There are many tasty carbs out there. Corn, sweet potato, white potato, pasta, bread, butternut squash, lima beans and more are in the high carb category. They also contain essential nutrients for good health. So, what to do? Enjoy them every day in a sensible portion. Why and How to Choose & Cook Tasty Carbs The essential nutrients in high carb foods are, yes, carbohydrates plus fiber plus vitamins and/or minerals. Since we're talking plant-based foods here, there are also the super important phytochemicals which are helpful in reducing the risk for chronic diseases, boosting the … [Read more...] about Corn is a Tasty, High Quality Carb!
Blueberry Buckle Recipe
Are you a blueberry fan? Me, too, so here is a little background and then a yummy recipe for Blueberry Buckle which is a long-time family favorite! What's So Special About this Recipe? My recipe for Blueberry Buckle is super special because it came from my mother and years of picking blueberries in our yard out West with my sister and brother. In fact, growing up, a familiar summer chore was to go outside and pick blueberries. Even though we sometimes complained, our reward was that Mom would make us a pan of Buckle! In my yard in North Carolina, now, there are rows of mature and very … [Read more...] about Blueberry Buckle Recipe
7 Steps to a Successful Picnic
Picnic Month is a July celebration we can all enjoy. When you combine a picnic with good nutrition, it's a successful meal mixed with a lot of fun! Here are 7 steps to a successful July picnic: Invite a comfortable number to your picnic. For experienced hosts/hostesses, this might be 15 or 20; for the less experienced, this might be 3 or 4. Plan ahead to make the special treats. A few examples are deviled eggs, pinwheel sandwiches, blueberry crisp. Take time to include simple, healthy choices. These might include celery sticks filled with peanut butter, cucumber spears, popcorn, … [Read more...] about 7 Steps to a Successful Picnic
Better Nutrition Quality this Summer and 3 Meals to Try
Summer is a great time to focus on healthy, tasty food. So, here's a 'how to' on boosting the nutrition quality of what you choose this season. With each new season come opportunities to eat well. Summer is in the spotlight here as an example of a time for identifying favorite foods and then raising the bar on their nutrition quality. Better nutrition may involve re-making a recipe by substituting healthier ingredients. Or, re-making the sides for a meal can have a positive impact on its nutrition quality, too. Summer Favorites ... Made into Healthier Meals with a Nutrition … [Read more...] about Better Nutrition Quality this Summer and 3 Meals to Try
A Grocery Bag for a Simple, No Worry Picnic
An impromptu picnic begins at the grocery store...and so does a well-planned one. When was the last time you went on a picnic? If you have to think about it for more than a minute then it was too long ago, for sure. So this month, get your grocery store to help with all the details as you remember how much fun it is to go on a fresh-air picnic! Grocery Store Basics for a Picnic Make your list with what looks good below and you'll be in and out of the store quickly with just what you need. Bread, whole wheat Something to put in the bread (choose 1-2:) A pouch of tuna Some … [Read more...] about A Grocery Bag for a Simple, No Worry Picnic
Seasonal Eating is the Best!
There are many pleasures of eating and one of my favorites is eating with the seasons. So, when my husband came home from work with a large baggie of fresh, local asparagus last week, I got super excited. I prepped and roasted the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. When I ate it, my taste buds did a happy dance! Grocery stores sell a huge assortment of fruits and vegetables all year round with good flavors. And, to be fair, sometimes these fresh items are remarkably tasty considering that they traveled thousands of miles from far away lands. Yes, I encourage … [Read more...] about Seasonal Eating is the Best!