Which is better? Maturity of fruits or vegetables on or off trees/plants?

I had always thought that ripening of fruits on trees and plants is way better and carry more nutrition than done unnaturally. Most fruits and vegetables are harvested before actual maturity time. So, when they reach the shelf which is a few days after harvesting, they appear just right.

I read that there really is no difference. Antioxidants in vegetables or fruits do not decrease at all. If they are chilled at the right temperature, if the humidity is right, and they are packed/brought to the shelf at the right time,there really is no loss of nutrition.

Good to know this but I still have my doubts!

Elimination of some foods eliminate certain ailments

I am certain of this since I have tested it several times. Eliminating some foods that cause problems or affect parts of the body, does help get rid of the issue. Lactaid milk for instance takes care of the digestive system if you are lactose intolerant.

MSG, the taste enhancer in foods is a big one. It is added to most foods in restaurants and I have heard/read that it triggers migraines in some people. Requesting the chef to avoid MSG in your food preparation can help. I did this when I was pregnant with my second child. Most chefs do oblige. In fact, nowadays chefs are cooks, artists, part nutritionists, and knowledgable about health as well.Another simple example is eliminating fried foods to help get rid of acne. This isn't an ailment but just a simple answer to a bothersome issue.

However, I think the best way to deal with some of our health issues is to listen to our own bodies and treat it by following some sensible steps.

'Tis the season for flus

Several of my friends are down with the flu this week. I had a question on my blog for a herbal remedy.

I generally do the following:

For just a cold, I drink a lot of orange juice with extra vitamin C and D. In addition, I drink a lot of hot water. Might sound strange. But it helps. This is an eastern thing. I have seen my chinese friends do that as well as even a couple of my Russian friends! Between the hot water doses, I have a cup or two of herbal tea with lemon and honey. A humidifier by the bed side will certainly help as well.

For the flu, I do all of the above and take day time Tyelenol.

Don't just do these things one day. Repeat them for at least about 3 days. You will notice a difference after the first day.

For food - I eat a normal diet with lots of soups, of course.

Super bowl snacks

Yep. It's time to think about snacks. To me Super Bowl is all about bowls, meaning bowls of snacks.

Here are my top favorites:

Fried Beans with mustard
Baked and broiled Potato Skins
Nachos with guacamole and home made salsa
Pizza for sure
Black Bean Chili
Last but not least are those hot, jalapeno potato chips

What are your top favorites and where are you going to watch the game?

Hearty, Healthy Vegetable Soup from Barcelona

This week's recipe is inspired by the kitchens of Barcelona. During my recent visit there and eating at different restaurants I realized that soup is a great offering in their menu especially for fussy eaters like me. I probably tried at least 8 different types of soups, each distinct in taste, flavor, and sumptuous as well.

So, here's a simple vegetarian soup recipe for you to try as well.

Women in African countries

As you can see from the title, today's blog is a deviation from the norm. Although this is not a revelation, I needed to share it with my readers.

One way to kill time during a flight is to sleep but if you can't I think the next best thing is to get a drink, eat or read. At least you can kill some of the time. Today's flight was uneventful which is always good. Unfortunately, I was restless and terribly disturbed by an article I read in the airline magazine about rape of women in several African countries like Sudan, Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda where men treat women with utter disrespect, dehumanize and humiliate them in the worst possible way.

I read rape of women is the norm and the ages range from 3 to even 83. Men not only dominate sexual relations but do it in very unsafe and savage ways, and women have no say at all even though they know this means risk of being infected by HIV and AIDS.

I wonder if things will ever change in these cursed countries of Africa where life in all ways is so deplorable. Women's interest organizations are trying to help in several ways but it could be a long time before changes take effect.

Egypt down on my list for now

I had always wanted to travel to Egypt to see the sphinx, pyramids, temples, cruise the Nile,... taste the fertility of the land in its vegetables and fruits; and experience what is left of the ancient civilization.

I am sad I did not get to do all of those things when I had a chance to the last few years. I am hoping that after the turmoil settles down the country will bounce back better than before and I can get to experience a better Egypt.

Less, more or no breakfast. Which is better?

The theories around less, more or no breakfast have come a full circle. For a long, long time it seemed to hang around 'big breakfasts'. Sounded great. Have a big meal in the morning with the hope that you won't have to eat much during lunch or dinner! I followed the first part of it to a 'T'. Big breakfast every morning. But I found I didn't eat any less at lunch or at dinner although I thought I did because I was following a proven method. I also thought my intake was probably pretty normal. Wrong.

Where were all those studies that are coming out now which say, 'Nah wishful thinking. Big breakfast don't mean smaller lunch or dinner. Just means more calories'. Some experiements have apparently come to conclusive answers stating that big breakfasts only means that you are packing on the calories.

So, am I going to stop eating the big breakfasts that I got used to over the past several years? Not a chance. I will a eat big breakfast, then a bigger lunch and an even bigger dinner.

A more uplifting piece

I had to share this with you. On a cold Sunday morning inspired by my recent travels to Spain and Portugal, I decided to create a simple, heart healthy soup filled with vegetables of all kinds. I remember having at least 10 different types of vegetables in there; created this humongous pot of soup and had a meal that lasted for a whole hour and a half. All I had other than the soup was a hearty grain bread. A couple guests joined us but it was one of the best meals. I think this is going to become a Sunday staple at least until spring. Very easy and satisfying. I will soon post one of my soup recipes. You are going to love it!

Divorce, an all around painful event. Sons of divorced couples are more affected than daughters.

It hurts to hear of divorces. I hurt thinking of young children caught in the middle. Apparently sons are more affected than daughters because of the lack of male figures. Read this article to understand the psychology behind it.