Summer Salad Recipe Hearty Enough for Dinner

If you can’t stand the heat you can get out of the kitchen with this fresh, summer salad recipe packed with protein.

Ingredients:

4 hard-boiled eggs

1 bag or 3 cups of romaine lettuce (chopped)

12 strips of cooked bacon (cut into 1/2inch chunks)

2 large tomatoes (sliced)

1 tablespoon of bleu cheese dressing

Directions:

Boil eggs for approximately 10 minutes and allow to cool in cold water for at least one hour. Cook one package of bacon in the oven at 425 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until bacon has reached desired crispness. Set aside in a closed container and place in fridge to cool for at least an hour.

In a large bowl, evenly section out the lettuce, crack and peel eggs and slice into slivers, and add to salad. Slice tomatoes and add to the top. Pour over your bleu cheese dressing and toss well into your salad so that all the lettuce leaves and ingredients are coated.

Tip: save time by cooking bacon and eggs days in advance so that this recipe can be made simple and quick during the week.

Signs of Dehydration and Tips on Staying Hydrated

Dehydration is a common problem during the summer months and if left untreated can lead to serious health issues ranging from heat exhaustion to blood clots to even seizures. It’s easy to get dehydrated when temperatures soar into the 90s and above.

Dehydration happens when the body does not have enough fluids to sweat or function properly. The most obvious signs of dehydration include thirst and sluggishness, but there are other indicators that are less known.

Here is a list of signs of dehydration that are less obvious.

Skin test.     Your skin is one of the biggest indicators of dehydration. In addition to red or “flushed” skin tone, you can actually try the pinch test. Simply pull back about 1/2 inch of skin around or near the back of your wrist. Look for skin that stays raised like a dome for approximately 7-10 seconds. If it does, you are already experiencing the signs of mild dehydration and should slam a bottle of water STAT.

Stinky breath.     We are not trying to be mean but if your breath is kickin’ you may need to pay attention to your hydration. A lack of saliva is a common sign of dehydration and can mean that your body is having trouble making saliva. Little known fact: saliva contains antibacterial properties.

Cramping up.     Those muscle cramps might not just be from exercise or too much movement during the day. Muscle cramps are an indicator that your body is missing important electrolytes such as potassium and sodium.

Chills or fever.     In spite of the heat if you suffering from dehydration you may experience chills. This could also lead to an actual fever. These are more severe signs of sever dehydration so seek shade and fluids immediately.

Sweet tooth.     When the body is short on glycogens, you will seek something sweet to drink (soda) or eat. This is because your body is in need of nutrients and is trying to overcompensate. This would explain why you might crave a sugary soda. However, water is best and sugary sodas will only temporarily take care of these cravings. If you are “starving” try eating foods that contain lots of water such as celery, watermelon and even yogurt could get you back on track.

Headache or migraines.     There is a fluid sack that protects your brain from hitting your skull. If your head is hurting, that fluid sack is in dire need of water as well.

Avoid dehydration by sipping water throughout the day and during meals. Additionally, eat foods that contain lots of water in them such as celery, or any fruit in the melon family such as cantaloupes and as mentioned earlier, yogurt. You will want to consume at least a half gallon of water per day or eight 8-ounce glasses of water.

Simple Slow Cooker Pork Stroganoff

Getting in shape for the New Year or just trying to eat healthier? Well, then this super easy recipe is for you.

Ingredients:

1 boneless pork chops

1/2 pound of freshly-slided baby bella mushrooms

1-2 chopped leeks

1-2 garlic cloves minced

1/4 cup half & half creamer

1 cup chicken broth

¼ tsp ground celery seeds

1 ½ tsp fresh thyme

½ tsp salt

4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 package of wide noodles

1 16 ounce package of sour cream

Cut the pork into small 1-2 inch pieces and place in bottom of slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over chicken and add mushrooms, garlic, celery seeds, thyme, salt and leeks. Set to low and allow to cook for at least 6 hours. Pour half & half creamer over mixture and allow to cook while egg noodles boil/cook for 10 minutes.

Serve slow-cooker pork mixture over noodles, add a dollop of sour cream and freshly-chopped parsley over stroganoff.