Cabbage, Apple & Ginger Salad

When I worked at a pediatrician's office, my boss passed along this recipe. My new doctor said I should eat more cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower (they are estrogen inhibitors), so I was excited to recover my photocopy of this delicious salad out of my mess of a recipe binder. It's considered a detox salad, but I don't like to think about that... just taste and see for yourself.

Red Cabbage and Apple Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette
Laraine Perri, Health magazine, July 2008

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp peeled, grated fresh ginger
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups packed shredded red cabbage
2 cups packed shredded Napa cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup golden raisins,plumed in hot water
1/4 cup toasted, unsalted sunflower seeds

Preparation:
Whisk together first five ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk in olive oil, salt and pepper; set aside. Toss cabbages together in a large serving bowl. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to keep from browning. Add apple, raisins, and half of the sunflower seeds to the cabbages. Toss with the dressing. Garnish each serving with remaining seeds.

Nutrtiiton Notes:
*Cabbage is an estrogen inhibitor.
*Ginger improves circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
*Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium which, among other things, helps strengthen bones and calm one's nerves.

Lemony Shrimp with White Beans

This is one of my favorite meals. It's simple to prepare, has minimal ingredients and yet the flavor is well- balanced. I got it from Real Simple, only modifying it from using butter to olive oil and swapping the couscous for jasmine rice. Serve it with a vegetable or salad for a full meal.

LEMONY SHRIMP WITH WHITE BEANS

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (or use frozen salad shrimp)
1 can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 ¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Preparation:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and scallions; cook 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, 3 minutes or until they begin to turn pink. Stir in beans, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Serve over rice.

Purple Passion Shake

I hate the thought of posting another recipe without a photo, but as soon as I get a camera cord I will. Recently, this smoothie has been a staple for me since it is quick to prepare and doesn't involve chewing (less effort on my digestive system). I got the original recipe online years ago but can't find it anywhere now, otherwise I'd reference it; my version is modified anyway.

Notes:

* You may want to add a few ice cubes if not using any frozen fruit.

* If you have allergies, be sure to find a protein powder that suites your needs.

*I find a great way to use up the banana without freezing it is eating half before a workout (energy boost), then using the remaining half for my post-exercise breakfast.

Purple Passion Shake:

1/2 cup soy milk

1/4 cup mixed berry juice

1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 banana fresh or frozen

1 scoop whey powder

1 tsp flax oil

Blend all ingredients and enjoy!

12 oz. Serves 1. Approximately 280 calories.