Wednesday 22 May 2013

Zingy Sweet Potato with Tuna

Sweet potatoes - so easy in the microwave!

Here's a totally yummy baked potato recipe full of carbohydrate, protein, essential omega oils and antioxidants.  Low in fat and super healthy. 

The combination of lime, chilli, onion and tuna complements the sweetness of the potato with a punch of freshness.  Try it - it's delicious!



Prep Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Serves 2

Ingredients
1 large sweet potato
1 medium red chilli de-seeded and finely chopped
1 can tuna in sunflower oil drained
1 spring onion finely chopped 
1 fresh lime
4 tblsp low fat greek yoghurt


Method
1. Scrub the potato and pierce with a knife all over.
2. Cook in the microwave on full power for 10-15 minutes until tender.
3. Once cooked, slice the potato in half lengthways
4. Top with the tuna then sprinkle over the onion and chilli.
5. Finish with a generous squeeze of lime and a dollop of yoghurt
6. Serve with lime slices on the side.

Why is it Good Mood Food?
I love this recipe because it is truly packed with nutrients great for boosting the brain chemical Seratonin.  Low levels of Seratonin can be associated with feelings of depression and poor sleep.
  • Protein from the Tuna - As well as boing a great source of energy, proteins provide the body with important building blocks, such as Tryptophan which is used in the brain to make Seratonin.
  • Vitamin C - Sweet potato is a very good source of vitamin C which is an antioxidant beneficial to all cells in the body.  Vitamin C is important when the body converts Tryptophan into Seratonin.  
  • Carbohydrate - Sweet potato is a good source of carbohydrate, lower in GI than white potatoes.  Absorption of Tryptophan from the blood (where it ends up when we eat protein foods) into the brain (where it is made into Seratonin) is helped by eating carbohydrate rich foods.  Carbohydrates are also a great energy source.



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