Healthy Recipes

Often times we are lost for words when it comes to healthy recipes. We are not exactly sure where to start. First it is important to find out exactly what is in these healthy recipes that make them so healthy. First we will discuss what ingredients are the absolute best to be included in healthy recipes and then we will list a few simple healthy recipes that will help give you an idea on some place to start.

Ingredients that Work

In order to begin and eat healthy from here on out, you will need to completely revamp your pantry. You will need to add the food that is required in these healthy recipes, this way you will have nothing in your cabinet to steer you away from the healthy food. Now healthy food does not have to be disgusting or anything, but things like chips and chocolate probably need to be evacuated. This will help you learn how to enjoy food on a whole new level. The recipes will be delicious and you will feel so much better. It is amazing what healthy cooking can do for you and your body.

The very first step you want to take in healthy recipes is to use the healthiest ingredients. Explaining further, the lists for the most important healthy recipes that will help you make fantastic healthy meals and they will be nutritious and wholesome as well. Below is a list of 10 very healthy foods following a quick recipe.

Butternut squash has a ton of beta-carotene, which is known to be a potent cancer fighter. In fact there is no other squash that has the amount of beta carotene that Butternut squash does. Exactly, one cup reaches a person's vitamin A needs for and entire day and includes a healthy dose of vitamin C. It also provides you with potassium requirements as well.

Bok Choy Cruciferous is a relative to many vegetables like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. This vegetable is an Asian green. This vegetable has even more cancer-fighting antioxidants than many of its relatives. Bok Choy also promotes vitamin C, foliate, beta-carotene fiber and calcium. Although it is not widely known, this vegetable needs to be promoted much more

Turkey, especially Turkey legs are very tasty and a 3.5 ounce serving, remember to remove the skin has only 3.5 grams of fat. This is a great option for a healthy ingredient. Turkeys also deliver B vitamins, antioxidant selenium, zinc and protein. Always remember it is better to braise turkey legs because they need to be moist.

Edamame is a very well-known healthy ingredient. You may turn into tofu or steam it in the pod. These are also known as soy beans. They are very trendy and sold in upscale restaurants as an appetizer quite often. Whether they're turned into tofu or simply steamed in the pod, soybeans, a.k.a. edamame, these little beans are rich in isoflavones and cholesterol reducing compounds and they also fight cancer. They have a great source of protein, B vitamin and fiber

Let’s talk Mango, this tropical fruit have plenty of antioxidants and these are known to protect against heart disease and cancer. It has a fair amount of Vitamin A and fiber. Mangos also have a small amount of Vitamin E.

Salmon contains the ever-popular Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are offered in large quantities in salmon and in other fish and protect the heart in more than one way. First it prevents blood clots and it steadies the heart rhythm and has even been said to alleviate depression.

Buttermilk has only 2 grams of fat and is a mere 98 calories per cup. It is hardly butter. This gives you a great way to get potassium, riboflavin, calcium and vitamin B-12. Buttermilk lasts for quite a while, and there are plenty of recipes for buttermilk online if you happen to run out.

Beef is a fantastic healthy ingredient. Beef eye of round has only 2.2 grams of saturated fat. This is only 260 calories per 6 ounce serving, and is a popular addition to healthy recipes. This type of beef is also high in B vitamins, zinc and iron.

Chickpeas are a wonderful health food. You can buy a can of chickpeas or buy them and boil them on your own and come up with great recipes. A cup of chickpeas is 12 grams of fiber and is soluble which reduces heart disease. They are also high in foliate and iron.

Here is an example of a healthy recipe with one of the above ingredients :

Caribbean Mango and Steamed Shrimp Salad

1. 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass, tender inside only
2. 3 tablespoons canola oil
3. 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4. 1 shallot, thinly sliced
5. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
6. 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
7. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
8. 1/2 cup dry white wine
9. 3 cups water
10. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11. Salt and freshly ground pepper
12. Cayenne pepper
13. 1 1/2 teaspoons minced tarragon
14. 3 mangoes (about 14 ounces each), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

First, Thinly slice the bottom 4 inches of the stalk of lemongrass. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan. Add the garlic, shallot, lemongrass and ginger and cook over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp shells and cook, stirring, until bright pink, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring until glossy, about 2 minutes. Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Add the water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the shrimp stock from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes.

Strain the stock, pressing hard on the solids. Return the stock to the saucepan and boil until reduced to 1/3 cup, about 20 minutes; let cool. Whisk in the lime juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper.

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper and cayenne and steam until just opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir the tarragon into the dressing. In a large bowl, toss the mangoes with 1/4 cup of the dressing and mound on plates. Top with the shrimp, drizzle on the remaining 1/4 cup of dressing and serve.

One Serving: 407 calories, 13.9 gm total fat, 1.4 gm saturated fat, 32 gm carb.

There are many healthy recipes that include all of these ingredients that will help you to start eating healthy, others include, Buttermilk Creamsicle Panna Cotta, Roasted Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad, Bok Choy and Rice Noodle Soup with Turkey Meatballs, Roasted Salmon with Spaghetti-Squash Salad Quinoa Pilaf with Carrot and Zucchini, Caribbean Mango and Steamed Shrimp Salad, Beef with Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Chickpea Stew with Spinach and Potatoes.