Grace O

April 14, 2020

Published by Grace O

Superfoods Hiding in Plain Sight

There are certain foods I always have in my pantry and refrigerator because they are delicious, versatile and full of great nutrition. By keeping these around as staples, you’ll always be able to boost the FoodTrient value of whatever you’re preparing. Both of my award-winning books, The Age Gracefully Cookbook and my newest one, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, would not be complete without these culinary essentials: APPLES Loaded with fiber, eating an apple a day has been associated with reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and diabetes. A key ingredient in apples is a flavonoid that a 2001 […]

March 26, 2020

Published by Grace O

Radish Salad Rocks For Health

Radishes belong to the same family of vegetables as kale and cabbage and offer some of the same disease-preventing benefits. I use the same simple oil-and-vinegar dressing here as on my Bitter Melon Salad, so both salads can be served together at a picnic or on a buffet. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 daikon radishes or 1 bunch red radishes, stems removed 1 cup seasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs 6-8 sliced grape tomatoes Procedure 1. Slice the radishes very thinly using a […]

March 24, 2020

Published by Grace O

Meatloaf with Flaxseed

This Middle Eastern–style meatloaf is actually a ground beef and pine nut filling between two layers of a seasoned meat paste. The nutty flavor of flaxseed combines well with grassfed ground beef, which has more healthful omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs, or healthful fats) than you’ll find in grain-fed beef. Tomato paste gives this dish a lycopene lift. For a spicier meatloaf, use red pepper paste instead. I like to eat this dish drizzled with lemon juice to bring out all the flavors. SERVES 4-8 Ingredients ½ lb. grass-fed ground beef, divided ½ cup flaxseeds 2½ cups bulgur wheat […]

March 24, 2020

Published by Grace O

Turmeric Is a Top Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric is a root, like ginger, that has anti-inflammatory properties. Growing up in southeast Asia, I became very familiar with turmeric root. I love its bright yellow-orange color and its zingy flavor. In India, turmeric is used to give curry its yellow color. In America, it’s mostly seen as a dried powder and added to chicken-flavored soups or sauces. Turmeric is so good for us, I think it’s time we expanded our diets to include spicing fish and other foods with it. Anti-inflammatories help keep our arteries young and less likely to clog, our skin from turning red or scaly, […]

March 18, 2020

Published by Grace O

Grapefruit Is an Age-Defying Hero

An excellent source of vitamin C as well as pantothenic acid, copper, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, biotin, and vitamin B1, grapefruit is also a good source of dietary fiber. The pink, red or ruby varieties contain the carotenoid phytonutrient lycopene, which is found to be a more powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and research has suggested it may significantly reduce risk of stroke. Studies have also indicated that people with a diet high in lycopene have a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. In my cookbook, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, you’ll find an easy and delicious recipe for Spinach […]

February 17, 2020

Published by Grace O

Spice It Up with Top 35 Anti-Aging Flavorings

I like my food to be very flavorful. And I’ve learned that my spice chest can also be my medicine cabinet. So when I begin to create a recipe, I reach for the oils, herbs, spices, and sweeteners that will do my body good. I’ve picked out my Top 35 flavorings so that you, too, can defy aging while you cook. Fats are a very controversial subject. Butter, in particular, has gone in and out of favor with nutritionists over the last 20 years. Today the consensus is that butter, in moderation, is actually better for your arteries than margarine, […]

January 21, 2020

Published by Grace O

Apple Sage Cauliflower

Golden brown cauliflower, sprigs of fresh sage, and a dollop of sweet and tart applesauce make this tasty side dish the perfect addition to almost any meal. It’s inspired by the Blue Zone city of Loma Linda, California, where the mostly vegetarian population enjoys great longevity and health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is a rich source of detoxifying fiber and the cancer-fighting sulfur compounds indoles and isothiocyanates. Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 head (3-4 cups) cauliflower, chopped into florets 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar Salt and black pepper 3 sprigs fresh […]

January 18, 2020

Published by Grace O

Dazzle with Mouthwatering Main Dishes

I really enjoy this time of year because in addition to the religious significance, it gives me the excuse to entertain on a grander scale than usual. I love reaching out to friends, family and those I would like to spend more time with. It’s important to me that I spoil my guests, but that doesn’t mean with rich, tasty foods that aren’t necessarily good for you. There are plenty of FoodTrient-worthy entrees (or ‘centerpieces’ as I think of them) that are both indulgent and healthy for mind and body. There are a number of main courses in my book, […]

January 14, 2020

Published by Grace O

Do I Need to Detox?

My birthday falls on December 31, so often I throw lavish parties on New Year’s Eve. I book a banquet room in an upscale hotel; order a rich, multicourse menu for about 100 people; and end the night with a spectacular dessert buffet. I don’t drink alcohol, but I make sure that the Champagne is free-flowing for my guests. So we tend to overdo it. And the next day I always think about detoxification. Sometimes I’ll even book some time at a health spa to recover from all the indulging I’ve done over the holidays. Why is detoxifying important? Alcohol […]