Top 10 Super Foods to Include in Your Menu
In the last year, we all, for obvious reasons, spend more time at home. Probably cooking and eating have also increased. That’s why, with the help of nutritionist David Groto’s research, we present you several super foods that are both delicious and low in calories. And one more thing, these foods are nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, iron and potassium.
Top 10 Low Calorie Foods
Beans
Calories: 200 per cup
Nutrients: Rich in folate, vitamin B1 or thiamine, magnesium, molybdenum, soluble fiber, iron and potassium.
Yogurt or Kiefer
Calories: 140 per cup (plain low-fat or non-fat)
Nutrients: Rich in pantothenic acid, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and iodine.
Beef Liver
Calories: 137 per 3 ounces
Nutrients: Rich in iron, vitamin A, biotin, choline, vitamin B12, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B6, chromium, copper and phosphorus.
Salmon
Calories: 157 per 3 ounces
Nutrients: Rich in biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin D, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and choline.
Mushrooms
Calories: 15 per cup
Nutrients: Rich in biotin, vitamin B2, copper, chromium and pantothenic acid.
Lobster
Calories: 65 per 3 ounces
Nutrients: Rich in pantothenic acid, copper, selenium and zinc.
Soy Beans
Calories: 150 per half cup
Nutrients: Rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, insoluble and soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats and protein.
Oysters
Calories: 85 per 3 ounces
Nutrients: Rich in vitamin B12, copper, iron, selenium and zinc.
Spinach
Calories: 14 per two cups
Nutrients: Rich in folate, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese.
Pork
Calories: 196 per 3 ounces
Nutrients: Rich in biotin, choline, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B1 and zinc.
The Secrets of the Perfect Barbecue
We are at such a time of year that it smells like barbecue everywhere. No matter how much you like meat, this aroma will not leave you impartial. We have to admit that it is very tasty, and it is easy to prepare. However, there are some subtleties that are good to know when you cooking barbecue food to make sure you get the best results. We from Art Hotel Simona and Simona Restaurant have collected some tips and we are happy to share them with you.
Before that let’s go back into the time and trace the history of this way of cooking meat. People have used it since 1.8 million years ago, according to Planet Barbecue (Workman Publishing, 2010).
Briefly About the Appearance of the Barbecue
Well, in the form in which we now know the barbecue – grilled meat or oven, covered with spices and sauce, it is assumed that the tradition originated in the Caribbean. The first drawings of such cooking are by Spaniards who arrive in the Caribbean and discover that the locals roast the caught fish and game on fire, placed on special wooden panels. They themselves called the method “barbacoa”.
According to a legend, the man who carried the idea into European cuisine was the sailor Christopher Columbus. He arrived in these lands in the 15th century and was amazed by the cooking of the local tribes. The taste left him speechless, because he had never tried anything like it before.
Whether the story of Columbus is quite real, we can not be sure, but the reason for baking at low temperature for a long time is crystal clear. Wild meat is tougher and therefore needs longer heat treatment.
Modern Version of the Barbecue
In the current version, the barbecue comes from African slaves in the United States of America, who were given the worst part of the meat. That’s why they had to somehow prepare it to soften and make it more juicy. It turned out that barbecue is the most suitable option.
Tips for the Perfect Barbecue
Do not Use a Gas Barbecue
There are different ways to cook a barbecue, but most experts recommend not using a gas grill. With this type of barbecue you get the necessary heat, but the taste is completely different.
Do not Increase the Temperature
The right way to cook a barbecue is at a low temperature and slowly, so be patient.
Marinate the Meat in Advance
Prepare your favorite marinade sauce and let it stand for a few hours or even overnight. If you do not have that much time, you can speed up the process by leaving the meat out of the refrigerator. At room temperature it will taste and flavor much faster.
Cut Just Before Serving
After roasting the meat, also let it stand for a while – a few minutes. Cut just before you start eating to keep it juicy and tender.
Air Circulation is the Main Secret
The meat should not touch anything other than the grill, ie. the fire must be low. Bake on a flameless embers.
Prepare the Grill So That the Meat Does not Stick
It is good to grease it a few minutes before putting the products on the grill. Red onions also work.
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If you want to eat something tasty and you don’t want to prepare it, welcome to Simona Restaurant. Here we approach cooking as an art and always try to offer our guests uniquely delicious culinary masterpieces.
