Grace O

March 25, 2026

Published by Grace O

5 Really Good Reasons To Love Yogurt

I didn’t grow up eating much dairy as a child in the Philippines. Our milk came from powder, and yogurt simply wasn’t part of our daily table. It wasn’t until I visited the Golden Door spa near San Diego that I truly discovered yogurt—and everything changed. They served the most beautiful breakfast: creamy plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts, raisins, and vibrant fresh organic berries. Sometimes they added warm quinoa or chia seeds for extra nourishment. It was simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Since then, yogurt has become one of my favorite ways to start the day. Not only is […]

March 18, 2026

Published by Grace O

Southwestern Flavors Enhance This Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad Black beans and pasilla chiles give this salad a Southwestern flavor, and red rice makes it fun and different. A lime vinaigrette brings it all together. You can use regular wild rice and store-bought corn. Black beans and wild rice both have protein for building muscles, bones, and blood, and fiber for gut health. Red rice also contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that protect the heart. The red pepper adds lots of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, which contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained ½ cup cooked red rice […]

March 17, 2026

Published by Grace O

Ginger: The Healing Root for Everyday Wellness

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 filled with natural remedies and health benefits. Traditional Indian medicine calls ginger the “universal remedy,” and for good reason. It’s commonly used to relieve nausea, stimulate circulation, relax muscles, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. As a child, my mother would make a comforting Chinese porridge with ginger when I wasn’t feeling well, or she’d boil fresh ginger with honey to create a soothing tea for coughs and sore throats. To this day, I still […]

March 3, 2026

Published by Grace O

This Flavorful Chaat Salad Is Packed With Protein

South Asian Chaat Salad This flavorful salad was inspired by a type of chaat or savory snack served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra plant-based protein and fiber. A satisfying serving of 2 ½ cups contains 14 g of protein. Benefits The green lentils in this recipe provide a hearty source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestive health and helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels. The mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes delivers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping reduce your risk of chronic diseases and calming […]

February 18, 2026

Published by Grace O

Chinese Lunar New Year 2026: Good Health, Good Fortune, and Longevity

Celebrate Good Health, Good Fortune, and Longevity Through Food The Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most joyful and meaningful celebrations in the world. In 2026, Lunar New Year began on February 17 and usherd in the Year of the Horse — a symbol of vitality, energy, and forward movement. For centuries, families have gathered around the table to welcome a new year filled with health, prosperity, and happiness. At the heart of the celebration is food — not just for nourishment, but for symbolism, intention, and well-being. At FoodTrients®, we love traditions that bring people together around […]

February 12, 2026

Published by Grace O

Tart Cherry Bread Pudding with Cherry Compote

A lightly sweet, nutrient-rich dessert layered with antioxidant-packed tart cherries and toasted walnuts. The compote forms a beautiful ruby topping when inverted — warm and glossy, or chilled and sliceable. Ingredients For the Bread Pudding 3 cups whole-grain or whole-wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale works best) 2 large eggs 1½ cups fat-free evaporated milk (or 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk + 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for richness) 2 tbsp melted butter or Smart Balance ¼ cup organic sugar, coconut sugar, or xylitol ¼ cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted ¼ cup dried tart cherries ½ tsp lemon zest […]

February 11, 2026

Published by Grace O

Tart Cherries: Powerful in Every Bite

Tart cherries — especially Montmorency varieties — are emerging as one of nature’s most impressive anti-inflammatory fruits. Their deep ruby color signals a rich concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols, plant compounds known to help calm inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Whether enjoyed frozen, dried, or as juice concentrate, tart cherries deliver powerful support for muscle recovery, joint comfort, heart health, and brain function. But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. Everyday stress, aging, poor sleep, and chronic low-grade inflammation can all take a toll on the body. Tart cherry juice offers a simple, food-based way […]

February 11, 2026

Published by Grace O

Naturally Sweet Macadamia Cream Flan

Macadamia Cream Flan Macadamia nuts are rich in heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats. Eating more of these healthy fats can help keep your skin youthful and your waistline trim. Egg yolks contain lutein, which reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Yields 8 small servings Ingredients Caramel ½ cup water 1 cup xylitol or sugar Flan 8 egg yolks (organic, free-range, or Omega-3-enriched) 1 egg (organic, free-range, or Omega-3-enriched) 2 cups Macadamia Cream ⅔ cup xylitol or sugar 1 tsp. lemon zest Procedure Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Make the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the water […]

February 11, 2026

Published by Grace O

It’s a Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chocolate Mousse

Dark Chocolate Mousse It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow […]