Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
I've always loved BBQ beef. I'm not a red-meat eater anymore, though, so BBQ chicken will be my new love. Here's a recipe for either option. My mouth is watering already. Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds beef brisket (or other lean cut) or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 sliced onion
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a crock pot
Cook on low heat all day
Before serving, shred the meat using two forks in opposing fashion across the grain of the meat
Brussel sprouts contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fiber. Moreover, they are believed to protect against colon cancer, due to their containing sinigrin. They contain three types of phyto's, all shown to have either protective qualities against cancer, or enzyme producing qualities that have been shown during research to fight cancer cells in different ways.
When boiling foods they tend to lose some of the vitamins and nutrients into the water. So here is a roasted brussel sprout recipe that is very easy to prepare and the brussel sprouts keep their natural nutty flavor.
Vicki's Roasted Brussel Sprouts 1 lb Brussels sprouts 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced 1/2 onion cut into thin slices 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss all the ingredients except for the onions in a large bowl to evenly coat the brussel sprouts. Pour brussel sprouts onto a baking tray and spread apart. Bake for 20 minutes then stir or flip and add the onions and bake for 20 minutes more.
Peppermint is an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A, carotenoids, and beta-carotene. Vitamin C, the main water-soluble antioxidant in the body is needed to decrease levels of free radicals that can cause damage to cells and decrease the risk of cancer. Peppermint is probably most famous for its use in our favorite white and red candy at Christmas time but it is gaining popularity to drink in teas to help decrease nausea.
A cup of fresh mint tea can help to soothe your stomach. If you are nauseous from cancer treatments try drinking peppermint tea. Another useful thing I found to work is to keep a small bottle of peppermint oil in your pocket and rub it on your wrist for smelling when you feel the queasy stomach coming on.
Whenever possible, choose fresh mint over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh mint should look vibrant and be a rich green color. They should be free from dark spots or yellowing. To store fresh mint leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside of a loosely closed plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator, where it should keep fresh for several days.
Recipe for a perfect cup of peppermint tea. 1 ounce fresh peppermint leaves 1 pint boiling water Honey
Place the peppermint leaves in a cup and pour in boiling water. Cover the cup with a saucer and let it stand for 10 minutes. Scoop out the leaves with a spoon and add a little honey if you like it sweet.
Scientists have long believed that the carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables have a cancer preventive effect. In particular, epidemiological studies have found that as the consumption of tomato products increases, risk of certain types of cancer decreases.
Vicki's Tomato, Cauliflower, and Tempeh Salad. 1/2 head cauliflower 1 block tempeh crumbled and cooked crisp 2 medium tomatoes chopped 10 to 12 scallions sliced 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Put the cauliflower through a food processor with the shredding disk or finely chop by hand. Put in boiling water, cover and reduce heat and let sit for 2 minutes then drain water and place cauliflower in large salad bowl.
Crumble the tempeh into a skillet on medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chili powder and garlic powder and sautee for 7 minutes getting the tempeh crunchy. Add to the cauliflower along with the chopped tomatoes and sliced scallions.
Combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice to make dressing and pour over salad and toss. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over a bed of lettuce leaves. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Studies show that diets high in fiber and low in fat can help prevent cancer. Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but tempeh is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities. It has a higher content of protein, dietary fiber and vitamins compared to tofu. In the past five years tempeh has grown so much in popularity that it is now available in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets. Here is a simple way to prepare tempeh that both kids and adults love.
Vicki's Spicy Tempeh Soft Tacos Serves 4
1 block tempeh crumbled 1/2 vegetable broth or water 1 red bell pepper chopped 1 onion chopped 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (can leave out if you don't want spicy) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 cup cooked black beans or pinto beans drained 1 tomato chopped handful chopped lettuce grated hard soy cheese if you want vegan or cheddar if vegetarian 8 whole wheat tortillas
Recipe directions
Saute the tempeh in the olive oil on medium low heat for about 3 minutes. Add red pepper and onion and continue to saute for about 5 minutes more. Add the spices, 1/2 cup broth or water and the beans and cook for about 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Serve in the tortillas with the chopped lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Eating an orange every day can not only boost your vitamin C but it can help get rid of a strain of the H. pylori bacteria that causes peptic ulcers and can lead to stomach cancer. Researchers in San Francisco found that infected people with high levels of vitamin C in their blood were less likely to test positive for the cancer causing strain. Here is a delicious, colorful, and healthy salad to serve your family. Remember to always buy organic when available.
