Recently, I have gotten back to including a nice, ripe banana in my daily routine. I go through months without even thinking about a banana and then the cravings hit, and I can’t get enough of them. Luckily for us all, not only are bananas readily available but they also have many health benefits. Bananas […]
Fabulous Figs
I was so excited the other day when I was walking through the produce section of New Seasons and saw the lush, ripe baskets of figs. I had been noticing the trees in my neighborhood are loaded with this delicious fruit but none of them have been ripe. Every year during fig season, I gorge […]
Four Fabulous Fruits and Veggies for Fall
Fall is definitely in the air this weekend in Portland. I love the cool, crisp air and the occasional rain. It is a welcome change from the heat of summer. For many, the change of seasons brings some regrets with the perceived loss of the abundance of fresh produce. However, in the Willamette Valley, we […]
Potassium Power
Potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chloride are all necessary minerals and electrolytes. Adequate potassium intake is important for regulating heartbeat, muscle contraction, fluid balance, bone health, keeping blood pressure in check and preventing kidney stones. Potassium and sodium perform many of the same body functions. However, they usually work in opposite directions. For example, sodium draws fluid out […]
Focus on Spinach
Spring has sprung here in Portland and it has gotten me focused on all the yummy, tender greens that are available at this time. While I love arugula, tender lettuces and other green tasties, spinach is one of my favorite standbys. I love spinach served almost any way and its mild taste make it a […]
Focus on Cucumbers
My garden is overflowing with plump, ripe cucumbers right now. I love the crisp, crunchy, cooling sensation of snacking on cucumbers in the summer. Many people think of cucumbers as a vegetable but they are actually a fruit with many health promoting properties. Cucumbers are low in calories and are loaded with water (96% water) […]
Focus on Peaches
The other night one of my friends invited me over for a barbecue. One of the items on her menu was grilled peaches. They were so tasty- soft but not mushy and filled with flavor. Summer time is one of my favorite times of year because of the abundance of peaches and other stone […]
Focus on Turkey
Gobble, gobble! Turkey day is upon us this week and I for one can’t wait to chow down on some yummy roasted turkey. I know that Thanksgiving often gets a bad rap for over indulgence but the meal can be healthy if you build your plate around some of the more healthy sides. (Think salad, […]
Focus on Buffalo
Buffalo has been given the title of “The New Healthy Red Meat”. With fewer calories and less cholesterol than beef, it is an excellent choice for a high protein meal. Generally, buffalo is not raised like conventional cattle. It is usually raised in a freer environment and allowed to graze instead of being fed grains. Grass-fed […]
Dark Chocolate Delights
A prescription to eat chocolate? It sounds to good to be true but it may just become a reality in the future given the surprising benefits the medical community is finding about consuming dark chocolate. A recent German study found that people with mild high blood pressure who ate a daily dose of dark chocolate […]
Focus on Cherries
Cherry season is upon us and I am so happy! Every year when it hits, I go crazy for cherries- any way I can get them. Cherries are loaded with Queritrin, a flavonoid, that is a potent anticancer agents. They are a low calorie, high fiber, portable snack. Cherries contain other compounds which help relieve and […]
Focus on Strawberries
I love this time of year for all the bright red, juiciness that is strawberry season. It makes me happy to see these nutritional powerhouses return to the grocery store shelves. Not only do I love the taste of strawberries but I love all health benefits they provide. Strawberries are low in calories (only 54 […]
