Grace O

August 22, 2026

Published by Grace O

Fermented Foods: From Tradition to Trend

Where delicious meets nutritious. Long before fermented foods became a wellness trend, they were simply part of life in my family’s kitchen. When I was a teenager in the Philippines, my mother and I made atchara together—a sweet-and-sour relish traditionally made with green, unripe papaya and colorful vegetables. We would grate the papaya into long, thin strips, add carrots and other vegetables for color and crunch, and prepare a tangy mixture with vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a little sweetness. I can still remember working beside her in the kitchen. We made sweet and salty pickled cucumbers, too. And because German […]

August 13, 2026

Published by Grace O

GLP-1 Foods That Support Your Body’s Natural Fullness Signals

GLP-1 medications have become one of today’s biggest health stories. But long before these medications existed, our bodies were already producing GLP-1 naturally. GLP-1—short for glucagon-like peptide-1—is a hormone released in the digestive system after we eat. It helps the body manage blood sugar, slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and sends signals of satisfaction to the brain. Prescription GLP-1 medications are designed to imitate and extend the activity of this natural hormone. Food cannot reproduce the powerful or long-lasting effects of these medications. However, research suggests that certain nutrients may help support the body’s own GLP-1 […]

August 12, 2026

Published by Grace O

Up Your Game with Grilled Artichokes & Moringa Dip

Grilled Artichokes With Moringa Dip In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. […]

July 23, 2026

Published by Grace O

Refreshing Summer Drinks with a FoodTrients® Twist

Summer is one of my favorite times to enjoy my citrus orchard. I love spending time among the trees, picking fresh oranges, lemons, and limes and bringing them straight into my kitchen. There is something special about using fruit you’ve just picked, especially when the citrus is fragrant, juicy, and still warm from the summer sun. Once a year, when the citrus trees are especially abundant, I invite friends to the orchard to share in the harvest. Everyone picks fresh oranges, lemons, and limes to take home, and at the end of the day, we gather for a barbecue with […]

July 17, 2026

Published by Grace O

Your Gut Loves Variety—Why Whole Grains Belong on Your Plate

Last week, we explored the simple challenge of eating 30 different plant foods each week to support a healthy gut microbiome. The wonderful thing about this challenge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated—every fruit, vegetable, herb, spice, bean, nut, seed, and whole grain counts. This week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite food groups for gut health: whole grains. When I visit my local farmers market during the summer, I’m always inspired by the colorful produce that fills every stand. Fresh kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and crisp vegetables remind me that the […]

July 16, 2026

Published by Grace O

Cauliflower Steaks with Goat Cheese

Cauliflower Steaks with Goat Cheese These cauliflower steaks can serve as a vegetarian main course or sit beautifully alongside grass-fed, grilled rib-eye or Porterhouse steaks. Piment d’Espelette is the French version of paprika. It’s mild and full-flavored. You can use paprika or red pepper flakes (1 tsp.) instead. A member of the nutrition-packed, cruciferous cabbage family along with Brussels sprouts and broccoli, cauliflower is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, and may boost both heart and brain health. Eating cauliflower provides impressive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and much more while supporting healthy digestion and detoxification. Cauliflower has indoles (sulfur compounds) […]

July 9, 2026

Published by Grace O

30 Plants a Week: A Simple Longevity Habit

Forget the latest superfood craze. Nutrition experts say one of the simplest ways to support a healthy gut—and potentially a longer, healthier life—is by eating a wider variety of plant foods every week. When people think about longevity, they often picture expensive supplements, restrictive diets, or the latest “miracle” superfood. But researchers studying the gut microbiome are pointing to something much simpler: variety. Instead of focusing on one “perfect” food, scientists have found that people who eat a greater diversity of plant foods tend to have more diverse gut bacteria—a hallmark of a healthier microbiome. Since gut health has been […]

July 1, 2026

Published by Grace O

Food, Family & Freedom: Celebrating

America’s 250th Birthday! A message from Grace O One Nation. Many Cultures. Endless Healthy Traditions As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States this Fourth of July, I’m reminded that one of America’s greatest strengths has always been its diversity—not only in the people who call this country home, but also in the foods, traditions, and cultures we share around our tables. Every family has its own favorite Fourth of July recipes. Some traditions have been passed down for generations, while others have traveled here from around the world. Together, they tell the story of America—a nation built […]

June 30, 2026

Published by Grace O

Ramp Up the Flavor with Wild Boar Kebabs

Wild boar has more flavor than tame pork. It has to be tenderized a bit, but that’s easily accomplished with an onion-juice marinade. You can use pork or beef medallions instead of boar and any type of cubed vegetables. BENEFITS: Wild boar (and therefore pork) has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood. It also contains phosphorus for nerve and muscle function and vitamin B12 for protecting nerves and brain cells. Yields: about 6 skewers Ingredients 1 lb. wild boar medallions or pork tenderloin 1/2 cup each cubed white onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper […]