Chef Wendell: Pea-nutty Sweet Thai Cabbage with Rice Noodles and Egg

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) -If you’ve made the wise decision to begin a healthy eating plan, cheers! Making this life-enhancing decision is the most important step in becoming a healthier, happier, and more productive, more loveable you.

The 2014 results of the America’s Health Rankings have been released and for the second year in a row, Indiana ranked 41st in the county out of 50. (IBJ.com)

So what are you going to do about it? Eating healthier, cleaner foods and exercising regularly would be a terrific place to begin, one baby-step at a time.Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Inexpensive, low calorie cabbage is an outstanding source of Vitamins A & C, anti-inflammatory polyphenols and fiber. The cruciferous garden gem helps to prevent cancer. What do ‘detoxifying’ broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy have in common? “They’re all members of the cabbage family of vegetables that contain phytochemicals important to your health (although some have more than others.) In fact, health agencies recommend that we eat several servings per week of cruciferous vegetables — and for good reason.” (WebMD) *

• Cruciferous vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, other nutrients, and chemicals known as glucosinolates

• Glucosinolates break down into several biologically active compounds that are being studied for possible anticancer effects..

• Some of these compounds have shown anticancer effects in cells and animals, but the results of studies with humans have been less clear.

• Cruciferous cabbage tastes best and is most nutritious when eaten raw or cooked for a short period of time. (http://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/)

8 oz. rice noodles-“0” carbs

4 cups thinly sliced cabbage-Anti-cancer *=above

1/4 medium onion, thinly sliced-Anti-cancer

2 cooked pasture-raised eggs-Protein, vitamin E, Omega-3, B-3, 2, & 12, Selenium, folic acid

1/4 cup wheat-free soy sauce (Tamari)

1/4 cup orange Juice-Vitamin C

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar-Alkaline

3 Tbsp. raw honey-anti-bacterial, antiviral

1/4 cup chunky peanut butter-Protein

1 garlic clove, chopped-Anti-cancer

1 tsp ginger powder-Anti-inflammatory

1 Tbsp. Sriracha-Capsicum stimulates circulation

Handful of chopped cilantro-Removes heavy metals from your temple

1 cup chopped green onions-Anti-cancer

• Cook rice noodles in boiling water; drain. (Follow package instructions.)

• In large sauté pan, combine all ingredients except cooked noodles and sliced cabbage.

• Cook on medium-low heat; stir until mixture slightly simmers.

• Reduce heat to low; add cabbage. Cook and stir until cabbage softens just a bit, but still crunchy; about 2 minutes.

• Stir noodles into cabbage mix gently until coated.

• Plate and garnish with cilantro leaves and green onions

• Dig in and enjoy