Grace O

July 14, 2020

Published by Grace O

5 Healthy Foods for Your Brain

When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy. But I didn’t realize how much our diet can affect our brains. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for feeding the brain, which needs fat to produce neurotransmitters. This means ingredients such as: Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve cognition. Fresh produce – One study found that seniors who ate close to […]

June 23, 2020

Published by Grace O

Strawberry Hempseed Kale Salad

A simple massaged kale salad gets an anti-inflammatory boost from antioxidant-rich strawberries and essential fatty acids from hemp seeds. This is an easy make-ahead salad that can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, eaten as a side dish or on its own topped with a lean protein. Chef Notes: -If using baby kale, you do not need to massage the leaves as they are already tender. -Extra vinaigrette will store in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients For the salad: 1 bunch of curly green kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped into pieces […]

June 17, 2020

Published by Grace O

Turkey with Molé Sauce

Because so many of my FoodTrients fans love crock-pot cooking, I devised this easy recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or on a stove top. Traditional Mexican molé sauces may contain hundreds of ingredients. I’ve kept this one simple. My new FoodTrients Dessert Spice Mix adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. I spoon the turkey and sauce into corn tortillas that have been warmed on the griddle. Health benefits: Turkey contains the FoodTrient selenium, which detoxifies organs and helps skin stay elastic. The tryptophan content in turkey builds healthy neurotransmitters in the brain. Tryptophan is also found in dark […]

June 2, 2020

Published by Grace O

Serving Up Desserts With a Wonderfully Worldly Flair

Who doesn’t love dessert? It’s always nice to punctuate the end of a meal with something sweet. There are treats from all over the world that put a refreshing spin on what we usually consider for dessert. Although most desserts have their fair share of sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, there are other ingredients that provide FoodTrients and enhance a healthy diet. From Iran: A Persian Dessert Delight Persians really know their desserts! Also known as Persian Date Cake, ranginak is a traditional no-bake Persian dessert that’s delicious served with black tea. To make it even more decadent, serve […]

May 26, 2020

Published by Grace O

Can Certain Foods Help Regulate Blood Sugar?

I’m sure you’ve had this experience. You eat healthy most of the day, but at about three o’clock in the afternoon you crave something sweet. Or salty/crunchy. You indulge and feel great for a short time, and then you’re more tired and hungry than ever. What’s happening is that the simple carbs in these snacks spike the level of the sugar in your blood and trigger a surge of insulin, which the body manufactures to metabolize sugars. These extreme swings in blood sugar levels will not only play havoc with your energy and moods, but can present serious challenges to […]

May 5, 2020

Published by Grace O

Soy Custard Cups

This dish is an interesting way to add more soy to your diet. The isoflavones in soy may help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of certain cancers, protect against heart disease, and help alleviate symptoms of menopause. The Omega-3s in the tofu help skin retain its natural moisture. This recipe is inspired by the Chinese steamed custards served at dim sum. You can put almost anything under the silken tofu layer, and the garnishes are endless. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 1 package (8 oz.) silken tofu Pinch of salt 10-12 dried shiitake mushrooms 1/4 lb. peeled shrimp (devein, if desired) […]

May 5, 2020

Published by Grace O

Add a World of Flavor with International Spice Blends

I just love to travel! I’m endlessly curious about other cultures and have been fortunate to travel throughout Asia, Europe and North America on a pretty regular basis. Eating and exploring the food in each country or region really gives me insight into their history and how the people live. Spice blends are an easy way to bring international flavor to the most common of foods, like vegetables or chicken breasts. A few shakes of curry powder in an otherwise predicable tuna salad takes it to a new dimension. Following are some spice blends from around the world that are […]

April 26, 2020

Published by Grace O

Fresh Turmeric Juice

Fresh turmeric root fights inflammation and contains antioxidants. The best way to enjoy fresh turmeric is to juice it. Once juiced and strained, it can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Once juiced and strained, it can be used in Grace’s Turmeric Rice, Turkey in Turmeric Sauce and Turmeric Orange Juice. YIELD ½ cup (4 oz.) Ingredients ¼ lb. turmeric root, peeled ½ cup water Procedure 1.Slice the turmeric root until it measures about 1 cup. 2. Place the turmeric slices in a food processor or blender. Add a bit of the water […]

April 26, 2020

Published by Grace O

Bitter Melon Salad

Bitter melon, which resembles a wrinkly, light-green cucumber, is something of an acquired taste. Soaking it in salted water to remove the bitterness is the first step in getting people to fall in love with it. It’s worth the trouble, because boiling bitter melon in water releases its antioxidant power. Bitter melon also has immune-boosting beta-carotene, potassium, and detoxifying fiber. Asian herbalists prescribe it to diabetes patients to help them stabilize their blood sugar. This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meat, fish, and vegetables. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 4 medium-size bitter melons ¼ cup kosher salt Pinch of […]