Colorful Peppers Add Flavor I have become a believer in colorful peppers this summer-into-fall. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also add a sweet, rich flavor to your kitchen recipes. In the last month, I've chopped up colorful peppers for cold salads, cooked them in a stew, sauteed them for a side item, and made them into black bean chili. Beautiful, versatile, nutritious, delicious is what you can discover with peppers! Making Fall Chili with Peppers Making chili starts with a favorite recipe and there are plenty of them in cookbooks, online and in your family … [Read more...] about Need an Easy, Fall Dinner? Chili Works!
Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Game Rules: 1. Look at what I bought at my local Farmer's Market yesterday. 2. Try to name everything. 3. Try to work each fruit/veggie into a healthy meal or snack. Hints: 1. Fresh fruits can be a part of breakfast, lunch or dinner...or, a snack. One easy way to prepare them is to wash in cold tap water, peel (depending on the fruit) and eat. 2. Fresh veggies can be eaten raw, in most cases, or cooked. One easy way to cook them is to wash in cold tap water, cut and microwave. Solution to the Game (left to right): 1. Santa Rosa Plums - Very sweet and a tiny bit tart. … [Read more...] about Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Fresh + Local = A Smart, Cheap Eat!
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!
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!
Seasonal Vegetables = Smart Choices
What's in season now? Fields of vegetables are growing strong in Monterey County's Salinas Valley of California right now. It is a sight to see -- spinach, lettuces, fennel, artichokes, carrots and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower stretch for miles on end. Why is seasonal a smart choice? Seasonal produce is a great choice for satisfying flavors and top-notch nutrition. Shop for the abundance from California as well as the local region of North Carolina. It's a wonderful way to appreciate what America's agricultural areas are doing for us every single day. … [Read more...] about Seasonal Vegetables = Smart Choices
Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!
Why Grow a Spring Garden? There are quite a few good reasons to grow an early spring garden, among them fresh air, exercise and pride. But, perhaps an even more important reason is the inspiration a garden of edibles will provide to fuel your healthier lifestyle. Plant Simple Greens, Garlic and Herbs If you have a small area of soil in your yard, or a couple of planters, then you can grow simple, inspiring, spring crops. Here in NC, it felt like spring today and I couldn't stop myself from getting out my gardening gloves and a small shovel to enjoy it. After clearing leaves and … [Read more...] about Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!