Bitter melon or bitter gourd better known in the Philippines as Ampalay is one of the least loved vegetable because of its bitter taste.  Yea, who would like to eat green that is bitter.  But we all know the good of this fruit that no matter how bitter it is, one can’t help but to eat it.

In my home, we eat this fruit at least twice a week for health reasons and my favorite way of cooking it Stir fry with Eggs and the Ampalaya Salad and this is the only way of preparing it as dish that i can eat this bitter fruit.

AMPALAYA WITH EGGS

Ingredients:

2 pcs regular size ampalay (sliced very thin)                        

1 small size red onion (sliced thinly)

2 cloves garlic (crushed)                            

2 tbs cooking oil

2 pcs regular size eggs (beated)                 

salt to taste

How to Cook:

1.  Heat the pan or wok and add the 2 tbs cooking oil. 

2.  When the oil is moderately hot, add the chopped garlic and when it is slightly brown, add the sliced red onions.  Stir until cooked.

3.  Add the ampalaya.  Stir to evenly spread on the wok and then cover.

4.  After 2 minutes, open the wok and pour in the eggs and let it stand for 1 minute and then stir to distribute eggs.  Add salt to taste.

5.  Cooked for another minute while stirring.  When the the egg is already cooked, removed from fire.

6. Serve hot.

For those who does not like to eat it cooked – here’s my way of eating it raw.

AMPALAYA SALAD

Ingredients:

1 pc fresh ampalay

2 pcs small red onions (thinly diced)

2 pcs red tomatoes (diced)

1 stalk spring onions (chopped)

1 inch finger sized ginger (thinly cubed)

2 pcs green lemon or (2 tbs vinegar)

salt to taste.

How to do:

1. Mixed all the ingredients except the spring onions.  Season with salt.

2. Transfer in a serving dish and topped with spring onion leaves.

2. Serve with newly cooked “hot” rice.

Read this article from the Health and Home.  By Lloyd W. Gary

Ten positive strategies for Beating Stress:

1.  Let go of the stress.
Many people try to relax at the same breakneck speed as the rest of their lives and wonder why they can’t “let go.”  Exercise will relieve that “uptight” feeling, relax you, and turn your frowns into smiles.  Walking, jogging, involvmemet in your favorite sport, orworkingin your garden are sjust some of the acitivities you might try.  Stretching, yawning, and deep breathing also help release tension.  A good cry can b a healthy way of bringing relief to your anxiety – for men as well as for women.

2.  Share your stress.
It often helps to talk to someone about your concerns and worries.  A friend, family member, teacher, or counselor can help you see your problem from a different perspective.

3.  Be a participant.
Loneliness can be just as frustrating as being in an overcrowded situation.  One way to prevent boredom, sadness, or loneliness is to become involved in a positive way with other people and the world around you.  Be a doer, not a sideliner.

4. Check off your tasks.
Trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming, and as a result you may not accomplish anything.  So make a list of what tasks you have to do one at a time, checking them off as they are completed.

5.  Be realistic – know your limits.
If a problem is beyond your control and cannot be changed at the moment, do not fight the situation.  Everyone experiences disappointments.  Learn to accept what is – or is not – until such time as you can change it.  Weigh the situation and act where possible, but also realize and accept limitations when and where they exist.

6.  Protect yourself.
Lack of sleep and proper nutrition cause irritability and diminish our endurance and ability to deal with stressful situations.  This can make you more prone to accidents.  One careless moment can ruin your health and physical well-being for a lifetime so develop the habit of thinking ahead.

7.  Change your environment.
You can often change your environment by getting away, joining a different group of friends, treating yourself to a good book, or playing beautiful music to create a sense of peace and tranquility.

8.  Avoid confrontations.
Do other people upset you – particularly when hey don’t do things your way?  Try cooperation instead of confrontation, it’s better than fighting and always being “right.”

9.  Avoid self-medication.
Too many people are seeking to dull the pain of life’s distress through alcohol or drugs.  Such supposed cures have created more problems than they’ve solved!  Although you can use prescription or over-the-counter medications to relieve stress temporarily, they do not remove the conditions that caused the stress in the first place.  They can be habit forming and reduce efficiency creating more stress than they take away.  They should only be taken on the advice of your doctor.

10.  Maintain a positive mental attitude.
Just as negative emotions can wear the body down, positive feelings can build it up

People who live with a smoker have a
15 percent higher mortality rate
than those in smoke-free households.
Secondhand smoke at home raises the risk of lung cancer by 20 percent.

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter