Friday 31 October 2014
12 Amazing Benefits of Blue Berries.
1. Catechins found in blueberries activate fat-burning genes in abdominal fat cells to assist with weight loss, and belly fat loss in particular. According to research at Tufts University, regularly ingesting catechins increases abdominal fat loss by 77 percent and double total weight loss.
2. They contain a group of natural phytonutrients (plant nutrient) called proanthocyanidins which have a unique ability to protect both the watery and fatty parts of the brain against damage from some environmental toxins.
3. Blueberries are one of the richest sources of proanthocyanidins. These phytonutrients decrease free radicals levels that are linked to aging (yes wrinkling!) and disease.
4. In animal studies, those given an extract of blueberries had less motor skill decline and performed better on memory tests than animals not given the blueberries. Researchers conclude that compounds in blueberries may reverse some age-related memory loss and motor skill decline.
5. Blueberries are packed with vitamins C, E, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
6. They are a rich source of the phytonutrients ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has proven anticancer and genetic-material-protection capabilities. It also encourages a healthy rate of apoptosis—how the body seeks out and destroys harmful or damaged cells, like cancer cells.
7. Because they contain plentiful amounts of the phytonutrient quercetin, they may reduce the likelihood and severity of allergies.
8. Blueberries contain minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
9. Blueberries contain salicylic acid—the natural version of aspirin. Salicylic acid is known to thin the blood and reduce pain.
10. Blueberries are excellent anti-inflammatory agents. They increase the amounts of compounds called heat-shock proteins that decrease as people age. When heat shock proteins decrease the result is inflammation and damage, particularly in the brain. Research shows that by eating blueberries regularly, inflammation lessens.
11. They increase the production of feel-good dopamine. Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter (brain messenger) that tends to be low in Parkinson’s.
12. They just taste great. Ok, this is no surprise but it’s a great reason to eat blueberries anyway.
http://www.healthdigezt.com/12-amazing-benefits-of-blue-berries/
How to Cut 500 Calories Every Day.
The most fundamental way to lose weight is by cutting calories. That’s rule numero uno (followed by exercise, of course!). The question, however, is how many calories do you need to cut or burn to see results? The answer may seem simple, but it can quickly become confusing. According to exercise scientists, 1 pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories, so a daily deficit of 500 calories would result in the loss of 1 pound per week. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodily needs are different. So, to determine what your needs are, use this handy calorie calculator!
The key to shedding weight is to create a calorie deficit, whilst consuming the proper fuel to keep your body energized and moving. Here are ten ways that help create that calorie deficit and are super easy to do. What are you waiting for? It’s time to cut 500 calories every day!!
1. Downgrade your dishes
You can eat 20-25% less without realizing just by using smaller plates!! Eating is a visual process—if you have a big plate, you’ll feel the need make sure it looks full. By using a smaller plate, you instantly decrease your portion size, and according to researchers, you won’t feel any less full!!2. Cut out the soda for crying out loud!
A 12 oz can of soda has anywhere from 140-180 calories (but remember, soda is also loaded with sugar!!). If you have two to three sodas a day, you’re easily taking in an extra 400 calories that you don’t need!! But what about diet soda? Sure, diet soda seems harmless and contains zero calories, it also contains zero nutritional value. Best bet is to just skip it all together and go for good ole’ H20.3. Eat Breakfast!
No doubt you’ve heard this before; you need to eat breakfast every morning. Eating breakfast breaks the fast you had while you were asleep. By doing this, you kick start your metabolism for the day. Sure, eating this “extra” meal may not decrease your calorie intake, but it will prevent you from overeating during lunch and dinner.4. Fill up before you eat
Start your day off with protein and a huge glass of water. You’ll feel fuller than if you were to have cereal and juice. Two protein-packed boiled or poached eggs are a great start. Then, later in the day, before lunch or dinner, have a cup of low calorie soup. These two ways can save you a total of 684 calories for the day!!5. Coffee, black.
