Fried Zucchini – The Healthy Way

Zucchini is so versatile – you can cook it in so many ways. It’s also nutritious: Containing fiber, magnesium, potassium, Vitamins A and C and more. Zucchini is also low in carbs and is fat free.

One of my son’s recently gave me a homegrown zucchini that was supersized. So, instead of my usual way of preparing it, which is to chop it up, then sauté with onion and tomato and Italian herbs (will post this recipe in the future), I decided to slice it, due to its large size.

It’s a simple recipe and all you need is:

One large zucchini (big enough to make long slices)

1-2 eggs

Flour

Salt and pepper to taste

1 -2 tablespoons of Olive oil (for your pan)

Directions:

Slice the zucchini as evenly as possible so you end up with pieces of similar size.

Dip each slice in a bowl containing the beaten egg (have a 2nd egg handy, you may need it).

Dredge each egg coated slice of zucchini in flour.

Place the coated, sliced zucchini pieces in a frying pan that has already been prepared with olive oil and slightly heated.

Cook at a low to medium heat.

Turn over each slice after about 4 – 6 minutes, and cook the other side for the same amount of time.

Let cool and enjoy!

This is a great side dish, good in a sandwich, or makes for a great meatless meal, after topping it with some shredded mozzarella or grated Romano or parmesan cheese.

Peas and Eggs - A Nutritious, Tasty, Meatless Dish

Peas and eggs...who would think...but these two together make for a delicious combination and a quick, healthy, meatless meal. 

My mother and grandmother used to make this dish when I was growing up, so making and eating this dish brings back fond memories for me of both of them.

Peas and eggs are both packed with nutrition. Peas contain protein, fiber and vitamin C. Eggs are also a great source of protein and also choline, which is good for our brain.

Peas and Eggs

2 cups of organic frozen peas - cooked per package directions

2 organic, free-range eggs - whipped up in bowl

1 - 2 tablespoons of organic extra-virgin olive oil (to taste)

Salt, pepper and parsley to taste.

Directions

Place olive oil in am 8 - 10 inch skillet, on a low to medium heat for one minute.

Add the prepared peas. 

Mix and cook on a low heat for approximately 4 minutes.

Add the eggs (after slightly whipping them first in a bowl)

Cook for another 4 minutes, or until eggs are fully cooked.

Add salt, pepper and parsley (optional) to taste.

This recipe makes two servings. 

Enjoy!

Goal Setting for Your Health and Life

An inspirational quote for you...

"Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do" ~ by John Wooden, basketball coach.

This quote is a helpful reminder for all of us about goal setting and following our dreams. Sometimes circumstances dictate we need to switch gears and revise our goals when things change. 

One example...perhaps you have a specific injury and can't engage in the same exercise or team sport you once did. However, there is a good chance you'll find an another exercise, sport or dance routine you CAN do.

If barriers arise that impede your ability for self-care or pursuing personal and/or professional goals, identify them and strategize to work around them. 

Reach out to others such as friends, family, health care or mental health professionals, if you're struggling and need assistance and support. 

Make Time for Your Health - Pay Yourself First

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown many of us off our game. With gyms and dance studios closed, long lines at grocery stores and many other businesses either shuttered or their services altered, we've had to change our schedules, our lifestyles and our workout routines - and that's just for starters. 

Now the holidays are here. The holiday season is a busy time for all us. But don't let the pandemic or the holidays deprive you of your health and fitness.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy:

• Make time to exercise each day. We know that daily exercise is good for the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Exercise also helps to reduce insulin resistance (so it improves insulin sensitivity) which helps to control blood glucose levels. Exercise also helps to improve mood.

• Shop for healthy, whole foods (not processed) either in-person or by utilizing the many grocery shopping apps. Plan your meals and invest in a little extra time to cook nutritious meals.

• Stay away from foods with additives. Unhealthy foods that contain food additives such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives are inflammatory. They are not good for our bodies and brains. 

• And don't forget your sleep. Health experts generally advise to get between 7 - 9 hours of sleep per night. This helps to strengthen our immune system, and reduce the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol can wreak havoc on the body when levels are too high for too long.

Pay yourself first. Make time for daily exercise, healthy eating and ample sleep each night. Why? If you don't make time for your health today, there's a good chance you'll be forced to spend time with an illness (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease) tomorrow.