Age GracefullyFiber Is the New Protein: Why Everyone Is “Fiber-Maxxing”
For years, protein has dominated the wellness conversation. From protein shakes to high-protein snacks, it became the nutrient everyone focused on. But in 2026, the spotlight is shifting—and fiber is finally getting the attention it deserves. Welcome to the era of “fiber-maxxing.” It may sound like a trend, but this movement is rooted in something much deeper: a growing understanding that fiber plays a central role in gut health, inflammation, metabolism, and even how we age. The Missing Nutrient in Modern Diets Despite all the attention on healthy eating, most people still fall short when it comes to fiber. The […]READ MORE
October 8, 2024
Published by Grace O
It’s very tempting to call the topic of this blog “pizza” but, instead, I am referring to these endlessly delicious and versatile dishes as “flatbreads” because it suggests so much more than a round baked pie of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Almost every culture around the world uses some version of flatbread and, even among those that don’t have a traditional version, you can create one with any cuisine in the world. Some of the characteristics that make flatbreads so appealing are that they are usually presented thin, a little crispy (as opposed to fluffy and doughy), and they […]
September 24, 2024
Published by Grace O
Salt has been one of the most vilified substances in the world of food. Too much of it can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. There is way too much of it in processed foods. It can cause water retention and bloating. These things can be true, but there can be an even greater danger in not getting enough salt. Salt is also an important seasoning tool that puts the finishing touch on most dishes. I need to watch how much salt I put in my food so I try to boost flavors with other spices, but […]
September 24, 2024
Published by Grace O
No one lives by bread alone. Every so often you need something delicious, like cake. I truly believe that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods you love or special treats. With an eye toward healthful ingredients and the right kind of recipes, you can make luscious desserts like cake work for you. All of my cookbooks contain indulgent recipes that provide important nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. When the weather is nice, I enjoy taking picnics to the beach or outdoor concert venues like the Hollywood Bowl. When it comes to dessert, you want something that will […]
September 10, 2024
Published by Grace O
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. Because tea is so beneficial, I’ve developed many recipes with it for my cookbook. One of my simplest tea recipes is Pomegranate Iced Tea. I simply blend pomegranate juice with brewed black tea that has been chilled. Catechins found in black tea inhibit the growth of cancer cells, stimulate metabolism, act as an anti-inflammatory, and can help […]
August 27, 2024
Published by Grace O
In the FoodTrients world, ‘disease preventing’ foods are those that reduce risk factors for common degenerative and age-related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. According to our nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, “Disease preventing FoodTrients® focus on foods that can help reduce the risk of, or even help navigate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. There’s a lot of research to suggest that the foods you eat make a difference in disease management. What you eat makes a difference.” There are a number of steps you can take to fight or prevent disease: Follow a Healthy Dietary […]
August 13, 2024
Published by Grace O
You don’t have to be an aspiring weightlifter or body builder to concern yourself with strength. No matter your age or gender, your body requires certain foods and nutrients to protect bone density and help to repair and build muscle tissue. Keeping your body as strong as YOU can be is the key to aging well. Luckily, the foods that keep your bones and muscles strong are delicious and versatile. Whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan, there are delicious foods and recipes that will help you maintain strength and well-being. Protein-Rich Foods The average sedentary person should eat […]
July 30, 2024
Published by Grace O
If you’re like me, I am always looking for ways to cool off in the hot summer weather. Who can think of cooking or eating in this weather? When it’s like this, I just want to drink my meals and what could be better than icy-cold smoothies that are full of healthy FoodTrients! Just for fun, I created several more exotic smoothie recipes with a few of my favorite fruits from Southeast Asia. Don’t be frightened by the fierce-looking jackfruit. It’s a native of Southeast Asia and probably first appeared in India. Jackfruit is a nutritional staple in tropical countries. It […]
July 30, 2024
Published by Grace O
Long the scourge of suburban lawns, dandelions are actually one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat. Here’s the low-down on the not so lowly dandelion: They can control blood sugar. Dandelion greens can lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Diuretic effects. The high potassium content of dandelion greens means they work as a diuretic, helping to reduce water retention. Lower blood pressure. The diuretic effect of dandelions can help treat high blood pressure. While not as powerful as a prescription medication, it can still contribute to lowering blood pressure. Lower inflammation. Dandelion greens […]
July 14, 2024
Published by Grace O
When pollen is flying through the air on a summer breeze, foods that reduce allergy symptoms can be a lifesaver. I immediately head to my kitchen to make my Apple Barley Salad. Eating specific compounds—such as the FoodTrients omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, gingerol, oleuropein, and quercitin, as well as probiotics—go a long way toward reducing the swelling of nasal passages and the production of antihistamines. The old adage about an apple a day is really true for allergy sufferers. Apples contain quercitin, which supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may reduce allergic sensitivity. Quercitin is found not only in […]
July 7, 2024
Published by Grace O
If you dream of going to a tropical paradise for a relaxing vacation, but you can’t get away anytime soon, we’d like to bring a little paradise to you with some delicious ideas for tropical fruit treats. Just a whiff of these succulent fruits will take you away to the beach and thoughts of relaxing under a palm tree. You’re probably familiar with mangoes, papayas, and pineapple. But there are so many fruits we don’t see often in the U.S. And most of these exotic fruits are full of FoodTrients® including vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and more. Full disclosure: You won’t […]
July 2, 2024
Published by Grace O
When it comes to a small but mighty summer fruit, it’s hard to beat blueberries. Is there anything more simple and delicious? You can eat them plain by the handful or add them to smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, pancakes, desserts, you name it. Growing up in the Philippines, we had blueberries, but they were a rare treat, so I appreciate the abundance of fresh berries available here in California. Native to North America and now cultivated widely in Chile and New Zealand as well, blueberries are an undisputed “superfood.” They are high on any list of foods that do so […]
June 17, 2024
Published by Grace O
When mangosteens are in season, from May to September, I can’t wait to get my hands on some to eat fresh and in my delicious chutney. I know that these exotic treats, sometimes called purple mangosteen, will soon be gone. These beautiful little fruits are about the size of a baseball. Dark purple in color, they have a tough outer shell. The top is crowned with small green leaves and the bottom is stamped with a flowerlike shape. They almost look manufactured, but this is how God makes them. You have to carefully cut a line around the tough outer pericarp—the […]
June 17, 2024
Published by Grace O
I’ve written about Mediterranean cuisine and the Mediterranean diet before. But it’s worth writing about again because it’s so delicious and so good for you! Cardiologists recommend a Mediterranean diet with its healthy fats, lean proteins and whole grains for weight control and a healthy heart. If there is one word that most defines the cuisines of the Mediterranean, it’s VEGETABLES! Sure, there’s plenty of meat, chicken, seafood and fruit, but the basis is an abundance of vegetables and creative ways to enjoy them. When describing a Mediterranean diet, we’re talking about the cuisines of Southern Europe—France, Spain, Italy, Greece, […]