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- 4 Unhealthy Beverages
Whether you are watching your weight or just want to eat healthier, taking a look at what you drink is key. Empty calories can lurk in all types of beverages – especially these: - Coffee drinks with full-fat dairy, artificial flavorings, and extras such as chocolate sprinkles. These can pack as many calories (and fat) as a meal. A better option is a plain coffee with soymilk or, better yet, antioxidant-rich green tea.
- Sugary cocktails. Whether it’s a margarita or a pina colada, these drinks pack a double dose of calories due to alcohol and sugar – some can top 800 calories in one drink. Better options are a glass of red wine (60-100 calories) or a light beer (about 100 calories).
- Non-juice “juice drinks.” Before buying juice, read the label and make sure it is 100 percent juice (not just “made with” real juice) and check for sweeteners and calories. Many of these products are no better than drinking sugar water. Even 100 percent juice can spike blood sugar and promote weight gain, so mix it with plain or sparkling water, or green tea, to lower the glycemic load.
- Soda. There just isn’t anything nutritious about soda, whether it’s diet or regular. If you’re a soda addict, break the habit by eliminating soda as a treat, and stop reaching for it automatically with a meal or as a thirst quencher.
Tomorrow’s post covers four drinks that you should be reaching for!
- Barley and Vegetable Soup
Barley has been cultivated since the Stone Age and was fermented to make beer soon after. Folk medicine prescribed the use of barley water as a tonic during convalescence. “Pearl” barley is the name of the grain when it’s been polished, after the husk and bran have been removed. It’s the form most commonly used in soups. Enjoy this healthful, old-fashioned hearty soup!Ingredients:
3/4 cup pearl barley
11 cups vegetable stock (see recipe for Roasted Vegetable Soup)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
Salt to taste
1/2 bunch parsleyInstructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the barley and 3 cups of vegetable stock. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the liquid is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot and add the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cover and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. Add the remaining vegetable stock and simmer 30 minutes, covered.
4. Add the barley and simmer 5 minutes more. Add salt to taste and ladle into bowls. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Food as Medicine: Barley is high in healthy carbs, has a moderate amount of protein, and contains calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. With its emphasis on vegetables and absence of meat, this soup is a natural fit for those who want to promote heart health.
More warming soup recipes from my Healthy Kitchen.
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Originally posted 2011-01-22 17:30:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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