April 13, 2021

Spices of the World: Ikaria, Greece

Over the past year, FoodTrients has been exploring foods and flavors from around the globe. This week, we introduce a new series on the world of herbs, spices and ingredients that help create some of distinctive dishes we have featured and the age-defying benefits they deliver. Ikaria is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea and is known as a ‘blue zone’ due to many residents living well into their 90s. Cases of dementia almost non-existent. Often relying on only what can be grown at home, Ikarians consume diets high in fruits and vegetables, drink goat milk and […]
March 30, 2021

Herb and Goat Cheese Crustless Quiches

Thyme’s vibrant flavor enhances mild goat cheese and eggs and aromatically complements parsley’s steady flavor.  Make these easy, egg-based bites up to three days in advance, and store in the fridge for a quick power breakfast on busy days. Ingredients 1 shallot 1 cup packed and shredded baby spinach or kale ½ cup lightly packed, minced fresh parsley 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves 8 eggs ½ cup crumbled goat cheese ½ cup low-fat (1 percent) cottage cheese ⅓ cup cornmeal ½ tsp. salt Procedure Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray. Chop shallot, […]
March 29, 2021

Guilt-Free Chocolate Date Quinoa Cookies

Need a delicious treat without all of the guilt? This gluten-free, date-sweetened recipe offers a fun way to use leftover cooked quinoa and makes tender, cakelike cookies—with no added sugar. Notes and modifications: For a vegan recipe: Substitute virgin coconut oil for the butter. To replace eggs, place 2 Tbs. ground flaxseed in a small bowl with 3 Tbs. boiling water, stir to combine, and let stand 10 minutes before using. If making gluten-free cookies: You can also substitute 1.5 cups of your favorite GF flour blend for the dry ingredients. If your GF flour blend does NOT contain them, […]
March 29, 2021

3 Simple Ways To Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate

Can’t get to your favorite café? Elevate a powdered hot chocolate packet with these effortless add-ins. Prepare hot cocoa mix as usual. Before enjoying, stir in one drop of peppermint essential oil. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of flavor and color For a warming, chai-spiced cocoa, pour powdered mix into a mug. Add a dash each of ground cinnamon and ginger and a pinch each of nutmeg and cardamom. Stir, and add hot water. Serve with a cinnamon stick for whimsy. For an adult beverage, prepare hot chocolate as usual. Before serving, stir in 1 ounce […]
March 15, 2021

Estrogenics: Are They Making Us Fat, Sick, and Infertile?

Did you know fat cells can survive in your body for 10 years? And that fat cells can retain artificial chemicals that act like excessive estrogen in your body? Here, in clear and straight-forward terms, Anthony G. Jay, Ph.D., reveals in Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile, how you can definitively avoid estrogenic exposures. Estrogenics are things that bind or “stick” to estrogen receptors in your body. Are flax and soy “health” foods? Are vinyl crib mattresses giving off “estrogenic emissions?” What about sunscreens and soaps? Red 40 food coloring? Grains? These are just some of […]
February 16, 2021

5 Paleo Flours for the Holiday Season

Sticking to a paleo diet can be difficult during the holidays. Between pies, sweets and gluten-heavy dishes, paleo dieters are left with few indulgences at parties and feasts. Here are five paleo-friendly flours that can make awesome alternatives to traditional, carb- and gluten-heavy all-purpose flour. Almond flour Also known as almond meal, almond flour is made from skinned almonds that are ground into a fine flour that can be great for baking. Not only is this ingredient great for paleo dieters, it’s a readily available option for those abstaining from gluten or avoiding too many carbs. Almond flour maintains an […]
February 16, 2021

Apples Could Cut Cancer Risk

Eating apples every day could slash the risk of up to five different types of cancer, according to new research published in the journal Public Health Nutrition. Scientists found those eating at least one a day were much less likely to get lung, bowel, mouth, digestive tract or breast tumors than people who rarely or never eat the popular fruit. A review of over 40 previous studies, by experts at the University of Perugia in Italy, found the biggest benefits were seen in cancer of the stomach and oesophagus, where some data suggested apples nearly halved tumour risk. Apple eaters […]
January 19, 2021

Chia Seeds Are a Nutrient Powerhouse

Chia has gained recent popularity for good reason; these little seeds are nutrient powerhouses: High in protein (great for lean muscle, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar levels). High in fiber (providing nearly 11 grams per ounce) Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (this helps reduce the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervical cancers).   Including chia seeds in your diet can deliver a healthy breakfast or afternoon energy boost because chia is associated with vitality and satiety due to the balance in fat, fiber and protein they contain. Chia absorbs water and expands, so if you enjoy […]
January 5, 2021

Zucchini Squash Bake Is Great Comfort Food

This Zucchini Squash Bake makes for delicious comfort food when the weather outside is frightful. Gluten free and vegetarian, it’s chock full of nutritious zucchini plus protein-rich ricotta. Zucchini Squash Bake Ingredients: 1 small (about 2 pounds) kabocha, red kuri or delicata squash ½ Tbs. olive oil ⅛ tsp. plus ½ tsp. salt, divided 1 small zucchini, grated (about ½ cup) ⅔ cup ricotta ½ cup grated hard cheese, such as Fontina, Emmental, Gruyère or non-aged Gouda 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme ½ tsp. ground black pepper 1 egg (beaten) ½ tsp. ground nutmet 1 […]
December 16, 2020

Try the Top 5 Teas for Boosting Your Energy

Teas have the incredible ability to boost your energy so if you’re seeking a more vibrant feeling, consider enjoying a hot cup of tea before you try anything else. Alongside coffee, tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages and for good reason. The best teas for energy are often those with a slight boost of caffeine as well as other herbal varieties because of the stimulating effects that the compounds have for your senses. While some teas may provide a sense of energy, alertness, or focus, they also have other health benefits. All tea is hydrating which can […]
December 14, 2020

Braised Greens Mix It Up with Squash

Nutrient-dense kale and chard team up with butternut squash, which adds brilliant color, fiber, and antioxidants. Mix it up by using other greens and winter squash. Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds before serving for an appealing crunch and extra dose of healthy fats. Braised Greens and Butternut Squash Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash (about 2 pounds) 2 Tbs. olive oil 4 large cloves garlic, minced 1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2-4 Tbs. cooking liquid (vegetable broth, white wine, or water) 1 large bunch (12 ounces) kale, tough stems and ribs removed, leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips 1 […]
December 1, 2020

Learning About Trans Fat In Your Food

I often discuss the importance of eating a balanced diet. Today, I want to tell you about one important component of a healthy eating plan that is often misunderstood. I’m talking about dietary fat. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight, fat is just as necessary as lean protein, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. You do not need to cut all fats from your diet, as long as you avoid the fat that is truly harmful. Trans Fat Healthy eating gurus often say there are no “bad” foods, so you should eat the things you […]