Meat Luvrz Pizza Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 6 links) sweet Italian sausage
• Granulated garlic, for seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, shredded
• 1 1/2 pounds pepperoni, chopped
• 1 pound provolone, chopped
• 2 cups grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 4 cups chilled marinara sauce
• 2 eggs
• Flour, for dusting
• 30 spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Directions

Special equipment: 3-ounce ice cream scoop; Pastry brush

Form the ground beef into eight 4-ounce hamburger rounds. Remove the casing from the sausage links and place the meat on a preheated flat top. Cook the hamburgers on the flat top as well, sprinkling with garlic and some salt and pepper. Chop the ground beef and sausage mixture and mix together on the flat top. When fully cooked, remove from the heat, place on a sheet pan and cool for 15 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, pepperoni, provolone, Parmesan and basil. Mix together evenly. Once the sausage mixture has cooled add to the cheese mixture. Add the marinara and mix everything together gently.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Fill a medium bowl halfway with flour. On a clean surface spread a handful of flour. Place 4 spring roll sheets on the table, with the corners at the top and bottom (forming a diamond shape). Using a 3-ounce ice cream scoop, place one scoop of filling in each spring roll wrapper and spread evenly, leaving a space on both ends. Dip a pastry brush in the egg mixture and dab the edges of the spring roll wrapper. Fold the bottom side up over the filling, then fold the left side in and the right in toward the center. Now that these three corners are folded in, brush egg wash on the top again and roll the whole wrap away from you toward the top corner of the wrapper, and make sure that is sealed. Repeat with the remaining rolls and filling.

Place the completed rolls in a pan sprinkled with flour. Layer with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent the rolls from sticking together.

Fill a deep fryer with vegetable oil and heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. Carefully place the pizza rolls in the fry basket and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Professional Recipe: This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.

Recipe courtesy of Fat Sal's

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Brownie Pizza

Total Time: 35 min Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 banana, sliced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
• Marshmallows
• Maraschino cherries
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• Coconut
• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
• Whipped cream
• Mint, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15-inch pizza pan.

Prepare brownie mix according to directions on box. Pour onto prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool.

Beat cream cheese while adding pineapple and sugar together in a bowl. Spread mixture over brownie crust. Arrange banana, strawberry slices, marshmallows, and cherries over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and coconut. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Add whipped cream on top and mint for garnish. To serve, slice as you would a pizza and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

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• Chocolate
• Dessert
• Brownie

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French Bread Pizzas

Total Time: 28 min Prep: 16 min Cook: 12 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings Level: Easy

Ingredients

• Pizza Base:
• 6 deli rolls or small baguettes, halved
• One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 1 jar prepared pesto, optional
• Five 8-ounce packages fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizzas:
• 5 ounces Canadian bacon slices, halved
• 8 ounces canned pineapple chunks
• Greek Salad Pizzas:
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• One 12-ounce jar kalamata olives, chopped
• 8 ounces crumbled feta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced rough
• 1/2 English cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• Pepperoni and Jalapeno Pizzas:
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 6 to 7 jalapenos, sliced
• Tomato Basil Pizzas:
• Sliced Roma tomatoes, for topping
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 bunch fresh basil
• Hamburger Pizzas:
• Olive oil, for sauteeing beef
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Hamburger Taco Pizzas:
• 8 ounces grated Cheddar
• 1 pound browned ground beef
• Chopped romaine lettuce, for topping
• Diced tomatoes, for topping

Directions

For the pizza base: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Lay the rolls cut-side up on a large baking sheet. Top each half with marinara sauce (or pesto for the tomato basil pizzas), followed by the mozzarella. Then add your toppings of choice. See below for directions for assembling specific pizzas.

Once the pizzas are assembled, put the baking sheet on the lowest rack for 8 to 10 minutes. Then turn up the heat to 425 degrees F and put the sheet on the highest rack until the cheese starts to bubble a bit and turns golden. Remove and serve immediately! Cut the pizzas in half right across the middle so there are mini French bread pizzas for everyone.

Pizza Varieties:

For the Canadian bacon and pineapple pizzas: Top with the Canadian bacon slices and pineapple and bake according to the directions above.

For the Greek salad pizzas: Leave off the sauce and brush the sliced rolls with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with the mozzarella and bake according to the directions above.

