Welcome! I'm a 48 (and 1/2) year old, wife, mother (8 1/2 year old son), daughter, sister, friend and volunteer. So, 48.5 really means I'm into my 49th year on this amazing planet, and on July 19, 2010, I'll be in my 50th year. The mid-century mark. L. The big 5-0. However you want to say it, to most of the English speaking world, it means "old". I want to get there with grace, passion, beauty, love and laughter. I want to get there the old-fashioned way: by taking care of myself, eating right, creating a balanced life, laughing and living life to it's fullest. I'll be documenting my journey and hope you will watch and learn along the way. I'll also provide some of my tips for looking young and feeling your best as we head to and beyond our mid-century mark. Here's to being "Beautifully 50".

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mmm, mmm, Garlic!


I think many of us have a love/hate relationship with garlic. So good in so many things, particularly delicious in Italian and Asian foods, both of which I happen to love. There's never been a good marinara or stir-fry made without this wonderful ingredient. The "hate" part comes from the smell - your breath, your hands (if you are the cook), and your pores the next day. But, we all need to find the love, because it is truly is one of nature's best remedies.

Dr. Mao recommends a clove a day. Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic, and studies have shown it helps to prevent atherosclerosis and coronary blockage, lowers cholesterol, reduce blood clot formation, stimulates the pituitary, regulates blood sugar, and helps to prevent cancer. WOW! And it doesn't end here..garlic is often used as an anti-bacterial to treat minor infections. Definitely a wonder bulb (garlic is a member of the lily family and closely related to onions and leeks), we all need to add more garlic to our daily diets. Also amazing to me is the actual nutritional content of garlic. This small bulb contains manganese, Vitamins B1, B6 and C, protein, phosphorous, selenium, calcium, potassium, iron and copper! So let you love of garlic begin!

Raw, fresh garlic is by far the best way to reap the benefits of this superior herb, and always make sure you store your garlic in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. This prevents sprouting and maximizes taste and freshness. Here are some terrific ways you can add garlic to your daily food intake:

* Raw cloves to salads, marinades and dressings
* To eggs after cooking
* To sour cream for potato topping
* Add to warm butter for bread topping
* To cooked meats for extra flavor
* To all steamed or sauteed vegetables - I particulariy LOVE sauteed spinach with garlic!
* Pureed garlic added to dips/hummus/guacamole

What do you like to put garlic in? I'd love to know!

A couple of my favorite garlic recipes! From Elise, of course! (see blog list)


Sauteed Spinach with Garlic


Roasted Garlic
Delicious on bread, in sour cream, mixed in pastas

So, even if you don't believe that garlic with keep away all the vampires and demons out there, add a clove to your daily diet. I, for one, am hoping that it doesn't keep them away...Go Team Edward!

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