More and more people ask me about plant proteins these days and lentils are a great choice. Lentils are new to some people so it's time to take away the mystery of this delicious food. Lentils are a meatless alternative to meat, poultry, egg, or dairy protein. They are in the category of pulses which are plant foods that include dry beans, dry peas, and chickpeas. Pulses are grown and harvested for their edible, dry seeds and each 1/2 cup of cooked pulse gives us 8-9 grams protein and 8-9 grams fiber. They truly fit a modern lifestyle because they are quick and easy to prepare and easy on … [Read more...] about Lentils are a Plant Protein that’s Easy to Cook and Delicious
Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Pumpkin has a lot going for it -- a bright orange color, a healthy nutrition resume, and a flavor that is truly delicious. Most people that I know, including nutrition professionals, are enthusiastic about eating pumpkin during the fall. Here is a short list of why? Pumpkin is a Top Choice - Nutrition The big nutrient in pumpkin is vitamin A which we know by its color. The exact name for what makes it orange is beta-carotene which readily converts to vitamin A. This healthy vitamin is also found in carrots and many other yellow-orange colored vegetables. Along with vitamin C, vitamin A is a … [Read more...] about Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
Most of us have meals or recipes that we consider traditions, but what we forget is that they don't have to be difficult and time consuming. The best sprinkled-with-good-nutrition traditions are ones that can be repeated and enjoyed. So, please keep it simple. Making time to cook isn't always easy so do your best to choose a tradition that's meaningful and also quick to fix. Will something below be your 'spark' to a delicious, new food tradition? I hope so. Quick-to-Fix Breakfast Traditions The morning meal is wide open for creative and satisfying nibbles. Here are a few new ideas … [Read more...] about Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
3 Nutrition Labels Kids Can Learn to Read
When the kids come along on a grocery trip there is so much to learn, including how to choose a healthy boxed food. In the fall, children need good nutrition more than ever because they are fueling their brains along with their bodies for success in school. My earlier blog about back-to-school and healthier eating is here. The age of a child matters as far as how much she/he is ready to learn. From about 6-8 years old, depending on reading level, it can be a perfect time to work on food and nutrition label skills. With a wide variety of food products in every grocery store, here are 3 … [Read more...] about 3 Nutrition Labels Kids Can Learn to Read
A Tasty Little Marinade for Chicken, Steak, Seafood and Veggies
Since so many of us enjoy a dinner from the grill, here's an easy and tasty marinade recipe to love. I see two big advantages to having a go-to marinade recipe. The first is that marinating chicken or steak or fish or shrimp forces us to have a plan for dinner hours ahead of time - when marinating ideally begins. The second is that having a trusted recipe on hand erases the worry of how the final flavor will turn out -- it's always a big success. Here is a marinade that fits just about everything that's a protein food. For veggies, it works as a delicious brush-on-when-grilling … [Read more...] about A Tasty Little Marinade for Chicken, Steak, Seafood and Veggies
7 Ways to Enjoy Apples and Pears in Healthy Meals
Is there anything nicer about late summer and fall than new-season apples and pears? I don't think so. Most people know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, did you know that a pear a day can do the same? Apples and pears share a nutritional benefit called fiber which is especially important to digestive health, nutrient absorption, and appetite control. In fact, if you eat a medium sized apple or pear, you'll consume 5-6 grams of fiber along with about 100 calories. Also, there are plant-based phytochemicals in apples and pears and research shows that they can protect us … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Enjoy Apples and Pears in Healthy Meals