Meatless Monday Mediterranean style

A Meatless
Mediterranean FeastYou may have heard about the “Mediterranean Diet,” but for people in many Mediterranean countries, a Mediterranean diet is simply a lifestyle and not a meal plan. Mediterranean dishes are heart-healthy and fit in nicely with Meatless Monday, as the diet (or way of eating) is generally associated with a limited consumption of red meat.

Along with their way of living, people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (including Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco and Spain) eat things like whole grains and plant-based foods. They use herbs and spices rather than salt, eat a few servings of fish each week and limit the amounts of fatty foods they eat, including red meats.

A Mediterranean diet is a good fit with Meatless Monday. Take a journey on your Meatless Mondays without leaving town -- there are many Mediterranean-style recipes, foods and eating habits you can try!

Tips for healthy, Mediterranean-style eating habits:Limit red meats

A perfect fit for Meatless Monday, a Mediterranean diet cuts back on red meat consumption.

Fit in fruit and vegetables

Try to make the majority of your meals based around vegetables and fruit. Go for fresh, in-season items if possible.

Go for the whole grains

Incorporate more whole grains into your meals. Switch to whole-grain bread, cereal, pasta and rice.

Get nutty

The "good" fat in nuts can help lower cholesterol levels, they're high in fiber which keeps you feeling full, and they contain omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. Incorporate walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia into your meals and snacks.

Switch from butter to olive oil

Use olive oil in your cooking and as a replacement for margarine and butter. Drizzle it on steamed or grilled vegetables, use it as a dip for whole-grain bread and as a topping to your favorite pasta.

Feast on fish

Add steamed or grilled fish to your menu a few nights a week. Try mackerel, salmon or trout. Fish is another good source for omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and is low in saturated fats.

Dial down the dairy

Try to keep the high-fat dairy products to a minimum. Switch to low fat or skim milk, cheeses and yogurt.

Substitute the salt

Instead of shaking on the salt, try replacing it with herbs and spices. You'll add flavor and seasonings without the added sodium.

Toast with wine

If your doctor doesn't prohibit you from drinking wine, you might consider drinking a glass of red with dinner. Some studies indicate red grapes (and red wine) could be good for your heart. If you don't drink alcohol, you can drink (red or purple) grape juice instead.

Mediterranean-style Meatless Monday recipesGrilled fish recipesLentil quinoa salad with fresh ginger Greek saladMediterranean peasant pizzaSaffron pilaf with grilled vegetablesChickpea tofu stir-fryWhole wheat couscous with seasoned tofu and asparagusRead more about Meatless Monday Meatless Monday: Make it funMeatless Monday: Summer fruits and veggiesMeatless Monday: Meatless cookout for Independence DayMeatless Monday is catching onIntroducing Meatless Monday

A Shiksa's attempt at the Passover diet

For those of you who are unaware of what a Shiksa is, it's Yiddish for a non-Jewish woman who attracts a Jewish man (Think Charlotte in Sex and the City).

Put down the bread

There are a lot of stereotypes that go with being a Shiksa, but I'm not going to get into that. What I am going to do is attempt the Passover diet. If you're in the same boat as me, read on to find out the rules of what you can and cannot eat.

Passover breakdown

Passover falls around Easter in the springtime and commemorates the story of Exodus (the Jewish people's rise from slavery). Also known as the Festival of the Unleavened Bread. Basically, when the Pharaoh freed the Israelites, they were in such a hurry to leave that they couldn't wait for their dough to rise. This is why during the week of Passover, most Jews do not eat bread or anything with yeast in it that rises.

Depending on if the Jewish person is reform, conservative or orthodox, the rules on what you can and cannot eat vary.

Starting at sundown on April 6 to sundown April 13, I'll be abstaining from anything with yeast in it as well as anything with grains. Meaning I'm cutting down on the carbs! I'll be eating matzo, of course, which is flat, unleavened bread that tastes a bit like a cracker and indulging in many fruits and vegetables. Many of my Jewish friends who observe this holiday every year lose about five pounds in that week from not eating bread or really any carbohydrates.

“Food doesn't taste as good as skinny feels„

Let's be honest, carbs are a girl's best friend and worst enemy. But this time around, I'm going to go with the old adage, "Food doesn't taste as good as skinny feels," or something like that.