While the pizzas are baking, toss together the olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Top the cooked pizzas with the chopped Greek salad.

For the pepperoni and jalapeno pizzas: Top with the pepperoni and jalapeno slices and bake according to the directions above.

For the tomato basil pizzas: Use pesto instead of the marinara sauce, and top with the tomato slices. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake according to the directions above. Top the cooked pizzas with the basil leaves.

For the hamburger pizzas: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper and saute until the beef is no longer pink. Top the rolls with the sauteed ground beef and bake according to the directions above.

For the hamburger taco pizzas: Top with the Cheddar and ground beef and bake according to the directions above. Top the cooked pizzas with the chopped lettuce and tomatoes.

Recipe courtesy Ree Drummond

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• Dinner
• Pizza

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Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 1/4 cups of flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 3/4 cup warm water (110 - 115 degrees)
• 1 teaspoons salt
• Pinch of sugar

Directions

In a small glass bowl, combine yeast, warm water and sugar. Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is bubbly. Meanwhile in the bowl of a food processor, using the cutting blade, combine together the salt, 2 cups flour and cornmeal. Stir the bubbling yeast mixture. With the food processor running slowly add the yeast and the olive oil. Process until well combined and a ball forms, about 1 2 minutes. Using the remaining 1/4 cup of flour lightly dust a flat surface, knead the dough for about 2 minutes. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let dough sit for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes or until it has doubled in size

Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Kitchens

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• Cornmeal
• Pizza
• Easy

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Chicken Taco Meat Pizza

Total Time: 3 hr 30 min Prep: 15 min Inactive: 2 hr 10 min Cook: 1 hr 5 minYield: 6 servings Level: Easy

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough:
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Tortilla Strips:
• 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying
• 4 corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips
• Taco Pizza:
• Olive oil, for oiling the baking sheet
• 1/2 cup good-quality salsa, plus more for serving
• 1 bag Chicken Taco Meat (partially thawed if frozen), recipe follows
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 head green leaf lettuce, sliced or thinly shredded
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce, or more as needed
• Chicken Taco Meat:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt
• One 14-ounce can tomato sauce

Directions

Taco Pizza:

For the pizza dough: Mix the yeast with 1 1/2 cups warm water in a measuring cup or small bowl and set aside for 8 to 10 minutes. Mix together the flour, olive oil and salt in a bowl using an electric mixer. With the speed on low, drizzle in the yeast/water mixture and mix until totally combined. Cover the bowl with a towel and set in a warm, draft-free place. Allow to rise for 1 to 2 hours.

For the tortilla strips: In a small skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat until a test tortilla strip dropped in the oil sizzles immediately. Drop in the remaining tortilla strips in batches, frying them quickly and removing them from the oil with a fork when crisp, 30 to 45 seconds per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

For the taco pizza: Position an oven rack in the bottom position in the oven. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Oil a baking sheet with some olive oil.

Remove half of the pizza dough from the bowl. (Place the remaining half in a large resealable plastic bag and refrigerate, saving it for another use.) With your hands, spread the dough out on the oiled baking sheet, making sure it's relatively thin. Spread a thin layer of the salsa all over the crust, then spread a layer of the Chicken Taco Meat on top of the salsa. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, watching to make sure the crust doesn't burn. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and cilantro leaves.

Mix together the sour cream and hot sauce in a small bowl, adding enough hot sauce to make the mixture pourable. With a spoon (or you can put it in a pastry bag), drizzle the mixture over the finished pizza. Sprinkle with the tortilla strips. Cut into squares and serve immediately with more salsa.

Chicken Taco Meat:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until hot. Add the chicken in batches and cook, browning, a couple minutes per side; remove the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon. Add the garlic and onions to the skillet and cook briefly. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin and salt to taste. Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 cups water to create a broth. Add the chicken back to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the broth is reduced by half.

Let cool, divide among 4 freezer bags and freeze. Yield: 16 to 20 servings.

Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond

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• Main Dish
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Meat Luvrz Pizza Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 6 links) sweet Italian sausage
• Granulated garlic, for seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, shredded
• 1 1/2 pounds pepperoni, chopped
• 1 pound provolone, chopped
• 2 cups grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 4 cups chilled marinara sauce
• 2 eggs
• Flour, for dusting
• 30 spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Directions

Special equipment: 3-ounce ice cream scoop; Pastry brush

Form the ground beef into eight 4-ounce hamburger rounds. Remove the casing from the sausage links and place the meat on a preheated flat top. Cook the hamburgers on the flat top as well, sprinkling with garlic and some salt and pepper. Chop the ground beef and sausage mixture and mix together on the flat top. When fully cooked, remove from the heat, place on a sheet pan and cool for 15 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, pepperoni, provolone, Parmesan and basil. Mix together evenly. Once the sausage mixture has cooled add to the cheese mixture. Add the marinara and mix everything together gently.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Fill a medium bowl halfway with flour. On a clean surface spread a handful of flour. Place 4 spring roll sheets on the table, with the corners at the top and bottom (forming a diamond shape). Using a 3-ounce ice cream scoop, place one scoop of filling in each spring roll wrapper and spread evenly, leaving a space on both ends. Dip a pastry brush in the egg mixture and dab the edges of the spring roll wrapper. Fold the bottom side up over the filling, then fold the left side in and the right in toward the center. Now that these three corners are folded in, brush egg wash on the top again and roll the whole wrap away from you toward the top corner of the wrapper, and make sure that is sealed. Repeat with the remaining rolls and filling.

Place the completed rolls in a pan sprinkled with flour. Layer with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent the rolls from sticking together.

Fill a deep fryer with vegetable oil and heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. Carefully place the pizza rolls in the fry basket and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Professional Recipe: This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.

Recipe courtesy of Fat Sal's

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• Cheese
• Appetizer
• Pizza

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Supreme Pizza Lasagna

Total Time: 2 hr 25 min Prep: 55 min Cook: 1 hr 30 min
Yield: 12 servings Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
• One 15-ounce can tomato paste
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto
• 1/3 cup finely minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 30 ounces whole-milk ricotta
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
• 8 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
• 24 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices

Directions

Drizzle the olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, ground beef and pepperoni and stir, breaking the meat up as it begins to cook. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown, and then remove the meat to a plate.

Add the mushrooms, garlic, bell peppers and onions to the pot and saute until the mushrooms have softened and the others have some color. Add the meat back in along with the tomatoes, tomato paste, pesto, half the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Add the black olives and stir.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the cheese mixture: Combine the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan, the rest of the parsley and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir the mixture until totally combined.

To assemble the lasagna: Overlap 4 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a large rectangular baking dish. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the noodles and smooth it out into a flat layer. Lay half of the mozzarella slices on top followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more and top with some extra Parmesan. Bake until heated through and bubbly on the top, 40 to 45 minutes.

The lasagna can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, unbaked. It can also be frozen, unbaked. Just thaw before you're ready to bake it.

Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond

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• Meat
• Dinner
• Lasagna

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Breakfast Pizza

Total Time: 30 min Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 prepared thin pizza crust (about 10 ounces), such as Boboli
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 large eggs
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry, reserving 1 tablespoon of the liquid
• 1 cup chopped onion, about 1 medium onion
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Brush the pizza crust on both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place crust directly onto the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

While the crust is cooking, break the eggs into a bowl and add the reserved spinach liquid. Whisk them well and season them with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to a 10-inch skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the dry spinach, breaking up the pieces, and heat through, about 2 minutes. Scrape the vegetable mixture into the eggs and beat it well to distribute the spinach evenly. Turn the heat down to low and pour the egg mixture back into the pan. Gently stir the eggs until they are just set and still moist, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Spread the egg mixture evenly onto the baked pizza crust and top with the cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 1 minute. Serve hot.

Recipe courtesy George Duran

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• Breakfast
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Pizza Bianca

Total Time: 25 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 pound purchased pizza dough
• Flour, for surface
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon good quality coarse salt

Directions

Position the oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to 1/2-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a heavy large baking sheet. Using a fork, pierce the dough all over. Drizzle the oil over the dough. Sprinkle with the thyme and salt. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

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• Appetizer
• Pizza
• Baking

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Basic Pizza Dough

Total Time: 1 hr 53 min Prep: 40 min Inactive: 55 min Cook: 18 min
Yield: 2 (12-inch) pizzas Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast (recommended: RapidRise)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 to 5 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bowl
• Cornmeal, for pan

Directions

Preheat oven at 450 degrees F.

