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
Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Recipe
Everyone loves comfort food and meatloaf is a perfect choice. By switching out the ground beef and switching in 93% lean ground turkey, along with flavorful fresh and dried herbs, this is a tasty Mediterranean version of your favorite dinner dish! Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Kids can help by cracking the eggs, measuring the dried herbs, and stirring everything together, with supervision. Makes 6-8 servings 1-1/2 pounds Lean ground turkey, 93% lean ½ large Bell pepper, any color, chopped 1 medium Red onion, chopped 2 large … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Recipe
Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables
Reasons to eat your vegetables go on and on and on. I know - I'm a registered dietitian and encouraging nutrient-rich food choices is my jam. Even for you reluctant veggie eaters, I hope my list of 'Top 10 Reasons' below gets you going. Here's why...Vegetables are the difference between feeling OK and feeling great. Vegetables are the difference between making a habit of seeing the doctor and not doing that. Vegetables can be prepared in hundreds of ways and so there really is something for everyone! Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables They’re green-red-orange-yellow & it’s your … [Read more...] about Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables
Fresh Herbs Make Flavors Pop and 3 Recipes to Prove It
Fresh herbs make food flavors 'pop' if you ask me. I mean everything with fresh herbs in it just tastes better. The nice thing is that you can easily find fresh herbs in the grocery store now. Or, look for them at your local farmer’s market or grow them yourself. Then, take them home, wash, chop and toss into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The nutritional payoff with fresh herbs is their antioxidants and pigments which strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Here are 3 recipes that are super delicious, easy, and their flavors 'pop' because of the simple … [Read more...] about Fresh Herbs Make Flavors Pop and 3 Recipes to Prove It
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