Monthly Archives: July 2013

Hydrogen Energy Has a Future in the U.S.

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

Hydrogen Energy is one possible solution to renewable energy and something to think about when considering alternative sources of energy.  This may not be for you, but reading about renewable sources of energy helps put you in the mindset to think more about the environment.  Part of balanced living is being considerate of the environment.

Here is an article I wrote a number of years ago about hydrogen energy and some research being done on using it to fuel cars of the future.

Download (PDF, 872KB)

Energy Saving Tips

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

Part of leading a balanced lifestyle includes being kind to the environment. That means not wasting energy in your home, and considering using renewable energy sources.  Here is an article I wrote about energy saving tips that will help you be kinder to the environment.

Download (PDF, 858KB)

Angelos Bratis – Dutch Desire

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

I love fashion. Sometimes just looking at pretty things like a clothing or accessories can perk up your mood.  Here is an article I wrote in 2006 on a Greek-Dutch designer who premiered at New York’s Fashion Week and gives some great advice to keep your wardrobe simple and not overly indulgent.  You don’t need a lot of clothing in your closet, you just need a few right pieces to get you to a lot of places.

A balanced lifestyle also means you don’t have a need to own a lot of material things, and don’t look for a lot of material things to feel good about yourself. Feeling good about yourself comes from within you, but usually comes after a number of life challenges. The key is to find your inner strength. Your exterior is just icing on the cake.

Download (PDF, 4.14MB)

 

Workstation Health – Keeping optimum health in front of your computer

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

When you spend half your day in your office space  or home computer you want to be comfortable and safe.  This is an article I wrote a few years back that makes sure the stress of your work doesn’t make you forget about looking after your health.

Download (PDF, 58KB)

 

Baked Okra with a Feta and Olive Appetizer – Family Recipe

Recipe by Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

This vegetarian meal is a very popular dish in Greece, particularly during a religious fast and through the summer season.  It’s easy to make and I’ve provided a family recipe that was published a few years back in Metohos Magazine.  I find that most Greek dishes cooked in a tomato sauce taste even better with a side of feta and Kalamata olives.

Okra are EXTREMELY low in fat, high in fiber, and VERY low in cholesterol. A 255g portion (without the tomato sauce) has 71 Calories, 1g of fat, and 5g of protein.  It consist of 52% Vitamin C, 24% Calcium, 17% Vitamin A, and 9% Iron.

Enjoy another one of my family recipes!

Download (PDF, 345KB)

Is Your Tsaziki Making you Fat?

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

This article was first published in a Canadian Multicultural magazine (Metohos Magazine) a few years back.  You may want to double check and ask your server if your Tsaziki is 100% yogurt.  Read about what some restaurants do to save on the cost of pure yogurt in their tsaziki sauce.

Download (PDF, 254KB)

Spaghetti with Octopus – The Zarokostas Family Recipe

Recipe by Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

This family recipe was published in a Canadian multicultural magazine a few years back.  This is one of my favorite family recipes for a number of reasons. I am a seafood fanatic, and also have many memories of my family visits to Greece as a child watching my father and brother swim out into the Mediterranean sea with their spear guns searching for octopus, then once caught, watching them soften their tough tentacles by literally smashing them against sea rocks in our southern Greek town of Leonidion. When I hear the word “octopus” I instantly smell the sea and am transported to Greece.

An 85g serving size of octopus is a great source of protein providing 25g, and 139 calories.  It is low in saturated fat.  Octopus is high in iron at 45%, contains 11% Vitamin C, 9% calcium and 5% Vitamin A.  It is a little high in sodium and cholesterol, so if those are issues in your diet please beware.  Octopus is also a great source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc, Vitamin B12, Copper and Selenium.

Enjoy this very favorite family recipe of mine!

Download (PDF, 424KB)

 

Curing African Nations Suffering from Malaria with the Herb Artemisia

Constadina Zarokostas-Vasiliades

This is an article I wrote a few years back for a Canadian based multicultural magazine, that talks about how a simple herb like Artemisia is being cultivated as a natural remedy to make African nations self-sufficient economically, instead of using the over-priced equivalent pharmaceutical remedy currently being offered to them.

Download (PDF, 1.26MB)