The rules of Passover for Ashkenazi Jews, who come from Europe, avoid corn, rice, legumes and peanuts because they can be used to make bread and there's a chance that they could have other grains mixed in them. Some Jews even go through a cleaning process where they rid their kitchen, stove, oven and microwave of any type of food that is used to make bread, or that is bread.

If some are really strict about whether they consume any type of wheat or oil, they don't even eat certain raw vegetables for fear that the wax coatings on some may be made from soy protein and oils from grains.

Also, anything that contains gelatin is not allowed for Passover as it contains bones of potentially non-kosher animals. So Passover desserts can be tricky but still very delicious.

See: Kosher Passover desserts >>

Passover Seder

I'm sure you've heard of your friends attending Passover Seder -- I mean even President Obama went to a Passover Seder last year, so this is a widespread part of Passover. The Seder is held on the first night of Passover where, at least in my husband's family, we read through the story of Passover. There are certain things we eat that go along with the story such as a piece of horse radish, egg, potato, bitter herbs and we also drink wine at certain points during the story, which is kosher for Passover wine. My favorite part is when we open the front door to let Elijah the Prophet in. Then we eventually close it, of course.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama mark the beginning of Passover with a Seder in the Old Family Dining Room of the White HouseSee: The meaning behind the Passover Seder plate >>

Everyone typically reads a section the book (this gentile here included!) and my husband and his brothers sing in Hebrew. The first two days of Passover are solely for family. They don't include any type of work.

Passover food

If you're sticking to no yeast or grains this Passover like I am, then you will be eating many fruits, vegetables and anything that has a "Kosher for Passover" label on it. Matzo ball soup is a delicious must when eating for Passover. I will be living off of it from my local Jewish deli down the street.

Matzo pizza is another must for Passover food. Granted, it's not the healthiest, but it's extremely yummy. You just get a square of matzo, smear on some pasta sauce, top with mozzarella cheese (all items kosher for Passover) and heat it up until the cheese is melted and the matzo is golden.

For breakfast, it can be hard to break away from your usual morning toast. To still get a hearty breakfast in, try making matzo brei. It's a tasty dish that's easy to make and can be served savory or sweet.

This Passover, I'll be indulging in a lot of potatoes, matzo, veggies and fruits while supporting and observing the religious holiday with my husband. I mean, I want to lose three pounds.

More on Passover

Passover-inspired cocktail recipes
How to host a Passover Seder
What to expect at your first Passover dinner

Photo credit: Paramount International Picture via WENN.com

3 Easy no-heat no-fuss lunch ideas

No Heat RequiredLet's face it, life gets in the way sometimes and that can put a stop to eating a homemade lunch. These super-easy lunch recipes are perfect for on the go. The best thing is that they don't need to be heated.

These simple delicious no-heat lunch ideas are perfect for busy moms, times when you are running late or if you simply need something to eat that can't be reheated. What's even better is that all three recipes can be made in advance so you literally can grab it and go.

Need ideas for the kids? Check out these school lunch and snack ideas >>Easy pesto pasta salad recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:1 box pasta, cooked as shown on the package1 English cucumber, diced1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved1 red onion, sliced1/2 cup light mayonnaise1/2 cup pestoFresh parsley for garnish (optional)Directions:

In a mixing bowl add the mayonnaise and the pesto. Mix well and add in the cooked pasta. Toss gently so that you don't break any of the pasta, making sure all of the pasta is evenly coated.Add in the tomatoes, cucumber and red onion and toss gently once more. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve.

Mediterranean veggie bagel sandwich recipe

Yields 1 sandwich

Ingredients:1 bagel (any flavor), sliced in halfHummus , any flavorFresh baby spinachRed onion, sliced thinTomato, slicedCucumber, thinly slicedRed bell pepper, thinly sliced1 slice havarti (because I love cheese)Feta, crumbledDirections:

Spread a generous amount of hummus on one side of the bagel.Add the slice of havarti cheese and begin to layer all of the fresh veggies and top with a good sprinkle of the crumbled feta.Top with other half of the bagel.

Almond butter and honey sandwich recipe

Yields 1 sandwich

Ingredients:2 slices whole grain bread2 tablespoons almond butter1 teaspoon of honeyDirections:

Spread each slice of bread with the almond butter. Drizzle with honey and sandwich together.

More easy lunch ideas

Bento box lunch ideas for girls
Bento box lunch ideas for boys
On the go lunches for busy moms

Ham, cheese and onion quiche

Eggs-cellent
brunch idea

This is the perfect make-ahead dish for holiday guests! Breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, make this crustless quiche once, and you'll find yourself making it again and again!

