacks category since contains natural fiber and whole grains which are great healthy benefits, and the good news is that according to a recent study many whole grains foods are as rich as fruits and vegetables in health promoting polyphenols which is a type of antioxidant. Now, why do I call it “guilt free”? that is because it contains no sodium or sugar, is a fat free snack and very much low in calories. Besides, even those calories it contains are well known as the healthy ones, so… it makes it a great, healthy choice!!! Enjoy, and don’t forget to go for the plain version when making you some, in order to keep your weight watching or diet routine…

Many of us travel and fly during a holiday season therefore finding yourself at the airport at that time of the year is very common. You must agree this might make it a bit hard watching your weight and eating your regular, everyday weight watcher diet food especially when there are fewer choices on board! However, on-the-go eating doesn’t have to result in extra ponds! I have checked around for the best meal options available to choose from while spending long layovers at the airport, and these were my favorite ones as far as taste, saving on calories and not ruin your diet!!! How said I can’t make a smart choice whenever I want too?!?

For Breakfast:

STARBUCKS Perfect OATMEAL- plenty of energy and only 140 Calories and 3 grams of fat!!!

For Lunch:

McDonald’s Hamburger. (Yes, I know… Hamburger!!!)- With 250 Calories and 9 grams of fat you can add a side of salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette which adds 60 calories and 3 grams of fat to your meal however makes it DELICIOUS!

For Dinner:

PIZZA HUT EXPRESS: !/2 Personal Pan Cheese Pizza will provide you with 295 Calories and 12 grams of fat. Again, it is not a lot of food, and not the healthiest or most nutritious one, however, since we`r trying to keep it low on-the-g0, that is not so bad of choice!

If there is a favorite part at celebrity Mariah Carey which I simply admire it is her silky looking skin. According to her facialist, Mariah Carey is a huge fan of aromatherapy and anti-aging collagen treatments.  One of her favorite products is Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate. This cosmetic beauty care product is formulated to treat normal and sensitive skin types. You only need to apply just a few drops of this cocktail of essential oils morning and evening to revitalize skin, like Mariah does. 

The extraordinary, natural nutritional properties of this oil -

1. Restore suppleness and skin tone.

2. Increase the efficacy of all the subsequent skincare products. 

3. provides immediate comfort and radiance and brings out the skin’s natural color!

4. The perfect beauty treatment for radiant results since is a %100 natural and rich in vital elements which decongest and softens stressed skin!

 A definitely must have product!

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!!!