Every January, when we turn over the calendar to a new year, there seems to be a natural starting point for positive change. If you've been waiting to start fresh in the New Year then here's a layered approach to new and better nutrition. Is it rocket science...no. Is it a 30-day, get-it-done-fast diet... no. Is it a gradual lifestyle shift to feeling better....yes. Is it full of joyful and delicious food adventures... yes! And, yes, to asking for the assistance of a nutrition pro, like me. A new nutrition plan can be overwhelming and getting compassionate, customized help can be … [Read more...] about How to Start a New Nutrition Plan and Succeed
Olive Oil or Butter: Which is Better Nutrition and 7 Ideas for Using It
Have you ever wondered if extra virgin olive oil or butter is a better choice nutritionally? If you have, here's the answer! There is a difference between these two common fats. In fact, you might expect differences because these two fats come from very different sources. Extra virgin olive oil comes from the fruit of a plant, the olive. And, butter comes from cream, a by-product of an animal. So, yes they are different nutritionally. A Comparison of the Saturated Fat in Extra Virgin Olive Oil versus Butter One important difference between plant (olive) and animal (butter) fats is … [Read more...] about Olive Oil or Butter: Which is Better Nutrition and 7 Ideas for Using It
8 Watermelon Fun Facts and A Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Recipe
I think watermelon is just about everyone's favorite fruit in August. After all, there's nothing more thirst-quenching, sweet, and delicious, is there? 8 Fun Facts about Watermelon It is in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, chayote and zucchini squash It comes in 5 types: seeded; seedless; mini or personal; yellow; and orange It is >90% water so it's a great choice for a hot day It's standard serving size is 2 cups cut-up It has only 80 calories in 2 cups It has 14 grams carbohydrates per 1 cup Watermelon, one serving, is … [Read more...] about 8 Watermelon Fun Facts and A Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Recipe
Snack Ideas for Mediterranean Nutrition
Snacks can be nourishing nuggets that boost energy with refreshing flavor. These have a Mediterranean nutrition twist, too! There are hundreds of foods that can be made into snacks, or mini-meals, and many of them are nutritious. When you really want to 'hug' Mediterranean nutrition though, the snacking possibilities are even more delicious and refreshing. And, since they're made from simple Mediterranean ingredients, your health can benefit at snack time, too. Mediterranean Ingredients for Delicious Snacks: Here are 20 examples of ingredients that deliver top quality nutrition. When … [Read more...] about Snack Ideas for Mediterranean Nutrition
Cooking at Home with Mediterranean Ingredients
Cooking and consuming better nutrition starts with a home kitchen full of great ingredients, Mediterranean style. The easiest way to shift to high quality, Mediterranean nutrition is to transition your home kitchen's ingredients. This begins with a focused effort to replenish your dry pantry, fridge, and freezer. A Dry Pantry with Better Nutrition The dry foods in your kitchen are important to every meal. To improve their quality, Mediterranean style, try a few changes at a time. Here are 3 steps to take: Add more canned or dried beans, lentils, and nuts Expand your … [Read more...] about Cooking at Home with Mediterranean Ingredients
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