Gourmet coffee drinks can easily contain 500 calories. They’re loaded with whipped cream, whole milk and sugary syrups. That’s just the medium sizes (or what Starbucks likes to refer to as… “grande”.) The bigger the cup, the more calories it has!!! If you need that caffeine fix, opt for black coffee and a small amount of zero calorie sweetener. This change alone can save 400+ calories every day!! If you really desire some whipped cream, try a shot of espresso with lite whipped cream—but make sure to make that a weekly treat!!6. Hold the extra toppings
Salads and diets go hand in hand—but salads can quickly lose their healthy value. With additions like cheese, caramelized nuts, bacon, avocado, dried fruit and croutons, a healthy 300 calorie salad can easily reach the equivalent of lasagna. Save 500 or more calories by just choosing one topping and packing the rest of the salad with veggies.7. Eat at the table
According to research by the University of Massachusetts, when you eat meals in front of the TV, you’ll eat 288 more calories than when eating at the table. Eating in front of the TV causes you to put focus on the TV instead of your meal—this leads to mindless eating. Avoid mindless eating and sit down at the table!!8. Be like Sleeping Beauty
Not enough sleep can make you snack, say researchers at the University of Chicago. According to the study, people who only got 5½ hours of sleep snacked more throughout the day. Get more zzzzz’s, and save yourself the extra calories the next day!9. Avoid bowls of nuts
Just like plates, the bigger the dish, the more you eat. And although nuts are a super food, they are also high in calories. A handful (about 1 once) of mixed nuts has 175 calories. The more handfuls you grab from the bowl, the more calories you’re consuming. Instead of mixed nuts, choose pistachios! Two handfuls have about 159 calories and the act of shelling them will slow down your munching.10. Become one with your tummy
Pay attention to how full you feel and put down the utensils when you’re satisfied. Listen to the hunger signals your body puts out instead of forcing yourself to clean your plate.With these simple healthy eating tips, you’ll easily create a calorie deficit and reach your weight loss goals. There are no shortcuts to weight loss, but by adding these tips you can speed up the process just a little bit each and every day!
http://www.healthdigezt.com/how-to-cut-500-calories-every-day/
Wednesday 29 October 2014
Shaun T's 5-Minute Fat-Blasting Workout.
Dr. Oz puts Shaun T's quick new workout to the test! You'll be feeling a total-body burn in just five minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kQpTMkQo3Y
Recipe: Bloody Glass Cupcakes.
Ingredients
- 1 Can white frosting
- 1 Box Red Velvet Cake Mix
Sugar Glass:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Edible Blood:
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water, or more as needed
- 15 drops red food coloring
- 3 drops blue food coloring
Directions
Prepare Red Velvet Cake Mix According to box, line
cupcake tins with paper cupcake liners.
Divide cake batter between lined cupcake tins.
Bake according to box instructions. Let cool and frost
cupcakes with white frosting.
Make the sugar glass
Mix 2 cups water, 1 cup corn syrup,
white sugar, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.
Use a
candy thermometer and boil sugar syrup until temperature reaches 300 degrees
(hard ball), stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken as water evaporates.
When sugar reaches 300 degrees, quickly pour onto a metal baking pan.
Cool
until completely hardened. Break into "shards" using a meat mallet.
Make the edible blood
Mix together 1/2 cup corn syrup
and cornstarch in a large bowl.
Slowly stir in the 1/4 cup of water, adding
more if necessary, until the corn syrup mixture has thickened to the
consistency of blood.
Stir in the red and blue food coloring.
Stab each frosted cupcake with a few shards of broken
sugar glass.
http://fromawhispertoascream.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/recipe-bloody-glass-cupcakes-dexter.html
Spider-Web Cupcakes.
Ingredients
* 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
* 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
* 2 large eggs
* 3/4 cup buttermilk
* 3 tablespoons safflower oil
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup warm water
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and water; whisk until smooth.
-
Divide batter evenly among paper-lined standard muffin tins. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 16 minutes. Let cupcakes cool in tins on wire racks 10 minutes. Turn out onto racks and let cool completely. Cupcakes can be stored at room temperature up to 2 days before glazing and decorating.
