September 3, 2016
By Jenna Blumenfeld If you’re walking through a forest in Southeast Asia, look up. Chances are good that you’ll spot a massive, green-yellow orb
June 21, 2016
Summer entertaining? Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, a birthday, or a party in the garden, be sure to offer your guests healthy and savory appetizers. A Mediterranean tapenade rich with olives, garlic and herbs is the perfect hearty pre-dinner snack. Olives are full of anti-inflammatory heart-healthy fat and packed with briny flavor. Serve this tapenade with whole wheat pita, crackers, or the vegetables of your choice. YIELDS 1 Cup Ingredients 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted 2 Tbs. capers, drained ½ tsp. dried oregano 2-3 leaves fresh basil, ripped into small pieces 1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. freshly ground […]
June 7, 2016
At the height of allergy season, incorporating nettles into your meals can be a soothing practice offering relief. With research supporting the use of nettles for seasonal allergies and hay fever, this plant contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties (Learn more about the benefits of nettles in our story on them). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettles care commonly cooked into a tea, but they also make a flavorful sauce. Enjoy this fresh nettle pesto today over quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Chef’s note: Never eat or touch fresh nettles; heat neutralizes the volatile compound that sting […]
April 26, 2016
I found the inspiration for this tapenade while at a health spa in Mexico. Of course, I put my own special FoodTrients spin on it to create a great topping for fish and a dip for crackers and bread. The pecans can be toasted or raw. I like to use sundried tomatoes preserved in olive oil. Benefits Pecans contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your blood circulation by lowering triglycerides, or bad fats. Omega-3s help your skin by reducing inflammation that can lead to accelerated skin aging. Tomatoes, especially sundried, are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant […]
December 30, 2015
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 […]
October 18, 2015
A tropical American fruit, cherimoyas are popular in the Southern hemisphere and Spain. In Britain they’re called custard apples which aptly describes their texture and flavor. Cherimoyas can be purchased online from Amazon.com or melissas.com and need to be allowed to ripen until soft before using. The black seeds are poisonous when crushed, so be sure to discard them. Cherimoyas offer vitamin B6—an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, iron, and riboflavin for cell energy. These small, candy-like balls have a custardy flavor. Since many people have never tried cherimoyas, I like to serve them this way at parties as […]
August 11, 2015
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 […]
July 7, 2015
It’s not easy to find gluten-free snacks that are packed with protein. While jerky certainly fits the bill, the market is dominated by jerky products that contain gluten. Those who don’t often use less than desirable ingredients and have cross-contamination issues. That’s why we can’t wait for Think Jerky, a gluten-free jerky product featuring all natural ingredients, sustainable farming practices, and exciting, creative flavors. Think Jerky has developed the first line of chef-crafted, artisan beef jerky. Not only is Think Jerky gluten-free, it’s also healthier than other jerky on the market, using ½ of the salt and ⅓ of the […]
February 4, 2015
It’s hard to find a better health combination for your arteries than lycopene and Omega-3s. This recipe combines the power of tomatoes with delicious homemade sardines. Brining the fish makes all the difference, and cooking blends the fish and tomato flavors. I prefer to use small whole fish such as smelt, mackerel, or herring, which have a lower mercury content than larger fish. If you use a larger fish such as trout or tuna, cut it into pieces. I serve these tomato sardines over brown rice or combine them with mayonnaise, celery, onion, carrot, and jicama and make a sardine […]