healthy eating recipe

Carrots are excellent sources of beta carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, potassium, and copper. This antioxidant-rich vegetable is also a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin K, and manganese. Carrots are naturally sweet and high in sugar. So to get the most benefit, it is best to prepare it using the least amount and healthiest sugar available such as honey. Try this Sunny Anderson recipe for a healthy and sweet take on carrots:

Honey Glazed Carrots

1 pound baby carrots
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
salt
water

1. Bring enough water to cover carrots to a boil. Salt the water and cook carrots for six minutes or until tender.
2. Drain carrots and toss with butter, honey, lemon juice, and black pepper. Toss until carrots are well-coated with glaze.
3. Garnish with flat-leaf parsley and toss. Serve warm as an appetizer or as a side dish to meats, fish, or poultry.

Tip: If you are using larger carrots, parboil carrots, toss with glaze, and roast until tender.

The secret to a healthy and delicious cooking is a well-stocked pantry. Hence, it is important that your pantry houses every cooking ingredient you need for your daily meal preparation.

So what are the pantry essentials you need to keep in mind next time you head to the grocery? Read on:

* for condiments and oils
- canola oil and olive oil
- ketchup
- balsamic and rice vinegar
- salsa
- hot sauce
- reduced-fat mayonnaise
- reduced-sodium soy sauce

* for seasoning:
- black pepper
- salt
- spices and herbs such as ground ginger, crushed red pepper, chili powder, rosemary, oregano

* for ref and freezer basics:
- eggs
- skim milk
- cheese such as mozarella, feta, and parmessan
- fruit juice
- low-fat ice cream
- frozen tortellini
- frozen fruits and vegetables

* for baking:
- baking soda and powder
- flour
- cornstarch
- brown sugar
- honey

* for canned and bottled goods
- tomato paste
- canned light tuna or salmon
- canned beans such as garbanzo beans

Fruit & Vegetables

Eating healthily means at least 5 a day

This includes frozen, canned, dried and pure juices as well as fresh. Also included in this group are beans, including baked beans, pulses and lentils. The key for good health is to choose a wide variety - aiming for five different portions per day. A portion is approximately 80g, e.g. one medium apple or two medium plums.
A healthy eating , well balanced diet is about eating the right quantity and variety of foods from each of the main food groups every day.