Spice it Up in Time for Your Valentine—By Be Fit Nutritionist, Emily Gelsomin, RD, LDN
Do you find yourself dreading the red, heart shaped boxes that will inevitability begin to multiply the closer the calendar gets to February 14th? Take heart (no pun intended), there is no need for Valentine’s Day to ruin a good health kick. Nor does it need to be all about chocolate and candy. There are plenty of healthy, good tasting foods that can be associated with love—if you just know where to look.
Many foods commonly thought of as ‘aphrodisiacs’ can be a perfect substitute for the lust chocolate seems to generate. Spices like nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, garlic and onions are thought to be food aphrodisiacs because they make your meal taste better, stimulate gastric juices, and contribute to an overall feeling of well being—all without the addition of calories. Spicy flavorings, such as chili peppers and curry powder, also add flavor by adding heat, which have been reported to simulate the feeling of passion.
Most science-based reports state that aphrodisiacs are based around folklore—as it is most likely that these foods were once considered rare and mysterious, thus prompting a heightened sense of interest and allure. Nevertheless, it can be a good excuse to cook a delicious and healthy meal for someone you care about.
If you find yourself hitting a lull as the cold continues to creep in, read on for a healthy recipe that incorporates some tips mentioned above. It is sure to warm the heart and soul of whomever you are preparing it for. Cupid will be proud.
Mussels in a Coconut Broth, Adapted From Cooking Light
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons red curry powder
Dash of salt
1 (14.5-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped scallions
Combine first 7 ingredients in a Dutch oven and bring to a boil. Add mussels; cover and cook 5 minutes or until shells open. Remove from heat and discard any unopened shells. Spoon 1 1/2 cups broth mixture into each of 2 soup bowls. Divide mussels evenly among each soup bowl. Garnish with chopped basil and scallions.
Yield: 2 servings
CALORIES: 241 PROTEIN: 22.9 g
FAT: 7.1 g CARBOHYDRATE: 20.3 gSat Fat: 2.8 g
FIBER 1 g
Many foods commonly thought of as ‘aphrodisiacs’ can be a perfect substitute for the lust chocolate seems to generate. Spices like nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, garlic and onions are thought to be food aphrodisiacs because they make your meal taste better, stimulate gastric juices, and contribute to an overall feeling of well being—all without the addition of calories. Spicy flavorings, such as chili peppers and curry powder, also add flavor by adding heat, which have been reported to simulate the feeling of passion.
Most science-based reports state that aphrodisiacs are based around folklore—as it is most likely that these foods were once considered rare and mysterious, thus prompting a heightened sense of interest and allure. Nevertheless, it can be a good excuse to cook a delicious and healthy meal for someone you care about.
If you find yourself hitting a lull as the cold continues to creep in, read on for a healthy recipe that incorporates some tips mentioned above. It is sure to warm the heart and soul of whomever you are preparing it for. Cupid will be proud.
Mussels in a Coconut Broth, Adapted From Cooking Light
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons red curry powder
Dash of salt
1 (14.5-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped scallions
Combine first 7 ingredients in a Dutch oven and bring to a boil. Add mussels; cover and cook 5 minutes or until shells open. Remove from heat and discard any unopened shells. Spoon 1 1/2 cups broth mixture into each of 2 soup bowls. Divide mussels evenly among each soup bowl. Garnish with chopped basil and scallions.
Yield: 2 servings
CALORIES: 241 PROTEIN: 22.9 g
FAT: 7.1 g CARBOHYDRATE: 20.3 gSat Fat: 2.8 g
FIBER 1 g
posted by BeFit at 5:15 PM
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