Chicken Archives - StonehengeHealth.com

July 10, 2024July 17, 2024

This ‘Slim Down Salad’ Recipe is Perfect for Summer

healthy eating, food cooking and culinary concept

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both refreshing and satisfying.

Especially when the mid-summer heat is in full swing, I prefer meals that will help me look my best in my swimsuits and summer wardrobe.

But it’s still important to ensure your body gets the proper nourishment it needs to thrive.

I love to whip up a light, nutritious salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Something about the crispness of fresh vegetables, the sweetness of grapes, and the hearty protein from chicken just hits the spot.

After experimenting with a few different combinations, I’ve crafted a salad that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with essential nutrients.

I call it the “Summer Slim-Down Salad” because it contains ingredients rich in a specific trace mineral that has been shown to help reduce cravings and support weight management efforts by aiding in blood sugar control.*

But before I tell you what mineral it is, would you like to try to guess from the ingredients list?

Here are the ingredients and steps to make it yourself.

Broccoli, Grape, and Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup green grapes, halved

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup green beans, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced (about 6 ounces total)

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup whole grain croutons (optional)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

• Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the color vibrant.

• Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool before dicing.

• Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then rinse under cold water and cut into 1-inch pieces.

2. Prepare the chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips.

3. Assemble the salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, diced potatoes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and sliced chicken.

• Add the sliced almonds and whole-grain croutons if using.

4. Make the dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Toss the salad:

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Info:

Servings: 4 / Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1.5 cups) / Calories: 350-400 / Fat: 15g / Protein: 20g / Carbohydrates: 40g / Sugar: 12g / Fiber: 6g

Did you guess the secret mineral yet?

OK, I’ll tell you…

The ingredients in this salad are all rich in the mineral chromium.

Here’s why chromium can help you slim down.

• Weight Management: Chromium can help reduce cravings and support weight management efforts by aiding in blood sugar control.

• Metabolism: It plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, aiding in energy production and nutrient utilization.

• Blood sugar regulation: Chromium enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical for converting food into energy. By improving insulin sensitivity, chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

• Heart health: Chromium can help improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

Chromium can be essential in weight management, but it can be difficult to get a sufficient amount of it from food alone.

That’s why it can be beneficial to take a supplement containing chromium picolinate. I specifically like Chromax chromium picolinate because it’s a highly bioavailable form of chromium picolinate (15x more bioavailable than other forms) and is supported by 35 human clinical studies affirming its benefits.

In addition to this recipe, the team at Stonehenge Health is cooking something designed to help you reach your weight loss and wellness goals. Here’s a hint… it combines chromium with probiotics.

Head over to our Dynamic Biotics+ for Women page and discover how you can add chromium (and many more ingredients) to your daily routine.

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024

Craving quality sleep? Eat this, not that.

mature woman stretching and waking up from bed

Do you ever lie awake at night, tossing and turning, without the faintest idea of why?

Stress and anxiety are well-known sleep disrupters, but did you know the food you eat can increase the stress hormones in your body and mind?

Foods can significantly influence your sleep quality due to their nutritional content and how they affect your body’s hormones and neurotransmitters. Some foods can promote relaxation and help you fall asleep more easily, while others can disrupt sleep patterns.

Let’s take a closer look at some foods that are known to increase your chances of a good night’s sleep.

8 Foods that help you sleep

Girl holds a paper plate with healthy food sitting on the floor. Home delivery food. Healthy eating concept.

Stock up on these eight types of food—most of which are both healthy and delicious—and incorporate them into your meal schedule if you’re looking to improve your sleep.

1. Almonds and walnuts: These nuts contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and magnesium, which may improve sleep quality by reducing inflammation and stress levels.

2. Turkey and chicken: High in tryptophan, an amino acid that increases the production of serotonin, which is your body’s natural “feel-good” chemical that helps regulate mood, anxiety, and happiness. The tryptophan is then converted to melatonin in the brain. Tryptophan is the reason you feel so sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Cherries and cherry juice: Another one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, which can help regulate sleep cycles.

4. Fatty fish (salmon, trout, mackerel): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which have been shown to increase serotonin production, supporting a healthy sleep cycle.

5. Milk and dairy products: Many of these foods contain tryptophan and calcium. Calcium helps the brain use the tryptophan to manufacture melatonin.

6. Kiwi: High in antioxidants and serotonin, which may help improve sleep onset, duration, and quality. Plus, they’re delicious and make a great healthy dessert.

7. Bananas: Provide magnesium and potassium, which help relax muscles and nerves, and contain tryptophan.

8. Oats: A source of melatonin and complex carbohydrates, which can help more tryptophan get into the brain.

Do you notice anything in common among these foods? Tryptophan and melatonin are your best friends when you’re trying to fall asleep.

