I grew up eating a lot of baked potatoes. It was one of my mother's go-to dinner starches that was easy to make for our family of 5. Nothing fancy, just a little butter and once-in-a-while, a bit of sour cream. Then, about 10 years ago, baked potatoes and baked potato skins rocketed themselves onto every restaurant menu. The big difference is that modern baked potatoes and skins are all about the decadent toppings, right? There's butter, sour cream, and lots of melted cheese. And, don't forget the bacon. A Modern, Loaded & Nutritious Baked Potato Yes, it's easy to put together a … [Read more...] about A Loaded Baked Potato & Other Nutritious Substitutions
5 Nutrition Lessons I Learned in Spain and Portugal
I took a vacation to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and culture! Every once in a long while, my husband and I take a fancy vacation during Spring Break. He's a college professor and since I work for myself, we can make it happen. A few weeks ago, we had the amazing good fortune to visit northwest Spain and north Portugal. In Spain, we stayed in a lovely and very historical city called Salamanca. In Portugal, we spent a long weekend in beautiful Porto. The Foods of Spain and Portugal are Mediterranean Cuisines You may already realize that Mediterranean style nutrition is my thing and so I … [Read more...] about 5 Nutrition Lessons I Learned in Spain and Portugal
Citrus Flavors Make Home Cooked Meals Tastier!
Citrus Tops the List! There are some truly fresh flavors that cost little and go a long way to perk up home cooked meals. In my kitchen, citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes top the list. Citrus & Good Nutrition! You might know that one big nutritional feature of citrus fruits is its vitamin C. What you might not know is that citrus fruits are an excellent source of fiber, potassium and they are low in calories. One orange, for example, has about 80 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 150% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin C. The same orange also has … [Read more...] about Citrus Flavors Make Home Cooked Meals Tastier!
Looking for a Versatile Fall Fruit? Try Apples!
Apples Score High Nutrition Marks You can't beat the apple for crunch, rich flavor and 'sweet' nutrition. Eat apples often and learn how to choose and store them to preserve their top-notch nutrition. During the Fall, you will experience the very freshest flavors if you buy locally grown apples and try a new variety for fun! Apples Satisfy All Age Groups No matter what your age, apples satisfy. Kids love them sliced, diced and whole - as long as their front teeth are in tact. Adolescents and teens enjoy them plain and with a caramel dip. Adults and seniors learn to choose a sweet or … [Read more...] about Looking for a Versatile Fall Fruit? Try Apples!
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!
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!