Do you look forward to the vegetables that are in season in winter? It was a nice surprise when I walked into my local produce market in the last week of January. My expectations were low as this is not really the growing season of the year. As I looked at my choices, instead of feeling frustrated and limited, I easily found fresh ingredients that work in my winter, comfort food kitchen. My lesson was this: Embrace each season of the year and buy mostly what's in-season. Left to right in my picture, I bought these vegetables: Parsnips Purple cabbage Golden Beets Red Beets … [Read more...] about Winter Vegetables Brighten Up Meals
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
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
The Spring Farmer’s Market has Healthy Nutrition Choices for Everyone
The Market Opens in May There's something very exciting going on in May - that is, in addition to the Kentucky Derby, a new baseball season, and many college graduations. I'm talking about the season of local Farmer's Markets opening and blooming with vibrant colors, amazing flavors, top-quality nutrition, and fun for everyone. It has become a 'thing' these past 3-5 years to meet your friends, buy a vegetable, and meet a farmer on Saturday mornings at the Market. But, it was weeks and months before May that local farmers got started... Starting the Crops As winter transitions to spring, … [Read more...] about The Spring Farmer’s Market has Healthy Nutrition Choices for Everyone
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
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