Vicki's Citrus/Dijon Salad Dressing 4 tbsp. Orange juice 1 1/2 tbsp. Olive oil 1 tbsp. Lime juice 1 tbsp. Honey 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Pepper Whisk together to make citrus salad dressing
Vicki's Orange and Avocado Salad 1/2 of a 10 oz. bag of mixed salad greens 1/2 of a 10 oz. bag baby spinach 1 Ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced 2 Oranges peeled, seeded, and cut into slices 1 Cup grape tomatoes 1/2 Cup shredded carrots 3 Green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds Mix ingredients and toss in a large bowl then drizzle with the citrus salad dressing. Serves 4.
Since the 1970s, researchers have suspected that diet and nutrition are related to colorectal cancer risk. Numerous studies published since that time have confirmed the connection between what we eat and risk of this cancer. Many health experts agree that a high fiber diet is important for cancer prevention, but questions remain about how much and which types of high fiber foods may reduce colorectal cancer risk most effectively. This has led to interest in specific high fiber foods, especially whole grains.
Start the day with a bowl of whole grain cereal or oatmeal. For cold cereals, choose one that contains at least 6 grams of fiber per serving and make sure you pick one where sugar does not appear first, second or third in the ingredient list. Oatmeal is not only high fiber but studies show that it helps reduce cholesterol. But if you are like me I am not fond of the mushy breakfast food. Until a dear musician friend introduced me to steel oats. Now I can't get enough of these nutty oats and even eat them for late night snacks.
Steel cut oats are whole grain groats which have been cut into only two or three pieces. Which means the the inner portion of the oat kernel is not missing like in rolled oats. They are golden in color and resemble small rice pieces. Steel-cut oats are also known as coarse cut oats, pinhead oats, Scotch oats, or Irish oats. Because the steel cut oats are more natural with less pre-processing, they may be more nutritious than the more popular rolled oats. But to me they give off a more nutty taste and I like the small crunch over the mushy consistency of the rolled oats. The cooking time is longer on steel cut oats but really worth the wait.
When shopping for them in your grocery store, look for canisters much like coffee cans as they are kept in air tight containers.
Preparing your Steel Oats.
1 cup steel cut oats 4 cups water 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp butter Fresh Blueberries or other fresh fruits.
Combine oats and other ingredients in medium saucepan and bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally to keep from sticking on the bottom. For the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time you will need to stir more frequently as it thickens. Spoon into a bowl and top with fresh fruit. Some people like to add a little milk to the bowl to give them a creamy texture. Makes 4 servings.
I haven't yet made these Fruit and Nut Bars, but I managed to consume several of them during my stay at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Besides bowls of apples, oranges, and bananas provided at every location at the Ranch, guests of this health and healing destination can request additional healthy snacks at dining areas. Of everything offered, this was my favorite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted 1/2 cup chopped almonds, lightly toasted 3/4 cup honey 2 3/4 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup dried cranberries 3/4 cup dried chopped apples 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup sliced dates, about 10 medium 1 teaspoon cinnamon
I'm no cook. And I'll never claim a recipe is my own. Anyone who likes my taco salad should thank my friend Kim and her mom Kathy. My turkey meatballs: all credit goes to my brother-in-law's mom. The brownies I once whipped up and now have given up: kudos to Betty Crocker. And this recipe I'm about to share comes straight from the pages of the May 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine. It's such a simple recipe -- takes five minutes tops. I probably could have invented it on my own. But I didn't.
Go With The Grain
Top 1 cup whole-grain cereal with:
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed 1/2 cup each strawberries and raspberries 1 cup 1% milk
Green peas are bursting with nutrients. They provide very good amounts vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin A vitamin B6, B3, and B2 and lots if dietary fiber, manganese, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and potassium. Green peas are that little food that is supercharged with nutritional and can supercharge your health.
Green peas are one of the important foods to include in your diet if you oftentimes feel fatigued and sluggish. That is because they provide nutrients that help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body. They provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. With its great source for iron green peas build normal blood cell formation and function. Low amounts of iron can result in anemia, fatigue, decreased immune function, and learning problems.
