In case you didn’t already know it
Pear and Apple Tart In this dessert, I take the recipe for the classic French dessert tarte tatin–with its quercetin-containing apples–and add pears for their copper content and pecans and cinnamon, which are high in antioxidants. It is worth noting that when used in sufficient amounts, cinnamon also has anti-blood-clotting agents and anti-inflammatory properties and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 6 Tbs. butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup sugar, combined with 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 4 apples (Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cut in half 2 pears (Bosc), peeled, cored, and […]
Nothing says summer quite like gathering around the grill—and my Summertime Grilled Chicken is an easy, colorful way to entertain friends and family. The chicken is marinated in my bright and zesty Honey-Lime Dressing, grilled until tender, and topped with a refreshing Strawberry-Avocado Relish. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little unexpected—exactly what a holiday cookout needs! Bringing a dish to a barbecue? Cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you arrive, warm it briefly on the grill to bring back that fresh-off-the-barbecue flavor. Add the relish just before serving, and you’ll have a beautiful dish without […]
Forget the latest superfood craze. Nutrition experts say one of the simplest ways to support a healthy gut—and potentially a longer, healthier life—is by eating a wider variety of plant foods every week. When people think about longevity, they often picture expensive supplements, restrictive diets, or the latest “miracle” superfood. But researchers studying the gut microbiome are pointing to something much simpler: variety. Instead of focusing on one “perfect” food, scientists have found that people who eat a greater diversity of plant foods tend to have more diverse gut bacteria—a hallmark of a healthier microbiome. Since gut health has been […]
Most people either love or hate mushrooms. But hear me out: the beauty of mushrooms is that they take on the flavor of whatever they’re cooked with. They become Asian cooked in a soy or teriyaki-style sauce. They’re Italian sauteed in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. Sprinkle middle Eastern spices on them such as zaatar or sumac and they become Moroccan or Lebanese. For those who want to cut down on eating meat, a portobello mushroom grilled and placed in a hamburger bun is very satisfying. Mushrooms provide that ‘fifth taste’ (joining sweet, salty, sour and bitter), umami, which […]
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 […]
Apple Barley Salad Barley is a great source of detoxifying fiber, B vitamins, and selenium. I pair it with apples in this bright, crunchy salad. For the corn kernels, I prefer fresh-roasted corn, but you can use thawed frozen corn kernels, too. The apples can be any variety or color that you like, or even a combination. All apples contain quercetin, a compound that helps support the immune system, thereby “keeping the doctor away.” Raisins provide antioxidants and resveratrol, the same heart-healthy compound found in red wine. My Honey-Lime Dressing increases the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting components of this recipe. […]
There are so many things in life that elevate stress—work, family, children, and the day-to-day responsibilities we all carry. Over time, especially as we age, that constant pressure can take a real toll on the body. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to nourish ourselves with foods that help manage daily stress and support overall well-being. We all experience stress, but when it becomes constant, the body begins to feel the effects. Cortisol—often called the stress hormone—plays an important role in keeping us alert and energized. The challenge comes when it stays elevated for too long. That’s when […]
Spring is one of the most exciting seasons at the market. After months of heavier winter foods, fresh, vibrant produce starts to return—bringing lighter flavors, brighter colors, and a natural boost of nutrients. But with so many choices, one question comes up again and again: Should you always buy organic? The answer today is more balanced than it used to be. It’s not about perfection—it’s about making smart, informed choices that support your health without overcomplicating your routine. What “Healthy & Safe” Really Means Today Being mindful of your produce goes beyond just choosing organic. Today, it’s about: Nutrient density […]
I didn’t grow up eating much dairy as a child in the Philippines. Our milk came from powder, and yogurt simply wasn’t part of our daily table. It wasn’t until I visited the Golden Door spa near San Diego that I truly discovered yogurt—and everything changed. They served the most beautiful breakfast: creamy plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts, raisins, and vibrant fresh organic berries. Sometimes they added warm quinoa or chia seeds for extra nourishment. It was simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Since then, yogurt has become one of my favorite ways to start the day. Not only is […]