Slow Cooker Chinese BBQ Pork Loin

In this wonderfully flavored set and forget recipe for BBQ pork loin, the pork is cooked in the slow cooker for an extra tender, juicy, and stress-free meal. Serve with brown rice and a steamed or stir-fried medley of bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and broccoli.

Ingredients
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onions
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
3 lbs pork loin
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

Combine first 8 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add pork to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.

Place pork and marinade in an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Remove pork from slow cooker using a slotted spoon; place on a cutting board or work surface. Cover with aluminum foil; keep warm.

Add broth to sauce in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens. Shred pork with 2 forks; serve with sauce.

Nutritional Information
Cal 227, Fat 10g, Protein 22g, Carbs 13g, Fiber:.5g, Cholesterol 73mg, Iron 2mg, Sodium 561mg, Calcium 30mg

10 Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

There has been much talk recently about the health benefits of green tea.

Please do not confuse green tea with black tea which everyone drinks daily.

Medical research suggests that green tea can decrease your risk of certain cancers and aid in weight loss by stimulating fat burning mechanisms. The antioxidants in green tea, primarily polyphenols called EGCG, are thought to be responsible for the unique health benefits of green tea. Drinking fresh loose leaf green tea not only tastes great, but is a great regular addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Ancient Chinese people knew the benefits of green tea for health. They have always used it for medical purposes. However, in Ancient China, it was used especially against the headaches and depression. Green tea has a great importance in China history. It is produced from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis by some special processes. Unlike black tea, it has little amount of caffeine which causes to insomnia, nausea and frequent urination.

This is the list of benefits of green tea which I’ve found.

1.It is used to treat multiple sclerosis.
2.It is used for treatment and prevention of cancer.
3.It is used to stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
4.It is used to raise the metabolism and increase fat oxidation.
5.It reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks by reducing the risk of trombosis.
6.It reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.
7.Drinking green tea inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
8.It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases
9.It is used to treat impaired immune function. .
10.Some researches show that, drinking green tea regularly may help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes the dental plaque.

Chicken Stuffed with Feta and a Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

Ingredients
4 4-ounce chicken breasts, skinned and defatted
4 ounces feta cheese
4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon canola oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly spray a baking pan with canola oil.
2. Cut a pocket in chicken breast by slicing horizontally 3/4ths of the way through. Stuff with a 1 ounce feta cheese and 1 teaspoon basil. Close incision with toothpick. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat canola oil in pan and sear chicken breasts for 1 minute on each side and place in oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 4 servings, each containing approximately:

225 cal, 1 g. carbs , 10 g. fat, 98 mg. cholesterol , 30 g. protein, 479 mg. sodium, 1 g. fiber

Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients
1/2 cup bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh peppermint, optional
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup diced scallions
1/4 cup chopped red onions
1/4 cup chopped cucumbers
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place bulgur in a small bowl, add hot water, cover and let soak for 20 minutes.
2. Combine bulgur with remaining ingredients and mix well.

Makes 4 (1/2-cup) servings, each containing approximately:
75 cal, 8 g. carbs, 4 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 2 g. protein, 126 mg. sodium, 2 g. fiber