Black Beans & Good Nutrition Have you every tried black beans? If not, I recommend you do. You can eat black beans as part of breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can combine them with rice, couscous or quinoa, 3 healthy and tasty grains. The nutrition of black beans is excellent and, due to their very high fiber and protein contents, they keep you feeling full for hours. Easy Black Bean & Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe Ingredients to gather: 1 can black beans (15-16 oz); 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 sweet Bell pepper or other sweet pepper (red or green); 1/2 onion; 1 stalk celery; 2 … [Read more...] about Trying Something New: Easy Black Bean Recipe
Breakfast: Creative Flavors & Power Choices
Breakfast Stats Can you believe that 1/3 of all Americans skip breakfast? Are you one of them? Are your kids? If breakfast is a hard meal to 'muster' in your household then listen up for some nutritious and delicious options. Because...breakfast is a most important meal of the day! Breakfast Options Thinking out of the (cereal) box is a good starting point for breakfast. There are many, many options and no rules about what to put on your plate. Maybe traditional morning foods don't excite your taste buds and that's OK. Choose what's appealing with good nutrition to power … [Read more...] about Breakfast: Creative Flavors & Power Choices
Mediterranean Month – A Time to Eat Healthfully!
What is Mediterranean Month? Mediterranean Month is celebrated throughout May. The Mediterranean Diet, though, has powerful nutrition and awesome flavors that deserve attention all year long. Just as important to good health in the Mediterranean is a unique lifestyle that emphasizes an appreciation for food, its enjoyment and fresh air. Foods Central to the Mediterranean Diet Olive oil, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh basil and rosemary, artichokes, crusty bread, fish, shellfish, red wine, pasta, feta cheese, garlic, olives and more. Lifestyle Behaviors Central to the Mediterranean … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Month – A Time to Eat Healthfully!
Seasonal Pick – Strawberries!
NC Strawberries are Here! In NC, strawberry season arrives in May. Just think of all the opportunities to include a sweet treat like fresh, local strawberries in your meals and snacks - it is definitely a long list. Adding strawberries is truly a smart idea, for flavor and great nutrition. Nutrition Features of Strawberries The simple truth is that strawberries 'rock' for good nutrition. One cup of berries cut into halves provides 3 times the daily requirement for vitamin C + 3 grams of fiber + health-enhancing antioxidants + only 50 calories. By anyone's standards, this is one very … [Read more...] about Seasonal Pick – Strawberries!
Grocery Shopping 101: Fruits
Why Fruit? Good nutrition is all about enjoyment and variety. Fruit is a crowd pleaser as it offers variety, healthy carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water. A big bonus in fruit is the natural sweetness as well as an abundance of antioxidants. These natural plant elements can strengthen all your health and help guard against heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and inflammation-- a sweet deal! Grocery Store Tips 1. Enter the store with a list of at least 3-5 fruits for your shopping cart. Choose 2 fruits that are in-season and then add 1-3 more colors to the mix. Remember, … [Read more...] about Grocery Shopping 101: Fruits
Herbs Make Home Cooking Taste Even Better
Growing Herbs is Easy An easy and tasty way to jazz-up your simple, home recipes may be as close as your own backyard, or a sunny window sill. These are ideal places to start an herb garden either from seed or from inexpensive plants you buy at the local garden center. With a little care and a half-day or more dose of sunshine, everyone can grow herbs. 3 Ways to Use Herbs (see photo) Thyme, front left, adds flavor to soup, lean meat or a cold bean salad. Pull its tiny leaves off the stem and mince them. Dill, rear left, adds freshness to cold shrimp salad, an omelet or vinaigrette-dressed … [Read more...] about Herbs Make Home Cooking Taste Even Better