Though they're light and airy, cucumbers pack in plenty of nutrients. This fruit (their seeds do in fact make them fruits... this realization is still sinking in for me as well) contains vitamins A, B, C, and K, along with fiber, magnesium, folate, potassium, and silica (which helps keep your ligaments and tendons healthy, along with your hair and nails). Adding onto the list, cucumbers also help in fighting certain cancers, can ease muscle and joint pain, and aid in lessening bad cholesterol!
Another great attribute of the cucumber is that they're incredibly hydrating, being made up of 96% water. This makes them a great snack for hot days spent outdoors, so why not chop up some slices for munching by the pool, or pack some in a plastic bag before heading out for a hike? When you've had your fill, you can rub the left-over slices over any sunburns you may have, in which they'll work to soothe your burns and reduce their redness.
Low-carb and low-calorie (only 15 calories per cup), cucumbers make a great alternative to breads and crackers, tasting great with hummus and other healthy dips. Going a step further, you can swap out
rice for cucumber on your next sushi outing! I took some advice from The Juice Bar last week before going out for sushi and ordered my rolls wrapped in cucumber instead of rice. This option most likely won't appear on the menu, but many sushi restaurants are able to make rolls this way if asked. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this fruit (I still feel very odd saying that), so you can get creative with them!
Added bonuses: cucumbers can help prevent wrinkles due to their anti-inflammatory properties, by laying a couple of slices atop of your eyes, cucumbers can help reduce any puffiness beneath them (I'd always wondered why spas did that), and by pressing a slice on your mouth's palate for 30 seconds, you can lessen any bad breath you may have. If I had a cooler small enough to fit in my purse, I'd ditch breath mints altogether.
Below are some recipes to help get you in the mood for cucumbers, and since the majority only involve some chopping or blending, why not give one of them a try?
Gorilla Sandwich
Sesame-Miso Cucumber Salad
Cucumber and Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Tzatziki
Cucumber Subs
Chili-Crusted Scallops with Cucumber Salad
Ginger Cucumber Detox Juice
Cumber-Mango Salsa
Creamy Cucumber Soup
Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta Stacks
i love sushi with cucumber as a sub for rice, but out with friends and dates when everyone else has orded something off the menu, i feel a bit annoying to everyone else/ like an odd ball asking the waiter for cucumber instead of rice.. what do you think about this?
ReplyDeleteI understand where you're coming from and know that it can be a bit awkward changing up your order when out with company. At the same time, I don't think this should stop you from making healthy decisions! You have to keep a couple of things in mind when eating out with others: 1. Eating healthy is nothing to be ashamed of, it's something to be admired for! 2. By making some healthy adjustments to your meal, you'll be able to feel just as good leaving the restaurant as you did going in.
DeleteIf you still feel a bit uneasy, you could always ask the waiter to come over to your seat so that you can "ask a few questions" when placing your order, that way you don't have to announce your modifications to the entire table. At the same time, you may inspire someone else to opt for a healthier meal themselves by not keeping them a secret :) Hope this helps elleblaire!
You are very understanding, thank you for the advice. You're absolutely right, I shouldn't feel ashamed but it's definitely a uncomfortable taking the longest to order the majority of the time. Or better yet, at dinners where there is a set menu or buffet with no healthy dishes.. it is so awkward!! I don't want to look like a freak, but when there is only sesame chicken, fried rice, lo mein and fried egg rolls out, I feel so weird :(
ReplyDeleteI see the dilemma, but there's nothing wrong with a little indulging! If you know you're going to be in a situation where healthy options are scarce or nonexistent, consider eating a light meal before heading out and then making yourself a small plate when you get there. That way, you'll be able to enjoy yourself at the meal without overdoing it! Balance is the key!
DeleteYou're right. I am just kind of crazy about eating clean/ have a difficult time putting something I know isn't healthy into my mouth..
ReplyDelete