-
Whisk together confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth (glaze will be very thick). Spread onto cupcakes and let stand until glaze is set. Place cupcakes on a doily or serving platter in tight concentric circles.
-
Place melted chocolate in a parchment cone or resealable plastic bag with a tiny hole snipped in one corner. Pipe a straight line from middle of top row of cupcakes to bottom. Pipe a second line going across middle of cupcakes, from left to right. Pipe 6 more lines through center point, spaced evenly apart; lines should form 16 even wedges. Create a web pattern by piping slightly curved, swooping lines to connect spokes, starting from center, letting chocolate flow between cupcakes.http://www.marthastewart.com/1084856/spider-web-cupcakes#Halloween%20Cupcake%20Recipes|/274565/halloween-cupcake-recipes/@center/1006805/halloween-recipes|1084856
Tuesday 21 October 2014
How to Cut 500 Calories Every Day.
The most fundamental way to lose weight is by cutting calories. That’s rule numero uno (followed by exercise, of course!). The question, however, is how many calories do you need to cut or burn to see results? The answer may seem simple, but it can quickly become confusing. According to exercise scientists, 1 pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories, so a daily deficit of 500 calories would result in the loss of 1 pound per week. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodily needs are different. So, to determine what your needs are, use this handy calorie calculator!
The key to shedding weight is to create a calorie deficit, whilst consuming the proper fuel to keep your body energized and moving. Here are ten ways that help create that calorie deficit and are super easy to do. What are you waiting for? It’s time to cut 500 calories every day!!
1. Downgrade your dishes
You can eat 20-25% less without realising just by using smaller plates!! Eating is a visual process—if you have a big plate, you’ll feel the need make sure it looks full. By using a smaller plate, you instantly decrease your portion size, and according to researchers, you won’t feel any less full!!2. Cut out the soda for crying out loud!
A 12 oz can of soda has anywhere from 140-180 calories (but remember, soda is also loaded with sugar!!). If you have two to three sodas a day, you’re easily taking in an extra 400 calories that you don’t need!! But what about diet soda? Sure, diet soda seems harmless and contains zero calories, it also contains zero nutritional value. Best bet is to just skip it all together and go for good ole’ H20.3. Eat Breakfast!
No doubt you’ve heard this before; you need to eat breakfast every morning. Eating breakfast breaks the fast you had while you were asleep. By doing this, you kick start your metabolism for the day. Sure, eating this “extra” meal may not decrease your calorie intake, but it will prevent you from overeating during lunch and dinner.4. Fill up before you eat
Start your day off with protein and a huge glass of water. You’ll feel fuller than if you were to have cereal and juice. Two protein-packed boiled or poached eggs are a great start. Then, later in the day, before lunch or dinner, have a cup of low calorie soup. These two ways can save you a total of 684 calories for the day!!5. Coffee, black.
Gourmet coffee drinks can easily contain 500 calories. They’re loaded with whipped cream, whole milk and sugary syrups. That’s just the medium sizes (or what Starbucks likes to refer to as… “grande”.) The bigger the cup, the more calories it has!!! If you need that caffeine fix, opt for black coffee and a small amount of zero calorie sweetener. This change alone can save 400+ calories every day!! If you really desire some whipped cream, try a shot of espresso with lite whipped cream—but make sure to make that a weekly treat!!6. Hold the extra toppings
Salads and diets go hand in hand—but salads can quickly lose their healthy value. With additions like cheese, caramelized nuts, bacon, avocado, dried fruit and croutons, a healthy 300 calorie salad can easily reach the equivalent of lasagna. Save 500 or more calories by just choosing one topping and packing the rest of the salad with veggies.7. Eat at the table
According to research by the University of Massachusetts, when you eat meals in front of the TV, you’ll eat 288 more calories than when eating at the table. Eating in front of the TV causes you to put focus on the TV instead of your meal—this leads to mindless eating. Avoid mindless eating and sit down at the table!!8. Be like Sleeping Beauty
Not enough sleep can make you snack, say researchers at the University of Chicago. According to the study, people who only got 5½ hours of sleep snacked more throughout the day. Get more zzzzz’s, and save yourself the extra calories the next day!9. Avoid bowls of nuts
Just like plates, the bigger the dish, the more you eat. And although nuts are a super food, they are also high in calories. A handful (about 1 once) of mixed nuts has 175 calories. The more handfuls you grab from the bowl, the more calories you’re consuming. Instead of mixed nuts, choose pistachios! Two handfuls have about 159 calories and the act of shelling them will slow down your munching.10. Become one with your tummy
Pay attention to how full you feel and put down the utensils when you’re satisfied. Listen to the hunger signals your body puts out instead of forcing yourself to clean your plate.With these simple healthy eating tips, you’ll easily create a calorie deficit and reach your weight loss goals. There are no shortcuts to weight loss, but by adding these tips you can speed up the process just a little bit each and every day!
