A little over a year ago I was tipping the scales about 25 pounds heavier than I am right now. Somehow I had eaten myself into oblivion. Life happens and the reasons were many but the point is I was conscience of my expanding waist line and like many others attempted each day to curtail my bad eating to no avail. I vividly remember overwhelming, intense and very-hard-to-control cravings. Generally I’d reach for something sugary to stop that maddening urge. Thus, the vicious cycle began. Processed sugar equals empty calories–meaning little fortification. Surprise! Apparently chocolate and sugar’s only attribute is a slight energy boost with a fun little crash that tags along for effect. Nourishment in the form of quality food is what my body begged for. But there’s more to this than I really understood which prompted a whole slew of questions that of course, I’m going to ask you at least one. Did you know there is a correlation between food cravings and vitamin deficiency?
It makes sense doesn’t it. I mean, the human body is amazing i.e. it can grow skin when necessary. And since it will alert you when it needs food to function, I’m not at all doubting that if it didn’t get the nutrition it needed, it might prompt you to eat more. Well, turns out it’s highly possible according to too many studies to mention. I’m referring to a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Seventy-five percent of Americans do not get enough Vitamin D. Researchers have found that the deficiency may negatively impact immune function and cardiovascular health and increase cancer risk. Now the University of Missouri nutritional sciences researcher has found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammation, a negative response of the immune system, in healthy women. The article went on to mention a connection between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. So, if you are one who eats sensibly and exercises but despite your efforts you just can’t seem to lose weight, why not balance your vitamin intake. Or better yet, request a test to determine your levels. You can do your own research. But what I will tell you is since I’ve worked very hard to balance my vitamin intake, and I’m not just talking about taking a vitamin supplement, those die hard cravings have let up. I’m going to be bold and say that I actually crave fish and vegetables and believe me that’s saying something since I’ve been an 18 year Mountain Dew and M&M addict. O.k. there I said it.
Cod bless America (with vitamin D) is a simple roasted one pot wonder recipe. I know, tomatoes again but it has elevated layers of lemon and garlic that lends itself wonderfully to the spinach…It’s really the only way I enjoy spinach–best part it’s a one skillet meal that spends the last few minutes pan searing under a very high heat broiler.
Cod Bless America
Cod Bless America
By Published: April 4, 2010
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Prep: 10 mins
This recipe got 18,000 hits in a few hours on my site. I think it's a winner.
Ingredients
- 4 cod filets seasoned with salt, garlic and onion powder
- 1 pkg. fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb. cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 T. lemon zest
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 T. cilantro leaves
Instructions
- In a food processor combine tomatoes, garlic, onions, lemon juice, cilantro and pulse just enough to rough chop.
In a skillet heat oil and add the tomato mixture. Add the filets and cook covered for a 2 minutes. In a broiler over at 500 degrees place the pan in to roast for 5 minutes. Take it out and throw in the entire package of spinach just right on top. Place back in the oven for 3 minutes. Then stir the spinach to mingle with all the flavors and serve over brown rice.
