Grace O

February 19, 2013

Published by Grace O

Foods That Build Better Bones

We all want strong bones and teeth. As we age, we tend to grow more 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.

January 31, 2013

Published by Grace O

Smart Foods That Feed Your Brain

When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy.

December 19, 2012

Published by Grace O

What’s for Dessert? FoodTrient Favorites

The holidays always call for plenty of desserts. Whether I’m throwing a party, giving gifts of food, or reliving holidays past through sweet treats, desserts are integral to my life this month. I’ll share a few of my favorite recipes with you. Every year I host a Christmas caroling party at my home. Choirs from churches all over the area stop by to sing in my living room. Sometimes a Filipino celebrity or two will perform. My guests just love it. I like to put out a dinner buffet so that the choirs have something to eat before they go […]

December 6, 2012

Published by Grace O

Parties, Potlucks & Food That Travels Well

December is rife with holiday parties and I love to entertain. Mostly I throw parties at my home or in elegant hotels like the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Occasionally I attend potluck parties at other people’s homes. Bringing food to a party can be tricky. It has to be prepared ahead of time, survive being packed and transported, and look elegant once it’s plated at the party site. Also, it needs to taste great at room temperature, unless you have a crock pot and can keep it warm (see story on our crock pot giveaway below). These are not […]

December 6, 2012

Published by Grace O

Mustard-Crusted Tri-Tip

Mustard is a highly popular and widely used condiment that has sparked interest among nutritionists. Its detoxifying selenium and magnesium have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce blood pressure. Its phytonutrients seem to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. Mustard also stimulates the saliva glands, aiding in digestion. I like to use Dijon mustard for the crust on this tri-tip, but you can use any flavorful prepared mustard. As with all red meat, the lysine in the beef repairs tissue and helps skin build new collagen. I use grass-fed beef for its omega-3s and other healthful […]

November 12, 2012

Published by Grace O

Winter Squashes: From Dips to Desserts

Pumpkins are chock full of the FoodTrient carotenoids, which our bodies turn into vitamin A. These nutrients are really good for your skin, hair, eyes, and heart. They also help prevent cancer and support the immune system. Winter squash is also a good source of the FoodTrient fiber, which helps to control the appetite and is good for the digestive tract. So I’m exploring delicious ways to enjoy many interesting fall fruits of the vine: pumpkins, kabocha squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, hubbard squash, and turban squash. At this time of the year, pumpkin pie is very popular. Since I […]

September 18, 2012

Published by Grace O

Tea for You: Cold Brew Boosts the Brain

When it’s hot out, a cup of iced tea is very refreshing, and the benefits far outweigh so many other drinks on the market. The theaflavins in both green and black teas help improve blood flow, keeping your skin fresh and your brain young.

August 29, 2012

Published by Grace O

Detox Juice

This Detox Juice will help rid your system of heavy metals, cleanse your liver, and clean out your colon. The chlorophyll in watercress helps to purify the blood of toxins. If you can’t get fresh watercress, you can use spirulina powder in its place. The orange peel adds a spicy tartness to the juice. The beets are to sweeten up the mixture and give it a beautiful color, but they bring disease-preventing anthocyanins to the glass as well along with nitrate which reduces blood pressure and iron. The vitamin C in the oranges helps the liver function optimally. And the […]

August 2, 2012

Published by Grace O

Smart Choices Make for a Healthier Diet

Recently, I fielded some questions from a local college student who is in the middle of a research project on health food. She discovered the FoodTrients website and wanted to use me as a source for some of her research. I, in turn, reached out to a nutritionist who works with me in my skilled nursing facilities to help answer the more technical questions. This was an interesting exercise and I thought I would share the results since some of you might have similar questions about nutrition and eating habits. One of the questions dealt with whey protein isolate. Whey […]