Whole-Meal Salads: The Perfect Warm-Weather Meal

Hearty salads made with whole grains, beans, vegetables and a variety of other ingredients should star on your menus, especially in the warm months. If you're not familiar with whole grains, visit the Nutrition section of my web site (see the link below); I explain all about how to cook them, where to find them, and why they are so important for healthful eating. Try these favorite recipes and then experiment with your own variations.

Summer Barley-Bean Salad

2 cups cooked barley

1 15-oz. can pink or kidney beans, drained

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped

1 cucumber, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/2 cup fat-free Italian dressing

Combine all ingredients and chill.

4-6 servings

Tabbouleh

1 cup bulgur

Water to cover

1 onion, chopped

6 green onions, sliced

2 cups chopped Italian parsley

1/2 cup mint, chopped

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup no-fat mayonnaise

Lettuce

Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with cold water; allow it to soak for 2-3 hours or until the bulghar is soft. Line a colander with cheesecloth or a dish towel and pour in the bulghar; squeeze out all the excess moisture. Return the bulghar to the bowl and mix in remaining ingredients except the mayonnaise. Chill for at least 2 hours. Stir in mayonnaise just before serving. Serve on lettuce leaves.

6-8 servings

Tex-Mex variation: Add 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced; and 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped.

Southwestern Bean Salad

2 cups cooked brown rice or barley

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups frozen corn kernels

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup vinegar or more to taste

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

1 minced jalapeno pepper, or cayenne to taste

1 t. chili powder

Combine all ingredients. Tastes even better if you let it stand, refrigerated or at room temperature, for one hour before serving.

6-8 servings

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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the FREE Good Food Book -- at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Cordless Phones to Take on VOIP

cordless phones are not just for the traditional user anymore.

VOIP providers are hearing from their subscribers that being connected to the computer all the time is just not acceptable. These companies are looking to industry leaders like logitech to cut the strings so to speak.

VOIP calls are made using internet protocol and have been connected to the computer through a usb port. Now companies are developing cordless handsets for VOIP users that are giving users the freedom to roam and talk.

logitech had a recent introduction of a cordless phone that state wirelessly connected to the PC via a usb base station. Users have the ability to place calls from as far as fifty meters from the computer.

The VOIP cordless phones are designed to look and feel more like traditional handsets. They are not at all related to cell phone technology. Many of the models that are currently on the market require no outside power source and can work with a laptop or a PC.

Many small and medium companies have started turning to VOIP as a way to cut the cost in their communications. The development of new and more advanced cordless phones will continue to grow the interest in this technology.

cordless phone technology caused a revolution in the telecommunications industry when it was first introduced. No longer were users chained to one spot while talking on the phone. Being cordless meant being able to walk outside, walk in the other room, or even get in the shower, all while having a conversation over the phone.

Similar cordless technology is poised to do the same thing to the Voice over internet Protocol telephony industry. without cords to hinder a user's activities, and with phone calls around the world at low or no cost, it is possible that this new experience will push the VOIP industry into the use of the common man.

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