I am a total food snob. I can also count towel, veterinary and paper product diva as well, among the many quirks that make me...well, me.
You are what you eat, albeit cliche, is beyond a doubt, the simplest way of explaining the importance of what we consume. Eating well and being particular about the ingredients you choose is the surest way to heal whatever is ailing you. Whether it be diarrhea, headaches, skin problems, or even a broken bone - it is not a cure-all, but an imperative element in the body's natural ability to take care of itself.
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So, the next time you need a boost in energy or are feeling a little under the weather, try adjusting your diet and you'll be doing your body a big favor. Just spend more time preparing your meals from ingredients that were carefully selected and you will notice a difference.
For example, I was craving a greasy gyro yesterday from a local hole-in-the-wall joint downtown. Instead, I went to the grocery store, chose lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I made my own flat bread, baked some amazing and juicy chicken breast and put together supercharged sandwiches! I slept better and felt stronger than I had in a long time.
The healing power of food goes beyond Mom's chicken soup, so spend some time honing your own inner food snob and see how much better it can make you feel.
Following are some recipes I came up with yesterday, sans cookbook, that satisfied every one of my senses, making me feel worlds more energized and generally healthy.
Chicken Gyros
2 Chicken Breasts, boneless & skinless
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Fresh Dill
1/4 tsp. Oregano
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tsp. Minced Garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Brown the chicken in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients when the chicken starts browning, finish cooking it for a minute or two, then transfer to the oven at 375 degrees until done all the way through, about 30 minutes.
Tzatziki Sauce:
1/2 Cucumber
1 Small Container of 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
2 tsp. Chopped Fresh Dill
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 tsp sugar
Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate for 1 hour
Flat Bread:
2/3 Cup Warm Water
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 Package of Quick Rise Yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 Cup Flour
Mix the above ingredients very well for 2 full minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Add enough flour to form a ball, about 1 1/2 - 2 more cups. Knead for 8 full minutes and then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, forming small balls the size of an ice cream scoop. Flatten them into 1/4" thick circles and let rise 10 minutes. Cook on each side in a hot skillet, until done all the way through. Keep warm by wrapping or covering with a towel.
Greek Salad Filling
1 Cucumber
2 Tomatoes
1 Red Onion
Crumbled Feta to taste
Kalamata Olives to taste
Dressing:
Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 Olive Oil
1 tsp Chopped Fresh Dill
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp honey or sugar, whichever you prefer
Mix the ingredients for the dressing well and chop the vegetables coarsely. Combine the veggies, cheese, olives in dressing and let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
Assembling your Chicken Gyros
Build your delicious sandwiches by adding a few pieces of chicken on top of a hot piece of flat bread. Add some chopped romaine, then a scoop of veggies and top it off with a spoonful of tzaziki sauce.