Grace O

September 3, 2013

Published by Grace O

FoodTrients Are for Kids, Too!

“Eat your vegetables!” is a familiar refrain of parents the world over. When I was a young girl in Southeast Asia, my father insisted I eat my vegetables. He was a doctor and he knew the power of eating whole, fresh foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Today, I see so many quick-service restaurants offering meat and cheese and bread (pizza, hamburgers, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets) but no cooked vegetables. It’s distressing. And although some fast-food chains now offer salads, many kids don’t really enjoy eating them. So what is a parent to do? For children to get the benefits of nutrient-rich […]

August 30, 2013

Published by Grace O

July 3, 2013 Newsletter

Asian Fusion: Add A Fistful of Flavors to Menus In Southeast Asia, where I grew up, the cuisine has been influenced by many countries: China, Japan, Spain, France, America, and to some extent the Middle East and Northern Africa. So I’ve been practicing fusion cooking my whole life. My mother ran a cooking school and my family operated multiple restaurants. Read More

August 28, 2013

Published by Grace O

Discover the Miracle of Moringa

Very few Americans have ever

August 7, 2013

Published by Grace O

Debunking the Myth of Coconut

I occasionally ate coconuts, drank coconut water or cooked with coconut oil when I was growing up in the tropics of southeast Asia, because I had always been told by my father that the fat in coconuts was bad for my health. My mother would regularly add warm coconut oil to my hair to make it

July 17, 2013

Published by Grace O

Where’s the Beef? A New Take on Burgers

Part of my goal in creating FoodTrients has been to help people get healthier by eating wholesome foods. I have helped friends regulate their diabetes by encouraging them to drink my chia frescas every day. I have helped older relatives stay nourished by providing them fresh moringa leaves to incorporate in soups, dips, and other foods. And countless colleagues have told me that they have learned just from reading my blogs how the food they eat affects their bodies. Now, I am addressing people’s requests to create healthy versions of their favorite comfort foods.

July 3, 2013

Published by Grace O

Grilled Swordfish in Secret Marinade

The secret to this dish is the oyster sauce in the marinade. For years, people have asked me what makes this swordfish so tangy and delicious. I’ve refused to divulge my secret…until now! The marinade makes the fish so flavorful that it doesn’t need any extra sauce. But you can top it with my Papaya Relish for more antioxidant power. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1/3 cup oyster sauce 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 1/4 cup olive oil 2 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz. each) Procedure 1. In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, lemon juice, and […]

July 3, 2013

Published by Grace O

Asian Fusion: A Fistful of Flavors

In Southeast Asia, where I grew up, the cuisine has been influenced by many countries: China, Japan, Spain, France, America, and to some extent the Middle East and Northern Africa. So I’ve been practicing fusion cooking my whole life. My mother ran a cooking school and my family operated multiple restaurants. My recipe for shrimp on sugar-cane skewers is a perfect example of Asian fusion food.

July 2, 2013

Published by Grace O

Strawberry-Avocado Relish

No cooking is required for this condiment. The strawberries, avocado, and cilantro all contain antioxidants. Strawberries are also very high in vitamin C and flavonoids, while avocados also provide glutathione, a detoxifying agent. I use this relish with my Summertime Grilled Chicken, but it also makes a great topping for grilled fish and a satisfying dip for whole-grain tortilla chips. YIELDS about 2 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries 1 diced medium-size avocado 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) 1 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 tsp. sugar Sea salt and ground pepper to […]

June 29, 2013

Published by Grace O

Honey-Lime Dressing

This is a very versatile dressing that you can toss with my Apple Barley Salad or with any mixed greens. The lime juice provides immune-boosting vitamin C, while antioxidant compounds in the chili powder help to neutralize free radicals in your cells. If you want a spicier dressing, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Both contain capsaicin, which stimulates circulation. This dressing makes the perfect marinade for my Summertime Grilled Chicken. The lime brings out the flavor of the poultry, and the olive oil keeps it from sticking to the grill. To use this dressing with fruit salad, simply […]