Holiday foods bring us into the kitchen, and that's a good thing. Putting together a healthy menu, though, can be tough. Think about your holiday party appetizer table, for example. Are there rich cheeses, sour cream dip, and mini-quiches.? Or, are there steamed shrimp, nuts, and colorful raw veggies? The second option is definitely the direction to go for an enjoyable and nutritious nibble. So, this holiday season, challenge yourself to offer lighter and healthier foods in delicious harmony with great flavor. Here's a tasty starting point: Lighter & Healthier Appetizers - Try these: … [Read more...] about Try These Holiday Foods for a Lighter & Healthier Twist
Tomatoes Check All the Boxes of Fresh, Delicious, and Convenient
Imagining meals without tomatoes is hard for me to do. Sometimes I add them to my breakfast with a sliced cucumber and dollop of hummus. Other times I add them to my lunch sandwich -- to make a tasty ELT. At dinner, tomatoes pop up in a side salad, sauce, soup, or just on my plate and ready-to-eat. I don't think I'm alone in counting on tomatoes to be there for me. Maybe you can relate. I've had quite a few grocery store checkout line chats and/or farmer's market chats with total strangers who share their 'tomato love stories' with me. See how many varieties you know here. Fresh and Delicious … [Read more...] about Tomatoes Check All the Boxes of Fresh, Delicious, and Convenient
5 Meals to Cook on the Grill for a Healthier Lifestyle
Grilling Makes Good Nutrition Easy As a registered dietitian, I'm into healthier ways to cook. So, the grilling season opens lots of possibilities for me. The great thing is that most everyone I know likes to grill out, so the outdoor cooking season broadens their repertoire of healthy meals, too. Think about it -- with grilling, the fat drips away from center-plate favorites like steak, salmon, or chicken. This means fewer calories and less potentially harmful fat. The grill offers tons of variety of side options, too, like asparagus, skewered mushrooms, a sweet potato, or colorful Bell … [Read more...] about 5 Meals to Cook on the Grill for a Healthier Lifestyle
A Healthier Grilled Cheese Sandwich
There's something very special about a warm, gooey and toasty grilled cheese sandwich. I guess it is true comfort food at its quickest and easiest. When I got ready to make lunch the other day, I scanned the fridge for an idea and closed it. Then I opened up the pantry for a look and closed it. Then I went back to the fridge and saw my favorite cheese calling out for me to make a grilled cheese sandwich - so, I did. Making sandwiches for kids can be very challenging so take a look at these easy-to-do ideas that will delight the youngest members of your family. Healthier Sandwiches, … [Read more...] about A Healthier Grilled Cheese Sandwich
5 Nutrition Lessons I Learned in Spain and Portugal
I took a vacation to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and culture! Every once in a long while, my husband and I take a fancy vacation during Spring Break. He's a college professor and since I work for myself, we can make it happen. A few weeks ago, we had the amazing good fortune to visit northwest Spain and north Portugal. In Spain, we stayed in a lovely and very historical city called Salamanca. In Portugal, we spent a long weekend in beautiful Porto. The Foods of Spain and Portugal are Mediterranean Cuisines You may already realize that Mediterranean style nutrition is my thing and so I … [Read more...] about 5 Nutrition Lessons I Learned in Spain and Portugal
Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition
I know a lot of people who eat a lot of green salads. In fact, several years ago I had a client who loved salad and I was trying to help her improve its nutrition quality. After a fun discussion of options for her salad, she realized that the salad greens are good nutrition and when you add the toppings, you get even better nutrition. That just about sums it up if you ask me. There are many creative directions your salad can take for better nutrition. Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition Buy the freshest salad greens - Each time you stock up on greens, check the freshness because … [Read more...] about Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition