When you choose a food at the grocery store, do you roll your eyes, toss it in your cart, and ignore the label? Or, do you read, digest, and try to understand it? For most of us, understanding food labels is a lifelong effort. Not only has the look of food labels changed over the years, but their information hasn't always been standard from product to product. Today's labels include the List of Ingredients and the Nutrition Facts Label and both can be very useful in guiding us to healthier foods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US government updated and standardized the … [Read more...] about 5 Common Mistakes Made when Reading Food and Nutrition Labels
Finding Dietary Fiber at the Grocery Store
Fiber's a mysterious nutrient. Most of us believe it's healthy to eat dietary fiber and yet we aren't sure where to find it at the grocery store. Fiber is a mysterious nutrient, isn't it? We hear that we should consume it every day and some people realize its importance in probiotics and nurturing a healthy gut. There are hundreds of 'dietary fiber target' foods lurking in every grocery store and yet many of us feel overwhelmed and confused. Where are they hiding? And, how much do I need? Here are some answers for you: While strolling through your grocery store, get to know … [Read more...] about Finding Dietary Fiber at the Grocery Store
Oatmeal Month Means Great Meal & Snack Options
Oatmeal is a Smart Waker-Upper! Starting the day with a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal is an awesome nutrition decision and easy on the food budget. If you think oatmeal is boring, though, think again. Your toppings can turn boring into wow! Toppings Add a 'Wow' Factor! If you have a favorite topping then chances are it will work on top of oatmeal. I like bananas, raisins and walnuts. By using all 3, I add a healthy dose of potassium, iron and omega-3 fat to my bowl. In the summer I prefer fresh blueberries which are awesome. Other more exotic oatmeal toppings work, too. Or, create a … [Read more...] about Oatmeal Month Means Great Meal & Snack Options
Spring in the Supermarket & Kitchen is Simple, Nutritious
Spring Favorites: Step 1: Shop for nutritious fruits and veggies: kale to lightly saute, radishes for a salad, late season oranges/tangerines for a snack Step 2: Shop for nutritious whole grains: farro for a side dish, barley for a soup, light popcorn for a snack Step 3: Shop for nutritious dairy foods: plain yogurt to mix with fruit, 1% milk for homemade coffee latte, string cheese for a snack Simple Meals for Spring: Step 1. Breakfast: Whole grain toaster waffle + vanilla yogurt + berries + herb tea Step 2. Lunch: Whole wheat tortilla wrapped around canned tuna or salmon + … [Read more...] about Spring in the Supermarket & Kitchen is Simple, Nutritious
Kale Adds Flavor & Good Nutrition to Simple Meals!
Get to Know Kale Since mid-March, spring greens are popping out of the ground for us in the Southeast. I used to think kale was just a pretty, green garnish that showed up on my plate in a restaurant. But now I know - kale is nutritious, easy to cook, full of flavor and it fits perfectly into my homemade meals. Kale Saute - Easy as 1,2,3 1. Buy a bunch of fresh kale, wash it in your sink and cut out the thick stems halfway up each leaf. Chop roughly. 2. Add 1 Tbsp oil and 1 tsp minced fresh garlic to a large pan on the stove. Pile the still-wet kale on top. Sprinkle … [Read more...] about Kale Adds Flavor & Good Nutrition to Simple Meals!
A Colorful Meal …Is a Healthy Meal
Color and Good Nutrition Need some help getting out of a hum-drum eating rut? The easiest way is to gather a rainbow of colorful foods at the grocery store. Not only do colors please the eyes but they pack in powerful nutrition. Colorful Combinations When I think of an artist's palette, I really get going on combinations for my meal plate - what about you? A snack of blueberries and yogurt is a good start. A lunch salad with a variety of shades of green lettuces, shredded purple cabbage and tomatoes is beautiful, too. Or imagine this...a dinner stir-fry with sugar snap peas, … [Read more...] about A Colorful Meal …Is a Healthy Meal