Cooking is an art while the process of selecting and understanding an ingredient, its properties and the texture of a recipe involves a whole lot of science. Some foods are best when eaten raw, some dried while others work best as a fancy garnish. Healthy and clean eating is the best way of life but one must allow space for some pleasure too. A good lifestyle gives leverage to both fitness and nutrition in equal measure.

Do you find yourself struggling to ‘like’ foods that are supposedly nutritious but don’t excite you? Are you a creature of habit and fussy about how food must be served? Would you insist on eating fresh food over canned or packed? This post will probably interest you.

Oranges

Oranges are one of the most loved and widely eaten citrus fruit around the world. Every part from their peel to juice is full of flavour and benefits. Their excellent Vitamin C content helps in immunity boosting naturally and reduces risk of colon cancer. Fructose, the natural sugar in oranges helps reduce blood sugar levels while Vitamin B6 regulates blood pressure. Oranges are good for eye health and have known benefits for skin.

Dried and ground orange peels make one of the best home face-packs. Orange zest adds aroma and flavour to desserts. Orange juice when used in cooking gives any dish a wonderful taste. Whole slices have more fiber than juice and if you have to, choose freshly squeezed over packed.

Oats

Oats have gained immense popularity of late as a healthy and wholesome breakfast and snack option. They are whole-grain foods and take longer to cook while rolled oats are processed and cook much faster. They’re gluten-free and a great source of fiber, many essential vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. They help reduce cholesterol levels and are great for weight-loss since they keep you full for long.

Oats are versatile and easily support a healthy lifestyle. Soaked oats can be added to dosa/chilla/pancake batter, oats flour can replace besan in your cutlets or use them as a thickening agent in gravies. Milk shakes, smoothies or cakes can get a healthy edge with them too.

Olives

Thanks to Domino’s and Subway, olives have become a household name. While many of us are ardent fans of their smooth texture and taste, olives have many health benefits too. They have a high fat content which abundantly comprises of oleic acid, the basic component of olive oil. They’re a great source of Vitamin E, iron, copper and calcium. They promote bone and heart health too. One variety of ripe olives turns black while others remain green.

Olives make the most tempting and colourful pizza toppings. They lend a great taste to salads, sandwiches and wraps. Vegetable oil can be replaced with olive oil in regular cooking as a healthy lifestyle choice. Correctly understanding its smoke point is important though.

Oregano

Oregano is another food item that’s synonymous with pizza (can’t help craving now!). This strong-flavoured herb is used in fresh, dried and oil form in different cuisines around the world. It is rich in antioxidants, has anti-viral properties and can reduce inflammation. Oregano contains good amount of Vitamin K and can help fight bacteria.

Pizza topping aside, oregano is famously used to flavour Maggi (I know I’m not wrong ;-)) at home. Fresh oregano adds a refreshing goodness to Italian dishes like pasta and risotto. Dried oregano is one of the most creative ingredient to work with for garnish.

Onions are indispensable in most snack, chaat and gravy preparations. Omelette is a great source of protein and fun to experiment with. Oreos are love! choose wisely, practice moderation and your lifestyle would happily sustain your guilty pleasures.

This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge by Blogchatter

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