Vicki's Green Pea Salad 2 cups fresh green peas. (You can substitute with a 16 ounce package of frozen green peas. Rinse and thaw them for use in the salad.) 1 cup chopped fresh cauliflower ( make sure pieces are chopped about the same size as the peas.) 1 - 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts (drain and rinse thoroughly and cut into strips) 1 - 8 ounce container sweet grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes sliced in half 1/2 onion minced 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon dry dill
Whisk together the lemon juice, dill, and mayonnaise. In large bowl mix all of the vegetables. Pour in the mayo and dill dressing and toss.
The most healthy thing that I have added to my daily menu to fight cancer right now is this simple drink that helps give me energy and gives me antioxidants and vitamins. It helps boost the immune system. It detoxifies and cleanses the body. It gives a quota of daily veggies. It has a high alkalinity that helps balance acid PH levels in the body. It is simple and it tastes good too.
Vicki's Twice Daily Wheat Grass Cocktail 4 ounces of organic tangerine juice 4 ounces of organic carrot juice 1 organic banana 1 8 grams packet of Organic Wheat Grass (I prefer Amazing Grass brand)
Mix together well in a blender until smooth and pour into a large glass.
You can find Wheat Grass in your local health food store.
Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach with its delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients and vitamins than any other food. Spinach carotenoid combats cancer. Here is a healthy spinach salad good enough for any lunch main course.
Vicki's Spinach Salad with Fruit. Fresh baby spinach leaves 1 carrot thinly sliced 1 celery stalk thinly sliced 1/2 red onion thinly sliced 1 cup grape tomatoes 1/2 cup craisins (dried cranberries) 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple 1/2 cup chopped fresh pear 1/2 cup slivered almonds 2 hard boiled eggs sliced 6 strips crispy cooked bacon crumbled
Vicki's Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives
Toss all of the salad ingredients except the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the ingredients for the salad dressing and drizzle over the salad and lightly toss again. Top with the sliced hard boiled eggs.
When you plan to go on a diet or want to start eating healthier, salads seem like the perfect lunch to shed some unwanted pounds. The problem with salads is they can easily deceive the most well meaning dieter.
They say they are salads -- in a way they are -- but not in the eating healthy sense that we associate with it. Just because it has salad in the name on the menu does not mean it is healthy.
Some of you might be saying that you know this already. Believe me when I tell you that some people don't know this or are in some way in denial about the whole salad situation. A taco salad may contain greens and some tomatoes but it also can have ground meat, lots of cheeses, tortilla chips and sour cream.
Salad dressings are another problem, they can sometimes be the same amount of calories as a fast-food meal. Instead of reaching for the ranch dressing which can contain 110 calories and 12 grams of fat per tablespoon, try and make your own salad dressing so you know exactly what your putting in your salad. You can do this when dining out, restaurants usually offer vinegar and oil as a dressing choice.
A few good ideas for a healthier salad:
Stay away from salads that have meats or cheeses
Spice up your salad with different greens like arugula or watercress, you won't miss those creamy dressings with all that flavor
Make your own dressing using a small amount of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and some fresh ground pepper.
If you buy a salad-to-go in a convenience store, compare the calorie content between the light salad dressing to the creamy dressings. I have seen differences of 200 calories or more
Skip the croutons and put in some crunching veggies instead
If you want that taco salad then go at it but if you are trying to lose weight or eat healthier then thinking about what is going into your salad can make a huge difference.
Cut into a pomegranate and you will find about 3/4 cup of seeds or 1/2 cup of juice. What can you do with these tantalizing seeds? Pop them into your mouth and enjoy or try sprinkling over salads, fruit desserts, cakes or puddings or use in marinades, glazes and for garnish. Top off your morning waffles, oatmeal, pancakes, cereal, or sundaes with this sometime sweet, sometimes tangy fruit.
Do you eat the seed inside or spit it out after enjoying the juice? Well, the truth of the matter is, it's a personal choice. But keep in mind that most of the fiber you get from eating pomegranates comes from that little seed so crunch on.
One pomegranate delivers 40 percent of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a rich source of folic acid and of antioxidants. Pomegranates are high in polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate are hydrolysable tannins, particularly punicalagins, which have been shown in many peer-reviewed research publications to be the antioxidant responsible for the free-radical scavenging ability of pomegranate juice.
Research suggests that pomegranate juice may be effective against keeping cancer at bay especially prostate cancer and osteoarthritis. In several human clinical trials, the juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing several heart risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure.
Here is an unusual dip for breads, pita, or a variety of dipping chips. I like to eat this by dipping vegetables into it, especially jicama which is mild in flavor and doesn't over power the dip.
