Happy New Year, and Lunar New Year. New Year, new you.

At this site we seek to educate and illuminate on crucial health issues for women, and the people they love. We cover women’s health, men’s health, nutrition, weight loss and more.

Here is a colorful dip to serve at your Halloween party!

Ingredients:
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or freshly cooked
1/2 medium red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced tomato
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp salt

Instructions:
In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Put into the refrigerated for at least an hour before serving with tortilla chips.

Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes
1 small ripe banana, peeled and sliced
2 large, ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Fill into a large glass and enjoy this delicious smoothie anytime of the day.

Ingredients:
2 cups canned butter beans
2 cups canned kidney beans
2 cups canned green beans
2 cups yellow beans
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup red onions, chopped
1/4 cup red pepper, chopped
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp celery seeds

Method:
Add all drained cans of beans to a large serving bowl. Add chopped celery, pepper and onion and gently stir.

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, olive oil, celery seeds and sugar and bring to a quick boil. Pour the mixture over the beans and gently toss.

Cover and marinate for 24 to 48 hours.

This is a great salad to take to a potluck BBQ. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 lb dried black beans (or other beans your choice)
8 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp pepper
2 cups onions, chopped
2 cups red potatoes, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrot, sliced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1.12oz can stewed tomatoes

Method:

Place black beans into a bowl, cover completely with water to about 2 inches above the beans and leave overnight. Then drain.

Add beans to large crock pot, add 8 cups of water and remaining ingredients. Cover with lid and simmer for about 2 1/2 hours on very low temperature or until vegetables are tender.

Serve hot with a crusty French bread.

Ingredients for about 1 cup of pesto:
2 cups cilantro leaves
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced

How To:
Place the cilantro leaves and the minced garlic in the bowl of a food processor and with the motor running carefully and slowly add the lemon juice and olive oil until you get a smooth paste.

Put the pesto into a serving bowl and add the salt and pepper. Cover and chill until needed.

The pesto will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The cilantro pesto is delicious when added to whole wheat spaghetti and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. It can also be used as a dip and served with Black Bean nachos.

Nutrition is an essential part of health. In this area we will be publishing information on nutrition, and giving you links to invaluable resources to help you save time and stay healthy.

In this section you will find healthful recipes that will please the whole family. Low in fat, low in calories, they will not only taste great, but be great for you.