Linguine With Asparagus and Pine Nuts

12 ounces linguine (3/4 box)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup pine nuts

4 cloves garlic, sliced

2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

kosher salt and black pepper

1 cup shaved Parmesan (about 3 ounces)

Cook your favorite pasta according to the box instructions, drain, and return to the pot. Toast the nuts and garlic on medium heat over the stove adding the asparagus last and cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until tender.  Add the asparagus mixture to the pasta, and stir well.

Baked Stuffed Artichokes With Pecorino

4 ounces baguette or country bread, torn into large pieces

1/2 cup grated pecorino (2 ounces)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing artichoke leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving

kosher salt and black pepper

2 artichokes

vinaigrette (optional)

Combine the ingredients together, and then peel the stems of the artichoke. Be sure to scoop out any discard or choke in the artichoke before brushing with oil, and filling with the bread crumb mixture. Bake 45 to 60 minutes until tender tender and golden.

One-Pot Salmon With Snap Peas and Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice

1pound salmon fillet, skin removed

kosher salt and pepper

4ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 scallions, trimmed and sliced

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Cook rice and salmon on stovetop separately. Add the salmon on top of the rice and continue cooking while adding the snap peas. Mix together the remaining ingredients in a bowl, and spoon on top of salmon, peas and rice.

Neighbors Emergency Center has multiple in centers opening in Texas. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for neighborly news and updates.

The Mediterranean Diet is one that has increased in popularity over the last couple of years. Many people have adopted the lifestyle, claiming it’s led to better health. And unlike some other trends, this one has staying power. It recommends food choices that are ideal for all people, whether or not they have a medical condition.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

 

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes heavy consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seafood, light consumption of poultry and dairy, and restrictions on sugars, processed meats, refined grains, and other highly processed foods. To add flavor, it focuses on using herbs, spices, and olive oil over salt and butter.

 

The diet gets its name because it mimics the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Fruits and vegetables are a large component of the Mediterranean Diet, modeled after residents of Greece, who eat an average of nine servings of fruit and veggies per day, along with very little red meat.

The diet doesn’t focus on restrictions. Rather, it encourages healthy choices, allowing adherents to experience the wonderful flavors of colorful foods. It also recommends enjoying meals with friends and family, exercise, and drinking red wine in moderation, if desired.

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

 

The diet not only sounds and tastes great; it has been proven to make a difference in the lives of many patients. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The delicious diet has also been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

The benefits also extend to other areas of health, including improving weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing risk of depression.

At Neighbors Emergency Center, our goal is to encourage all of our patients to pursue healthy lives. Like us on Facebook for regular tips on how you can make good choices to look and feel better. For more health and fitness tips, be sure to visit us on our website, where you can find our blogs. We are proud to provide 24/7 emergency services to residents in Houston and beyond.

Easy Pan Pizza with zucchini, Red Onion, and Pistachios

Ingredients

• 1 recipe Foolproof Pan Pizza (dough only), or 1 1/2 pounds store-bought pizza dough
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 small summer squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 a small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons picked fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup pistachios

This recipe takes a while to make, but the outcome of delicious vegan pizza is worth it! Start by dividing the dough and letting it rise. Once your dough is properly prepared and in the pans, then you can add the zucchini, squash and onions on top of pizza. Bake until the pizzas are golden brown and crisp. Finish by sprinkling pistachios on top.

Mexican Mushroom and Spinach Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 medium poblano peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if toasting
• 10 ounces white button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 8 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought vegetarian refried beans
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 2 teaspoons dark molasses

• 4 hearty sandwich or hero rolls
• 3 whole pickled jalapeño peppers, stems and seeds removed, cut into strips
• 3/4 cup pickled red onions
• Handful fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 avocado, sliced

This hearty sandwich takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It is packed with greens, refried beans, mushrooms, pickled onions, and best of all spicy pickled jalapenos. All the internal ingredients need to be cooked first, followed by assembling and compressing the sandwiches. You can serve them as is, or toast them in the oven before serving.

Crispy Buffalo Fried Cauliflower

Ingredients

• 2 quarts vegetable or peanut oil
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
• 1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s

• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup picked celery leaves (optional)

This vegan recipe packs a punch with spicy buffalo and garlicky flavor! When forming the batter make sure that it is not too thick, and that the consistency is smooth. Each piece of cauliflower should be friend for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Finally toss in the hot sauce mixture and serve.

Neighbors Emergency Center supports your start to a healthier lifestyle. Check our Facebook page to stay updated on what Neighbors is doing and new center openings. With our 24-hour emergency rooms throughout the Houston metro area, we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

Ingredients

4 boneless and skinless halves of chicken breast (Cut down to 1-inch strips)

4 tbsp.of soy sauce

4 tbsp. of red wine vinegar

1 tsp. of sesame oil

3 tbsp. of brown sugar

2 tsp. of chopped thyme

3 cloves of chopped garlic

1 tsp. of finely chopped onion

½ tsp. of allspice

1 sliced habanero pepper

Directions

1 First, fill your food processor or blender with the onion, thyme, garlic, habanero pepper, brown sugar, allspice, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Blend until the ingredients have a smooth viscosity. Next, take a large resealable plastic bag and pour in ¾ of the mixture along with the chicken. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible and then let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for one hour.

