Picking one favorite food would be impossible. NATIONAL FOOD DAY is October 24. Here are my TOP 3 Favorite Food picks to celebrate NATIONAL FOOD DAY everyday:
Number 1: Â APPLES Â But not just any apple. Â Part of enjoying and feeling satisfied about the foods you eat is related to texture. Â Eating involves all the senses… touch, taste, smell, vision, and sound. Â Apples provide a sweet smell, crisp crunch, and they look visually appealing. Â When I bite into a crunchy apple, my senses awaken and I instantly feel good. Â Apples help stave off other food cravings and help prevent overeating because they are high in fiber, and they provide vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A, B vitamins. The fact that apples are naturally low in fat and calories is a bonus! My favorite apples are Jazz, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. Â Look for apples that have a firm flesh, vibrant color, and do not have signs of “wrinkling” which means they are getting old.
Number 2:  ARUGULA greens  Arugula, also known as rocket, is my go-to green for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and appetizers. My husband calls them “weeds” but I can get him to eat arugula when I hide it with other greens like fresh spinach or romaine lettuce and toss with one of my homemade vinaigrettes.  A few of my favorite vinaigrettes to make: Lemon Vinaigrette, Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette with fresh Blackberries.  Arugula tastes delicious with anything.  Enjoy with a few walnuts, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, chopped Asian Pear, and mandarin oranges.  Or, keep it super simple by drizzling fresh arugula greens with good quality extra virgin olive oil and top with three fresh parmesan shavings. Very nutrient rich, arugula is a great source of vitamin A and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and manganese. Consider it a bonus that arugula is another food high in fiber and fills you up!
Number 3: Â GRAPEFRUIT Â Whether it is the Ruby red, Texas, or other variety, grapefruit packs the punch when it comes to nutrients and flavor. Start your day with fresh grapefruit. Grapefruit has natural enzymes that have metabolism boosting qualities and it’s high in fiber so fresh grapefruit aids in digestion. Grapefruit is a super source of vitamin C, A, and potassium. Toss fresh grapefruit slices into salads or enjoy as a healthy snack with fresh avocado slices. Use grapefruit zest as you do lemon, lime, and orange zest to add a bit of “zing” and “zip” to homemade vinaigrettes, breakfast yogurts, egg dishes… practically anywhere. If you are taking medications and your doctor has advised against the consumption of grapefruit, substitute fresh lemon juice and zest for vinaigrettes and other dishes.
For delicous healthy recipes, visit the RECIPE section of TheBikiniChef.com and celebrate NATIONAL FOOD DAY everyday!
Catch The Bikini Chef® on Bikini Lifestyles “Wine Dine and Workout” on AM 790 KABC radio in Los Angeles Saturday nights, 7pm PT or stream LIVE online at http://www.kabc.com Visit: http://www.bikinilifestyles.com Check your local TV listings for Bikini Lifestyles “Wine Dine and Workout” airings in your town!
The Complete Idiot’s Guide Quinoa Cookbook available for pre-order on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Quinoa-Cookbook/dp/1615641939/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337916843&sr=8-1
In stores: July 3rd, 2012
