Hearty, robust herbs offer more flavor than their delicate counterparts. They are versatile yet distinctive. Herbs, robust and delicate, add flavor and depth to everything from beverages to soups and stews. Salt-free, they have additional health benefits and contain substances that act as antioxidants and fight inflammation. Experiment with fresh and dried herbs. Cilantro – AKA coriander. Slightly minty, fresh flavor. The root is more intensely flavored. Use in Mexican dishes and with veggies such as peppers, zucchini, yellow squash,...
read moreArtichokes, though referred to as a vegetable, are actually a ‘thistle.’ Artichokes are high in dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and may lower LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as promote heart health. They are rich in magnesium, a major mineral that is key for healthy blood pressure and folate, a B vitamin essential for nerve function. One major benefit of eating artichokes is that they contain inulin, a type of fiber which acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora...
read moreHerbs and spices are a true goldmine. So versatile, exciting and healthy. Many herbs offer anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer and antioxidant benefits. Herbs contain plant chemicals that promote heart health. Get started today adding delicate flavor with these milder herbs. Add to your recipes in the final minutes of cooking. Consider snipping into tiny pieces with sharp scissors. Chervil – often used in French cuisine, along with tarragon, parsley and chives, aka ‘Fines Herbes.’ Has a subtle parsley/licorice...
read moreHealthy Chocolate Pudding Recipe Made with Greek yogurt Make delicious chocolate pudding with 4 simple ingredients (serves 4): 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder (or Dutch process) not regular, 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt, 3 TB pure maple syrup, 1 tsp pure vanilla. Use a whisk to stir the cocoa powder and remove lumps. Then mix everything together in another bowl. The mixture will be very thick at first and ‘powdery.’ As you stir and incorporate the cocoa powder into the yogurt it will become smooth. Adjust ingredients to your taste...
read moreVegetables are essential for optimal health. Whether you grow your own, browse the farm stand or simply buy them at the grocery store, get creative. Those who eat a wide variety of vegetables daily enjoy health benefits such as lower BMIs and better gut health. Buy a veggie noodle maker for zucchini or buy veggie noodles. Find them in the freezer section at the grocery store (carrot, beet). Grill them – try bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and pineapples on skewers. Have a green smoothie for breakfast. Frozen bananas, apples, leafy...
read moreAn important weight management tip is to eat when you we feel true, physiological hunger. Eating when not truly hungry can lead to excess calories and weight gain. Excessive snacking before bedtime and/or late at night, in particular, can become a bad habit. It can be a ‘go to’ behavior to distract us when we are experiencing uncomfortable or unpleasant feelings, such as frustration, anger, fear and boredom. Even excess stress and exhaustion can play a role in night-time eating. Here are some tips to limit mindless eating at night: Eat well...
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