Grace O

March 29, 2022

Published by Grace O

Lamb: Don’t Forget About This Delicious Meat

Lamb is a nutritious and delectable protein and one that I like to serve on special occasions or when I just want a change from beef, poultry or pork. But consumption of lamb in the U.S. has plummeted over the last 50 years. In the 1960s, Americans consumed on average 4.5 lbs. per year. Today, it’s about 0.7lbs. Why, when lamb is so delicious? There are a couple of theories that help explain the decline. First, soldiers during WWII were fed a lot of canned lamb and mutton, so when they returned home, they wanted no more of the meat […]

March 15, 2022

Published by Grace O

Plant-Based Meals Are Growing on the Table

Here in Los Angeles, with our access to plentiful produce and a pervasive interest in healthy eating, we have a long history of plant-based cuisine. In 1885, a newspaper called The Daily Alta California reported on a popular vegetarian brunch item, “Quartered alligator pears with the pulp spread on slices of grilled bread and seasoned with salt and pepper.” Today we know this delicacy as avocado toast! When Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906, it highlighted the exploitation of workers and unsanitary conditions in the meat packing industry in Chicago. The novel inspired a minor craze for vegetarian restaurants […]

March 6, 2022

Published by Grace O

The Lowdown on Plant-Based Meat Substitutes

One of the hottest topics to come out of the world of food and nutrition was the broad introduction of plant-based meats, specifically patties that mimic beef burgers. Two companies, Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, are at the forefront of providing meat substitutes that really taste like ground beef. The question from a FoodTrients standpoint is: are these products more healthful than beef patties? Do they have what it takes to benefit your well-being? Who’s the Target Audience? First thing to know about these plant-based meat substitutes is that veggie burgers have been around for decades. Remember Boca® Burger and […]

February 23, 2022

Published by Grace O

Turkey Meatballs with Gravy

The chlorophyll in fresh parsley gives this herb its antioxidant power, while vitamin C makes it a good anti-inflammatory. Parsley also contains folic acid, which is great for protecting your heart. I use a half cup of fresh parsley in these delicious meatballs, then sprinkle more on top when plating. I’ve included a quick gravy recipe that goes well with these meatballs or over mashed potatoes. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1 lb. ground turkey 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 medium eggs Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped parsley 2 Tbs. seasoned breadcrumbs 1/4 cup olive oil 1 […]

February 12, 2022

Published by Grace O

Tomato Soup With a Tempeh Twist!

Savory, soothing tomato soup gets a protein kick by adding tempeh, a fermented soy product with a firm and meaty texture. Some people do not care for the squishy texture of regular tofu, preferring tempeh instead. A product that crumbles directly into this soup and cooks along with it, tempeh adds the unexpected benefit of probiotics for gut health and protein. Cooked tomatoes offer a heart-healthy punch of the antioxidant lycopene. With plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, consider this tomato soup when you need a simple, healthy dish. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, […]

January 28, 2022

Published by Grace O

Shrimp and Moringa Curry

Shrimp and coconut milk are a classic Asian combination; they are also anti-inflammatory. I’ve added moringa powder to this very mild dish in order to increase the antioxidant power of this dish. If you want to dial up the heat a notch or two, use serrano or other hot peppers in place of the mild red Anaheim chilies. If desired, serve over brown or jasmine rice. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1⁄4 cup peanut oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 inch peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1⁄2 cup sliced red onion 2 red Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into strips 1 can […]

January 12, 2022

Published by Grace O

Coconut Chai Oatmeal

Lighten up your oatmeal and create a new breakfast ritual with flavorful chai and coconut blended with nutritious cholesterol-lowering whole oats. If you think that whole rolled oats take too long to make, think again! Instant oats lack the amount of gut-friendly fiber found in unprocessed oats, so finding an easy way to prep the whole version is important. A favorite flavor generally added to oats is classic brown sugar or maple syrup which can equal a lot of added sugar to your morning. By using ripe bananas and vanilla extract, this dish is naturally sweet and quick to […]

January 3, 2022

Published by Grace O

Stir-Fried Korean Glass Noodles

Korean glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch. Gluten-free and low-calorie, they have a springy texture and a neutral flavor. In Korean BBQ restaurants, this dish is known as Jap Chae or sometimes Chap Chae. In this recipe, I jazz them up with marinated meat, stir-fry vegetables, eggs, and a sesame sauce. By cooking and assembling the noodles, meat, vegetables, and eggs, this becomes a perfect party dish: your guests can toss together exactly what they want. Traditionally, these noodles are served with a scrambled egg on top, but you can omit it. You can use chicken or tofu […]

January 1, 2022

Published by Grace O

FASTING – It’s Expanding Lifespan

For several years, the FoodTrients team attended the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Annual World Congress in Las Vegas. And every year we found ourselves even more excited about the scientific and medical evidence presented there around food, fasting, and nutrients, and how we can live longer, healthier lives. On the opening day of that conference, an entire track of lectures on fasting followed the keynote address from Dr. Valter Longo, director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California (USC) and author of The Longevity Diet, based on his ground-breaking research on a “fasting mimicking” diet. Dr. […]