March 30, 2021

Herb and Goat Cheese Crustless Quiches

Thyme’s vibrant flavor enhances mild goat cheese and eggs and aromatically complements parsley’s steady flavor.  Make these easy, egg-based bites up to three days in advance, and store in the fridge for a quick power breakfast on busy days. Ingredients 1 shallot 1 cup packed and shredded baby spinach or kale ½ cup lightly packed, minced fresh parsley 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves 8 eggs ½ cup crumbled goat cheese ½ cup low-fat (1 percent) cottage cheese ⅓ cup cornmeal ½ tsp. salt Procedure Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray. Chop shallot, […]
March 29, 2021

Guilt-Free Chocolate Date Quinoa Cookies

Need a delicious treat without all of the guilt? This gluten-free, date-sweetened recipe offers a fun way to use leftover cooked quinoa and makes tender, cakelike cookies—with no added sugar. Notes and modifications: For a vegan recipe: Substitute virgin coconut oil for the butter. To replace eggs, place 2 Tbs. ground flaxseed in a small bowl with 3 Tbs. boiling water, stir to combine, and let stand 10 minutes before using. If making gluten-free cookies: You can also substitute 1.5 cups of your favorite GF flour blend for the dry ingredients. If your GF flour blend does NOT contain them, […]
March 29, 2021

3 Simple Ways To Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate

Can’t get to your favorite café? Elevate a powdered hot chocolate packet with these effortless add-ins. Prepare hot cocoa mix as usual. Before enjoying, stir in one drop of peppermint essential oil. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of flavor and color For a warming, chai-spiced cocoa, pour powdered mix into a mug. Add a dash each of ground cinnamon and ginger and a pinch each of nutmeg and cardamom. Stir, and add hot water. Serve with a cinnamon stick for whimsy. For an adult beverage, prepare hot chocolate as usual. Before serving, stir in 1 ounce […]
March 15, 2021

Estrogenics: Are They Making Us Fat, Sick, and Infertile?

Did you know fat cells can survive in your body for 10 years? And that fat cells can retain artificial chemicals that act like excessive estrogen in your body? Here, in clear and straight-forward terms, Anthony G. Jay, Ph.D., reveals in Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile, how you can definitively avoid estrogenic exposures. Estrogenics are things that bind or “stick” to estrogen receptors in your body. Are flax and soy “health” foods? Are vinyl crib mattresses giving off “estrogenic emissions?” What about sunscreens and soaps? Red 40 food coloring? Grains? These are just some of […]
February 16, 2021

5 Paleo Flours for the Holiday Season

Sticking to a paleo diet can be difficult during the holidays. Between pies, sweets and gluten-heavy dishes, paleo dieters are left with few indulgences at parties and feasts. Here are five paleo-friendly flours that can make awesome alternatives to traditional, carb- and gluten-heavy all-purpose flour. Almond flour Also known as almond meal, almond flour is made from skinned almonds that are ground into a fine flour that can be great for baking. Not only is this ingredient great for paleo dieters, it’s a readily available option for those abstaining from gluten or avoiding too many carbs. Almond flour maintains an […]
February 2, 2021

Grace O’s Long Journey To FoodTrients

Long before the idea of FoodTrients was born, I ran a culinary school, owned restaurants and wrote a food column in Southeast Asia. So it made perfect sense that when I first moved to America 20-plus years ago, I would open a bakery. I love to bake, and cakes were my specialty. But the long hours and the need for far more support than I could afford then, caused me to close the bakery. It broke my heart at the time, but it was one of the best things that happened to me because it changed the course of my […]
February 2, 2021

Chocolate Goji Berry Smoothie Bowl

This decadently rich chocolate smoothie bowl tastes like an indulgence, but it’s actually a rich source of energy-promoting carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. Cacao powder is similar to cocoa powder, but has no sugar, milk, or cocoa butter in it. It is simply ground cacao pods or beans, not treated with alkali powder. Cacao nibs are a larger grind of the pod. Serve these smoothie bowls for breakfast or dessert and feel free to use your own favorite toppings! Goji berries are packed with beneficial antioxidants and anthocyanins that help protect our cells from damage, inhibit the growth of […]
January 19, 2021

Chia Seeds Are a Nutrient Powerhouse

Chia has gained recent popularity for good reason; these little seeds are nutrient powerhouses: High in protein (great for lean muscle, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar levels). High in fiber (providing nearly 11 grams per ounce) Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (this helps reduce the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervical cancers).   Including chia seeds in your diet can deliver a healthy breakfast or afternoon energy boost because chia is associated with vitality and satiety due to the balance in fat, fiber and protein they contain. Chia absorbs water and expands, so if you enjoy […]