May 10, 2021

Get Cultured! Fermented Foods for Aging Well

Fermented foods are the new “it” food today, even though fermentation is a centuries-old process that was around long before refrigeration. Over time, with all of the modern convenience foods available to us, home-made fermented foods lost their appeal.  But today’s rebirth of fermented foods makes good sense – they are powerfully good for us. In addition to the benefits of the food itself– for example, milk, soy beans or cabbage—the fermentation process creates lactobacillus that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which in turn creates a natural balance of intestinal flora improving digestion, immune function, and absorption of […]
May 7, 2021

Seafood with Wild Rice

This recipe combines heart-healthy seafood and wild rice to create a wholesome, flavorful, and filling one-dish meal. The Omega-3s in the seafood and wild rice smooth and soften the skin. The fiber from the rice is detoxifying. For a variation, try adding chicken and sausage to your favorite seafood. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1 cup wild rice or a combination of wild and brown rice 4 cups water 2 cups chicken broth 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup chopped onion 2 bay leaves ¼ cup chopped carrot ¼ cup chopped celery ¼ cup chopped broccoli ¼ cup chopped red bell […]
May 6, 2021

Lentil Salad

Lentils contribute muscle-building protein,detoxifying fiber, and vitamin B6 to this hearty dish, making it both satisfying and energizing. The red cabbage, red wine vinegar, and leeks add a host of disease-preventing benefits: anthocyanins, indoles, isothiocyanates, sulfur compounds, and resveratrol. You can also serve this delicious salad as a main course. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1 cup of dried green or black lentils 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 chopped leek (white part only) ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 minced shallot Sea salt and ground pepper to taste ½ cup shredded red cabbage ¼ cup diced […]
April 12, 2021

The Great Warm Up: Fight Aging with Coffee and Tea

Cool weather has finally come to Southern California. The nights and early mornings can be quite chilly so what could be better than a warm drink? There’s something very comforting about settling in with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea when it’s cool (or cold) outside. Did you know that both beverages offer a number of age-defying benefits? Plus the warm, steamy liquid is soothing if you have a cold because it can help open up nasal passages. Coffee and tea drinks are one of those indulgences that are good for you in so many ways! Let’s count […]
March 29, 2021

Enjoy the Benefits and Pleasure of Pork with a World of Recipes

Pork has had to overcome a bit of a bad reputation. Remember the insult, ‘fat as a pig’? The fact is today’s pork has been bred to have 16 percent less fat and 27 percent less saturated fat than 30 years ago. Many cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, have less fat and calories than skinless chicken breasts. Pork is a source of high-quality lean protein and is an excellent source of important nutrients including thiamin, selenium, niacin, vitamin B-6 and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of zinc, riboflavin and potassium. Unprocessed pork is naturally low in sodium and […]
March 1, 2021

Spices Are an Integral Part of Lebanese Cuisine

I met chef Mike Elmachtoub when someone recommended his catering company to me. I called Urban Crunch Meal Prep & Catering and ordered some pistachio-crusted salmon and filet mignon for my staff. The food was well received, so I began to order more and more from Urban Crunch. Chef and owner Mike and I got to talking about his upbringing in Lebanon and how his father owned multiple restaurants all over the world. Mike knew he wanted to be in the restaurant business himself, so he studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. (He’s lived in the U.S. […]