Grilling vegetables doesn't have to be hard, messy or time consuming. The smart and easy way to grill vegetables is a 5-step process: Decide which vegetables you want to grill Buy the vegetables, wash in cold water, cut about 1/2 inch thick Brush with good quality extra virgin olive oil on both sides Place on the grill, pre-heated to medium Cook for 2-5 minutes, flip over, cook for 2-5 more minutes When you are the grill cook, pay attention to which vegetables you are using because some are more watery (for example, mushrooms, zucchini and eggplant) and others … [Read more...] about 5 Steps to Easy Grilled Vegetables
Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
As a dietitian, I get a lot of questions about fat and I appreciate every question. Fat seems to be one of the most misunderstood nutrients there is. So, this blog reviews facts about olive oil and butter to give you information and confidence that you are 'in balance.' Quick Olive Oil Facts: A fat that comes from grinding and pressing whole olives A pure 100% fat with no protein or carbohydrates, and about 100 calories per tablespoon A 'liquid fat' with about 3/4 monounsaturated fat A delicious flavor enhancer with a baked potato, scrambled egg, or slice of bread A fat that … [Read more...] about Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
Grilled Squid is Savory, Easy, and Full of Nutrition
The Nutrition of Squid The nutrition resume of squid is about as good as it gets when you think about the center of your plate, otherwise know as the entree. A protein boost is what you get with squid as you do with all seafood. Along with the protein comes a very small amount of fat, mostly unsaturated or the heart-healthy kind, and a small amount of carbohydrate. A 3-ounce serving of squid which is 2-3 squid bodies or about a cup of squid rings, amounts to a very moderate 150 calories, a very respectable 15 grams protein, and a very modest 7 grams carbohydrate. The glycemic index for squid … [Read more...] about Grilled Squid is Savory, Easy, and Full of Nutrition
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
Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
A Dessert that's Perfect for Everyone When I first made and tasted this recipe, I thought it was chocolate-y, moist and not too sweet. For me it was a perfect dessert, but I needed other opinions to help me decide if it was a 'keeper' recipe - or not. So, I asked my grown-up son to try it. After going back for a second one, he commented that it was a perfect muffin for him. Great. Next, I shared a plate of cupcakes with my book co-author, Andrea, so that her family of 5 could do a tasting. All agreed that it was a great dessert. Yay. Then, my good friend, Tomomi, made a batch and asked her … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
How to Become a Vegetarian in 5 Easy Steps!
How to Become a Vegetarian in 5 Easy Steps! There’s a lot of talk these days about plant-based eating. Some of it has to do with being environmentally aware, some of it relates to keeping your heart in good shape, and some of it is basically ‘on trend.’ Becoming a vegetarian is actually different than eating in a plant-based kind of way. The vegetarian lifestyle means completely meatless and 365 days a year. Become a Vegetarian in 5 Easy Steps Learn all you can. Vegetarian eating is not just taking meat/chicken/fish off your meal plate. It is planning for great flavors along with … [Read more...] about How to Become a Vegetarian in 5 Easy Steps!