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 do not take it too seriously if we don`t give the restrooms a visit at least once a day! It is very significant since our body should get ride of its dirt every day in order to prevent unnecessary gas problems, stomach ache, flatulence, the risk of hemorrhoids and many other health problems!

I was recommended by a nutritionist to mix half a glass of room temperature water with a half lemon freshly sqeezed juice and one spoon of olive oil then drink it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. This healthy “system cleanser”, as I call it, works like magic! so simple and so natural- try it yourself and you`d see how lighter and more comfortable you feel everyday, once you start drinking this healing mixture!    

Banana-Split is a sweet dessert which adds nothing but empty- fattening calories to these great nutritional values you`ll get by eating just 1 banana, though you can still get the fun of eating a banana-split sundae with less the fat, the calories and sugar.

Make the Right Choice and try this easy making Diet Banana Split Recipe- Only 150 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving!
 

Ingredients:
1 medium banana
1 scoop non-fat vanilla ice cream or yogurt
2 tablespoons low-fat granola
1 spoon light chocolate syrup

Directions:
1. Cut the banana in half lengthwise (from tip to tip).
2. Place the banana halves on the sides of a mid size bowl.
3. Add the Ice-Cream or Yogurt in between the banana`s halves.
4. Top with granola and add the syrup.
5. Serve, Save (on calories!) & enjoy!

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!!!