5 Foods that may disrupt sleep

Happy older woman drinking a mug of coffee on her couch

On the other hand, the food you eat can also affect your ability to fall and stay asleep. Here are five foods you should avoid.

1. Caffeinated foods and beverages (coffee, tea, chocolate): No surprise here—caffeine can block sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain and increase adrenaline production. Your body needs roughly 10-12 hours to rid itself of the effects of caffeine fully, so plan accordingly.

2. Spicy foods: These can cause heartburn or indigestion, making it harder to fall asleep. There are few things worse than a poor night’s sleep on top of stomach pain and indigestion.

3. High-fat and fried foods: Digesting these can be hard on the body and take longer to digest, potentially leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.

4. High-sugar foods and heavy meals: Eating big or sugary meals too close to bedtime can lead to spikes in blood sugar, potentially causing wakefulness at night.

5. Alcohol: While it may help you fall asleep faster, alcohol reduces REM sleep, which is considered the most restorative phase of sleep. In other words, you’ll get a lot less value out of your sleep with alcohol in your system.

Unfortunately, there’s yet another way food can disturb your sleep!

When is mealtime?

Middle age woman looking smartwatch standing at home

The timing of your meal can also affect your sleep.

It’s not just the types of foods you eat that can negatively affect your sleep quality and overall health—the timing of when you eat can also be a factor.

If you’re looking for better sleep, here are two eating habits you should avoid:

1. Eating late at night

Hungry mature man near open fridge in kitchen at night

Eating late at night can shift your internal clock and disrupt the natural circadian rhythm (your internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle every 24 hours), making it harder to fall asleep at your usual time.

One reason is that late-night eating can affect the release of hormones like insulin and cortisol, which can influence one’s sleep-wake cycle.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can lead to increased urination during the night, disrupting sleep. Conversely, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can cause wakefulness or nightmares, also disrupting sleep.

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone; increasing these levels before bedtime can increase stress.

Additionally, eating close to bedtime can lead to discomfort and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as lying down soon after eating can cause stomach acid to move up into the esophagus. GERD is a more severe form of heartburn.

2. Eating large meals before bed

woman overeating pizza sitting in bed late at night before bedtime unhealthy eating, lifestyle concept

Large or supersized meals can overload your digestive system, making it hard for you to fall asleep or causing you to wake up during the night.

And, of course, if those foods are heavy or rich, they may cause bloating, gas, and discomfort, disrupting your sleep.

Set yourself up for optimal sleep

There are a few things you can do via your nutrition to increase your chances for a good night’s sleep.

First, aim to have your dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Allowing space between your meal and bedtime gives enough time for digestion to occur and helps avoid discomfort or indigestion.

If you get a little hungry after dinner, opt for a light snack that won’t spike your blood sugar or cause digestion issues. Foods containing tryptophan, magnesium, or calcium (see the list above!) can promote sleep.

Eating your meals and snacks at consistent times every day can help regulate your body’s internal clock, improving your sleep cycle and overall health.

These actions all have one thing in common—they aim to reduce the stress inside your body.

And there’s another thing you can do to help reduce stress…

Dynamic Mushrooms from Stonehenge Health is a powerful nootropic formulation designed to help support healthy cognitive function while also helping to support healthy stress response.*

With a sophisticated blend of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, and Maitake, Dynamic Mushrooms is your new secret weapon for taking control of your sleep.*

Ready to explore the magical world of mushrooms?

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023

Wonderfully Crispy Creations: Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love to Share

If you still need to get on the air fryer craze, it’s time to join the party! Cooking with an air fryer is nothing short of amazing. This kitchen appliance has taken the culinary world by storm, revolutionizing how we prepare our favorite dishes. It’s the key to achieving that irresistible crispy texture with a fraction of the oil, making your meals delicious and incredibly healthy.

Today, we’re here to tantalize your taste buds and offer you a trio of delectable and nutritious air fryer recipes. From crispy veggie chips to succulent lemon herb chicken and a flavorful herb-crusted salmon, these recipes will have you falling in love with your air fryer all over again.

Let’s embark on a culinary adventure that’s both delightful and health-conscious!

1. Crispy Air Fryer Veggie Chips

Ingredients:

– 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced

– 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Toss the sliced sweet potatoes and zucchini in the seasoned olive oil mixture until well coated.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

4. Place the vegetable slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through or until golden and crispy.

6. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

Makes 4 servings | Per Serving: 79 calories, 1.1g fat, 4.1g carbohydrates, 1.8g sugar

2. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest and juice of 1 lemon

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

4. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.

5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown and cooked through.

Nutrition:

Makes 4 servings | Per Serving: 330 calories, 17.4g fat, .9g carbohydrates, 0g sugar, .3g fiber, 40.g protein

3. Air Fryer Salmon with Herb Crust

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon filets

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat)

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, fresh dill, fresh chives, salt, and pepper.

2. Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil and press the herb breadcrumb mixture onto the top of the filets to create a crust.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

4. Place the salmon filets in the air fryer basket.

5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden and crispy.

6. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

These air fryer recipes offer a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy your favorite dishes with less oil and more flavor. Happy cooking!

Nutrition:

Makes 4 servings | Per Serving: 402 calories, 19.4g fat, 19.4g carbohydrates, 1.7g sugar, 1.2g fiber, 38g protein

Upgrade Your Digestion

Fried foods can often lead to digestive problems due to their high fat content and how they are prepared, typically submerging them in hot oil.

However, by making the simple switch to air frying, you can savor your favorite dishes without the digestive discomfort that often accompanies their fried counterparts.

Another step you can take towards more digestive comfort is Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Biotics*.

You’re cultivating an environment primed for digestive wellness by featuring 16 diverse probiotic strains with 55 billion CFUs and prebiotics to support your microbiome, Dynamic Biotics.* Dynamic Biotics helps your body effectively cope with GI discomforts such as occasional gas, cramps, irregular bowel movements, and bloating.*

Dynamic Biotics remains your ultimate probiotic choice.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023

You Won’t Miss the Bun – 3 Delicious Lettuce Wrap Recipes

Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meal ideas that won’t weigh you down?

Lettuce wraps are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional bread-based sandwiches. Not only do they provide a refreshing crunch, but they also offer a low-carb and gluten-free option for those looking to watch their carb intake. Lettuce wraps provide a versatile and nutritious twist to your favorite handheld meals.

Anything you can make with a bun, you can recreate using a crisp lettuce wrap. When it comes to wrapping, opt for large, flexible lettuce leaves like iceberg, romaine, or butter lettuce. To assemble, lay out the lettuce leaf and pile on your desired fillings.

Wrap a juicy beef patty with cheese, tomatoes, and onions for a delectable burger alternative.

Craving a savory taco? Fill your lettuce wrap with seasoned ground meat, salsa, and avocado.

Love sushi? Swap the seaweed for lettuce and roll up fresh fish, rice, and veggies.

The options are endless!

Get creative and enjoy a delightful twist on your favorite flavors. And to help you get started on the lettuce wrap revolution, we’ve included three low-cal, low-carb recipes below.

Thai-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cubed chicken

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 8 large lettuce leaves (iceberg, butter, or romaine)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined.

2. Place the chicken cubes in a skillet over medium heat, and cook for 4 minutes.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

3. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it cool slightly.

4. To assemble the wraps, place a spoonful of chicken in the center of each lettuce leaf.

5. Top with shredded carrots and cilantro leaves.

6. Roll the lettuce leaves tightly, securing the fillings inside.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy these refreshing and flavorful Thai-inspired lettuce wraps.

Nutrition:

Makes 8 wraps | Per Serving: 114 calories, 3.4g fat, 3.1g carbohydrates, 1.9g sugar, .4g fiber, 16.9g protein

Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Diced Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of paprika

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 8 large lettuce leaves (iceberg, butter, or romaine)

• 1 cup of diced tomatoes

• 1 cup diced onion

• ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons of lime juice

• Lime slices for garnish

• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced red onion, hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Place the seasoned shrimp on a preheated grill pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the pan.

4. Assemble the lettuce wraps by laying the lettuce leaves on a plate or serving platter.

5. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well to combine.

6. Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a portion of the diced tomato mixture onto it.

7. Top with a few grilled shrimp.

8. Optional: Add sliced avocado, diced red onion, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor and texture.

9. Repeat the process with the remaining lettuce leaves and ingredients.

10. Serve the grilled shrimp lettuce wraps immediately and enjoy this refreshing and light dish.

Tip: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and toppings according to your taste preferences. These lettuce wraps make for a delicious appetizer or a light and healthy meal option.

Nutrition:

Makes 8 wraps | Per Serving: 84 calories, 3.6g fat, 2.8g carbohydrates, .9g sugar, .5g fiber, 11g protein

Delicious Tumeric-Spiced Lettuce Wraps

Tumeric Spiced Lettuce Wrap Recipe - Stonehenge Health

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey (or any protein of your choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Lettuce leaves (such as Bibb or Romaine)

• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through.

3. Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.

4. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are heated through.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice.

6. Spoon the turmeric-spiced turkey mixture onto lettuce leaves, creating lettuce wraps.

7. Top with your desired optional toppings, such as sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of these turmeric-spiced lettuce wraps.

Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or sauces of your choice to the lettuce wraps. Get creative and make it your own!

Nutrition:

Makes 8 wraps | Per Serving: 134 calories, 8.1g fat, 1.8g carbohydrates, .7g sugar, .5g fiber, 15.8g protein

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.