Delicious, Nutritious "Powerhouse" Meal

Whats for dinner?  TGS Mussels

This is a quick, delicious and nutritional powerhouse of a meal that I make often.  If you like mussels you'll love this recipe.  It is also very cost effective so it's a total win win!  What makes this recipe a nutritional powerhouse?  Well sit back my friend and let me tell you about the amazing ingredients...

Onions & Garlic - boost immunity, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, heal infections

Olive Oil - heart healthy, boost immune system, reduce inflammation, lowers cholesterol & blood pressure, increases nutrient absorption

Red Pepper Flakes - increases metabolism, reduces cancer risk

Dijon Mustard - contains turmeric known for it's anti-inflammatory effects, detoxifier, antiseptic, antibacterial

Wine - antioxidant, heart healthy (and makes you happy lol)

Canned Tomatoes - regulate blood sugar,contain high levels of  lycopene (an antioxidant which protects from cell damage), lower blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, boosts immunity, strengthens bones

Mussles - nutrient dense, high protein, low fat, low calories, high nutrients (see "The Health Benefits of Mussels" at the end of the post)

As you can see this recipe is loaded with nutrients, protects against disease, decreases inflammation and boosts your immune system all of which work synergistically to make you healthier and increase your ability to fight off illness.  Perfect for the flu season that is upon us!

TGS Mussels

Ingredients

1/4 cup finely chopped Onion
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic
2 teaspoons Capers
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 cup White Wine
1 cup bottled Clam Juice or Chicken Broth
1 (14.5 oz) can Basil, Garlic & Oregano Tomatoes
2 lbs Mussels, scrubbed and debearded

Directions

Rinse mussels under cold running water discarding any mussels with broken shells.  Scrub the shells to remove any seaweed, dirt or other particles lodged on the shell.  Pull out the stringy beard on the mussel.  Look for shells that are tightly closed. Discard any mussels that remain open. 

Note:  You can tap lightly on the mussel if it remains open (I usually just use another muscle) and if it is alive it will close itself...if it does not close after tapping discard the dead muscle. 

Heat Olive Oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat.  Add onion and garlic; saute' 5 minutes or until tender.  To the same pot add the capers, mustard, wine, clam juice and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil and cook approximately 5 minutes to let flavors combine. 

Add the cleaned mussels to the liquid, cover and steam on a medium heat for 6-8 minutes until shells have opened.

Pour the entire pot of mussels into a very large bowl, grab a friend and enjoy! 

The Health Benefits of Mussels

Mussels are high in protein and low in fat.  Mussels are also low in calories containing only 95 calories per 3.5 oz (100g).  They are an excellent source of vitamin B12 (which is essential to a healthy functioning metabolism.  A deficiency in B12 can cause fatigue and depression).  They are also an excellent source of selenium (an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals.  Free radicals damage cell membranes and DNA and contribute to a number of diseases including heart disease and cancer). 

3.5 oz of mussels also provides around 13% of your daily vitamin C needs and 22% of your daily iron needs. Mussels are also good sources of other B vitamins (folate, phosphorus, manganese and zinc) and are a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids...they are an excellent seafood choice.

Step 1...The Thought Process

"Today is the day that you start moving with life instead of against it.  It is the day you will do the right thing, even if you don’t want to, for no other reason other than because it is the right thing to do.  You will accept that all of your decisions transcend into your life and create its dynamics.  You are the ruler of your life and possess all of the power that you need to make all of your dreams and goals a reality.  Living your dream and accomplishing your goals will be gained by simply tapping into this power that you already possess.  Let something amazing get a hold of you today and embrace it."

This is what I wrote to myself today.  I do consider myself to be a positive person, to look for the good in people and in every situation.  I believe what you put out into the world is what comes back to you times 10.  I believe in the "Law of Attraction" that basically states that your thoughts send out a magnetic signal to attract what it is you are thinking which is exactly WHY I wrote myself a note today. 

To be honest with you, I could not be happier that 2012 is over!  On a personal level it was a year of many trials and tribulations in my life and I'll admit I wasn't saying those affirmations to myself all that often.  On the outside I appeared positive and hopeful but on the inside I certainly didn't think or feel that way.  

Why am I telling you this?  Well it occurred to me that the more attention I gave the problems in my life, the negative things and the negative thoughts the more they became apparent.  I'm a walking testament of the concept that "like attracts like" and although I know this and have practiced "what you send into the Universe is what you attract" I just got lost along the way.  I opened the door to negative thoughts, depression and despair...I allowed it!   Well that party is over!

So this year I have decided that I will NOT allow anything to steal my joy, my hopes, my dreams and my plan for the best year of my life...also known as 2013!  

What I know for sure is that amazing things happen when people imagine them, plan for them and execute the plan to completion.    Make this the best year of your life.  Shoot for the stars, live a life of excellence, dream beyond your wildest dreams and expect them to come true. 

So join me in making 2013 the best year of your life.  Write yourself an affirmation, your goals and your dreams.  Keep them where you can see them everyday and speak them into the Universe EVERYDAY!   Every single day begin with the positive things that you will attract as that is the key! 

Now strap yourselves in ladies and gentlemen because it's going to be an awesome ride!

To your success!