aging gracefully Archives - Page 4 of 37

August 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Summer Produce Brings a Bounty of Recipes

Let’s just start by saying that in summer, just about ALL fruits and vegetables are at their peak. With all the rain we had in California last winter, the quality of the local produce is more spectacular than usual. The summer months are the best time of year for enjoying produce prepared in the simplest methods. These fruits and vegetables are not only refreshing and delicious during hot summer days but also often have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Remember to choose fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible for the best flavor and nutritional value. Tomato […]

July 30, 2025

Published by Grace O

Summertime Is Tops for Tasty Tomatoes

Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to look for tomatoes at local farmers markets to see what’s organic, fresh and in season. I am always drawn to the variety of tomatoes that are available in the summer. The flavor is nothing like those pale, sad things you see in the supermarket in February. During the summer I’m inspired to use tomatoes in just about everything from appetizers and salads to satisfying main courses. Tomatoes are very good sources of lycopene, which is an effective antioxidant. Lycopene is in the carotenoid family, which includes beta-carotene, lutein (good for eye […]

July 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Beat the Heat & Savor Cool Summer Beverages

Most of us enjoy sweet beverages during the warm days of summer—juices, iced tea, lemonade, and others. But there are times when drinks become even more refreshing if they offer a slightly savory element. Besides, juices and sweetened beverages have high amounts of sugar that can aggravate a propensity for diabetes and other health issues, including weight gain. Beverages that refresh with ingredients such as sparkling mineral water, herbs, florals and vegetables can be a welcome change. Non-alcoholic beer, for example, has a number of health benefits. Not only is it lower in calories than that alcoholic beer, but the […]

July 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Savor the Flavors of Summer – From the Grill to the Garden

When I think back to my most pleasant summer memories, I think about cooking outside. Most of the time that means grilling . . . and one of my favorites — barbequed ribs. Whether you use a traditional charcoal barbecue or a gas barbecue (my preference because you can control the heat more precisely), foods come out tasting delicious—almost magically so. And while most of us think of protein on the grill, fruits and vegetables come out brilliantly — the direct heat caramelizes whatever produce you’re grilling, deepening the flavor. For a delicious starter, try my recipe for Grilled Artichoke with […]

June 16, 2025

Published by Grace O

These Recipes Fight Aging at a Cellular Level

Antioxidants are one of our body’s best weapons when it comes to aging, because they fight aging at a cellular level and help keep cells from “rusting.” Antioxidants slow down aging because they reduce the amount of oxidative stress, which is the result of cells doing what they should do– creating energy, detoxifying the body, digesting food, breathing, thinking, or exercising. This work can generate byproducts like free radicals, which are unstable molecules that start oxidation. You need some free radicals to stimulate important physiological processes, such as helping the immune system function correctly and stimulating cellular pathways. However, when […]

June 1, 2025

Published by Grace O

Why Cauliflower Deserves a Spot on Your Plate

Cauliflower has quietly transformed from a humble side dish into a nutrient-rich staple worth celebrating. A standout in the cruciferous family—alongside broccoli and Brussels sprouts—it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that support heart health, brain function, and healthy aging. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and fiber, which all work together to boost immunity, aid digestion, and help the body detox naturally. What makes cauliflower especially powerful? It contains indoles, sulfur-based compounds that help neutralize carcinogens, and SOD (superoxide dismutase), an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from free-radical damage—supporting both internal health and youthful-looking […]

May 15, 2025

Published by Grace O

Nuts About Nutrition! Nuts are Full of Valuable FoodTrients

Nuts are full of valuable FoodTrients and they’re so easy to eat as a snack or to add into a huge variety of foods from salads and appetizers to main courses, side dishes and desserts. Nuts are one of the most versatile and healthful foods out there, which is why I have incorporated them into my own diet and included 15 recipes in my new book, The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook, that feature them. Nuts are high in fat and calories, but they are nutrient dense, which means they are full of good omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. […]

May 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Adobo! A Delicious Dish Heard Round the World

As the song goes, “You say, Adobo and I say, adobo….” Yes, it’s confusing. There’s Spanish adobo (the original adobo from Spain), Mexican adobo, Filipino adobo, and others. How can these dishes, created so many miles apart, have ended up with the same name? Adobo is a Spanish rub or marinade typically made with paprika, oregano, salt, garlic, and vinegar to flavor meat before cooking. It comes from the word, adovar, which means ‘to marinate.’ Mexican adobo is a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences. In the Mexican version, crushed chilies, spices, and vinegar are used to make a marinade […]

May 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Apple Cider Vinegar: Nature’s Magic Potion

When I attended the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, CA., I came across a number of exhibitors sampling beverages containing apple cider vinegar. Organic apple cider vinegar is recognized as a healthful ingredient, and it’s amazingly versatile in cooking and as a natural health and beauty aid. I always have a bottle on hand. Most vinegar starts out as fermented grapes, but it can be made from any number of fruits, even honey. It’s good for you because it is infused with minerals, vitamins and amino acids, plus it helps fight bacteria and aids digestions as well as other healthful […]