Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Shrimp DeJour


Today I want to share some really useful info about one of my favorite protein-rich food favorites: Shrimp! Whenever we go out, I always order shrimp. It just seems like such an indulgence, however, after reading this information, you'll see why shrimp is actually a good everyday protein source!

Research reveals that shrimp falls far short of gaining its fair share of attention in America’s kitchens. The per capita consumption of seafood is less than ½ the USDA recommended amount. In 2008, Americans consumed only 16 lbs. of fish and shellfish per person versus a whopping 62.7 pounds of beef and 83.4 pounds of broilers (chicken raised specifically for consumption). Clearly we need to talk more about the huge benefits of shrimp as a nutrition powerhouse!

As you may already be aware, the calorie-for-calorie benefits of shrimp are unmatched. A five ounce serving of shrimp (with no sauce or coating) has just 83 calories and 1 gram of fat, and delivers more than twice as much iron and less than 1/3 the amount of saturated fat found in the leanest cuts of beef. It also provides more than 20 grams of protein per serving – which is nearly 50% of the recommended daily amount for a 35-year-old female! It’s convenient, nutritious and delicious, and with a price per pound similar to many cuts of chicken and beef, it’s more affordable than ever.

This green mom approves and recommends shrimp at your next meal! Here's a super e-z shrimp recipe:

TROPICAL SHRIMP SALAD WITH LIME-CILANTRO DRESSING


Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients (shrimp and salad):

1 lb OLA! Raw Peeled & Deveined Shrimp

2 garlic cloves (minced)

4 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 lb mixed greens

1 ripe avocado cut in slices

1 orange, peeled and cut in slices

1 jicama, peeled and cut Julianne style

1 red pepper cut Julianne style



Ingredients
(Lime Cilantro Dressing):

2 limes (juice)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup olive oil

pinch oregano

Instructions:
Shrimp: Whisk together garlic and olive oil in large bowl. Add Shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate 1 hour. Grill Shrimp 3 minutes on each side. Set aside.

Dressing: Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on low speed until smooth.

Salad: Toss together mixed greens, avocado, orange slices, jicama, red pepper and 1/2 of the lime-cilantro dressing.

To serve: Divide salad on 4 plates and place 4 grilled shrimp on top of each salad. Drizzle remaining lime-cilantro dressing over top of shrimp.

Recipe and Image Courtesy of: The Shrimp Council and Sea Port Products Corporation

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Earth Day Green Product Media Tour

Well, it's just over a week until Earth Day and I have decided to participate in a national media tour on Wednesday, April 14th, to promote some interesting green products.

Here's a quick overview of this year's choices. Once I get a copy of one of the interviews, I'll add it to my next blog post!

echoice DayLighting Systems from Solatube International, Solatube.com
This lighting system offers the beauty of outside light "inside" your home by using their system to transfer sunlight from the roof of your home down a highly reflectable tube to deliver daylight into the dark rooms of your house! Very Cool!

Eco-Friendly Carpet by Mohawk's StartStrand with Dupont Sorona, Mohawkflooring.com
It's one of the most eco-friendly flooring for your home. Made from renewable resources, like sugar from corn, this carpet also boasts a lifetime stain resistant fibers, as well.

Tide Coldwater laundry detergent, TideColdwater.com.

This detergent is specially formulated to help remove challenging stains in a cold water wash and it is the first detergent to receive the new Green GoodHousekeeping Seal. Yay!

Rainbird Irrigation Controler, Rainbird.com. This is no regular sprikler system for your garden and yard. This system actually calculates how much water your yard and garden needs and then calculates historical and real time weather data to ensure that you conserve up to 80% of your water.

Bic Ecolutions ReAction Ball Pen, www.Bicworldusa.com.
This pen is made from 75% recycled plastic and is perfect for older students; it features the easy-glide system ink technology which provides up to 45% smoother writing compared to Bic's other roll ball pens.

Bic Ecolutions Wite-Out Brand Mini Correction Tape is made from 51% recycled plastic and is almost 20 feet long for a real eco-savings.

Remember Earth Day is every day for the Green Mom!