2 Preheat your oven to the broil setting.

3 Once the chicken has been properly marinated, discard the excess mixture in the bag and broil the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes. To ensure an even cook, make sure to flip the chicken at around the 5 to 7-minute mark. Meanwhile, heat up the remaining marinade mixture in a saucepan. Once the chicken has been properly cooked, drizzle the heated marinade on top of the chicken before serving.

This recipe feeds up to four people and is best served with roasted asparagus and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For more delicious recipes and healthy living tips, check out some of our other fun and informative blogs from your best neighbors ever!

Chia seeds absorb 30 times their weight in water. They also help battle dehydration by regulating body fluid levels and retaining electrolytes. Try eating this for breakfast before you spend a long day out in the heat.

The watermelon also provides a sweet juxtaposition to the savory flavors of the fish and the spices.

Since many summer activities take place outdoors and it’s so important to stay hydrated when the temps get high, in addition to drinking lots of water, try incorporating these water-filled foods into your diet. They are healthy and light and we’ll leave you feeling great.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

With ingredients like oats, fruit, and almond butter, these muffins will fill you up and leave you satisfied until lunch.

The only work required is slicing the avocados and peppers and combining the pecans, tamari, cumin, and olive oil in a food processor.

It won’t make the mousse green, and it provides creaminess without using dairy products. Give it a try tonight!

With these recipes, you won’t need to turn on your oven for most of the summer. There are so many options for cooking without heat. Try one today!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Garlic, jalapeno, red onions, and BBQ sauce give it a ton a flavor so don’t worry you will be eating a bland burger.

The spicy sauce is made with Greek yogurt and sriracha giving it a spicy kick. Top it with cucumber, cilantro, and pickled jalapeno and you have yourself a delicious, healthy beef burger alternative.

so you won’t lose out on flavor. For cheeseburger enthusiasts, You can even top it with white cheddar cheese

Don’t let grilling season pass you by this summer. Try one of these healthy and delicious recipes instead of the traditional, calorie-laden burger. Happy grilling!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Try this Avocado and Egg Breakfast Pizza to get a healthy dose of avocado first thing in the morning. Eat a handful of nuts, like walnuts, to benefit from the high levels of unsaturated fats, which lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels.You can also start cooking with olive oil instead of butter. Many studies have shown that their monounsaturated fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

Asparagus contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Kale contains a special kind of fat called alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid proven to improve heart health. Oranges contain pectin, a soluble fiber, which blocks cholesterol absorption and helps prevent the scarring of heart tissue. Try this Roasted-Garlic Asparagus recipe next time you need a heart-healthy side dish.

Stick to one ounce of dark chocolate per day, two to three times a week. Red wine contains polyphenols, which have been proven to increase good cholesterol levels. Just remember to drink in moderation to get the best benefits. For a sweet, heart-healthy treat, try this Outrageous Warm Double-Chocolate Pudding.

Your heart is a precious commodity, so you should do whatever you can to protect it. Luckily there are so many delicious foods that can help prevent heart disease. Here’s to your heart!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Kale, Almond, Banana Smoothie with Chia Seeds

This delicious, on-the-go breakfast is packed with four superfoods: kale, almond butter, banana, and chia seeds. Kale contains a phytonutrient that has been shown to lessen your risk for a variety of certain cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.

Bananas contain large amounts of vitamins C and B6, carotenoids, and contain at least three grams of fiber Per serving. Almonds are the most nutrient-dense nut. They are a great source of potassium, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron. You still get all of these benefits in almond butter. Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They provide many health benefits like increased energy, joint support, cardiovascular health, weight loss, and muscle regeneration. What a great way to start your day!

The almonds add a nice dose of protein, and the antioxidants are thought to help fight off heart disease and cancer. Apples are considered a superfood, because they are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants known to help fight off the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to causing cancer, hardening of the arteries, inflammation, and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Salmon with Almonds and Asparagus

Salmon and asparagus are superfoods, because they are both credited with improving cognitive function. By itself though, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K, which helps make bones stronger and aids in blood clotting. It is also high in antioxidants, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This recipe is perfect for an easy and healthy dinner.

By incorporating more superfoods into your diet, you can increase your overall health and reduce your risk for serious diseases. These recipes are a good place to start eating these nutritional powerhouses.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know your time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Unfortunately, eating pastry for breakfast will just leave you hungry a couple hours later. To stave off mid-morning hunger and to fuel up properly, try this Breakfast Slab Pie. This is the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fat. Make yourself a pan and cut it up into portable squares that you can throw into a plastic baggie or container to eat on your commute or when you get to work.

you will actually look forward to even if you can’t get out of your car. The sweet potatoes provide a dose of healthy carbs for energy, and the bacon provides much-needed protein to keep you full.

Baking them in muffin tins makes them easy to eat, which saves time, and there won’t be any plates to wash.

Try any of these recipes when you feel like life is getting too hectic and eating healthy is becoming a distant memory. You will be full and satisfied.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.