http://www.healthdigezt.com/how-to-cut-500-calories-every-day/
Monday 20 October 2014
Frozen Banana Ghosts.
Ingredients
* 200g bar white chocolate (supermarket own brand Belgian is good), broken into chunks
* 4 medium-large, ripe bananas
* 85g desiccated coconut (you won’t use it all)
* Handful dark chocolate drops
Method:
1. In a small bowl, gently melt the chocolate either in the microwave – in short bursts on high or over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bowl isn’t touching the water). Set aside for a moment while you get the bananas ready.
2. Peel the bananas, cut in half, and push a lolly stick into the middle of each piece. Spread the coconut out in a shallow bowl. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment, and make sure there is room for the tray in the freezer.
3. Using a pastry brush, coat a banana half in chocolate, letting excess drip away. Sprinkle with plenty of the coconut until coated, then set it on the prepared sheet. Now add two chocolate eyes and a mouth, and if you like, cut a few little eyebrows from the chocolate drops too. Freeze the lollies for at least 4 hrs, and up to a week.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/frozen-banana-ghosts
Tuesday 7 October 2014
30 Easy Ways To Beat Stress Quickly.
Stress is very common that it pushes most of us to experience physical and psychological symptoms on a regular basis. When the most common causes of stress involve job pressure, money, health, relationships, and poor nutrition, it’s no surprise that we get burnt out. After all, most of us get a heavy dose of these stressors on a daily basis.
What is surprising is that few of us actually take measures to reduce that stress–and that’s because it can take a lot of time and effort. Getting on the treadmill? No, thank you! The good news is that you don’t have to stick to a strict exercise regimen to beat stress. With these 30 quick stress relieving activities, you can reduce your stress levels now. Choose one to start beating stress in under five minutes.
1. Snuggle, Kiss, or Hug Someone You Love
A strong support network is a great way to beat stress during a rough time. One study shows that social support is a hugely effective stress management mechanism with students learning to cope with stress.Another study showed that frequent hugs from a partner can lower blood pressure. Kick-start that support by cuddling up with someone you love. Knowing someone is there is often enough to help you manage your stress more effectively.2. Take a bath with Epsom Salt
Taking a hot bath with Epsom salt is a quick and effective way to let your worries go. Why add Epsom salt to your bath? The salt increases the water’s specific gravity, making you feel more light-weight and buoyant while helping your muscles relax. Your body also absorbs the salts, which helps replenish magnesium stores, a mineral that is reduced with stress. Magnesium can help decrease irritability since it reduces the effect of adrenaline on the body.3. Get Outside and Feel the Sun on Your Face
The sun acts as a powerful weapon against stress. That’s why in areas where people get little sun in the winter, much of the population experiences depressive symptoms. This is because sunlight affects the body’s level of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that helps maintain good mood. If you can, try coupling your outdoor session with some exercise, like walking or biking, to further boost your mood.4. Dance
You probably already know that exercise can boost your mood. In fact, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin say that a single 40-minute exercise session can immediately boost mood. But what good is it if you hate the exercise? Get up and dance like nobody’s watching! You’ll get the stress relieving mood boost that comes with exercise while enjoying yourself.5. Meditate
Meditation comes in many forms, but whichever you choose to go with, it will likely help reduce stress. Start in a comfortable position and focus on clearing your mind. If your mind begins wandering, find something to focus on, like your breathing, a mantra, or an object in front of you. Check out these other forms of meditation to figure out which one best fits your personality and schedule.6. Pet an Animal
Human-animal interaction can have positive effects on humans. That’s why it’s common to see children with autism, elderly patients, or other disabled individuals with support pets–usually cats and dogs that help them emotionally. Spending time with your own pet can help relieve your stress, too. If you don’t have a furry friend, meet up with a friend who does or volunteer at an animal shelter, where you can play with and walk the cats and dogs.7. Try Aromatherapy