5 Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays
It is clear that summer is the holiday season – there is no dispute on this issue. But during our travels and entertainment we often forget about our healthy diet. If you still stick to proper nutrition and you are wondering exactly how to combine it with your plans for sea or mountain adventures, maybe these few tips are just for you.
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays?
Make a List With Forbidden Foods
Something very valuable, especially for people with digestive or gastric problems. They certainly understand well what we mean, but we will explain to everyone else. And in the beginning we clarify that we do not need to be very drastic to eat relatively healthy, even when we are out of town.
The easiest way is to make a list of foods to avoid. This does not mean that we will deprive ourselves, we will just be careful. This list is good to include fried and greasy things, as well as very salty packaged products and sausages. And if you’re wondering why it’s so important, it’s good to know that it won’t hold water or fill you with toxins.
Think About Places to Eat in Advance
When we go to the sea or the mountains, we choose a place to sleep in advance. At the same time, however, inquire about the places where you will be able to eat. If you prefer and have such an opportunity, you may prepare your own food. In case you are going to eat in a restaurant, ask in advance where delicious and quality dishes are offered.
Don’t Hurry – Positive Emotions Will Not Escape
Clearly, adventures can’t wait, but you don’t need to rush all the time. Take enough time for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, because they are valuable both for energy and for sharing time with loved ones and friends. And if you’re still in the rhythm of the big city, slow down a bit, eat something tasty, take some drink and enjoy the company.
You Have to Limit Fizzy Drinks
We know very well that gin goes with a tonic and rum with a cola and we do not say that they are forbidden, but we do not need to pour carbonated drinks from morning till night. We will save you explanations of how harmful they are to your health, because we believe you are aware. We just want to point out that there are healthier and more enjoyable alternatives. Think about them!
You Don’t Overdo With Sweets
It is true that the vacation is time for relax, but you do not want to try to lose the extra pounds next two months, right?!. Not to mention the harm to health from excessive amounts of jam… So you better sweeten your life with some fruit or dark chocolate.
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And for those who have a trip to Sofia – no matter for work or just for a walk, know that Art Hotel Simona can offer unforgettable experiences in an artistic rooms at reasonable prices. And all this 3 km from the city center and with impeccable hygiene measures, as the new reality requires. And for gourmets, the Simona restourant has a wonderful list of specialties that you will find hard to resist.
We are expecting you!
Top Foods That Never Spoil
Have you ever forgotten a packet of rice or can in the cupboard and remember them in half a year or even more?! Yes ?! Well, don’t worry, you’re not the only one! But are they still good to eat?
Why is it important to know the expiration date?
First of all, it should be clarified that the expiry date does not necessarily mean that the food is unfit for consumption. The dates of “use from” and “sale to” on the packaging are set by the manufacturer to indicate the period during which he guarantees the quality.
What does this mean? Many unopened packages can actually be used. What is important to make sure that everything is fine with the products? Pay attention to an unpleasant odor, change in texture or mold.
Foods that never spoil
Important condition: Store under suitable conditions.
White rice
According to research, it can retain its nutritional value and flavor for 30 years. Of course, there are certain storage requirements, as we already mentioned. It must be in an oxygen-free container at a temperature below 4.5 degrees Celsius.
However, brown rice won’t be good for such a long time because of the natural oils in it. It has been proven that you can use it for up to 6 months.
Honey
This is the only one food that is practically eternal. And this is thanks to its magical ingredients and the work of bees – another proof of how important these small hard-working insects are.
Processing and sealing in jars also contribute to its indefinite shelf life. When heated and filtered honey is sealed properly, moisture cannot be absorbed and it remains unchanged forever.
And something curious: The oldest honey ever discovered is 5,500 years old.
Salt
It is a mineral taken from nature and it has been used for centuries to preserve other foods because it removes moisture. So the salt in the cupboard is actually eternal. What can reduce the shelf life is the addition of iodine, notes Morton Salt. If you use iodized salt, know that you can use it 5 years.
Sugar
Here again we will remind you of the method of storage, because it determines whether the sugar will be eternal or not. Powdered and crystal sugar are best stored in airtight containers to protect it from moisture. For best quality, still use within two years.