Just about any fillings would do in this quiche, so feel free to use your favorite meat, cheese or vegetables. Making it a day in advance allows the quiche to set and the flavors to intensify.

So, is there such a thing as a crustless quiche? Many purists out there would quickly and assertively respond, "No!" That said, this crustless version of a quiche not only cuts down on the carbs, but it's quick and simple to prepare.

Ham, cheese and onion quicheIngredients:3 tablespoons fine, dry, plain breadcrumbs1 medium onion, diced1-1/2 to 2 cups diced cooked ham1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 (8-ounce) package shredded cheese of your choice — cheddar, Swiss, etc.5 large eggs1 cup heavy cream1 cup whole milk (or milk on hand, but whole is best)1/2 teaspoon pepper2-3 grates fresh nutmeg (optional)Fresh chives on top (optional)Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F with rack in middle.Butter quiche dish, then sprinkle all over with breadcrumbs.Create a prefitted foil top (in case of overbrowning).Cook onions with ham in butter (not oil) in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about five to eight minutes. Spread in dish over breadcrumbs, then evenly sprinkle cheese on top.Whisk together eggs, cream, milk and pepper and pour over cheese. Sprinkle top with chives and nutmeg, if using.Bake until top is golden and custard is set in center, 20 to 25 minutes. If it's overbrowning on top and the center still in not set, loosely cover with the prefitted foil and place back into the oven for five to eight minutes or so.Cool slightly before cutting into wedges.

Note: If you want to reheat the quiche, do so with foil on top at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until it's hot. Always let it sit a bit before cutting.

When cutting into the quiche, if the center looks a little runny you can place it back into the oven for a few minutes, but remember that it might be attributed to the two cups of melted cheese.

More quiche recipes

Mediterranean quiche recipe
Sweet potato and caramelized onion quiche
Creamy quiche lorraine

meizitang,botanical slimming,botanical slimming soft gel,meizitang strong version

Free guides within the web as regards to passion Suppressors in lessening body

Here is exactly what you need know or choose good chow nutritious eating plan. that right off the bat to consider is that you could trim off fat in a wholesome means. a sensational scene to make impoverished suggestions so that they can lose weight. if you pay when, Do the procedure and enjoy the knowledge you should have, it truly is accomplish any item, concerning reducing weight you just considerably desperately wish to give up. can lean guy within just just, that's quite frankly ready to be released. for instance like we now have recognized your company page, There are quite a number of realistic behaviour you could also take, setting up presently, in order to make that will come up,

bridal party weight loss program we should follow gently after which it is stick to it for several months and control all your improvements. Then check out the boost you have made and therefore do an assessment to see if dieting will probably be worth staying with for longer. won't only flip every couple of weeks while none might the chance to work with you,

up until the time excessive weight were to become outbreak, variety 2 diabetes turned out to be more or less unusual in kids and as well early year of youth. it actually was in the first place entitled new-start that was merely noticeable after second age group. Children now have fatness remember, though,but many yield fat loss some ideas to mother and fathers involving their children in just 1% with outings.

nutritional-lustrous food stuff are those that include excellent sustenance for the sheer numbers of high fat calories men and women contribute. an example, you heard the words "unload unhealthy calories, This may be used to label products that have a great nutrient remember, But chip in not much with respect to good nutritional requirements. in contrast, things as in vegetables, vegetables, whole grains in addition to the nut products, reasonable-extra milk or hard working liver provide body with sufficient of aminoacids, sugar, vitamins and minerals and even worthwhile fatty acids meant for electrical energy, adding muscle quickly and as well solar cells repair,

you don't have kinds important item when you are a "negative" meat. every dishes are able to match a healthy meal strategize. so fastfood may very well be full of unwanted, high fat calories, cholesterol, in addition to salt, however,though eating habits takeaway food every once in a while won't result in symptoms. medication toteractionsThe grapefruit create grapefruit could pu serious not to mention life-threatening uncomfortable side in case that taken into account while you're on prescription medications. birth control supplementations, Antihistamines, Statins, antidepressants and as well as calcium supplement station blockers -- among various tablets -- can make harmful in the case blended with grapefruit. Grapefruit retards a mans metabolic processes of medication, fairly producing an excess of prescription drugs your own body body.