HOME-COOKING IN SEVEN MINUTES

Chef says a “Stir-Fry Diet” is a healthy alternative to trendy weight loss plans

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – If you have watched Rachel Ray’s new

show, you will have noticed that she now also is making

7 minute meals.

Well, I guess, we all are trying to help you eat healthier,

and remember that if you have to work on lowering

your blood pressure and/or cholesterol, you have to reduce

the intake of salt, and when you are using salt, use a good

quality sea salt.

One thing is very important, do not use so much salt. I have included a story with a few photos of my trip to the Saltinas (salt gardens) in the Algarve Portugal. Sea salt contains many natural minerals, and I was happy that my hubby, John, who is a chemist by training and my own cookbook photographer, was with me. Sometimes the conservation was a bit too technical for me, but the end result of the research visit is clear.

It is the presence of more than 75 minerals and trace elements that give the salt its unique taste and bouquet. Medical science has known for many years that these minerals are required for optimum body functioning. Sea Salt is a good alternative to taking artificial mineral supplements. For people with elevated blood pressure, daily salt intake should be restricted to no more than 6 grams. If you are using fresh ingredients, the one and one-half teaspoons of daily salt is more than adequate to season every meal. The real sodium risks come from the large ‘hidden’ sodium content of highly processed foods.

In “Amazing 7 Minute Meals” I explain the usage of a wide variety of herbs and spices, instead of salt, and when you do use salt, please take a look at the Portuguese sea salt, which is the purest in the world.

My recipe for this month is a Pork & Apple stir-fry. An apple is not only a great snack, and if you have my book “Amazing 7 Minute Meals” or experienced one of my cooking demos, you know I love to add fresh fruit to my recipes for their natural flavor and texture. Their sweetness or tangy taste is not the only benefit they bring to the dish, because vitamins,

anti-oxidants, and fiber are all abundant in fresh fruits.

As the fall is underway, we can not afford to ignore the fact, that a lot of us are overweight, and will probably enter the New Year with a few extra pounds due to Holiday eating, candy and parties.

Remember that every pound goes through your mouth, so if you have to watch your waistline, or have to lose weight, I have a few easy tips:

• Do not shop for groceries, when hungry. You buy chocolate, candy, and other items you

shouldn’t eat too much of or too often.

• Do not feel guilty about eating something delicious like a few appetizers, or that great

dessert. Just modify the amount. You feel satisfied for having the taste of it, and proud

that you just had a few bites.

• Prevent the feeling of being full. Eat slowly and listen to you body. Your stomach needs the

time to tell your brain, that you ate enough.

• Skip second helpings. There is always tomorrow for a nice left-over.

• Park you car a little further away from the store. Those extra steps add up.

The book “Amazing 7 Minute Meals” is available at your local bookstore

and online:

For more information and free recipes, please visit

www.getrealhealthyfood.com