Whether you love them or hate them, one thing is for sure: 12-hour shifts make for a long day or night.
These days chocolate comes in exciting flavor combinations that make it an adventure. I’ve seen many of these gourmet versions in stores such as Whole Foods and upscale supermarkets. I’ve also had the opportunity to sample many unusual forms of chocolate at the Natural Products Expo, which takes place in Anaheim, CA each March. By now, we all know that dark chocolate is truly FoodTrient-worthy. It’s loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and even some fiber. The flavor, texture and nuances of dark chocolate, like fine wine, are determined by where the beans are grown and how they’re processed. A 100 gram […]
Savory, soothing tomato soup gets a protein kick by adding tempeh, a fermented soy product with a firm and meaty texture. Some people do not care for the squishy texture of regular tofu, preferring tempeh instead. A product that crumbles directly into this soup and cooks along with it, tempeh adds the unexpected benefit of probiotics for gut health and protein. Cooked tomatoes offer a heart-healthy punch of the antioxidant lycopene. With plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, consider this tomato soup when you need a simple, healthy dish. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, […]
Dong quai is a root known as the “female ginseng.” Ginseng is well-known for its ability to support endurance, memory, sexual function (particularly for men), and heart health. Dong quai’s use in Chinese medicine has been documented for more than one thousand years, mainly for easing women’s menopausal symptoms, which is why it’s called the “female ginseng.” But it’s not just for women. It can actually benefit men and women alike with many other aspects of health including mood, bone, joints, lungs, brain, and heart. Female Ginseng Offers Relief from Female Hormone Issues Like ginseng, dong quai is used as a […]
I’m nuts about nuts, but some of them are better for us than others. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are all great for helping to control blood sugar. Nuts may be small in size and have relatively high levels of calories and fat, but they are nutrient dense. They are full of protein, unsaturated (healthy) fat, vitamins and fiber. These factors help keep blood sugar levels low. Healthful as they are, nuts are high in calories, so it’s a good idea to substitute nuts for high-carbohydrate foods, such as croutons or pretzels. Sprinkle them on yogurt and salads, or nibble […]
You can easily make your own granola bars with your most favorite ingredients in the comfort of your home. These simple bars are sweet from dates and offer plenty of texture and crunch, not to mention heart-healthy omega-3s, from a variety of nuts. Be sure to use the variety you enjoy the most! Almond butter helps the mixture stick together while coconut flakes add depth of flavor and more texture to the mixture. These are perfect before or after workouts or for a snack at school or work. Feel free to roll these into balls instead of bars if desired. […]
Sardines made easy in a crockpot! My readers have let me know how much they enjoy crockpot cooking. They allow working families the chance to come home to long-simmered soups, sauces, stews and other comforting meals that warm the soul. The trick to developing or converting recipes for slow cookers is to correctly estimate the liquid needed. Figure that about 2 cups of liquid will be evaporated during the cooking process over six to eight hours, so plan accordingly. For instance, if you want to make chicken soup or minestrone soup in the slow cooker, just add 2 extra cups […]
Even though humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, every tissue and cell in our body needs this nutrient for healthy growth and repair. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin C is difficult because it is water soluble and cannot be stored in the body. This inability to maintain high vitamin C levels is recognized by researchers as limiting its potential benefit, especially with regard to chronic illness. For years, scientists have been looking for ways to boost the impact of each dose of vitamin C. Fortunately, a method has been discovered to increase the speed at which vitamin C is absorbed. Reaching peak concentrations […]
One of the most common complaints about gluten-free baked goods is that, while they are adequate, they just can’t come close to the real thing. Even the highest quality bakeries can’t seem to figure out how to mimic baking with wheat flour. Enter Chris Miller, a Kansas researcher who is developing a strain of wheat that will be safe for those with celiac. Celiac-Safe Wheat Chris Miller, director of wheat quality research for Heartland Plant Innovations in Manhattan, Kansas, is working with the Kansas Wheat Commission to develop a wheat-strain that will be safe for those with celiac disease. Miller’s […]
Tired and weak but can’t seem to figure out why? If so, you’ll want to read this. You’re getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, but you still need that extra cup of coffee to get you through the day. Maybe your doctor has told you that you’re anemic. However, your blood levels of iron, vitamin B12, and even your hormones are all in range, so what’s going on? The cause of your fatigue might be simpler than you thought — a lack of vitamin D. Most people associate anemia (low production of red blood cells) with low blood […]