Fresh Food Supports Your Community's Farmers & Stocks Your Healthy Pantry If you are looking for a fun way to spend 30-60 minutes and come away with some very tasty fare, try your local Farmer's Market. Summer is here and locally grown fruits and veggies don't get any better. They're tasty, cheap and smart choices for good health. What's in Season Now? In North Carolina, there are awesome varieties of fresh fruits and veggies coming into local Farmer's Markets this month. To name a few, we have broccoli, lots of greens, yellow squash, onions, basil, parsley, peaches and … [Read more...] about Fresh + Local = A Smart, Cheap Eat!
Eating Well ~ Saving Money!
Is Your Plan to Eat Well Working? Do you set expectations for meals and snacks that are too high? Does your grocery cart overflow with foods that are perishable and/or require a lot of fancy preparation? Too often, do you end up throwing away half your perishables and not making that special recipe, wasting food and money? Get Simple. Eat Well. Save Money. 1. Focus your menu. Build a week's menu around 5 simple foods like cantaloupe, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, skinless chicken thighs and instant brown rice. Remember, grocery shopping can be fun! 2. Plan to eat well. Make whole … [Read more...] about Eating Well ~ Saving Money!
Looking for Simple Eating Advice – Try This!
Nutritious Eating Advice for Americans is New! Just last week, America was introduced to a new concept of nutritious eating. The Choose My Plate concept replaces My Pyramid and the Food Guide Pyramid. The picture is new, yes, though the importance of putting together a simple plate for good health is not. Three Simple Tips to Eat Well with Choose My Plate 1. Strive for balance in your meal. This means to include a variety of protein, whole grain carbohydrates and healthful fats. 2. Cover half your meal plate with fruits and vegetables with a goal of staying out of a rut. Be … [Read more...] about Looking for Simple Eating Advice – Try This!
Mediterranean Month – A Time to Eat Healthfully!
What is Mediterranean Month? Mediterranean Month is celebrated throughout May. The Mediterranean Diet, though, has powerful nutrition and awesome flavors that deserve attention all year long. Just as important to good health in the Mediterranean is a unique lifestyle that emphasizes an appreciation for food, its enjoyment and fresh air. Foods Central to the Mediterranean Diet Olive oil, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh basil and rosemary, artichokes, crusty bread, fish, shellfish, red wine, pasta, feta cheese, garlic, olives and more. Lifestyle Behaviors Central to the Mediterranean … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Month – A Time to Eat Healthfully!
Need a Simple Flavor Boost? Try Dried Spices & Herbs!
Easy Additions Let’s face it…bland food is not very exciting for anyone. The good news is that a simple sprinkle can make things better. In fact, dried spices and herbs can add fabulous flavor and great nutrition to your favorite dishes. Flavors to Try Being adventurous with food is a great approach for everyone. Here are a few shake-on options to sample: 1. Ground cinnamon goes deliciously with hot or cold cereal or a baked sweet potato. Sprinkle it on. 2. Ground cumin jazzes up a breakfast egg and cheese burrito or a lightly buttered ear of corn-on-the-cob. Sprinkle and … [Read more...] about Need a Simple Flavor Boost? Try Dried Spices & Herbs!
Seasonal Pick – Strawberries!
NC Strawberries are Here! In NC, strawberry season arrives in May. Just think of all the opportunities to include a sweet treat like fresh, local strawberries in your meals and snacks - it is definitely a long list. Adding strawberries is truly a smart idea, for flavor and great nutrition. Nutrition Features of Strawberries The simple truth is that strawberries 'rock' for good nutrition. One cup of berries cut into halves provides 3 times the daily requirement for vitamin C + 3 grams of fiber + health-enhancing antioxidants + only 50 calories. By anyone's standards, this is one very … [Read more...] about Seasonal Pick – Strawberries!