July 14, 2024

Meloniscious! How To Pick (and Eat) Perfect Melons

Today’s melons are way beyond your standard cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons (though they are delicious this time of year). Exploring the produce section, I came across some newer variety melons I hadn’t seen before. Luckily, they were sampling.  Here are some varieties that you might want to sample for yourself: Sugar Kiss – Round with netted skin and light salmon-colored flesh. The texture is soft, juicy and sweet like candy. Golden Kiss– This is a very flavorful Charentais variety. You can spot it by the netted skin and distinctive green ribs. The flesh is firm and a deep orange color with […]
July 2, 2024

It’s the Summertime Blues when Blueberries Rock!

When it comes to a small but mighty summer fruit, it’s hard to beat blueberries. Is there anything more simple and delicious? You can eat them plain by the handful or add them to smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, pancakes, desserts, you name it. Growing up in the Philippines, we had blueberries, but they were a rare treat, so I appreciate the abundance of fresh berries available here in California. Native to North America and now cultivated widely in Chile and New Zealand as well, blueberries are an undisputed “superfood.” They are high on any list of foods that do so […]
June 17, 2024

Top 50 Foods To Support Healthy Weight

Controlling your weight isn’t about not eating. . . it’s about eating the right kinds of foods. Studies show us which foods people eat when they have successfully lost weight and kept it off long-term. It’s probably no surprise that these foods are rich in nutrients, low in calories, and high in fiber and water. If your goal is reaching or maintaining a healthy weight for your body, there is a lot you can do. Aside from meeting your physical activity needs, getting enough sleep and controlling your stress, here are the top 50 FoodTrients foods to help support your […]
June 17, 2024

Longevity: The Secrets of Mediterranean Cuisine

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, […]
June 17, 2024

8 Steps To Self-Check for Skin Cancer

Here’s the good news: melanoma and other skin cancers may show visible signs. Learn how to spot the risk signals by using this self-check guide. The rate of melanoma cases is on the rise. At least 90,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Keep in mind that melanoma and other skin conditions may show some visible signs. If you’re tuned in, those visual clues can be helpful for a diagnosis. The Skin Cancer Foundation says you should do a head-to-toe exam of your skin every month. You’ll want to look for new or changing lesions that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. […]
June 1, 2024

The Beauty of Essential Oils: Here’s Our Guide to the Top 50

Interested in how essential oils could enhance your life? Whether you’re a seasoned essential oil user or a novice, these health-promoting aromas have gained a lot of recognition as people turn to them to treat a variety of ailments, mental health and sleep concerns, and to replace fragrances and conventional home and body care products. Essential oils are produced by steam distillation or cold pressing to capture the aromatic (“volatile”) compounds in plants that give them their characteristic scent. They can be used for aromatherapy by inhaling the scents with a diffuser or by applying directly to the skin. Because […]
April 23, 2024

Eating Right With Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is estimated to affect one out of 141 of Americans, or just under 1 percent of the population. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages Americans to learn about celiac disease – it can affect your health or someone you love. What is celiac disease? It is a hereditary, autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to the food protein, gluten – which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten-containing foods, the lining of the small intestine is damaged and eventually destroyed, preventing nutrients from being absorbed adequately. Untreated, celiac disease can lead to […]
April 23, 2024

Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad Makes a Tasty, Filling Dish

This hearty, filling salad has a nice mix of textures thanks to the chewy grains, crunchy raw vegetables, and soft-cooked vegetables. The vinaigrette and dried golden berries add a sweet-sour tang. You can chill this salad for an hour or two to let the flavors blend, but I typically serve it right away. BENEFITS: Whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, and quinoa provide detoxifying fiber, which keeps you feeling full to help you lose weight. Quinoa and wild rice are good sources of Omega-3s, which keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. Golden berries and red bell peppers contain […]
April 23, 2024

Feeling Anxious? Relax with Holy Basil

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. Roughly 18% of Americans have this condition and many go untreated. It’s actually estimated that about two thirds of those suffering forgo medical treatment. Many are concerned about the side effects associated with anxiety medications, and rightfully so. They’re not exactly risk-free. Luckily, there are a number of safe herbs that not only alleviate anxiety, but offer additional health benefits as well. Below, we’ll explore the anti-anxiety effects of holy basil, one of nature’s best stress-relieving herbs. Holy Basil Offers Multiple Health Benefits Holy basil has been used traditionally in Asia for thousands of years. […]