GRILLED CHICKEN

GRILLED CHICKEN
Effect: Stress buster

For long considered by many as the next best thing to Tandoori, the grilled chicken is a low fat, protein source and rich in amino acid called tyrosine, which boosts levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and nor epinephrine, and in turn promotes improved attention, motivation and reaction time. Research has indicated that tyrosine lifts energy levels and helps the body to better cope with stress. However, if you have the option of grilling the chicken in a coal-based Tandoor the effect is even better than chicken grilled in an electric oven.

NUTS

Effect: Good Fats

It may be time to go nuts over nuts. Nuts are cholesterol free, generally low in sodium and a great source of vitamins and minerals. When eaten in moderation, nuts contain a wealth of healthy benefits.

Almonds are rich in protein. In fact they contain nearly 75 percent more protein than eggs.

Cashew nuts are a source of iron, zinc and dietary protein. Walnuts lower bad cholesterol and reduce blood vessel inflammation in people susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Walnuts are also a good source of heart-healthy diet. So, it may be time to get nuts.

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

Effect: Banishes stress

There is a growing awareness about the good effects of whole wheat and whole grain breads. Amino acids in whole grains send positive massages to the brain which in turn boost levels of moods-elevating emotions. There are other benefits of whole grain breads. They favorably affect total blood cholesterol, thereby improving lipid profiles. For the weight-watchers, whole wheat and whole grain breads help keeps the weight down thus putting you in a better frame of mind.

Food Mood Link

New research suggests that eating the right foods can actually affect your mood. Some food may banish stress, other may life depression and many are a great source of energy and general well being...

For long, researchers have said that there is a definite link of our emotions to the food we eat. Certain foods are mood boosters in the same way as other can be party poppers. There are still others that helps us feel calm, alert and even upbeat. Here's a least of some foods that have a direct link to your moods....

CHOCOLATES
(Mood lifters)

These may not be what that dietitian ordered but they certainly help put you in a better frame of mind. Chocolates and chocolate-based cookies and pastries boost levels of phenylalanine, a brain chemical that stimulate feelings similar to those experienced during the euphoria of romance. They also elevate levels of serotonin, the good brain chemical. Finally because we often associate chocolate with gifts rewards, the attraction may be part psychological, say researches.

TIPS FOR COOK RIGHT

• To preserve water soluble vitamins, don’t soak vegetables long.
• While peeling them, don’t remove too thick a layer of skin : most of the nutrients are found just under the skin.
• Prepare salads just before they need to be served.
• Boil vegetables until just tender in the least amount of water possible, using a pot with a tight fitting lid.
• Pressure cooking is the least damaging technique as far as vitamins are concerned. Steaming is second best, though significant amount of Vitamin C, thiamin, niacin and folacin may be lost. Potatoes and other root vegetables baked with their skins nearly all their vitamins.

CHICKEN AND ALE PIE

CHICKEN AND ALE PIE

50g Leek, chopped fine
25g Onions, chopped fine
50g Mushroom, diced
50g Carrot cubes
50g Potato cubes
600g Chiken, roughly cubed
250ml Ale
250ml Chicken/vegetable stock
20ml Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to test
Pastry to cover pie (Use refined flour dough)

Warm oil on medium flame. Add chicken cubes, mushrooms, carrots and potatoes. Brown 10 minutes. Add leek and onions. Cook for 5 minutes. Gradually add stock and ale, stirring without letting it boil. Simmer 15 minutes. When chicken is tender and liquid reduced by half, pour mixture into pie dish. Add pie crust. Brush top of crust with oil.

Decorate : Bake in pre-heated oven at 190OC for 45 minutes or till crust is golden brown (but not less than 30 minutes). Remove from oven. Serv piping hot with vegetables of choice.