Certain scents like lavender have been shown to reduce stress levels. Draw a bath and add a few drops of lavender oil into the tub, light a candle, or light some incense. Other easy ways to enjoy the effects of essential oils include using a diffuser, adding it to your lotion before applying it, or letting the oil evaporate off a nearby cotton ball.8. Drink Soothing Tea–Like Chamomile
Herbal remedies like chamomile tea are great for relieving stress due to their calming properties. Chamomile tea promotes muscle relaxation, helping you unwind. Plus, it’s good for cramping, pain, and gas, so it can help relieve physical pain, too.9. Get a Massage
Studies show that after just a five-minute touch massage, heart rate is decreased significantly, pointing to a reduction in the stress response. If you have the time and money, head to a nearby spa for a professional treatment. If not, ask a friend or family member to rub your back for a few minutes, or give yourself a self foot, face, and calf massage.10. Enjoy a Yoga Session
Yoga is a method of meditation that helps relax the muscles and clear the mind. Not only can it provide a quick stress relief now, but ongoing yoga sessions can improve chronic low back pain, lower blood pressure, and improve overall health. It doesn’t have to take a huge time commitment–or even a lot of money–to start. Begin with the Yoga Zone videos on Hulu for free 30- to 60-minute sessions (although it shouldn’t take that long to start feeling the stress-relieving effects).11. Listen to Relaxing Music
I don’t know about you, but I get frustrated quickly with slow-to-start yoga videos–and I’ve been known to sneak out of yoga sessions early because I find it more frustrating than relaxing. Instead, I turn on this 8 hours of relaxing music (don’t worry–you don’t have to listen to the whole thing) and do whatever stretches I feel my body needs while focusing on my breathing. Sometimes I just lie on the floor consciously relaxing every muscle in my body while listening to the music. Beware of starting a session if you have somewhere to go; you might fall asleep!12. Eat a Piece of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that’s loaded with nutrients with stress relieving properties, helping to lower stress hormones. But be careful. Some “dark” chocolates aren’t as “dark” as you might think. Most run around 45 percent cocoa content, but you’ll want at least 70 percent cocoa content to get the most health benefits out of it.13. Talk it Out
Stress can escalate by keeping it all in. Help your mind work through it by talking to a friend, praying, or even talking to yourself. This is a great way to sort out your stressors, come up with solutions, and put things in perspective. You’ll likely feel a weight lifted off your shoulders with a sense that everything will be alright.14. Skip the Junk Food
It may seem like a simple solution to eat your feelings, but digging into the junk food isn’t going to help. Foods like alcohol, candy, and those high in sodium and fat are actually very bad for reducing stress. Instead, opt for a healthy diet high in whole foods, and when you have to indulge, indulge in a sweet fruity snack. Fish–with their omega-3 fatty acids–are also good for reducing the symptoms of stress.15. Take a Break From Technology–Especially Your Smartphone
Media overload–be it television, radio, Internet, or social networking–is the sixth top cause of stress in the U.S. Given that your smartphone can deliver all of these–at once!–it’s probably best to stay away from it when you’re trying to reduce stress. Staying away from your smartphone for a while gives you time to focus on yourself, clear your mind, and work through your stress without distractions.16. Download a Stress App (And Use It)
If you simply can’t get away from your smartphone, use it to your advantage. Apps like Relax Melodies feature anxiety-relieving music, and Breathe2Relax guides breathing exercises. The Acupressure: Heal Yourself app helps reduce stress levels by teaching you where to find your body’s acupressure points, and Worry Box — Anxiety Self-Help acts as a journal to help you deal with your stressors.17. Smile
When you’re stressing, you probably don’t feel like smiling, but simply going through the motions can help you feel the happy emotions associated with it. If you need a bit of help, put a pencil between your teeth to simulate the smiling effect.18. Take a Nap
A common cause of stress is lack of sleep. Furthermore, stress can make it difficult to sleep. It’s an awfully vicious cycle. If you’ve only got a few minutes, lay down and set an alarm to allow yourself a few minutes of rest. At night, try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep to reduce your day-to-day stress.19. Find Video Clips on YouTube that Make You Laugh
