Grace O

December 3, 2016

Published by Grace O

What the Heck Is a FOODTRIENT?

You may ask, What the heck is a FoodTrient? I needed to come up with a term to encompass the anti-aging properties of food, but couldn’t really find a good word, so I created one and called them FoodTrients. Think of them as nutrients that lead to our overall wellness and help us age well. FoodTrients are wholesome foods and spices that have nutrients our bodies need to maintain optimum function stay healthy from the inside out. I focus on these FoodTrients in each of my recipes. I start creating a dish only after I find a fruit or grain […]

November 19, 2016

Published by Grace O

Some of My ‘Fountain of Youth’ Food Favorites

There’s little doubt that we all would love to look and feel younger, especially if you’re over 40 (or even over 50 like me). Certain FoodTrients like omega-3 fatty acids and the Vitamins C & E are very good for building collagen, hydrating skin, keeping skin elastic, and helping to build strong nails and hair. Vitamin C also aids tissue regeneration, which is especially helpful after a facial, dermabrasion, or an acid peel. Citrus fruits, berries, melons, and peppers are all good sources. A spicy salsa with hot peppers and lime juice can be a real skin saver. While all […]

November 18, 2016

Published by Grace O

We Should All Be Longin’ For Longan

Longans are natives of Southeast Asia and related to lychees and rambutans. Growing up in the Philippines, we ate longans like candy (but longans are much better for you). Like lychees, the fruit is sweet and succulent, but they are a little smaller and the sweetness is a little drier. They’re eaten fresh and also used soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods. They’re also easy to eat — just peel off the smooth skin to get to the fruit, then eat it like a cherry, removing the seed. It better to wait until just before serving to peel the fruit. […]

November 16, 2016

Published by Grace O

Drink Up! The Power of Good Smoothies

I like to drink raw coconut water from Harmless Harvest if I don’t have time to make my own juice or smoothies. Good coconut water is very hydrating and that helps your skin. I also detox with cold pressed juices whenever I need to. My recipe for Mind and Beauty Juice blend (featured in my new cookbook, The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook) is specifically formulated to help the skin look young and beautiful while protecting the mind. I use my Blendtec® Tabletop Total Blender to pulverize the carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Carrots and melons have the FoodTrient carotenoids, an antioxidant (Ao) that fights […]

November 13, 2016

Published by Grace O

Rambutan Exotically Delicious

An exotic fruit that I love to eat is rambutan (available at Melissas.com). These Malaysian fruits, which mean “hair” (rambut), look like small, red, hairy monsters. The somewhat rubbery brownish-red outer shell is peeled away to reveal a white, moist oval that is very similar to a lychee. It’s sweet, juicy, and subtle in flavor, not unlike the mangosteen. Rambutans are botanically related to lychees. They contain the vitamin C, iron, and phosphorous. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, helps prevent cataracts, and aids in tissue regeneration to keep your skin young and fresh looking. Vitamin C also reduces […]

November 8, 2016

Published by Grace O

Tropical Yams

Heart-friendly yams are tarted up with lime juice and shredded coconut in this festive side dish. Serve it with lamb or my Ostrich Meatballs (Age Beautifully Cookbook). It also goes well with turkey, pork, and meatloaf. BENEFITS: Yams (and/or sweet potatoes) contain carotenoids and fiber. Carotenoids inhibit cancer and tumor growth, reduce your risk of heart disease, and support immune function. Fiber lowers blood cholesterol and, like carotenoids, reduces your risk of heart disease. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 cups cubed yams or sweet potatoes, peeled 1 Tbs. coconut oil ½ tsp. salt or salt substitute 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice (and/or thin […]

October 27, 2016

Published by Grace O

Gingerroot Black Tea

A delicious tea that’s especially festive for the holiday season is my recipe for Gingerroot Black Tea from The Age Gracefully Cookbook. The fresh ginger in the tea provides protection from inflammation thereby easing arthritis and allergy symptoms. Black tea has many healthful properties including flavonoids, which help strengthen blood vessel walls and improve concentration. Ingredients ¼ inch gingerroot, peeled and sliced thinly 2 black teabags 2 cups boiling water 2 rock sugar stirrers (optional) Procedure 1. Combine the gingerroot and the teabags in a pitcher with the boiling water. Steep for 1-3 minutes; strain. 2. Pour into two teacups; […]

October 25, 2016

Published by Grace O

Tomato Soup With Curry

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, there’s no reason to limit yourself to fresh items only. Especially when your refrigerator is nearly empty, you cannot underestimate the potential of pantry staples like heart-healthy canned tomatoes and anti-inflammatory coconut milk. Combined with some carrots and a little dried curry powder, they easily transform into a flavorful soup that’s ready to be enjoyed in well under an hour. Try it on its own or with Vegetable Crackers from The Age Beautifully Cookbook. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ½ cup diced red onion 2 carrots (about ⅔ cup), peeled […]

October 11, 2016

Published by Grace O

Lives of the Reishi and Famous (Mushrooms)

Mushrooms are a major FoodTrient food! Both edible and medicinal mushrooms contain properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant , immune boosting , and disease prevention effects. Two mushrooms backed by significant research that contain potent health benefits include Reishi (immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and good for cardiovascular health) and Turkey Tail (immune-boosting, anti-viral, anti-fungal) mushrooms. Our FoodTrients nutritionist Ginger Hultin did some digging into the benefits of both. You can learn more about the amazing health benefits of Reishi mushrooms here. Find out more about the incredible benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms here. Reishi mushrooms aren’t something you will find fresh in your local […]