Why Try Meatless?
Nutrition, From Our KitchenInterested in making a small step toward better health - eat less meat! Meats are a main source of saturated fats, which are known to contribute directly to heart disease. Grilling red meat can produce carcinogens, and processed meats contain additives that have been linked to cancer. While meat is a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, hearty meat alternatives like tofu, seitan, and tempeh are high in protein and an excellent source of calcium, iron, and...
Meditate Your Stress Away
ArticlesWhile the holidays can be a source of joy, they can also bring added stress. If you're looking for a fast and effective way to reduce stress, try meditation. Meditation is a simple way to clear your mind and feel peaceful, which typically results in clearer thinking and increased relaxation. Starting a meditation routine is easy and doesn't require anything but you. Start by practicing for 10-15 minutes. If you're short on time, even 5 minutes is beneficial. You...
Tired of Rice? Try Quinoa!
Nutrition
If you've ever been to a gourmet salad bar, you might have tried something that looks like couscous, but tastes crunchier and nuttier in flavor. It's quinoa (pronounced keen-wah)! Quinoa is commonly thought of as a grain, but is actually a seed related to leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard. Quinoa can be eaten on its own or as a side dish. It's an excellent substitute for rice in stews, fillings and salad toppings. You can even have...
Make Room for More Fruits, Vegetables & Whole Grains
Nutrition, From Our KitchenAre you looking for an easy way to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains? When planning your meals, don't be afraid to take meat off of the menu! Traditionally, Americans view meat as their main source of protein. However, there are plenty of non-meat protein sources, such as beans, lentils, tofu, seitan, tempeh, nuts, seeds, quinoa, amaranth, and oats, that provide a wide variety of valuable nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. Vegetables provide protein as well - peas, asparagus...
Forming Healthy Habits - Smaller is Better
NutritionHave you ever heard of the concept of "taking baby steps?" According to B.J. Fogg, PhD, a social scientist and behavioral researcher at Stanford University, a key component to successful habit formation is making sure the goal you're trying to develop is tiny. In other words, take baby steps. Fogg describes a tiny habit as an action that takes less than 30 seconds or almost no effort. Habits like running five days a week or eating more vegetables...
The Pumpkin Season
Nutrition, From Our KitchenThe arrival of fall means pumpkins galore! Not only are pumpkins seasonal, but they are also an incredibly nutritious food that is low in fat and high in fiber. It can help prevent heart disease, improve immunity, promote eye health, and build strong bones. From coffee to ravioli, pumpkins make for a tasty, but healthy season! To cook or bake with fresh pumpkins, choose ones that are small and dark colored. Fresh pumpkin is typically only available once...
Monk Fruit: Coming to a Grocery Store Near You
NutritionIf understanding all the different types of sweeteners wasn't confusing enough, there's a new kid on the sweetener shelf. Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo or luo han fruit, is a plant native to China with a very sweet flesh that can also be used as as a sweetener when its juice is concentrated and dried into a powder. Food manufacturers like monk fruit because it's low in calories and naturally derived – the holy grail of...
Spice Up Your Rice
Nutrition, From Our KitchenRice makes a great side dish, stuffing or main entree. But do you feel you're stuck in a rice rut? Go global! With over 40,000 varieties, rice is the most popular grain around the world - and for good reason. It comes in many different flavors and textures, and can take on any flavor it's paired with. Try one of the dishes below to spice up any meal. Dolmades (Greek) - Rice-stuffed grape leaf. Try this version from The...