Grilling vegetables doesn't have to be hard, messy or time consuming. The smart and easy way to grill vegetables is a 5-step process: Decide which vegetables you want to grill Buy the vegetables, wash in cold water, cut about 1/2 inch thick Brush with good quality extra virgin olive oil on both sides Place on the grill, pre-heated to medium Cook for 2-5 minutes, flip over, cook for 2-5 more minutes When you are the grill cook, pay attention to which vegetables you are using because some are more watery (for example, mushrooms, zucchini and eggplant) and others … [Read more...] about 5 Steps to Easy Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal Eating is the Best!
There are many pleasures of eating and one of my favorites is eating with the seasons. So, when my husband came home from work with a large baggie of fresh, local asparagus last week, I got super excited. I prepped and roasted the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. When I ate it, my taste buds did a happy dance! Grocery stores sell a huge assortment of fruits and vegetables all year round with good flavors. And, to be fair, sometimes these fresh items are remarkably tasty considering that they traveled thousands of miles from far away lands. Yes, I encourage … [Read more...] about Seasonal Eating is the Best!
Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
As a dietitian, I get a lot of questions about fat and I appreciate every question. Fat seems to be one of the most misunderstood nutrients there is. So, this blog reviews facts about olive oil and butter to give you information and confidence that you are 'in balance.' Quick Olive Oil Facts: A fat that comes from grinding and pressing whole olives A pure 100% fat with no protein or carbohydrates, and about 100 calories per tablespoon A 'liquid fat' with about 3/4 monounsaturated fat A delicious flavor enhancer with a baked potato, scrambled egg, or slice of bread A fat that … [Read more...] about Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
A Mediterranean Pantry Starts the Process to Healthier Eating for the Heart
A Mediterranean Pantry leads you to heart healthy foods on a day-to-day basis. A few weeks ago, one of my clients told me that she intended to transform her home pantry into one that features Mediterranean foods. She said it in a firm and proud voice. I was totally impressed. Anytime a home pantry is cleaned or re-arranged, it is usually also refreshed nutritionally. Think about your last 'spring cleaning' project. My last big pantry cleaning was due to some tiny bugs that got into all the wheat foods, like flour and crackers and pasta. What a job and yet when the pantry was finally clean … [Read more...] about A Mediterranean Pantry Starts the Process to Healthier Eating for the Heart
5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Planning a tasty and nutritious dinner takes a bit of thinking as well as a grocery list, trip to the store, and cooking session. These 5 steps will keep you organized as it all comes together. 1. Plan your menu. Think about good balance, color and flavor. Simple is best. For example: Chicken Baked in the Oven, or Grilled Outside Brown Rice Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli Orange or Apple 1% or Nonfat milk 2. Look in your pantry, fridge and freezer. See what’s already there and buy only what you need. For example: Buy a package of fresh skinless chicken since … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Take Small Steps for Lasting Changes with a Registered Dietitian
I’ve always felt that dietitians are invaluable health professionals. Of course I do, since I am a registered dietitian. Recently, I had a casual discussion with a chef friend and we hashed out why clients hire us and how insurance plays a role. There are similarities because we both assist clients in a way that impacts the quality of their lives. My friend, however, is a personal chef so she doesn’t qualify for insurance reimbursement. Fortunately, I do. What are Small Steps? I think of small steps as just about anything that moves you in the positive direction of nutrition … [Read more...] about Take Small Steps for Lasting Changes with a Registered Dietitian