If you are looking for a reason to love cucumbers then read on. There's a very good reason for the saying, Cool as a Cucumber, as it describes this humble and refreshingly cool and crunchy vegetable when the weather is warm. Here are some fun facts, handy information about nutritional benefits, 5 ways to enjoy them as snacks, and an easy recipe for Summer Cucumber Soup. Fun Facts about Cucumbers Originally from India Related to watermelons Easy to grow with plenty of sun and water Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers They are 95-96% water, making them a very hydrating … [Read more...] about Enjoy Cucumbers in Cool Soup and Fun Snacks
Spending Less on Groceries and Bringing Home Better Nutrition
If sticker shock is following you around the grocery store these days then you're not alone. There are reasons why grocery prices go up-and-down year to year. In the past 2 years, the impact of a global pandemic is largely to blame for prices going up and then up again. Across the board, food prices went up about 6% in 2020 and we can expect prices to go up another 2-3% in 2021. So, yes, sticker shock is very real and it's smart to learn some ways around it. 5 Ways to Get In-and-Out of the Grocery Store and Spend Less Money Have a budget - weekly or monthly - and stick to it. Plan … [Read more...] about Spending Less on Groceries and Bringing Home Better Nutrition
Fall Foods are Delicious and Packed Full of Nutrition
When the season changes, there's a new feel to the air and a new look on your meal plate. Hello fall! There's something special about the nutrient-rich foods of a new season and fall is a perfect example. Fall fruits like apples and pears are coming out of orchards and fall vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, and cabbage are at their peak of harvest. Grain foods like rice, oats, and barley are making their way into soups and stews. Healthy fats like pumpkin seeds and extra virgin olive oil are making their way into a hearty breakfast or savory stew. Fall Foods & Easy Ways to Enjoy … [Read more...] about Fall Foods are Delicious and Packed Full of Nutrition
Higher Quality Carbs are a Very Smart Path to Better Nutrition
If you think that carbs are the 'bad guy' then think again because it's actually about choosing higher quality carbs and then enjoying every bite. What are Higher Quality Carbs and Why are they Great Nutrition Choices? There are several things that add up to high quality in carbohydrate foods and here are 3: More fiber Important vitamins and minerals Efficient energy-producing calories There are several more things that make high quality carbs great choices and here are 3: Rich flavors Appealing textures Very filling, satisfying How to add Higher … [Read more...] about Higher Quality Carbs are a Very Smart Path to Better Nutrition
A Homemade Smoothie is a Tasty Meal or Snack
Every season of the year is perfect for a homemade smoothie, as a meal or snack with powerful nutrition and amazing flavor. A client asks for my opinion about smoothies once in a while. As a nutrition professional, I normally answer their question with another question about what goes into their favorite smoothie? As with most homemade recipes, a smoothie can be full of high quality nutrition and it can also fall short, depending on the ingredients. Smoothie Ingredients for High Quality Nutrition There are many foods that can go into a blender and then whirl into a tasty, homemade … [Read more...] about A Homemade Smoothie is a Tasty Meal or Snack
3 Ways to Make Every Meal Good for Your Heart
Simple foods not only taste delicious but they are the building blocks for a strong and healthy heart. It may be surprising to realize that more than 18 million Americans age 20 and older are affected by coronary heart disease. Also, heart disease is responsible for more racial and ethnic American deaths than any other cause. The good news is that choosing high quality nutrition, not expensive nutrition, can open up a world of better health for everyone's heart. 3 Ways to Make Every Meal Good for Your Heart #1. Bump up the nutritional quality of your every day foods. In other … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Make Every Meal Good for Your Heart