More than 60 percent of American adults have a chronic diseases, and 40 percent have two or more chronic disease. Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, cancer is the second leading cause of death, 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease, and almost half of Americans has prediabetes or diabetes. What do these conditions have in common? Inflammation. In fact, studies have linked high inflammatory levels to several conditions, including autoimmune conditions, cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, metabolic syndrome, and sleep apnea. Every food you eat is either feeding inflammation or fighting it. And because no one else is […]
Make a zesty and refreshing splash at your next party. For an adult twist, spike these slushies with a shot of tequila, vodka or rum. Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or bottled grapefruit juice ¾ cup orange juice 1 cup soda water 1 Tbs. agave syrup 12 ounces blackberries 5 cups ice cubes 2 limes (sliced into disks for garnish) 10 fresh mint sprigs for garnish Directions: 1. In a blender, combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, soda water and agave; blend for a few seconds to combine. 2. Before adding ice to blender, prepare highball glasses by muddling six blackberries […]
Fresh fruit—including honeydew melon and mango—provides a delicious complementary note to this salad’s savory flavors, offered by jalapeños, red onion, and a dash of cider vinegar. Top it off with some fresh mint and basil, and everyone will be looking for seconds. It’s dairy free and gluten free, too. Ingredients: ¼ cup water ¼ cup cider vinegar 2 Tbs. honey ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt 2 medium jalapeños, stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise (seeds removed) 12 ounces sliced, cooked chicken ½ medium cucumber; halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced ⅓ cup slivered red onion ¼ cup torn, fresh mint […]
Açaí Sorbet Açaí berries are deep-purple powerhouses, super-rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins. Both properties are great for keeping your body young and healthy. This beautiful frozen confection is very easy to make. Servings 2-4 Ingredients 1 egg white 3 Tbs. sugar 2 cups açaí juice Procedure Using a stand or hand-held mixer, whip the egg white and sugar until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fold in the açaí juice. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream machine. Follow ice cream machine freezing instructions until the sorbet achieves the texture of soft-serve ice cream, about 30 minutes. You can also freeze […]
It may seem counterintuitive that eating certain foods can support weight loss but studies have shown a link between some types of foods and better weight management. For example, high fiber foods including whole grains, fruit, vegetables and nuts have been associated with lower body mass index (BMI) in large human studies. A feeling of fullness and concentrated nutrients in these foods may be part of the connection to a reduced BMI, smaller waist circumference and reduced risk of being overweight. It should be noted that simply increasing the amount of any of these foods listed below will not in […]
It’s a brownie! It’s a cookie! It’s a cake! Yes! It’s all of these in one delicious recipe. My friend Barbara got this recipe from her Swedish grandmother and it’s one of the dessert recipes featured in my latest cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World. This simple cake should not be overmixed, or it will lose its tender crumb. The dark chocolate chips add a wonderful counterpoint to the rich batter; you can substitute carob chips if you like. I toss the chips in flour first to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This cake […]
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 […]
A book may not be able to take the place of an in-person doctor’s appointment, but The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts by Mary Claire Haver, MD presents an opportunity for a fresh start in how you are or will experience perimenopause (the precursor to menopause), menopause, and post-menopause, and how you approach your well-being during these stages of life. Many argue that menopause is a natural process, and we should just let it take its course. Dr. Haver believes that yes, the process is natural, but that doesn’t mean it is […]
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, […]
By Laura Marzen, RD for Delicious Living Full of summer flavors and textures that harmonize and contrast in all the right ways, this salad is simpler than it looks to toss together, AND it’s gluten free. Snip some fresh rosemary for the dressing and you’re on your way to a new favorite. Ingredients: ¼ cup very thinly sliced shallots ¼ cup plus 2 Tbs. champagne vinegar ¼ tsp. coarse salt 6 cups torn, trimmed, fresh rainbow chard 1 cup coarsely shredded yellow beet (1 large or 2 small beets) ¾ pound grilled, roasted or smoked skinless salmon, coarsely flaked 1 […]