Side Dishes Archives - Healthy Latina Living

Kale Side Dish – 10 Minutes to Done!

April 13, 2015 by HealthyLatina 4 Comments

If you are reading this blog, then you probably already know that kale is a wonderful leafy green that is very nutrient dense. If you don’t, then you’ve probably seen it raw in salads and in smoothies. But did you know that you can whip up a tasty kale side dish in just 10 minutes that is not only nutritious but tasty!?!

Filled with over 45 flavinoids, this rich anti-oxidant leafy green makes a quick, easy and yummy side dish! With 3 g of protein per cup and only 33 calories, this is a great addition to any healthy diet!

We are happy to be joining in the 2015 A to Z Challenge!!

Photo Credit : Flickr – Bobbi Bowers

5 Benefits of Garlic

April 8, 2015 by HealthyLatina 3 Comments

I wish I could tell you that I have loved garlic all my life, but seriously I don’t think I really began my love affair with food until about 10 years ago. When your first date with your husband takes place at a sushi joint, and you have your dinner reception at Mesa Grill… well it starts to set precedence of a second relationship with food. A relationship that caused me to gain 38 pounds after my reception. Even though I am currently taking a journey with Weight Watchers, there are herbs and spices that can make the most bland tasting foods into a fiesta in your mouth. One of those herbs capable of that is Garlic!

Garlic has been used for thousands of years in both culinary and theraputic uses.

5 Benefits of Garlic

People who eat garlic at least 2x/week have a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Women who eat diets rich in Allium veggies (onions, chives, leeks, garlic) have lower levels of osteoarthritis.
Garlic oil my help protect diabetic patients from cardiomyopathy.
Garlic can decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men.

We are so happy to be participating in the 2015 A to Z Challenge. Today we celebrated the letter G with Garlic.

Photo Credits:

Flicker – Soren Oxenhave

3 Benefits of Beets: Creating a Colorful Plate

April 2, 2015 by HealthyLatina 2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but since I was little I have never really cared for beets. But thankfully I have a husband that likes to cook and will convince me every now and then to try something new. Luckily for me beets are still plentiful from our local organic farmers and easy to find at the markets.

Benefits of Creating a Colorful Plate

Fighting Inflammation

Did you know that beets are a great source of betaine? Betaine is a nutrients which protects cells, proteins and enzymes from environmental stress. It is also known to help fight inflammation, protect organs, enhance performance, and improve vascular risk factors.

Detoxification

The pigment in beets called betalin, helps the body in its detoxification. It helps molecules bind to toxins for excretion from the body by helping purify the blood and liver.

Anti-Cancer Properties

It is possible that the phytonutrients that give beets their wondrous color can help reduce tumorous cancers.

So what are you waiting for? Try giving this wonderful veggie a try with this awesome salad recipe!

Extra Tip:

If you want to decorate your little girls birthday cake, but you want to stay away from those horrible food colorings, just add a littl bit of fresh beet juice to your frosting! Depending on the amount you add, you can either get a great pink or a vibrant red. See the cake I made for my little furgirl Riley’s 4th birthday.