Broccoli: The Perfect Food

My mother-in-law, whose chosen career field was nursing, likes to refer to broccoli as the perfect food. And why not? It is said to reduce the risk of cancer, stabilize blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol. You can read more about the health benefits (and some possible risks) of the consumption of broccoli here.

Of course, the healthiest and most beneficial way to eat most fruits and vegetables (tomatoes may be an exception) is fresh, but below is a fast, easy, and delicious way to prepare broccoli (you can also add cauliflower if you like). In addition to broccoli, this recipe calls for the use of olive oil, a food high in "good fats." You can learn a little more about the good fats in olive oil here.

To be honest, this recipe isn't hard and fast with set measurements. I stole it from my sister-in-law and I just kind of make it. It always turns out well, somehow. I assume you will have the same kind of luck! This recipe has never missed, and I have served it at meals as important as Christmas dinner in the past.

Ingredients
three heads/bunches of broccoli, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
salt to taste
pepper to taste
olive oil as needed

Process
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees if baking (you can opt to broil instead).
2. Place washed, chopped broccoli in large mixing bowl.
3. Pour in olive oil and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle in salt and pepper and toss to coat.
5. When broccoli is adequately coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper, spread evenly on ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake or broil until some of the broccoli is slightly browned. In my experience, it generally cooks faster when broiled. You will want to keep a close watch on it either way. Once it passes the slightly browned phase, it burns very quickly.

Fast Fitness Tip:
Plan to fly for your summer travel? Don't waste time sitting at your gate before your flight leaves or during any possible layovers. Instead, walk the terminal. If you walk fast enough and tote your carry-ons along with you, you will torch tons of calories before your flight, or in between flights!