This week in the health and wellness class we will be talking about Carb's! There is no need to fear carbs any longer!! Let me ask you, do you love bread, crackers and chips? Are they "have-to's" for you?
Let me share with you a little bit about carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are divided into two types, simple and complex. The classification is based on the chemical structure and reflects how quickly sugar is digested and absorbed. Simple carbohydrates are also called simple sugars and are chemically made of one or two sugars. a simple sugar is what is in many of your sugar bowls. Things like candy, syrups and soda pop are also examples of simple carbs. Quick absorption! Simple carbs also include foods such as fruit and milk.
Complex carbs are also known as starches and are made of three or more linked sugars. Grains such as bread, pasta, oatmeal and rice are complex carbs, as well as some veggies like broccoli, corn, legumes such as kidney beans and chick peas. They take longest to digest.
All this talk about carbs leads me to share a favorite recipe...
Easy Bruschetta
It’s just a mixture of chopped tomatoes, balsamic, basil, and garlic, spooned over olive-oil brushed slices of toasted baguette or rustic bread. (My favorite bread is Dave's Killer Bread Rock n Rolls lightly toasted!)
It’s perfect for a party because you can make a large batch of the topping ahead of time, bring out a bowl of the bruschetta topping for people to put on their own toasts, or do it for them right before serving. It is also fast and easy as a light dinner with a salad! Feast away!!!
- 6 or 7 ripe plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced* or chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more or less to taste
Chop, toss and serve! Enjoy!
Until next time, make it a happy and health filled day!
Sabrina