In addition to boosting your immune system, memory, aerobic endurance, and creativity levels, laughter has been shown to reduce stress hormone levels. Along with that, laughter helps relax tension in the muscles, promote blood flow to the brain, and move more air through the lungs to deliver a cleansing effect similar to deep breathing. A simple way to get in a good laugh is to watch funny Youtube video clips. My favorite ones that get me every time come from the Talking Animals Youtube channel. If you’re an animal lover, you’re really appreciate these!20. Play With Your Kids
Kids have such a unique way of looking at the world that interacting with them can help you enjoy their worry-free views. The great thing about playing with your kids is that you get a stress-relieving kick in numerous ways. You become preoccupied to let go of your worries, you get exercise, and you get to interact with loved ones. If you don’t have kids, offer to babysit a friend’s to get your mind off your worries.21. Start a Gratitude Journal
Staring a gratitude journal is a great step toward looking at life optimistically. By simply listing a few things you’re thankful for in your life, you can work up the courage to face your stressors, making them appear less difficult to deal with. As you’re listing things you’re grateful for, you may realize that a lot of the things you’re stressing over are pretty trivial, putting you in a position to let go of some of it and focus on what really matters.22. Outsource Your Tasks
Whether at work or at home, stress can grow quickly as your to-do list gets longer. Reduce your stress as you shorten your to-do list by handing off tasks to others. Is there someone in the office who can help you with your project? At home, can you have your children or partner pick up some of the chores?23. Perform an Act of Kindness
Acts of kindness can help boost confidence, optimism, and happiness while reducing stress. In fact, studies show that people who volunteer are overall healthier and happier than those who don’t. If you have a lot of time, consider volunteering in organizing a community event. Truth be told, you don’t need to devote hours of time to a volunteer opportunity to enjoy these benefits, though. Simply look for opportunities throughout the day to perform a random act of kindness like the ideas listed here.24. Go Swimming
Whether you take a dip in your outdoor pool, head to the community pool, or laze on the beach, taking a dip in the water is a great way to beat stress and reduce depressive symptoms. Not only will the exercise give you a mood boost, but the water can have a calming effect on the body.25. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
A 2008 study showed that gum chewing can reduce levels of cortisol in the body, a stress hormone. Research subjects reported feeling more alert with less anxiety after chewing gum. Opt for a sugar-free option that’s healthier on the teeth.26. Let Your Imagination Run Wild
“Guided Imagery” is a stress-relieving technique that has many of the same benefits as deep breathing. The method works by getting yourself in a quiet, comfortable position and letting your imagination take you to your “happy place.” You might, for instance, imagine yourself walking along the beach while imagining sounds and smells and focusing on your breathing. If you can’t seem to focus, search for a guided online podcast that will help walk you through the process.27. Give a Compliment
Sharing compliments with others not only makes you feel better about yourself, but it can change the way people treat you, effectively reducing tension in your work and home life. When you’re stressing over relationships, use a “kill them with kindness” approach to change the environment you’re living in and boost your mood.28. Treat Yourself
You probably feel pretty special on your birthday when you’re treated to presents and cake. It’s a pretty great stress buster, right? Treat yourself like it’s your birthday! Buy yourself a present, or go out for a tasty meal–whatever it is that makes you feel special.29. Look Up Cat Photos
You might roll your eyes at the people who “waste” time looking at cat photos online, but the truth is that focusing on cute images can help produce positive feelings. This practice can even help you perform tasks more carefully afterward, says a 2012 study, so you really shouldn’t feel guilty about looking up cat pictures at work!30. Go for a Walk
Aside from the exercise you’ll get from your walk, taking a short stroll is a great way to let go of stress. Studies show that even a moderate-paced walk can help reduce muscle tension and decrease anxiety. Try meditating as you walk by repeating a mantra. This has been shown to further promote positive mood and reduced stress.http://www.ideadigezt.com/30-easy-ways-to-beat-stress-quickly/
Moroccan Chicken over Couscous Recipe.
