A Challenge... It is a challenge for most of us to choose nutritious foods day-after-day. Time gets in the way ~ planning, or lack of it, gets in the way ~ life gets in the way. A Goal... There are excellent reasons to make nutrition a top priority for you and your busy family. Good health depends on it ~ feeling great depends on it ~ enjoying life depends on it. A Call to Action... It's Nutrition Month and everyone can benefit from making healthy choices in the grocery store and on their meal plate. Make it a family project to write a menu plan, organize that shopping list, … [Read more...] about Eat Right ~ It’s Nutrition Month!
Your Grocery Basket — What’s in it?
Grocery Shopping Know-How Do you ever look in other people's grocery baskets? Do you ever really look at what's in yours? Here are a few pointers for a flavorful & healthful basket every trip: Produce tip: 'Flavor boosters' include fresh garlic, garlic, lemons, limes, green onions, sweet peppers, fennel. Use these to add a ton of flavor and nutrients galore. Bakery tip: Pick up whole wheat pita because it's affordable and versatile for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack attacks. Deli tip: Make a simple meal from the deli with this menu: sliced lean roast beef or turkey breast … [Read more...] about Your Grocery Basket — What’s in it?
Need a Healthier Kitchen? Start with Olive Oil.
Creating a Healthier Kitchen Thomas Jefferson once said, "The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven..." I couldn't agree with him more. There are some very basic foods that can help you create a healthier kitchen, one of which is olive oil. Its superior flavor and health benefits make olive oil a vital part of my every day kitchen and, perhaps, it belongs in your healthy kitchen, too. The Flavor of Olive Oil The process of making virgin olive oil is fascinating. The flavor of olive oil invigorates cooked veggies when you add a drizzle just before serving . The flavor of … [Read more...] about Need a Healthier Kitchen? Start with Olive Oil.
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!
Confused about pantry staples? Start with these.
It's no secret that a well-stocked kitchen pantry makes simple and nutritious meal planning easier. The hard part, though, is figuring out what exactly to keep on hand for everyday needs. A Simple Pantry of Staples for Everyday, Nutritious Cooking Dry pantry: canned tomatoes, canned beans, pasta, high fiber cereal, brown rice, canned fruit (in juice), dried fruit, peanut (or soy nut) butter, olive oil, vinegar, canned tuna and/or salmon. Kitchen counter bowl: garlic, onion, tomato, lemon or lime, bananas, whole grain bread. Refrigerator: eggs, butter, lowfat 1% or nonfat (skim) … [Read more...] about Confused about pantry staples? Start with these.
New Year’s Resolutions – Dried fruit is an easy one!
Late January Resolutions On January 1, New Year's Resolutions are easy to make and easy to keep. As the month moves on, it's not always the case. If you're looking for a way to keep the momentum going for a healthier lifestyle, then get to know dried fruit. Not only is it highly nutritious, but it tastes great and is affordable. Dried Fruit is Versatile and Flavorful How do you enjoy dried fruit? What are your favorites? I like raisins and dried cranberries (aka craisins) on cooked oatmeal for breakfast, mixed up with walnuts as a munching snack and added to muffin batter before … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions – Dried fruit is an easy one!