Making Good Protein Choices

Protein is an extremely important part of your diet. It’s also important to make sure that when you include protein, you include healthy proteins rather than ones that are bad for your health. Make smart choices by keeping these points in mind.

• Lean meats: Know what part of meats have the least amount of fat and try to stick to those. If you’re cooking beef, choose round steaks and sirloin. Buy skinless chicken or remove the skin before you cook it. For cold cuts, use turkey and roast beef over bologna or salami. Trim away excess fat when you’re eating or cooking and avoid breaded meats.
• Switch it up: Try to eat seafood twice a week. Beans or tofu are good meat replacements that have lots of protein, as is hummus. Use nuts to replace meats or poultry as well, although they can be high in fats, so try not to overindulge.
• Food label smarts: When you’re looking at food labels, check the amount of sodium. Sometimes low calorie foods pack an unhealthy amount of sodium. Lower fat versions of many meats are available so make sure you compare calories and amounts of fat in each product.

Add Some Spice to your Ramadan Celebration

The difference can between a good meal and a great one often lies in the spices. What you love about some of your favorite meals comes from the spices chefs use to add some flavor to the dish. The best news is that these spices actually have some health properties that can make your Ramadan an even healthier time for you and your family. Here are some great spices to include:

Cinnamon: High in antioxidants, cinnamon has also been shown to reduce inflammation.

Turmeric: Another antioxidant-rich and inflammation-fighting spice, preliminary studies have also shown a correlation with reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Like other spices, turmeric reduces sodium consumption, which is great for your health.

Basil: High in Vitamin A and Vitamin K, basil provides great vitamins and nutrients.

Oregano: Oregano is high in antimicrobial properties, which have been shown to boost your immune system and fight viruses.

Hot Pepper: Hot red peppers can raise your body temperature which also can raise your metabolism and increase fat burning. It can lower cholesterol as well.

Feel free to add spices to your favorite Ramadan dishes! It’s a healthy way to add flavor to your meals. If you’re worried about your cholesterol or blood pressure, remember that Compassionate Care Network regularly holds screenings and clinics on these issues.