If you care about eating enough protein and fiber every day then beans might become your new best friend. Beans are a nutrient rich food that can be overlooked as powerhouses of both protein and fiber. Nowadays, there's a lot of talk about how much protein is enough. At the same time, there's a lot of talk about how much fiber is enough. Well, both protein and fiber are essential and the 'how much do I need' is not a matter of one-size-fits-all. As individuals with unique nutritional needs, each of us has individual needs for every nutrient including protein and fiber. Circling back … [Read more...] about How to Eat More Beans for Protein and Fiber, and 6 Everyday Meal Ideas
Lentils are a Tasty Plant Protein
Do you cook and eat plant proteins? Lentils are a great choice, and versatile, too. . 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 inexpensive, quick and easy to prepare, and … [Read more...] about Lentils are a Tasty Plant Protein
3 Quick and Easy Recipes with Canned and Frozen Foods
Canning and Freezing Make Foods Safe to Store Way back in history, foods were preserved to keep them safe for us to eat. Two examples are canned and frozen foods which I cannot imagine being without in a 21st Century, healthy kitchen. Most of us have canned and frozen foods on hand at all times and we more-or-less take them for granted. Read on for tips about what exactly to stock in your healthy kitchen. Also, learn 3 examples of how to use modern canned and frozen foods to whip up easier and quicker classic recipes that taste great and are good for you. How to Stock Up on the Right … [Read more...] about 3 Quick and Easy Recipes with Canned and Frozen Foods
Fresh Herbs Make Flavors Pop and 3 Recipes to Prove It
Fresh herbs make food flavors 'pop' if you ask me. I mean everything with fresh herbs in it just tastes better. The nice thing is that you can easily find fresh herbs in the grocery store now. Or, look for them at your local farmer’s market or grow them yourself. Then, take them home, wash, chop and toss into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The nutritional payoff with fresh herbs is their antioxidants and pigments which strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Here are 3 recipes that are super delicious, easy, and their flavors 'pop' because of the simple … [Read more...] about Fresh Herbs Make Flavors Pop and 3 Recipes to Prove It
Corn is a Tasty, High Quality Carb!
There are many tasty carbs out there. Corn, sweet potato, white potato, pasta, bread, butternut squash, lima beans and more are in the high carb category. They also contain essential nutrients for good health. So, what to do? Enjoy them every day in a sensible portion. Why and How to Choose & Cook Tasty Carbs The essential nutrients in high carb foods are, yes, carbohydrates plus fiber plus vitamins and/or minerals. Since we're talking plant-based foods here, there are also the super important phytochemicals which are helpful in reducing the risk for chronic diseases, boosting the … [Read more...] about Corn is a Tasty, High Quality Carb!
Sweet Red Peppers and 3 Ways to Enjoy Them
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the sweet red peppers of Spain! Then I started seeing these beauties in every vegetable market and grocery store I visited around Salamanca, where I'm living this fall. Sweet red peppers are called 'Pimientos' in Spanish and I'm learning that they are a very important ingredient in every Spanish kitchen, restaurant, and tapas bar. How to Use Sweet Red Peppers - 3 Ways The natural sweetness of Spanish pimientos - sweet red peppers - brings bright flavors to all kinds of things. Here are a few examples: Wash, cut into strips and dip into … [Read more...] about Sweet Red Peppers and 3 Ways to Enjoy Them