Dried beans
As with rice research, dried beans are also considered suitable for up to 30 years. That’s according to researchers at Brigham Young University in the United States. The results show that 80% of the samples are fit for use. It is also claimed that the digestibility of proteins remains stable over time.
Powdered milk
Well, the taste is not as good as real milk, but it can be kept for up to 5 years if it is in a cool, dry and dark place. However, when stored at high temperatures (for example, near the stove), it can spoil in only 3 months.
Water
If it is bottled and you keep it in a dark and cool place, you can be sure that there will be no problem with it. However, the taste changes if it is in the sun, as well as depending on the objects around it.
Soy sauce
If you forget a bottle of soy sauce in the fridge, don’t worry – it is good for use. It can be used to 3 years, even if it is not cold.
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And in case you don’t want to cook a meal at home, we invite you to Simona Restaurant to try some of our irresistible culinary temptations. For us, food is an art that you should enjoy with all your senses.
How To Improve Your Mood With… Food
Getting in a good mood can be a challenge, especially in months with less sun. The reduced amount of vitamin D that we take with the sun’s rays is a determinant of bad mood and depression. It also affects the way we make decisions, as well as impulse control. However, here are some ways to improve the situation with food.
Top foods for a better mood
- Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C increases immunity, but it also improves mood and relieves symptoms of depression, according to a 2013 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It also helps the body make effective use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Therefore, it is good to focuse on using foods that are high in vitamin C.
Foods: citrus fruits, chives and fresh peppers, broccoli, papaya, strawberries, cauliflower, pineapple, kiwi and mango.
- Rich in Vitamin B6
Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to depression, according to other research. Our body needs it to acquire neurotransmitters (substances that improve the functioning of the nervous system) such as serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin.
Foods: sunflower seeds, pistachios, fish (mainly tuna), turkey and chicken, pure pork, dried fruits (eg plums), bananas, avocados, spinach.
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely useful for our brain and appearance, as well as for our smile. When we do not take enough, signs of depression begin to appear, a number of studies have found.
Foods: salmon, herring, sardines, chia seeds, flax seeds, nuts, veal, eggs, and EPA and DHA derived from algae.
- Rich in zinc
Studies have shown that people with the most severe depression often have low levels of zinc in their body. Its deficiency can lead to symptoms of the disease, as well as memory problems, seizures, aggression and violence.
Foods: legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, oysters, red meat, cashew, almonds, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds.
- Rich in magnesium
Magnesium is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses, for muscle activity, for temperature regulation, for detoxication in the body, and for the formation of healthy bones and teeth. As a result of a comparative study in 1921, it became the first medically recognized substance to treat depression.
Foods: legumes (beans, lentils, nahut, peas), dairy products (mozzarella, goat cheese), whole grains (quinoa, millet, bulgur, wheat), dark leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sesame, almonds, cashew nuts, cedar nuts, peanuts, walnuts), fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), avocados, bananas, dried fruits (figs, plums, apricots, dates, raisins) and black chocolate.
3 foods for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is coming and surely many of you are preparing the surprise of a loved one. If you have to fix some details, we are going to give you some ideas for what to choose from the culinary.
Top 5 romantic foods
Chocolate
It is clear that most women adore chocolate, but there are many men that like the sweet temptation, too, especially if we are talking about romance. So the chocolate is always a great gift and it is an aphrodisiac. And don’t forget to combine it with the right wine.
Strawberries
Now is not the right season for strawberries, but there is no doubt that strawberries are symbols of romance and love. This fruit is the next powerful aphrodisiac after the chocolate. In fact, do you know why strawberries usually combine with chocolate?! These are the two most famous aphrodisiacs in the world. But history goes back to Ancient Rome, where strawberries were a symbol of Venus, the goddess of spring and after that of beauty, love and life, too.
Spices
Cinnamon, for example, tone and excite, this said the Chinese teachings. Ginger is usually good for blood circulation and enhances sex men’s strength. When we are talking about increasing libido, it is especially appropriate to combine the spices with warmed wine.
So if you want unforgettable Valentine’s Day, buy some chocolate and come to the romantic Simona Restaurant on 02/14/2020. You are going to try delicious culinary specialties from the best chefs. And if you make a reservation at the restaurant, you get a discount of -10% per night at Art Hotel Simona.
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