Basic Foods & Your Grocery Cart There are foods we eat as nature made them, and foods that we do not. Think about what's in your grocery cart minus wrappers. Are there fruits, vegetables, grains like rice and barley, proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and plain yogurt? Or, do you have a cart-full of foods with processing added? Think about what can be inside modern, processed food wrappers that may harm your health. For example, trans fats, caffeine, artificial colors and flavors are common but your body prefers basic foods. What grandma and great-grandma ate was, perhaps, best … [Read more...] about Grocery Shopping 101: Basics Help Everyone Meet Their Nutritional Goals
Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Game Rules: 1. Look at what I bought at my local Farmer's Market yesterday. 2. Try to name everything. 3. Try to work each fruit/veggie into a healthy meal or snack. Hints: 1. Fresh fruits can be a part of breakfast, lunch or dinner...or, a snack. One easy way to prepare them is to wash in cold tap water, peel (depending on the fruit) and eat. 2. Fresh veggies can be eaten raw, in most cases, or cooked. One easy way to cook them is to wash in cold tap water, cut and microwave. Solution to the Game (left to right): 1. Santa Rosa Plums - Very sweet and a tiny bit tart. … [Read more...] about Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Summer’s Healthy Choices – Now What?
Summer Fruits & Veggies are Here! It is an awesome time of year to go shopping for local, seasonal fruits and veggies. You can find them at your local farm market, roadside stand or supermarket. Stock up now while the summer harvest is 'rolling in' and you'll be glad you did. What to Do with Summer's Bounty! Shopping for healthy summer produce is one thing and figuring out what to do with it once you get home is another. Buy too much? Lacking inspiration to get into the kitchen and cook? Confused how to use it all up? Here's some help. Summer Ideas for Your Healthy … [Read more...] about Summer’s Healthy Choices – Now What?
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!
Grocery Shopping 101: Vegetables
Why Vegetables? Good nutrition is all about variety. Vegetables are a 'must-have' for variety, providing carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water. The bonus in vegetables is an assortment of health-enhancing phytochemicals. These natural plant elements can strengthen your immune system or help prevent chronic diseases -- very important! Grocery Store Tips 1. At the very least, fill the top-front section of your shopping cart with vegetables. Include several colors, and mix-n-match the fresh, canned and frozen. They all count. 2. Try a new vegetable every shopping trip. Perhaps it … [Read more...] about Grocery Shopping 101: Vegetables