Measure out 1 3/4 cups warm water (it should be pleasantly warm on your wrist). Sprinkle the yeast on top of the water and allow it to activate, about 10 minutes.

Put the salt and 2 cups of the flour into a food processor. Pulse 5 times to blend. Pour in the yeast and water and pulse 5 times. Add the olive oil. Add the remaining flour 1 cup at a time, pulsing and scraping the sides of the bowl until well blended. As soon as the mixture is combined, dump it out onto a well-floured board and knead for 15 turns, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until doubled in size, then punch it down. Divide it in half; each half will make 1 (12-inch) pizza.

Place on a cornmeal-dusted pizza stone, pizza pan, or cookie sheet. Roll up edge slightly to create a ridge around the pizza. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until crust is light brown.

Cook's Note: If using only half dough, freeze the other half. Place the dough in a resealable freezer bag. To thaw, remove the bag from the freezer and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Roll the dough out while cold then allow it to come to room temperature before adding toppings.

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2008

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Healthy Foods to Reduce Stress

 

If you arrive late to work, moving to a new home or struggling to pay the bills, sorry - the chemical reaction that makes your heart race and tense muscles. And when untreated and poorly managed, stress wreaks havoc on your health. It makes you more susceptible to diseases like the common cold, increases blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes and depression. You may already know that exercise and meditation are healthy ways to reduce stress, but the nutrients certain healthy foods can also help.

Certain healthy foods can help lower stress

 

Ohmm With Dark Chocolate

Feeling stressed? Go ahead and eat some dark chocolate. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in chocolate, stimulates the release of serotonin in the brain. This chemical that changes the state of mind has been shown to make you feel relaxed and happy. Nutrients in dark chocolate also improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. While this sweet offers a number of health benefits for emphasis not want to over do it. An ounce of dark chocolate a day should be enough to help you cope. Lisa Cimperman, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, also suggests non-alkaline dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa to get the greatest benefits.

Dark chocolate stimulates chemicals that make you feel relaxed. (maria17/iStock/Getty Images)

Stress-busting Salmon

Omega-3 in salmon are not only good for the heart, but researchers say it can also help to better manage stress. Essential fatty acids found in salmon protect neurons against damage caused by stress, which is particularly useful for those who deal with chronic stress. For good health, try eating salmon or other fatty fish such as tuna or sardines twice a week. If you are not in fish, flaxseed or walnuts Cimperman suggest getting your omega-3.

The essential fatty acids in salmon protect neurons from stress damage. (iStock/Getty Images)

A Banana a Day

Low in calories and easy to access, bananas are a good food to add to your stress reduction regime. Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases production of serotonin, according to naturopathic doctors and Kathleen A. Gregory S. Kelly head. Bananas make a regular part of your diet list stores levels of vitamin B6 and the production of serotonin in place. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps lower blood pressure.

The high potassium levels in bananas can help reduce blood pressure. (Howard Shooter/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images)

Anti-Anxiety Swiss Chard

Cortisol is the main hormone responsible for stress response. He prepares the body for fight or flight reactions, flooding glucose for immediate energy. Chronic stress reduces magnesium in your body, and increase low levels of sensitivity to stress, which aggravates the effects, according to some researchers. If stress is making you feel anxious, angry and agitated, your body may be deficient in magnesium. With a glass 150 milligrams per serving cooked spinach can magnesium intake, balance cortisol levels and helps reduce anxiety.

Swiss chard is high in magnesium, which can help reduce anxiety. (bonchan/iStock/Getty Images)

Tea Time

Green and black tea contains L-theanine amino acid. This amino acid increases the production of dopamine and serotonin. Such as serotonin, dopamine is a chemical welfare in the brain that promotes fun. So even if a cup of green tea has more caffeine, sometimes a cup of coffee, L-theanine can eliminate the incentive to promote feelings of joy and relaxation in some people.

The amino acid found in tea releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. (Natalie_B/iStock/Getty Images)

Immune-Boosting Red Peppers

Crunchy and sweet red peppers, not only add color to a stir-fry or salad, but also stimulates the stress of health and immune combat. A 1/2 cup red peppers portion contains 158 milligrams of vitamin C - which is more than a drink 6 ounces of orange juice. It also has more vitamin C than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 90 milligrams to 75 milligrams for men and women. According to Dr. Dr. Kelly and head, increase intake of vitamin C in higher quantities than the RDA helps to lower cortisol levels - they recommend to 1 gram per day. This is especially important for men who tend to have higher cortisol levels than women.

Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C and can lower cortisol levels. (carotur/iStock/Getty Images)

Power-Up With Beans

B vitamins are known to help extract energy food you eat, but they also have an important role in stress management. Promotes sleep niacin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and regulate cortisol in stressful situations thiamine and folic acid is required for neuronal regeneration. Beans are not only a good source of B vitamins, but are also rich in fiber, protein and iron. A whole beans 1/2 cup portion, including black beans, kidney beans or chickpeas, can help you get the B you need to work on stress. Stir in beans in soups, salads or whole grain dishes for added texture and flavor.

 

Beans contain niacin, which promotes sleep. (Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

 

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Price Shopping: Getting the Best Deals on Medical Care

It could save you money and your health.

Shopping for the best price on an x-ray or even when delivering a baby may seem odd if you've never done before. But care where you go, the amount you pay and the potential outcome of your transaction is even more important when it comes to your health (no mail or a new pair of shoes) on the line.

Americans, both insured and uninsured, feel the effects of the rising costs of health care, which may be reluctant to seek outside your doctor or nearest hospital for competitive rates. But comparison shopping for health care could save you money and your health.

Your share of the cost Is Up

Not all in your head. Although more Americans have health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Health, many have seen their responsibilities increase costs. Generally, premiums and out of pocket costs such as deductibles are increasing, and sometimes alarming.

Franchising, which were not only lower, but less frequent in total, are now the norm. Among the insurance plans offered by employers in 2003, about half had a franchise; the average was $ 518 for a single person. In 2013, rose to 81 percent and an average has more than doubled to $ 1,273, according to an analysis by The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that supports research in health services.

This means that Americans are responsible for a greater amount of your medical bills before they reach maximum input from your insurer. It also means that when you go for something like an x-ray, you may have to pay for the entire visit, even if you are insured.

Prices vary from doctor to doctor

In addition to potentially pay more out of pocket than ever, prices can be very different from one clinic to another and depend on several factors, including where you live.

In the case of a brain scan, for example, when the national average is $ 695, you could pay as little as $ 75 in Lanham, Maryland, or as much as $ 4.600 in Issaquah, Washington, according to data from OkCopay.

But you do not cross the country to see the differences in spectacular prizes. According to the analysis of Castlight Health, a walk through the city could cost or save you hundreds. Health care information company found that cholesterol panels through Dallas, for example, can cost between $ 15 to $ 343 for the same test.

Get the best price for your dollar health care

Comparison shopping for something like LASIK or even an MRI is quite easy, as these procedures are relatively simple with the bill and insurance claim from a single source. A few phone calls may be all you need. But in the case of surgery or having a baby, the market price will be a project - a project that ultimately could save thousands. Here's what to do:

1. Know your network.

You still have to pay more for medical services outside the insurance network. So probably best to stay away from doctors, clinics and hospitals that are not in your plan. This could significantly reduce your options if you are part of a growing number of shrunken networks.

2. Start with online tools.

There are several online tools reputed organizations - your health insurer or local hospital, may still have them. They help estimate the costs of the various procedures. But it is not the last word on how much you pay. Search reasonably priced health of consumers and health are Bluebook reliable places to start.

3. Call the provider.

You can find a good estimate online have, but you want to check. Contact your health care provider for an estimate. In some states, providers are required by law to provide these estimates. But even if not required, usually required. Planning is the key here, to receive a quote for an intense process can take several days.

4. Contact your insurance company.

If you have health insurance is likely to cover some but not all costs. So after receiving a detailed budget of the provider, contact your insurance company to find out how the tab will be your responsibility. They will be able to provide information on what is happening to your deductible, which is covered by one fee and can be completely private.

5. Remember that price is not your only concern.

The price may be an important factor in where you're going, but should not be the only one. After all, this is not a TV as we speak, and the lowest price is not always the highest quality. While the commercial price, be sure to check online reviews and comments about your medical provider or hospital. You want to balance cost with quality of care.

Shopping for health care quality at a reasonable price is not always a quick and easy process. But when providers charge the same city hundreds more in the next clinic, it might be time (and money) well spent.

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