I over did my eating tonight since I had my daughter and FSIL over tonight and cooked a special meal for them. It was a healthy meal, but I didn't blog all day and kept a mental tab on my calories. We all know how that usually turns out at the end of the day. I just needed a little vacation tonight from calorie counting. I did go to Central Market and buy one of those choc. covered cherries as a treat. I think I have broken myself of doing this though when I ate that piece of candy then ate a piece of red pepper. The red pepper tasted terrible after I had that candy. I got to thinking that must be why children hate vegetables so much. OK, this is just a theory. I believe the more sugar you eat, the less you can taste the true flavor of vegetables and fruits. I have not had candy in over three months. In this past three months I have noticed that all my vegetable flavors have become more intense, until I ate something high in artificial sugar or in a sweetness value. I know our sugar taste buds are the most prominent in our mouth, and our sweet preference is picked up early on in life easily given the choice. Studies have shown that given the choice between something sweet and salty, or plain a baby will choose the sweet, so do rats. When I eat sugar I loose my craving for fruits and vegetables, and the reverse is true. When I only eat fruits and veggies, I have noticed I have craved sugar less. I think I am finding a trend here with myself and wonder if there is some scientific truths behind what I am experiencing. Thoughts from everyone else here would be appreciated.
Tonight I made a great dish called, Israeli Couscous Salad:
2 cups cooked Israeli Couscous
2 green onions
1/2 cup chopped red peppers
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup, diced, seeded, peeled, cucumber, if desired
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ( hey I forgot to put this in and it still came out very good )
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbs olive oil
2 tbs toasted pine nut

Prepare couscous according to package directions on. If package refers to browning couscous in olive oil first, omit this step and continue cooking in boiling water.
Place couscous and vegetables, and basal in a medium bowl, toss gently.
In a small bowl mix the mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and blend. Pour over the pasta and toss gently to blend. Sprinkle the nuts over the mixture right before serving. Can be eaten hot or cold.

For another variation add grilled chopped up Sh*take mushrooms and or grilled chicken strips.

Makes 8 servings: each 105 cals ( 43% from fat ), 5 grams total fat, 1 gram Sat f, 0 chol, 12g Cb, 3g Pro, 27mg Sod, 1 g fiber

Everyone have a Nice Monday.
Place
Place couscous