Men\'s Health Australia - 11.2018

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NUTRITION

44 mensheal th.com.au

Healthy eating can be stressful. But, rather than agonise over
counting macros and kilojoules this summer, we recommend
a more laid-back approach: letting the Caribbean’s unique
combination of unsung ingredients and punchy f lavours feed you
some very spicy health benefits. Here, we embrace the good vibes
of nutritious eating with Hasan Defour, executive chef at the
fast-paced Caribbean joint Baygo. Turn up the heat.

Island Treasures

PLANTAINS

No, they’re not just big bananas.

Well, not exactly. Lower in sugar,

with a hefty hit of vitamins A and C,

this fruit protects your immune

system from the effects of a tough

workout, so you can lift heavy and

not be laid low by illness.

Though the Caribbean is renowned for its sunny, carefree

atmosphere, its jerk marinade is a serious matter. For authentic

flavour, and to reap the health- and metabolism-boosting boons of

its spice, follow Defour’s plan. Blend together two tablespoons each

of thyme, soy sauce and cinnamon, a tablespoon each of brown sugar

and allspice, plus two scotch bonnets, six garlic cloves and 180ml of

fresh lime juice. The powerful motor of the Smeg 50s style blender

($19 9 , harveynorman.com.au) will leave you with a thick paste in just

60 seconds. Pastes penetrate the meat deeper than rubs, and you can

store yours in a glass container for up to a month. Avoid marinating

in metal dishes – the material can react chemically with the paste’s

acids, causing a change in f lavour. Which would be a bloody shame.

Leave your meats to marinate for 24 hours to enjoy the full punch of

spice. If you have the willpower to wait, that is.

SCOTCH BONNETS

Fiery heat helps extinguish the pain

of DOMS. The red-hot active

ingredient capsaicin, which makes

this pepper register a scorching

400,000 SHU on the Scoville scale,

inhibits the neuropeptides that cause

pain and inflammation post-workout.

Power Jerk

GOAT

This lean red meat is the ideal

muscle fuel. High in protein,

it has more than double the iron

found in chicken, promoting

healthy blood flow, plus the B

vits will boost performance and

endurance. Goat hard or go home.

JACKFRUIT

Appropriated by vegans for its

similarity to pulled pork when

marinated and cooked, jackfruit

contains a high dose of magnesium,

which is delicious news for stressed-

out insomniacs. This mineral has

been shown to improve sleep quality.

Brighten up your eating plan with

the trending cuisine that fuses flavour

and bountiful nutrition. Let’s go, maan

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