Pumpkin has a lot going for it -- a bright orange color, a healthy nutrition resume, and a flavor that is truly delicious. Most people that I know, including nutrition professionals, are enthusiastic about eating pumpkin during the fall. Here is a short list of why? Pumpkin is a Top Choice - Nutrition The big nutrient in pumpkin is vitamin A which we know by its color. The exact name for what makes it orange is beta-carotene which readily converts to vitamin A. This healthy vitamin is also found in carrots and many other yellow-orange colored vegetables. Along with vitamin C, vitamin A is a … [Read more...] about Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
3 Things Everyone Can Do for a Healthier Gut
It's no fun to feel the bloating, gas, and pain that comes with GI upset. These strategies can help everyone with better gut health. Sometimes with food and nutrition, there are easy behavior shifts or slightly different food choices that can make a big difference and with gut (GI) health this is the case. When symptoms are severe, then medical-nutritional therapy may be diagnosed as a potential solution. When symptoms are mild yet bothersome then being proactive to address the problem is super smart. So, here are 3 things everyone can do for a healthier gut. 3 Things Everyone Can Do for a … [Read more...] about 3 Things Everyone Can Do for a Healthier Gut
Colorful Nutrition is Normal in Spain and It Inspires All of Us
In December, I needed to stock up on fruits and vegetables and was totally surprised at how much I got for less than 15 Euros (about $16!) In Salamanca, Spain, where I've been living for a few months, it's really fun to shop for fruits and vegetables because they are affordable, plentiful, and everyone - vendors and customers - puts an emphasis on fresh. I can shop at a very small street market, a regular grocery store, or the large Central Market, over 100 years old, which is adjacent to beautiful Plaza Major. Whatever is in season like tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and melon in the summer, … [Read more...] about Colorful Nutrition is Normal in Spain and It Inspires All of Us
5 Steps to Easy Grilled Vegetables
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
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!
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