Grace O

June 26, 2017

Published by Grace O

What’s for Breakfast? Quinoa Porridge and Carrot Quiche

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, too, without berries, bananas or raisins. We reluctantly complied, but today I am grateful for all of my father’s health […]

June 20, 2017

Published by Grace O

Garlic and Rosemary White Bean Spread

Garlic and rosemary are two ingredients with powerful nutrient profiles. Garlic has been used for centuries as an anti-microbial agent and for its heart health properties, due to the naturally occurring sulfuric compound allicin. Additionally, rosemary contains compounds that may improve concentration and stimulate the immune system. Together, these Mediterranean flavors blend nicely in this simple white bean spread perfect for sandwiches or crudité platters. YIELDS 2.5 Cups Ingredients 1 3/4 cup cooked cannelloni beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed) 1/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for topping 2 Tbs. white wine vinegar 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and […]

May 29, 2017

Published by Grace O

Are You Game to Try Exotic Meats?

Our Stone Age (Paleolithic) ancestors subsisted on whatever they could catch, gather, pluck or hunt. Animals that they caught for food were naturally grass fed, lean and high in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and cancer-fighting selenium, yet low in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Much of today’s “factory farmed” animals for food are fed grain and pumped with antibiotics, steroids and growth hormones, all of which can be toxic in certain amounts. Eating wild game is a delicious experience. Meats like venison, elk, bison, wild boar, rabbit and ostrich are highly flavorful, lean and full of FoodTrients. Here are just […]

May 22, 2017

Published by Grace O

Fish and Shellfish Are a Great Catch for Health

Fish and shellfish are great immune-boosting foods, so be sure to include lots of them during flu season and throughout the year when they are in season. Oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams contain significant amounts of the trace element, selenium, which is protective against cancer and helps white blood cells produce cytokines, proteins that help clear the body of flu viruses. Wild salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting the lungs from respiratory infections. Crab provides the selenium in this dish while garlic brings a host of impressive health benefits to […]

May 21, 2017

Published by Grace O

Spinach Strawberry Booster Smoothie

When you need a quick boost, this simple and delicious smoothie is sure to hit the spot. An easy on-the-go breakfast or post-workout treat, this healthful beverage is packed with antioxidants for recovery and protein for satiety and energy. Smoothies with greens in them don’t have to taste gritty; instead be sure to flavor your greens appropriately with the essence of vanilla and fruit. Balancing a smoothie with protein is key but there are options other than protein powder to do the trick. Whole food sources such as yogurt offers protein while choosing a plain variety of either dairy or […]

May 21, 2017

Published by Grace O

Crunch It! Lemon Tahini Kale Chips

Try these Lemon Tahini Kale Chips next time you’re in search of a crunchy snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Fresh flavors and crunchy textures combine to create a delicious transportable snack that will help you feel energized and satisfied until your next meal. You can enjoy an extra serving of nutritious disease-preventing cruciferous vegetables by packing these kale chips along in your lunchbox, purse, or backpack. Because the kale stays raw, its detoxifying chlorophyll is preserved. SERVES 2-3 Ingredients 1 bunch (about 8 leaves) kale, ribs removed and torn into large, chip-sized pieces 2 Tbs. tahini 1 lemon, zest […]

May 9, 2017

Published by Grace O

Racking Up the Protein With Lamb

Protein is very important for strong muscles and bones. Lean protein helps achieve weight loss. I love meat—it has riboflavin, vitamin B12, tyrosine, and the FoodTrient zinc—but I enjoy it in moderation, which protects against cardiovascular disease. I also am careful about eating cured meats, which can aggravate joints and promote gout. Whenever possible, I use grass-fed beef over corn-fed beef because cows were created to eat grass, not corn. The meat from animals that graze grass—cows, lambs, or even buffalo—contains more of the good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids and less of the bad-for-you omega-6s. And I make sure I buy […]

May 2, 2017

Published by Grace O

Moringa: A New Leaf for Aging Better

To stay healthy, I eat moringa leaves almost every day. I put them on salads, in soups, casseroles, stir-fries, and other dishes. I also just eat the leaves sometimes. Many of my friends take moringa supplements because they know that moringa is a powerful immune booster. While few Americans have ever heard of the moringa oleifera plant, in Africa and Asia it’s a life-saver. It needs very little water to grow and its leaves offer a full complement of protein, minerals, and nutrients to both humans and cattle. When Africans cook with moringa, they throw the tiny leaves into soups […]

May 1, 2017

Published by Grace O

Hot Tea: It’s a Steamy Love Story

Serving and enjoying hot tea is a daily ritual in many countries. Most Brits wouldn’t dream of skipping their 4 p.m. cuppa. Good for them, because black tea contains the FoodTrient catechins, as well as flavonoids, theaflavins, and magnesium. These antioxidants help reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. They protect against certain cancers, help prevent dental cavities, and enhance weight loss by stimulating metabolism. The compounds in black tea also improve blood flow (by strengthening blood-vessel walls), lower blood pressure, and promote artery health while reducing the risk of blood clots. The caffeine in black […]