Supernatural Botanicals

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, bean eaters weigh less and have slimmer middles. Beans are super fat fighters because they contain the ideal combination of fat-busting nutrients—soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, and a type of fat-burning carb called resistant starch.

Cuban Black Bean Soup

CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP

Ingredients:

• 7 cups cooked black beans (a one pound bag of dried beans prepared according to package directions.)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 tsp each ground cumin, coriander, paprika
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• a handful of parsley, chopped
• rind of one orange (several large peels)
• juice of the above orange
• 6 cups hot, boiled long-grain rice, white or brown

Drain the beans and reserve the liquid.

In a large dutch oven or soup pot, saute onions, garlic, and spices in oil over medium heat, stirring until onions are translucent. Add carrots and celery, saute for 3-4 minutes more. Add peppers and saute another 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, parsley, and tomatoes. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Combine the drained black beans with the vegetables. Add in as much bean liquid as you like, more for a thinner soup, less if you like it thicker. Add the orange rind and simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes. Stir often.

Remove orange rind. Stick blend the soup until it’s as thick as you like. (Or remove a cup or two of soup to blender, blend, then add back to soup.) Add fresh orange juice and cook 5-10 minutes more. Taste. Serve on hot rice. Garnish with chopped onions, chiles, and/or lime wedges.

Ever feel like you’ve got a bad case of ADD?  Or do you feel so unfocused at times it’s interfering with your job and productivity?  The word on the street is that Fish Oil is working wonders on ADD-ish type behaviors.  Fish Oil (Omega 3) has been know to be extremely beneficial in lowering high cholesterol and protecting the heart, but new studies are showing significant improvements in mental clarity and alertness.  It’s worth a try, as there are virtually zero side effects from taking Fish Oil.  If you want to step up your game, try Fish Oil caplets and see if you notice a difference. 

Coffee Smoothie Caffeinated deliciousness!

This coffee smoothie is available at many coffee shops, now you can make it at home in just few minutes as instant coffee is used to make this delicious smoothie. You may adjust flavors according to your taste.

Ingredients:

1 tsp instant coffee
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp sugar
Ice cubes

1. Add all the ingredients to the blender including instant coffee, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, ice, and chocolate syrup in a blender. Try to use a good quality blender to make smooth drinks and in this recipe of smoothie particularly because coffee needs to blend properly.
2. Blend them all until become smooth and creamy.
3. Serve in beautiful serving glasses and add some whipped cream on top.
2 tsp chocolate syrup.

Not an aerobics fan?  Consider this:  Aerobic exercise not only burns calories, but also curbs cravings.  Researchers at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital reported that people who ran or biked for 20 minutes three times per week for 10 weeks had reduced appetites due to increased levels of neurotrophic factor (a protein in the brain that may suppress hunger) from the workout sessions compared with when they were sedentary.  Rev up your cardio routine and rein in your snack attacks. 

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Mall Food

If you’re not checking out Food52′s food blog, you should be.  If you are a foodie, or simply want to get some ideas to impress others in kitchen, this is the place to be.  Check out their website to find gems like this recipe below.  So perfectly simple, yet bursting with flavor.  Start channeling your inner gourmet cook and make something delicious today!

Tad’s Roasted Potatoes

Serves 4

• 1 pound old white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• Olive oil
• 8 sprigs herbs (any combination of thyme, sage and rosemary)
• 3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed (leave the skins on)
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the potatoes in a well-seasoned cast iron pan — they should fit comfortably in one layer. Douse with olive oil, like you’re marinating them. Add the herbs and garlic, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes a few times to mix in the herbs and seasoning.

2. Roast in the oven, scraping up and turning the potatoes every 10 minutes or so, until the potatoes are well caramelized and tender, about 40 minutes.

The Iowa Women’s Health Study, which has been investigating the health habits of 34,000 women for nearly 20 years, named apples as one of only three foods (along with pears and red wine) that are most effective at reducing the risk of death from heart disease among postmenopausal women. Other massive studies have found the fruit to lower risk of lung cancer and type 2 diabetes—and even help women lose weight.

Eat an apple as an afternoon snack with a tablespoon of peanut butter (think protein), or add slices to sandwiches or salads.