Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a carb-loaded, overeating frenzy. You can make satisfying, anti-aging food choices for this holiday that will leave you feeling thankful for indulging. Take turkey, for example. I cook at least four turkeys each Thanksgiving because I usually have about 30 people over for dinner. Turkey contains tryptophan, which produces niacin, giving us energy. Turkey also contains the selenium, a detoxifying antioxidant. You don’t have to drown your turkey in fatty gravy. It can be deliciously sauced using healthier ingredients. I like to marinate my turkeys in a mixture of red wine, soy sauce, and lemon juice […]
An excellent source of vitamin C as well as pantothenic acid, copper, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, biotin, and vitamin B1, grapefruit is also a good source of dietary fiber. The pink, red or ruby varieties contain the carotenoid phytonutrient lycopene, which is found to be a more powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and research has suggested it may significantly reduce risk of stroke. Studies have also indicated that people with a diet high in lycopene have a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. In my cookbook, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, you’ll find an easy and delicious recipe for Spinach […]
Aging is the process of accumulating damaging changes in cells and consequent diseases that eventually cause decline in a body. Aging is a complex process without a single cause. As the body ages, there is a decreased ability to respond to stress and maintain proper, healthy balance. There are many scientific theories related to aging but a common thread includes the health of bodily systems including immune function, inflammation, or free-radical damage. There are foods that can help support the immune system, calm inflammation in the body and quench free radicals in the form of antioxidants. There are also foods […]
I love turkey. My mother always prepared it for holidays. Most of my friends and family like turkey, too, so they’re happy with the big roasted bird. But I know a number of people who don’t want or need to cook a whole bird. So, if you’re looking for ideas for less turkey and more flavor, I’ve got some tasty turkey recipes for you that will make this Thanksgiving extra special. Like most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. As much as I adore Christmas, you don’t have the pressure of finding perfect gifts or getting to […]
I frequently advise my over-40 patients that regular eye exams every 3-5 years should be part of your health maintenance. One of the most important reasons to receive regular eye care is to check for glaucoma – a build up of fluid pressure within the eye that can silently progress to vision loss! I write silently progress because glaucoma has very little noticeable signs or symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage and vision loss alerts you to its presence. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. However, progression of glaucoma can be prevented with early […]
I love to open up my home and invite friends and family over for celebrations. And the holiday season provides irresistible opportunities to throw great parties that people will remember. My first priority is always my guests, and I ensure that they are well fed, entertained, and delighted. Good food is vital to any party. Hungry guests are not happy guests, so I have a wide variety of food available for the duration of the party. During the holidays, a time when people tend to overeat and overindulge, I offer some healthful party fare in addition to seasonal favorites. Give […]
Chocolate Chip Spice Cookies These chocolate chip and spice cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, rolled oats, whole-wheat flour, and applesauce to reduce caloric content while maximizing nutrients. They are made without butter and without white or brown sugar, yet they maintain a traditional taste and texture. Oats have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-itch, and anti-irritant properties. The fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in oats help lower your cholesterol. Cinnamaldehyde is a powerful antioxidant found in cinnamon. The spice also contains coumarin, a natural blood thinner. YIELDS 24 Cookies Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut) 1 cup […]
The word “sage” brings to mind an elderly dispenser of wisdom, the fragrant brush of a desert landscape, or perhaps “smudging” — a Native American ritual involving burning dry, bundled herbs, which is said to benefit a location’s energy. However, sage is most commonly known as a seasoning used to flavor holiday stuffing or brewed on its own as tea. Sage (Salvia officinalis) takes its name from the Latin word salvere, which means “to save,” referring to the herb’s healing powers. Common sage has a number of documented beneficial properties, not limited to those of an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial. Sage […]
Cool weather has finally come to Southern California. The nights and early mornings can be quite chilly so what could be better than a warm drink? There’s something very comforting about settling in with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea when it’s cool (or cold) outside. Did you know that both beverages offer a number of age-defying benefits? Plus the warm, steamy liquid is soothing if you have a cold because it can help open up nasal passages. Coffee and tea drinks are one of those indulgences that are good for you in so many ways! Let’s count […]
Ah, the holidays. It’s that special time of year for spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the past year and (perhaps most importantly) consuming ridiculous quantities of deliciously rich treats. Hooray! We know time is of the essence when you’re planning a family holiday meal…especially when you’re busy working. Check out these five quick and super simple recipes we’re loving for busy people with a serious case of sweet tooth. Brazil Nut Tarts These tarts, with their hint of lime and rich texture, take Brazil nuts to a new level. Brazil nuts are full of selenium and protein, as well as Omega-3s, which help […]