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
Plant Proteins and 3 Easy Mediterranean Meals
Plant proteins are all the buzz - and they are a perfect start to designing quick, easy, and affordable Mediterranean meals. As a registered dietitian, my job is to assist, encourage, and teach clients all about food and nutrition in a customized-individualized way. I ask questions to learn about a new client's current nutrition, meals, and snack habits, and I find out about their medical and lifestyle issues that can be impacted by nutrition in a positive way. One of the questions my clients ask most often these days is about plant proteins. When they ask, I explain how handy plant proteins … [Read more...] about Plant Proteins and 3 Easy Mediterranean Meals
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
Recipe Reminders and How to Make an Easy Lentil Chili Recipe
When you get ready to make a recipe, take a deep breath, neatly lay out what you'll need, and then proceed. The 2020's have been challenging in many ways, including in your kitchen at mealtime. For so many, the number of homemade meals eaten at home has increased - partly because food budgets are stretched more than usual and partly because of the knowledge that meals made at home can typically be made healthier for everyone in the family. So, say hello to more and more people looking for recipes in all places: a favorite cookbook, a friend, a google search, or a TV cooking show. … [Read more...] about Recipe Reminders and How to Make an Easy Lentil Chili Recipe
Oats are for Breakfast and So Much More!
Cooler weather inspires a lot of us to bring out the oats for breakfast. But don't stop there... Oats have a whole lot going for them. They're a whole grain that tastes delicious, cooks quickly, is very affordable, and has many applications in the culinary world. The problem is that most of us have labeled oats as a hot breakfast cereal. Period. It's time to shake off the label and broaden your view of oats. You will be amazed. 7 Ways to Enjoy Oats Oatmeal as a hot breakfast cereal. Old fashioned oats and Quick oats are identical in their high quality nutrition yet they vary … [Read more...] about Oats are for Breakfast and So Much More!
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