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cauliflower

Sometimes we just can't let go of our favourite food (no matter how unhealthy it is). But if you want to mix up your meals a bit, these healthy swaps are an easy substitute to get your diet right on track.

Just try these five delicious dishes for a new superfood spin:

Swap rice for cauliflower

Yes, we might have hated cauliflower as kids, but it really isn't that bad. By just adding a little lime, coriander, salt and pepper, you are turning this vegetable into a gorgeous substitute for rice.

Whether you don't have a spare half hour to make the grain or you're just craving a lighter alternative, cauliflower is the way to go. 

 

Swap pasta for courgette

Pasta is something we could eat everyday for the rest of our lives, but it can still sit a little heavy. 

Every so often a tasty vegetable substitute is a great alternative – and a courgette is that vegetable. Tear off strips with a potato peeler or buy yourself a cool spiral slicer to make trendy courgetti. 

 

Swap white potato for sweet potato

Some people assume sweet potato is the boring cousin of our beloved spud, but with a little chopping, some oil and some baking, the sweet potato turns into a delicious bowl of crispiness. 

It's also sweeter and more nutritious than your average chips. 

 

Swap mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt

Mayo is something we all love to have in our sandwiches, even if we don't know it's there. 

Sometimes it can get a little boring so if you want a change-up opt for some Greek yoghurt. We know it might sound odd, but trust us, by just adding some herbs, lemon juice and a bit of seasoning, you might never go back to mayo. 

 

Swap croutons for nuts

We're forever being reminded of the health benefits of nuts but unless they're wrapped in Cadbury's chocolate and presented to us in bar form, we rarely eat enough of them. 

One way around this is chopping them up and putting them into your salad. It's much healthier and way tastier than oily, starchy croutons. 

 

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You may choose certain foods to clear your complexion, prevent bloating or avoid blemishes – but what if you could boost your brain power every time you fill your plate?

As we head back to the daily grind and head into autumn, it can be hard to get our brains back into working order. 

The relationship between diet and brain health has been getting a lot of attention lately as scientists have been doing major research into the matter. 

Indeed, Rebecca Katz, author of The Healthy Mind Cookbook spoke to Harper's Bazaar about the movement. 

"It used to be that scientists thought that as you grow older your brain cells die," says Ms Katz.

"Now, we're actually seeing that our brain cells can regenerate – which is largely based on how we eat and exercise."

Want to know what these foods are? Here's a look at the seven super foods for a healthy brain:

 

Mint

Mint is a great source of vitamin A, which can help boost learning skills and increase brain plasticity. It also contains vitamin C which is said to protect against cognitive decline. 

 

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds deliver generous helpings of iron in addition to a mineral trio of potassium, magnesium and calcium – these combined help in the delay of deteriorating mental health.

 

Cauliflower

This white fluffy vegetable is a great source of vitamin K which helps keep your mind sharp as you age as well as boosting your memory. 

 

Sardines

Even if eating them isn't totally appealing, your brain loves these teeny tiny fish. In fact, sardines are loaded wth vitamin B12 which has been shown to boost memory and fight off depression. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your brain engaged and boost mental energy. 

 

Beetroot

Beetroot not only works wonders for your skin, it is also known as brain food in the highest order. They are high in nitrites, which increase blood flow to parts of the brain. Vitamin B9 is also stored in them, which aids cognitive functioning and delays a descent to dementia. 

 

Cashews

These nuts are a great source of two brain-boosting minerals, zinc and magnesium. Zinc is important because it can warn off depression, as well as improving memory. Magnesium has been shown to regulate sleeping patterns as well as improve learning skills. 

 

Dark chocolate

The cocoa that gives dark chocolate its addictive flavour is packed with memory-boosting antioxidant powers. In recent studies, cocoa consumption has been linked to higher scores on cognitive tests and also keeps the brain switched on as you age. 

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We’re no strangers to ‘trendy’ food these days; with things such as quinoa, kale and farro often featuring in recipes and on blogs as the super foods of our time.

Now, there is a new food trend, but it may not be what you’re expecting…

Vice president of culinary and pastry at New York City’s International Culinary Center, Candy Argondizza predicted to ABC News that cauliflower was going to be 2015’s trendy food, saying: “Cauliflower is a really interesting vegetable because it’s extremely versatile and there’s a deepness to the flavour that’s profound.”

Cauliflower already seems to be making an impact this year, with roasting the vegetable as a main dish becoming very popular as well as using pulsed cauliflower as a pizza crust for those who may be intolerant to gluten.

Many people have also started eating cauliflower 'rice' as an alternative to the grain. 

Is it a food trend you will trying?! 

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This simple cauliflower pizza base is so much healthier for you than the regular kind.

Not only is it gluten-free, but it is also low-fat and carb free for those watching their diet.

Add any toppings you like such as feta cheese, olives, kale, rocket – anything you want!

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cauliflower
  • 4 tbsp. ground almonds
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. chilli flakes (optional)

What you’ll need to do:

  1. Grate or pulse the cauliflower head into a rice-like consistency.
  2. Cook in the microwave for 3-4 mins on medium heat.
  3. Allow to cook and using a teacloth or a piece of cheesecloth, drain all of the moisture out of the cauliflower. Your hands will hurt after all that squeezing but a dry consistency is essential.
  4. In a large bowl add the almonds, basil and chilli flakes to the cauliflower. Mix to combine and season well.
  5. Add the egg and bring the dough-like mixture together.
  6. On a baking sheet, spread the mixture out into a pizza shape, making sure to keep it nice and round as well as quite thin. This will ensure a crispy base.
  7. Bake for about 30 mins, flipping over once the top gets golden and is firm enough to turn without breaking.
  8. Add your toppings such as a tomato sauce, cheese, veg, meat and anything else you like.
  9. Return to the oven to melt the cheese and enjoy!
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