Moroccan Chicken over Couscous
Ingredients:
FOR THE MOROCCAN CHICKEN
Olive Oil, As Needed For Browning
2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, As Needed For Seasoning
1 whole Onion, Peeled And Thinly Sliced
1 dash Vinegar Or White Wine, For Deglazing (I Used A Lemon Balsamic!)
1 teaspoon Ras El Hanout (a Special Moroccan Spice Mix That You Can Find In Any Spice Shop)
1 pinch Saffron
½ teaspoons Dried Tarragon
½ teaspoons Powdered Ginger
1 teaspoon Coriander
½ teaspoons Cumin
1 teaspoon Turmeric
½ teaspoons Smoked Paprika
⅛ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
6 cups Chicken Stock
1 ounce, fluid Honey
2 whole Cinnamon Sticks
½ pounds Butternut Squash, Cubed Small (any Squash You Have Will Work If You Don’t Have Butternut Squash.
I’ve Done Yellow Squash And Zucchini As Well)
4 ounces, weight Dried Prunes, Coarsely Chopped
4 ounces, weight Dried Apricots, Coarsely Chopped
1 can (15 Oz. Size) Chickpeas, Rinsed And Drained
2 whole Bay Leaves
Parsley Sprigs, For Garnish
FOR THE COUSCOUS:
2 cups Chicken Stock
½ teaspoons Hickory Smoked Sea Salt
½ teaspoons Ras El Hanout
½ teaspoons Smoked Paprika
1 pinch Saffron
1 box (10 Oz. Size) Plain Couscous
Preparation
1. First, heat up a drizzle of oil in a large pot. Brown all of your chicken thighs for about 3 minutes on each side and sprinkle them with a bit of hickory smoked salt as they cook. Remove them from the pot and set them aside. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until translucent. Deglaze the pan by stirring in the vinegar or wine and scrape up those lovely browned bits at the bottom. Have the ras el hanout, saffron, tarragon, powdered ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika and cayenne ready and combined in a bowl. Toss it in with the onions and let it get aromatic for about 30 seconds.
2. Add in the chicken stock, honey and cinnamon sticks. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the squash, dried fruit and chickpeas and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chicken back in to the pot as well as the bay leaves. Simmer this for 2 hours to let all of those lovely flavors come together and make the chicken “fall apart” tender.
3. When you are just about ready to serve, prepare the couscous. I like to cook it in chicken stock because it ties it in more with the chicken dish it is being served with and adds so much more flavor. Get a small pot on the stove and bring the chicken stock to a low boil. While it is heating up add the salt, ras el hanout, smoked paprika and saffron. Pour the couscous in when it is at a boil and give it a big stir. Cover the pot and take it off the heat. Let the couscous cook for 5 minutes until tender, then remove the lid and fluff it up with a fork.
4. You’re ready to serve! Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves from the pot of Moroccan chicken. Spoon a healthy scoop or two of couscous into a bowl, then top with a big portion of that Moroccan chicken. The liquid will just get soaked up by the couscous and everything will meld just gloriously. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and you’re good to go.
This can easily serve 6 to 8 and it is great to serve family style at a dinner party.
Let me tell you, as this was cooking our house smelled so good and if I closed my eyes I could have been at a market in Marrakech. The taste just transported me further. I love how food has that power. Try this Moroccan chicken and transport yourself without having to leave your kitchen.
http://www.healthdigezt.com/moroccan-chicken-over-couscous-recipe/
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