Vicki's Pomegranate Yogurt Dip 1 large pomegranate 2 cups chilled plain yogurt 3 tablespoons of chives 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pomegranate juice is easily found in most health food stores where you can find a variety of organic products. Separate seeds from the pomegranate. Letting them soak in water will allow the seeds to sink and the pulpy flesh will rise to the top. Combine the yogurt, pomegranate juice, scallions, cilantro, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and then serve. Can be made in advance and refrigerated over night.
I've always loved BBQ beef. I'm not a red-meat eater anymore, though, so BBQ chicken will be my new love. Here's a recipe for either option. My mouth is watering already.
High in protein and low in fat and cholesterol, this healthy recipe is one worth trying. It's easy too. I love easy.
Brussel sprouts contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fiber. Moreover, they are believed to protect against colon cancer, due to their containing sinigrin. They contain three types of phyto's, all shown to have either protective qualities against cancer, or enzyme producing qualities that have been shown during research to fight cancer cells in different ways.
Peppermint is an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A, carotenoids, and beta-carotene. Vitamin C, the main water-soluble antioxidant in the body is needed to decrease levels of free radicals that can cause damage to cells and decrease the risk of cancer. Peppermint is probably most famous for its use in our favorite white and red candy at Christmas time but it is gaining popularity to drink in teas to help decrease nausea.
Scientists have long believed that the carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables have a cancer preventive effect. In particular, epidemiological studies have found that as the consumption of tomato products increases, risk of certain types of cancer decreases.
Studies show that diets high in fiber and low in fat can help prevent cancer. Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but tempeh is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities. It has a higher content of protein, dietary fiber and vitamins compared to tofu. In the past five years tempeh has grown so much in popularity that it is now available in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets. Here is a simple way to prepare tempeh that both kids and adults love.
Eating an orange every day can not only boost your vitamin C but it can help get rid of a strain of the H. pylori bacteria that causes peptic ulcers and can lead to stomach cancer. Researchers in San Francisco found that infected people with high levels of vitamin C in their blood were less likely to test positive for the cancer causing strain. Here is a delicious, colorful, and healthy salad to serve your family. Remember to always buy organic when available.
Since the 1970s, researchers have suspected that diet and nutrition are related to colorectal cancer risk. Numerous studies published since that time have confirmed the connection between what we eat and risk of this cancer. Many health experts agree that a high fiber diet is important for cancer prevention, but questions remain about how much and which types of high fiber foods may reduce colorectal cancer risk most effectively. This has led to interest in specific high fiber foods, especially whole grains.
I haven't yet made these Fruit and Nut Bars, but I managed to consume several of them during my stay at 
I'm no cook. And I'll never claim a recipe is my own. Anyone who likes my taco salad should thank my friend Kim and her mom Kathy. My turkey meatballs: all credit goes to my brother-in-law's mom. The brownies I once whipped up and now have given up: kudos to Betty Crocker. And this recipe I'm about to share comes straight from the pages of the May 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine. It's such a simple recipe -- takes five minutes tops. I probably could have invented it on my own. But I didn't.
Green peas are bursting with nutrients. They provide very good amounts vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin A vitamin B6, B3, and B2 and lots if dietary fiber, manganese, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and potassium. Green peas are that little food that is supercharged with nutritional and can supercharge your health. 
The most healthy thing that I have added to my daily menu to fight cancer right now is this simple drink that helps give me energy and gives me antioxidants and vitamins. It helps boost the immune system. It detoxifies and cleanses the body. It gives a quota of daily veggies. It has a high alkalinity that helps balance acid PH levels in the body. It is simple and it tastes good too.
Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach with its delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients and vitamins than any other food. Spinach carotenoid combats cancer. Here is a healthy spinach salad good enough for any lunch main course. 
When you plan to go on a diet or want to start eating healthier, salads seem like the perfect lunch to shed some unwanted pounds. The problem with salads is they can easily deceive the most well meaning dieter.
Cut into a pomegranate and you will find about 3/4 cup of seeds or 1/2 cup of juice. What can you do with these tantalizing seeds? Pop them into your mouth and enjoy or try sprinkling over salads, fruit desserts, cakes or puddings or use in marinades, glazes and for garnish. Top off your morning waffles, oatmeal, pancakes, cereal, or sundaes with this sometime sweet, sometimes tangy fruit.
