Grace O

November 5, 2018

Published by Grace O

Chia Seed Southwestern Fettuccine

Most Americans are probably familiar with chia pets—clay pots shaped like animals that you fill with chia seeds and water. The chia seeds sprout and grow green “fur” on the clay pot. Few people who own those chia pets, however, realize that chia seeds are not only edible—sprouted or not—but they’re also wonderful for your health. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico began eating unsprouted chia seeds over 500 years ago. In the Mayan language, “chia” means “strength.” The tiny seeds come in white or black varieties and are native to Mexico and Guatemala. Today, Mexicans drink chia frescas: chia seeds stirred […]

October 22, 2018

Published by Grace O

What’s for Lunch? Pack FoodTrients To Go

By Grace O Everyone is busy, which makes grabbing fast food or convenience foods so tempting at lunch time. There are many days that I have to go from meeting to meeting without any time to stop for lunch, so I find myself eating on the run. When I do have time, I’m always interested in checking out new dishes and new restaurants, but that can lead to way too much temptation. When it comes down to it, I know that if I’m to make the best choices for my mind and body, I should take my own advice and […]

October 10, 2018

Published by Grace O

Be Thankful for Cranberry Bread Pudding

Cranberry Bread Pudding Cranberries don’t grow in the subtropical climate of Southeast Asia, so when my mother and I wanted to make this dessert, we had to use a local red-colored berry as a substitute. I like this recipe better with cranberries, which are high in immune-boosting vitamin C. They also rank very high on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale, so they have great antioxidant power. Use my Cranberry Compote on the bottom layer (it becomes the top layer when you turn out the dessert). To serve this dessert cold, place the pudding in the refrigerator overnight before […]

September 25, 2018

Published by Grace O

Howdy! Meet the Delicious Superfoods of the Southwest

When we think of the Southwest, what do we picture? Beautiful red rock landscapes. A saguaro cactus silhouetted against a perfect sunset. A bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. A pitcher of Margaritas? Super healthy, age-defying foods probably don’t come to mind. Most of us think of what’s come to be known as Tex-Mex cuisine — lots of cheesy, spicey, tomato-y dishes wrapped in tortillas. Delicious, yes, but good for you? Not so much. But if you dig a little deeper and explore what indigenous people grew and ate in the Southwest, you’ll find there are plenty of foods that […]

August 27, 2018

Published by Grace O

Eat to the Beat of Caribbean Superfoods!

The Caribbean is blessed in so many ways. There is the famous weather, which is warm and sunny during the winter when most of North America is shivering, and the gorgeous turquoise water and sugary white (or sometimes pink!) sands with Calypso music wafting. What I love about the Caribbean is the blend of cultures, which gives richness to the language, traditions and especially the food. There are influences from every civilization, East and West, that ever set foot on these island gems — from the indigenous Amerindian people, who were followed by British, Spanish, French and Dutch explorers, to […]

August 22, 2018

Published by Grace O

Watercress Dressing

Use this on just about any green leafy salad with fresh vegetables. For a thinner dressing, use regular or low fat yogurt. Marinated or flavored, crumbled feta cheese might be fun to use in this recipe. Other nice additions would be ¼ tsp. of crushed garlic and/or ⅛ cup of red onion. Raw watercress contains chlorophyll, a great detoxifyer. Yogurt has probiotics that promote gut health. YIELDS 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 cup whole watercress leaves, without stems ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ tsp. salt or salt substitute Dash of black or white pepper Procedure […]

June 4, 2018

Published by Grace O

What Foods Help You Live Longer?

The most beautiful people I know are not model perfect. They are people who wear a gorgeous smile along with their glowing skin, bright eyes, healthy body and positive energy. They look good because they feel good, and they know the foods that can help them look and feel younger. But eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods you love or giving up satisfying, great-tasting meals. My new book, The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook, is filled with delicious foods that also deliver the benefits of health, well-being and longevity. It’s not a diet program or a meal plan, but a way […]

May 29, 2018

Published by Grace O

What’s for Breakfast? A Special Meal for Mom

Surprise mom with a beautiful breakfast! Three amazing dishes that can be served for breakfast or brunch that she will absolutely love! For those of us who grew up in Southeast Asia, big, savory breakfasts were the norm. A popular breakfast staple was smoked fish with scrambled eggs and tomato salad. Fried rice, fried eggs, sausages called longaniza (a bit like Spanish chorizo), and rice porridge with fish or meatballs were also regularly on the menu in most homes, but not in mine. My father, who was a physician and very health-conscious, always ate plain oatmeal, and he insisted we eat it, […]

May 14, 2018

Published by Grace O

Let’s Eat Better! Foods That Fight Cancer

Cancer is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the U.S.A. In 1880, when record-keeping began, 1 in 35 people developed cancer in their lifetime. That figure has grown to 1 in every 2 men and 1 in every 3 women. Since the occurrence of cancer increases as we age, most cases affect adults middle-aged or older. One of the best cancer-prevention tools for health is eating the right foods, but finding the motivation to eat right sometimes alludes us until we, or someone we love, is faced with a deadly disease. When this happened to someone dear […]