Grace O

November 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Everything You Need for a Perfect Thanksgiving Spread

It’s November with Thanksgiving just around the corner. For many, it’s the Olympics of food, but you can have a delightful holiday meal without gorging and turning it into a total carb-fest. The centerpiece, of course, is the turkey, a source of high-quality lean protein; vitamin B12, which helps regulate mood; zinc, good for retina and eye health; niacin, good for healthy skin and nerve function and selenium, an antioxidant that helps with detoxification and thyroid health. Many people think the key to a delicious Thanksgiving meal is in the sides. I couldn’t agree more! Here’s a suggested Thanksgiving meal […]

October 25, 2025

Published by Grace O

Pumpkin Seeds Pack Mighty Health Benefits

When most people think of pumpkins, it’s usually around Halloween or Thanksgiving. But their seeds are little treasures you can enjoy all year long! These crunchy bites are packed with nutrients — full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help your body thrive. Pumpkin seeds are also a natural source of tryptophan, known for supporting better sleep and a balanced mood. Research shows they can help protect your heart, strengthen bones, calm inflammation, and even support bladder health. It’s amazing what these tiny seeds can do! Pumpkin Seeds: Tiny Powerhouses for Big Health Benefits When most people think […]

October 25, 2025

Published by Grace O

Healthy Halloween Fun: Treats Kids (and Parents) Will Love

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year! It’s the first big celebration after summer and the perfect kickoff to the holiday season ahead. I love seeing the neighborhood come alive with costumes, decorations, and the excitement of trick-or-treating. When my friends bring their kids by after collecting their candy, I always have something a little special waiting. Rather than diving straight into the sugar stash, I serve up snacks that are every bit as delicious—but secretly healthy, too! The kids don’t notice the difference, but their parents sure do. These recipes from my Age Beautifully Cookbook are […]

October 24, 2025

Published by Grace O

Sugar Pumpkins: The Sweet Superfood of the Season

Even living in sunny California during fall and winter when the days are shorter and a little bit chilly, I like to prepare hearty, cool-weather produce that also happens to fall into the “superfoods” category. On the top of my list is pumpkin. Their many disease fighting and anti-aging properties make them a perfect go-to food during the cold, dark winter months. You may only associate pumpkins with Halloween, but fresh pumpkins are available from October through February. Pumpkins contain cucurbitacin, a steroid-like anti-inflammatory compound that may inhibit cancer cells. They are also loaded with carotenoids, which enhance the appearance […]

October 23, 2025

Published by Grace O

Turmeric Is a Top Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric, a vibrant root akin to ginger, is celebrated for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Growing up in Southeast Asia, I became well-acquainted with its warm, earthy flavor and brilliant yellow-orange hue. In Indian cuisine, turmeric gives curry its signature color, while in America, it’s often found as a dried powder used in soups or sauces. But turmeric’s benefits and versatility deserve more exploration! From spicing up fish to adding a zing to roasted vegetables, it’s time to embrace this golden root and its incredible health potential in more creative ways. Jonny Bowden’s, Ph.D., C.N.S., practice of using food as medicine […]

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Ginger – At the Root of Healing

Like many people from Asia, I’ve always loved ginger. Besides tasting wonderful in soups, stir fries, rice dishes, beverages and desserts, it’s like a little medicine chest of natural remedies and health benefits. Traditional Indian medicine calls ginger the “universal remedy.” It’s commonly used to relieve nausea, can stimulate circulation, relax muscles, relieve pain and as an anti-inflammatory. As a child, my mother made a Chinese porridge with ginger for me, or she’d boil ginger and make it into a tea with honey to cure a cough and sore throat. I still find ginger tea very soothing to this day. […]

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Potato Kale Soup

This Balkan-inspired recipe has clean, bright flavors that go well together. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It’s also part of the cabbage family, so it has cancer-fighting compounds. If you can’t find caraway powder, grind caraway seeds in a mortar and pestle, an electric spice grinder, or even a coffee grinder. For a milder version of this soup, omit the caraway and marjoram and season with sea salt and ground pepper. SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 peeled and cubed Idaho potato or 2 rose potatoes ½ tsp. kosher salt dissolved in 4 cups water ½ tsp. […]

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Enjoy the World of Benefits in Chicken Soup

No matter the country or culture, every one of them has a version of chicken soup. There is something universal about a warm, briny brew with chunks of chicken, vegetables, herbs and sometimes rice or pasta. Depending on how it’s prepared, chicken soup provides fluids, fiber, protein and vitamins. It’s a delicious first course, soothing comfort food, and some even attribute it with healing powers (‘Jewish penicillin’). But it’s not just folklore. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory, inhibiting immune system cells from over-reacting. It also relieves nasal congestion and sore throats. Plus, the zinc in chicken improves absorption of […]

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Rainbow Chard and White Bean Soup

This is an easy and satisfying soup to make, particularly when it’s cold outside. It’s load with chard, a great ‘supergreen,’ and white beans that deliver plenty of protein. You can add in leftover chicken if you like to make it even more loaded with protein. Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 3 stalks of celery, sliced 3 carrots, sliced into coins Sea salt 2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 4 cups (1 carton) low sodium chicken or vegetable broth Juice of ½ lemon 4 cloves of garlic, minced ¼ cup […]