Apple-Cucumber Salad

Last week, I went in for an executive health checkup. I always dread these annual thingies for you don't know what you might be in for.  More daunting is the life style changes that your spouse puts you through and the harangue that you will have to hear if you put one wrong thing in your mouth. 

As the results of the medical tests came in, I was in for a rude shock.  My cholesterol levels were higher than last year.  It surprises me because, I am a regular jogger and an exercise freak.  I run about 50 km a week and do weights at least three times a week. I silently sat through the discourse given by the dietitian of the clinic as to how I need to go for a brisk walk for 40 minutes (oblivious to my 50 kms-a-week routine) and that I should reduce the amount of oil that I consume. Surprising advice because as a family of three adults we consume about 1.5kg of sunflower oil which is considered quite low consumption...This report is definitely rigged.

After the disastrous medical report, even though I'm somewhat  skeptical of the results, I've decided to take them seriously anyway. I am following the diet suggested by the dietitian which comprises of a salad 10 minutes before my lunch and dinner. After being fed only cucumber and tomato salads by my loving wife for a couple of days, my tongue is already bored. It was time to take charge of the salad department.

Here is one of the first recipes that I made:

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• Crispy apple (green apple would be nice) - 1/2 
• Cucumber - 1 number
• Chickpea and moong dal sprouts - 1 fist full
• Tomato - 1 number (medium size)
• Garlic - 3 to 4 cloves (raw is apparently good for cholesterol)
• Goose berry - 1 large or 4 to 5 numbers Ara nellikai variety
• Olive oil - 1 table spoon
• Italian Spices - 2 table spoons.
• Salt to taste

Chop up the apple, cucumber and garlic and tomato very fine pieces. Core the goose berries and chop in to small pieces.

Put all the ingredients into a salad bowl and mix thoroughly. Add salt, olive oil and Italian spices and mix thoroughly once more. I used a packet of a left over Pizza Hut Italian spices.

Your yummy and healthy salad is ready!