The Why? There are probably more than 100 reasons why to eat more vegetables. I don't want to get boring or teachy-preachy, though. So, I'm going to boil it down to 10 quick reasons why: 1.Colors 2. Flavors 3. Crunch 4. Creamy 5. Sweet 6. Delicious 7. Filling 8. Fun shapes 9. Inexpensive 10. Nutritious The How? There are at least 50 ways to eat more vegetables. Here are 10 of my favorites: 1. Add some sliced cucumbers to your breakfast. 2. Pack a big handful of carrots, radishes, celery into your lunch. 3. Keep a couple cans of tomato juice or V8 in … [Read more...] about How to Eat More Vegetables
How to Cook a Healthy Summer Meal on the Grill
First, Get Organized Make a menu such as the one pictured at the left: Grilled Mustard-Maple-Ginger Chicken Thighs Grilled Mixed Vegetables Chilled Watermelon Second, Prep the Food Try boneless and skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and less mess. Carefully cut the fat off chicken thighs and marinate them for an hour or so in a mustard+maple syrup+ginger marinade. Always marinate chicken in the fridge. While the chicken is marinating, wash and cut up potatoes, Bell peppers and onions into bite-size pieces and then mix them up in a bowl. Lay the mixed … [Read more...] about How to Cook a Healthy Summer Meal on the Grill
A Healthy Eggplant Recipe called Yakne!
Eggplant and Summer One of my favorite colors is purple. So, maybe that's why I was first curious about eggplant. The color is so beautiful and since we eat with our eyes, I hope eggplant will get your attention, too. When the sun gets really warm in July and August, there is a large supply of eggplant to buy at the grocery store or Farmer's Market. Or, pick it from your own vegetable garden if you are a grower yourself. Whatever, don't miss eggplant as a versatile and very Mediterranean vegetable that tastes great. Here's an eggplant recipe with an Italian twist and here's another eggplant … [Read more...] about A Healthy Eggplant Recipe called Yakne!
How to Grow and Use Fresh Mint
Fresh Mint is an Easy Herb to Grow I grew up in a family of gardeners. My mom mostly enjoyed growing flowers and my dad liked growing vegetables. So, at least in the summer, we had a colorful yard and we also ate a bunch of homegrown vegetables for dinner. Fresh herbs were not a part of the mix for some reason, so I changed that when I got my first job and moved into a very small house of my own. I immediately planted some herbs in a small, sunny garden out back. Partly I grew herbs because they were easy to grow and partly I did it because I was getting very interested in cooking and … [Read more...] about How to Grow and Use Fresh Mint
Salmon for Dinner
What's For Dinner? If you're the everyday 'chef' in your family then you've heard this question hundreds of times before - What's for dinner? When I planned this dinner, I thought it would be a family-pleaser and I was right. I bought a nice piece of fresh salmon as the star of the show and since we are a family of seafood lovers, it was right on target. I try to cook 2 fish meals per week for deliciousness (is that a word?) as well as great health benefits. Do you? What's On-The-Side? I grew up eating a dinner with protein, vegetables, and starch on my plate, and I'm a fan of … [Read more...] about Salmon for Dinner
The Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece
Enjoying the Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece There's nothing like the simple and delicious foods of Greece. Sure - you've been to a Greek restaurant. You've been to a Greek food festival. You've been to a Greek friend's home and savored the home cooking of her/his mother. All of these experiences are super enjoyable and even memorable. But, have you ever thought about how the simple, Mediterranean foods of Greece could become your favorite way to eat day-after-day, like a fresh and new lifestyle? Understanding the Health Benefits of Simple, Mediterranean Foods of … [Read more...] about The Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece