A Mediterranean Pantry leads you to heart healthy foods on a day-to-day basis. A few weeks ago, one of my clients told me that she intended to transform her home pantry into one that features Mediterranean foods. She said it in a firm and proud voice. I was totally impressed. Anytime a home pantry is cleaned or re-arranged, it is usually also refreshed nutritionally. Think about your last 'spring cleaning' project. My last big pantry cleaning was due to some tiny bugs that got into all the wheat foods, like flour and crackers and pasta. What a job and yet when the pantry was finally clean … [Read more...] about A Mediterranean Pantry Starts the Process to Healthier Eating for the Heart
5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Planning a tasty and nutritious dinner takes a bit of thinking as well as a grocery list, trip to the store, and cooking session. These 5 steps will keep you organized as it all comes together. 1. Plan your menu. Think about good balance, color and flavor. Simple is best. For example: Chicken Baked in the Oven, or Grilled Outside Brown Rice Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli Orange or Apple 1% or Nonfat milk 2. Look in your pantry, fridge and freezer. See what’s already there and buy only what you need. For example: Buy a package of fresh skinless chicken since … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
A Grocery Cart of On-Budget, Smart Nutrition
Are you ever surprised at your grocery tab at checkout? I've been surprised many times at how high my tab is because, well, good food is not cheap. But, this time, I was surprised that I got in-and-out of the store for less than $20! You can see my entire cart in the picture and I'll admit it wasn't a full week's worth of food. Still, I was feeling super proud of my smart shopping skills and staying on-budget as I headed home from this mid-week grocery run. If you're interested in some insights on a nutritious grocery cart fill-up, then take a look at my earlier blog here. On-Budget Smart … [Read more...] about A Grocery Cart of On-Budget, Smart Nutrition
10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays with Less Sugar
Holiday Mindset What's your mindset going into holiday season? If you make your mind up to indulge less and pay attention more to what you eat and drink, then you may be pleasantly surprised. Getting to a New Year with healthier habits in place is a feeling of confidence and victory - and who doesn't like that?! May I suggest you pre-think the sugary foods you normally eat or drink from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day? Then, try your best to eat less, fewer, smaller. Or, sub in something less sugary that you feel good about. 10 Ways to Enjoy the … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays with Less Sugar
Fresh Vegetables & How to Store Them
Fresh Vegetables - How to Buy Them It's smart to buy a nice variety of fresh vegetables for good nutrition and colorful meals and snacks, right? Right. And, it's even smarter to use up your fresh vegetables before they rot, right. Right. Well, did you ever look into your vegetable crisper drawer and think...how will I use that Bell pepper, corn-on-the-cob, asparagus, fresh herb, or kale? My thinking was along those lines the other day when I took a look. But, worry no more, because there are sneaky ways to waste less and enjoy more as you store your fresh vegetables. And, to avoid plastic … [Read more...] about Fresh Vegetables & How to Store Them
Meatloaf for Dinner!
Meatloaf is Comfort Food I have been eating meatloaf all my life and I bet you have, too. Lately I've gotten creative and have tried some new ingredients in my meatloaf as a way to lighten up this classic comfort food. Fresh and dried herbs and spices are normally fun to add to meatloaf, and using oatmeal instead of bread crumbs is a neat way to add a whole grain to the recipe. The meatloaf in this picture at the left has an entire 10 oz package of thawed and drained, frozen spinach in it, too. Tasty? You bet it is! Easy Spinach & Herb Meatloaf Recipe 1 pound lean ground beef 1 … [Read more...] about Meatloaf for Dinner!