When you get ready to make a recipe, take a deep breath, neatly lay out what you'll need, and then proceed. The 2020's have been challenging in many ways, including in your kitchen at mealtime. For so many, the number of homemade meals eaten at home has increased - partly because food budgets are stretched more than usual and partly because of the knowledge that meals made at home can typically be made healthier for everyone in the family. So, say hello to more and more people looking for recipes in all places: a favorite cookbook, a friend, a google search, or a TV cooking show. … [Read more...] about Recipe Reminders and How to Make an Easy Lentil Chili Recipe
8 Watermelon Fun Facts and A Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Recipe
I think watermelon is just about everyone's favorite fruit in August. After all, there's nothing more thirst-quenching, sweet, and delicious, is there? 8 Fun Facts about Watermelon It is in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, chayote and zucchini squash It comes in 5 types: seeded; seedless; mini or personal; yellow; and orange It is >90% water so it's a great choice for a hot day It's standard serving size is 2 cups cut-up It has only 80 calories in 2 cups It has 14 grams carbohydrates per 1 cup Watermelon, one serving, is … [Read more...] about 8 Watermelon Fun Facts and A Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Recipe
3 Things Everyone Can Do for a Healthier Gut
It's no fun to feel the bloating, gas, and pain that comes with GI upset. These strategies can help everyone with better gut health. Sometimes with food and nutrition, there are easy behavior shifts or slightly different food choices that can make a big difference and with gut (GI) health this is the case. When symptoms are severe, then medical-nutritional therapy may be diagnosed as a potential solution. When symptoms are mild yet bothersome then being proactive to address the problem is super smart. So, here are 3 things everyone can do for a healthier gut. 3 Things Everyone Can Do for a … [Read more...] about 3 Things Everyone Can Do for a Healthier Gut
Snack Ideas for Mediterranean Nutrition
Snacks can be nourishing nuggets that boost energy with refreshing flavor. These have a Mediterranean nutrition twist, too! There are hundreds of foods that can be made into snacks, or mini-meals, and many of them are nutritious. When you really want to 'hug' Mediterranean nutrition though, the snacking possibilities are even more delicious and refreshing. And, since they're made from simple Mediterranean ingredients, your health can benefit at snack time, too. Mediterranean Ingredients for Delicious Snacks: Here are 20 examples of ingredients that deliver top quality nutrition. When … [Read more...] about Snack Ideas for Mediterranean Nutrition
Cooking at Home with Mediterranean Ingredients
Cooking and consuming better nutrition starts with a home kitchen full of great ingredients, Mediterranean style. The easiest way to shift to high quality, Mediterranean nutrition is to transition your home kitchen's ingredients. This begins with a focused effort to replenish your dry pantry, fridge, and freezer. A Dry Pantry with Better Nutrition The dry foods in your kitchen are important to every meal. To improve their quality, Mediterranean style, try a few changes at a time. Here are 3 steps to take: Add more canned or dried beans, lentils, and nuts Expand your … [Read more...] about Cooking at Home with Mediterranean Ingredients
7 Ways to Enjoy Apples and Pears in Healthy Meals
Is there anything nicer about late summer and fall than new-season apples and pears? I don't think so. Most people know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, did you know that a pear a day can do the same? Apples and pears share a nutritional benefit called fiber which is especially important to digestive health, nutrient absorption, and appetite control. In fact, if you eat a medium sized apple or pear, you'll consume 5-6 grams of fiber along with about 100 calories. Also, there are plant-based phytochemicals in apples and pears and research shows that they can protect us … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Enjoy Apples and Pears in Healthy Meals