By Nancy Adler
Interested in exploring a plant-based diet life? A diet rich in fresh vegetables, grains and legumes may slim you down and reduce your risk of cancer and other illness And cutting back on animal foods will remove a lot of cholesterol and saturated fat from your diet. Read on to learn more about a plant-based diet and find out if it’s right for you. Priority is on whole or minimally processed foods (bonus points for local and/or seasonal). Keep in mind , Vegetables, grains, and legumes occupy the center of the plate..Eggs and dairy are consumed occasionally (if at all). Meat (if consumed at all) is treated as more of a condiment.
My suggestion is if you want to try incorporating plant based meals do it for these reasons. If you like to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet. If You have moral or ethical objections to eating animal products. This one is big! You never met a vegetable you didn’t like. You’re worried about your cancer risk.
Skip the plant based diet if You can’t imagine life without (real) cheese as most people can not . You feel better on a high-protein diet. Beans and legumes make you unfit for polite company. And, You’re looking for a flexible, low-maintenance diet.
The idea is to be creative if choosing a plant based diet. And be sure to find some recipes that bring some extra energy to get through the day such a bowlful of this protein-rich super grain topped with a little TLC in the way of nuts and honey should do the trick. You can save time by making amaranth several days ahead, keeping it chilled, covered, and then reheating it with a little extra water.
This is one of my favorite recipes. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups amaranth
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Accompaniments:
Broken or chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds; honey or pure maple syrup; milk
PREPARATION
In a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan combine the amaranth and the water. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally. Using a heatproof rubber spatula, push any seeds clinging to the side of the pot into the liquid then reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in salt.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, 5 to 10 minutes. Divide amaranth among bowls and top with nuts, honey, and milk.
Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood. Her office is located in Cornerstone Commerce Center, 1201 New Rd. Learn about her practice at ww.nancyadlernutrition.com (609)653-4900
You may listen to Nancy every Sunday at 2 pm Nancy Adler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND
