Grace O

December 30, 2015

Published by Grace O

Herbed Spinach-Artichoke Dip

The winter months are full of rich foods and parties. This time of year is for celebrating with friends and family, but does it have to lead to yearly weight gain? Support the health of the ones you love with a lighter, healthier holiday classic dip that retains all of its flavor. Artichokes are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; they are also a source of probiotics, which support gut health by feeding the good bacteria that live there. This simple high-fiber dip can be made in minutes with one simple step: blend until smooth! Serve this savory dip alongside […]

November 11, 2015

Published by Grace O

Give Thanks for a Happier, Healthier Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a carb-loaded, overeating frenzy. You can make satisfying, anti-aging food choices for this holiday that will leave you feeling thankful for indulging. Take turkey, for example. I cook at least four turkeys each Thanksgiving because I usually have about 30 people over for dinner. Turkey contains tryptophan, which produces niacin, giving us energy. Turkey also contains the selenium, a detoxifying antioxidant. You don’t have to drown your turkey in fatty gravy. It can be deliciously sauced using healthier ingredients. I like to marinate my turkeys in a mixture of red wine, soy sauce, and lemon juice […]

November 5, 2015

Published by Grace O

A Great Pairing: Pears & Apples

Pears are a fiber super star with 5.5 grams in one medium specimen. Fiber plays an essential role in your digestive, heart, and skin health, and may improve blood sugar control, weight management, and more. People who ate a diet high in white-fleshed fruits like pears or apples also had a 52 percent lower risk of stroke, according to an American Heart Association study, likely due to their fiber and phytochemical content. Pears are also rich in potassium, vitamin C and copper. For a delicious and elegant dessert that contains a number of nutritious ingredients, I use pears in my Pear and […]

October 13, 2015

Published by Grace O

It’s Snack Time! Chips with All of the Flavor and None of the Guilt

Autumn is here and with it the World Series, football season and other get-togethers, but what would these gatherings be without a few snacks? Now I practically NEVER buy things like chips for my own home, but honestly, if I’m at someone’s house and they’re out there, I’ll give in then regret it later. Thankfully, today there are more tasty and healthful options available. One place to see many of these is at the Natural Products Expo that takes place in Anaheim, CA in the spring each year. The FoodTrients team was there in force back in March, walking the […]

September 30, 2015

Published by Grace O

Jujubes: Fruits with Benefits

The Chinese have been growing and eating jujubes for over 4,000 years. Jujube, or Chinese date, trees are shrub-like with thorny branches. The fruits are shaped like small apples that are green when unripe and turn brownish red. As they ripen and age they wrinkle and shrink to the size of a large date. The flesh of the fruit is most like an apple when it’s unripe. As it ripens it becomes soft and spongy. Asians generally steep slices of jujubes in hot water and make a jujube tea. Sometimes they reduce the tea on the stove and add sugar, […]

September 23, 2015

Published by Grace O

My Age GRACEfully Cookbook Debuts at Four Seasons Event

Like many big projects, writing a cookbook requires years of preparation, hard work and worry, culminating with that moment when you present your ‘baby’ to the world. I was excited to officially introduce my cookbook, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook to members of the press and culinary, health and wellness experts on a recent evening at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. My book is a collection of illustrated recipes that incorporate ingredients, which I call FoodTrients, that help you look and feel younger not only on the inside, but also on the outside. All of my recipes are the […]

September 17, 2015

Published by Grace O

Foods That Build Better Bones and Teeth

We all want strong bones and teeth. As we age, we tend to grow wary of developing osteoporosis. Exercise, especially weight and resistance training, certainly helps strengthen our bones. Our diet can be a boon to bone health as well. Certain FoodTrients—such as isoflavones and potassium—can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Eating foods rich in these FoodTrients and in calcium and protein can go a long way toward developing a beautiful skeleton. Calcium promotes bone growth, proper nerve signaling, helps our blood to clot, and regulates blood pressure. It can be found in abundance in dairy products, […]

August 11, 2015

Published by Grace O

Simple Curry Cabbage Slaw

Surprise your guests with a unique slaw of unexpected texture and color packed full of flavor and healthful nutrition! Cabbage has anticancer and cardiovascular benefits because of the unique enzymes, antioxidants and nutrients including glucosinolates that it contains. These compounds contribute to the pungent nature of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and Brussels spouts and are health-promoting when consumed. By adding complex natural flavors like coconut, lemon juice, and soy sauce, this dish offers a savory and unique blend of textures that your guests will love. Adding turmeric, curry powder, and cumin skyrocket the nutritional and antioxidant value and […]

August 11, 2015

Published by Grace O

The Guilty (and Healthy) Pleasures of Yuca

When talking to friends and colleagues about new, healthy foods to try, I sometimes have to assume a professorial role and do some explaining. This is the case with yuca (pronounced, yoo-kah), also known as cassava and frequently confused with yucca (yuk-ah). Yuca is a plant that is grown and eaten in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean. It has a starchy root that among other things, can be made into tapioca. Yucca, on the other hand, is an ornamental plant with spiky leaves and tall clusters of white flowers. It grows in the Southern and Western parts […]