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!
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!
Grocery Shopping 101: Fruits
Why Fruit? Good nutrition is all about enjoyment and variety. Fruit is a crowd pleaser as it offers variety, healthy carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water. A big bonus in fruit is the natural sweetness as well as an abundance of antioxidants. These natural plant elements can strengthen all your health and help guard against heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and inflammation-- a sweet deal! Grocery Store Tips 1. Enter the store with a list of at least 3-5 fruits for your shopping cart. Choose 2 fruits that are in-season and then add 1-3 more colors to the mix. Remember, … [Read more...] about Grocery Shopping 101: Fruits
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