Tidbits on health and vegetarian diets

Vegetarians are less likely to die of heart diseases than meat eaters. Statistics are proof for this. If you have questions, write to me. I would love to answer them.

Regarding diet, think of the following: spinach, hummus, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, hemp, chia seeds, flax. Now, follow these with the health benefits they offer: omega 3 fatty acid, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, gamma-linolenic acid, essential fatty acids, brain foods, glowing skin, flawless complexion... 

Who wouldn't want these?  Don't let these thoughts slip away to be forgotten. Pick at least 4 items from the short list above. Choose 2 different ones the following week. I will keep adding to the list and you keep choosing different ones every week. You will be well on your way to eating healthy.

For some delicious recipes to cook go to vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

Dill Potatoes, Northern Indian Style

I love the aroma of dill but had never used in Indian cooking until now. It tastes great and enhances the flavor of the vegetable or lentil preparation it is used in.

I also discovered just this past summer that dill is plentiful in my own garden. I can get it fresh off the garden and the nutrition benefits of dill whenever I need them.
Here is a simple recipe for dill in potatoes. Simple ingredicents as dill, potatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic, turmeric and salt. Check it out at vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

How do you pick the right engergy bar?

I struggled with that question for a long time. My first snack/meal for several years was a protein bar.  The protein content said 16 grams; it sounded healthy and tasted great. I didn't bother to look at the long list of other ingredients until a relative pointed it out to me. The protein bar had an equal amount of carbohydrate and lots of corn syrup and sugar.

So, here's the lesson I've learned from a lot of reading and researching. A protein bar should not contain a paragraph listing of ingredients. The more ingredients, the worse it is for health. Secondly, don't go for artifical sweeteners. You are better off going for real sugar or cane sugar. Avoid anything with corn syrup, fructose and glucose. Pick a bar with natural fruit juice sweetening, natural healthy ingredients and at least over 16 grams of protein.

This might work for you as well. On some days I have a protein bar plus a light regular breakfast such as multigrain toast and juice, or fruits or a complex grain cereal. The point is no energy or protein bar can match a good high protein, low carb breakfast meal. It's best to not start the day out with anything sugary. My suggestions would be to avoid bagels, muffins, croissants, pastries, cookies, snacks and sodas first thing in the morning.

Almond Halwa and Almond Burfi



Almond Halwa and Burfi

Several indian desserts are way too sweet for the american palate, but Almond Halwa/Burfi that I just added as this week's recipe of the week is not overwhelming in sweetness. The recipe has almond to sugar ratio as 2:1. You may add less sugar than suggested. That might bring out the raw taste of almond but testing this recipe a couple times will help you arrive at the right consistency and taste.

This is my aunt's recipe and the best that I have come across. Remember I am very picky!

Chum Chum, a milk based Bengali dessert from India

This is my favorite Indian dessert. Quite easy to make, a bit time consuming. Try it out from vidyaswamyskitchen.com. You may not get it exactly right the first time, so don't be disappointed. It happened to me. But try it out, you'll love it.

Masal Vadai - lightly spiced, aromatic lentil cakes

Masal Vadais are always a hit at parties, a great anytime of day snack you can never get enough of.  Although fried, these cakes are packed with a lot of protein; also you may not have to worry about over-eating as they can fill you up quickly. Try the recipe.