Dukan Diet

Here in the States, Labor Day marked the unofficial end of summer. As if on cue, the temperature plummeted 20 degrees overnight. Buh-lieve me, after enduring 3+ months of seemingly endless 90-degree days, this is SUCH a welcomed relief.   { someone please remind me of this in a few short months when the blizzard is raging outside my window }

So yes, autumn is in the air. My garden, however, never got the memo. Its still going gangbusters. Check out those gorgeous heirloom tomatoes up there☝. Ive been gorging on them for weeks now in salads, soups and salsas. Ive loaded up my friends, family and neighbors. My plants are still full. Whats a gardener to do? Start pickling!

Wait. Whats an heirloom tomato anyway?

Short answer: Fan-freakin-tastic! Seriously, the best, most flavorful tomato youll ever taste.

Longer answer: An heirloom tomato (or any heirloom plant) is one that is open-pollinated and grown in an earlier era. Usually that means a plant that originated prior to the advent of hybridization in 1951. Some heirlooms are hundreds of years old. And when I say "plant," I actually mean "seed."

Listen, a year ago, I didnt even know tomatoes came in so many varieties – 77, in every color, size, and flavor imaginable! Now, Im totally hooked and Im thinking, next year, I want to put in a garden of solely heirloom veggies.

Fab article you should check out on Why It Matters to Buy Heirloom Plants and Seeds. To help preserve garden biodiversity, join the Seed Savers Exchange. Its catalog will blow you away.

Okay, back to the pickling adventures. I picked up The Joy of Pickling on a whim one day this summer, and I am loooooooving it. So much fun! Over 250 recipes. Who knew? Not I, thats for sure.

I adore raw cultured veggies, not only because they taste so darn good, but because theyre a terrific way to add valuable probiotics and enzymes to your body, which help stamp out Candida, boost your immune system and curb your cravings for sweets.

Ive used cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, beets, zucchini and summer squash – all from my lil backyard garden! But today, I want to share my tomatoes with you. And when you see how super-duper easy it is, youll want to get pickled too. *wink*

You can use any size jar you please and adjust the recipe accordingly. I do recommend you use a non-reactive container though – dont want any funky chemical reaction happening during the fermentation process. I like glass, but ceramic crocks work nicely too.

Pickled Heirloom Tomatoes

heirloom tomatoes (mixed varieties, including green and cherry tomatoes)
5 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
5 fresh basil leaves, whole
4 fresh oregano leaves, rough chopped
1 Tbsp sea salt per cup of filtered water
1 Tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice

Slice your tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. You can leave some of the cherry tomatoes whole if you like. Tightly pack your jar with tomatoes, onions and herbs until roughly 3/4 full.

Dissolve sea salt in water to create a brine solution. Stir in lemon or lime juice (this keeps the tomatoes from becoming too mushy during the fermentation process).

Pour the liquid into the jar, covering the tomatoes and herbs. Add more cold water if necessary. Leave about an inch at the top.

Put the lid on the jar and leave on your counter undisturbed for about 7 days or until naturally pickled by fermentation. Refrigerate after opening.

Little to no patience?

If waiting seven days seems like an eternity, you can always use the speedy method like I did with my Icebox Pickles. In this case, youll want to use raw cider vinegar and refrigerate overnight.

Like to spice things up a bit? Add a couple of  jalapeño peppers to your jar. Ooooh, yeah!

When you are in the twenties, your body is the healthiest and most versatile. At this age you still have time to get rid of the negative consequences of alcohol and carbohydrates. The smartest thing would be to avoid sugar (alcohol, candy, cookies) and complex carbohydrates (white bread, pasta) thus avoiding to get overweight which leads directly to the unwanted “beer” belly.

If you do any kind of physical activity your abs will stay tight. You can try doing yoga or Pilates. Learn some exercises and reduce your body fat. This way, using minimal effort your belly will remain flat.

At this age you have to focus on the food choices because the metabolism starts to slow down. Thirties are the most suitable for dishes based on fruits, vegetables and protein (chicken, fish, eggs or meat). Too many carbohydrates can increase the level of insulin in the body which will cause accumulation of fat around the waist. Introduce fish oil supplements in your diet.

Practice smart. People who were active in their twenties usually slow down when they enter the thirties. This is mainly because you have less time because of the family needs and the time consuming career-building. What is worst the eating habits remain the same, which leads to gaining weight. For these reasons it is advisable to mix cardio (running, swimming, aerobics) and flexibility exercises (yoga, Pilates). Relaxation exercises are very important in the thirties when the level of cortisol (stress hormone) increases and forces putting on some extra weight. Regular massages are also a good choice in the thirties.

You might also like: 7 Foods that Will Make You Happier

When you step into the forties your muscles begin to loose strength. You have to eat properly and exercise regularly, because that’s how you can speed up your metabolism. For a good nutrition avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar, which will increase insulin levels. You will also need a lot of protein in the diet that helps build muscle. Eat meat twice a week because it is a bit harder to digest, and the other days stick to chicken, fish and eggs. Fish oil supplements will help you regulate your insulin levels, as well as any kind of inflammatory process.

Strength training and flexibility (like Pilates) are very important in this period of increased muscle mass and helps to maintain a flat belly. It is important to focus on the abdominal muscles and that is why Pilates is ideal choice, especially if you have children. You should take more fiber through the food because your digestive system will not be as strong as before.

What you do in the fifties should be valid until the end of your life. The portions you eat should be smaller, protein rich and with more vegetables. Eat red meat only once a week. You’ll need food that is rich in calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

During this period, the focus off the exercise is on resistance, because it strengthens your muscles and stimulates the release of serotonin (the happiness hormone). This exercises will strengthen your hips, back and knees and make your stomach flat.

By Kate

Source: HealthyFoodMind