Simple and Healthy Summer Slaw – Perfect for Your Next Party!

Oh how I love simple and healthy food. We don’t all have time (or the interest) to spend hours in the kitchen when we could be soakin’ up the sun or chillin’ by the pool. If this is you, you’re in luck my friend.

This summer slaw is so easy and healthy, you’ll be done preparing the dish in no time and back outside enjoying yourself. It’s also vegan, gluten-free (naturally), heart healthy (thanks to fiber and antioxidants), cancer-fighting (see research summary below), peanut and dairy free. Should meet a crowd’s expectations.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package, 16 ounces, shredded cabbage. You can also try broccoli slaw or one of each, but if you do that, double the dressing. If you want to grate your own (I did) it will take one head green cabbage, three carrots, and double dressing.
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste

I said this was simple so I stopped at the basics, but by all means, you could add diced red peppers or sliced grape tomatoes for some more nutrition and a pop of color.

Directions

Mix vinegar, sugar, oil, celery seed, and salt and pepper. Add cabbage to dressing. Toss with fingers to combine. Let stand 20 minutes to an hour. Taste test. If needed, make adjustments (but don’t get crazy!) Re-toss and serve.

Let me know what you think of the recipe. Share any tweaks you make in the comments!

Research Shows Cabbage May Help in Cancer Prevention and Treatments

Cancer prevention tops all other areas of health research with regard to cabbage and its outstanding benefits. More than 475 studies have examined the role of this cruciferous vegetable in cancer prevention (and in some cases, cancer treatment). The uniqueness of cabbage in cancer prevention is due to the three different types of nutrient richness found in this widely enjoyed food. The three types are (1) antioxidant richness, (2) anti-inflammatory richness, and (3) richness in glucosinolates. (reference: http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=19&tname=foodspice)

Eat it up, YUM!

Running For Cancer Research, Please Help

I’m writing this blog post to ask you to help me fund cancer research. On October 11, 2009 I am running Chicago Marathon with Fred’s Team, on behalf of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Aubrey Fund. Fred Lebow was a running legend and creator of the New York City Marathon who was determined to fund cancer research after running up and down the pediatric floor during his own cancer treatments.

As I write this, I admit that I feel extremely guilty asking people for money in this tight, uncertain economy. But I would not do it if I didn’t believe that we can make a difference in people’s lives.

The sad truth is I cannot think of one person I know whose life has not been affected by cancer. We all have our stories – friends, parents, brothers, sisters, spouses who are fighting cancer or who have lost their battle.

I would like you to share something special about your “cancer story” in the comments section so I can bring more meaning and purpose to my training and race. What positive encouragement and strength can you send my way in honor of someone you love?

If you have the time, please take a look at where your donation will go. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/14405.cfm

Donate here: https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=userHome&user_id=40775&event_id=127 Please let me know if you can stretch your donation further and need info for employer match of charitable contributions.

This marathon is part of my training for my “big goal of 2009″ completing an ultra marathon in November. Your support will help me train hard and positively so I can be strong and continue to spread a message of good exercise and nutrition to one and all. You can follow my training journey at http://elitenutritiondc.com/category/blog/.

In health,

Rebecca