We have finally emerged from the cold and tumultuous abyss of winter and for some, shedding the extra layer of clothing may reveal some additional lbs that were put on during the past frigid months. Spring is the perfect opportunity to assess your diet, clean-up, and get bathing suit ready. When cleaning up your diet, ideally you want to eliminate as much processed and refined products and foods as possible.
Read moreThe Naughty Vegan
“The unhealthy vegan/vegetarian” - sounds like an oxymoron, but it does exist. Are you or do you know someone who leads a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle ladened with processed soy-filled fake meat and imitation cheese products, french fries, potatoes, pasta, bread, and rice with little to no vegetables? Warning: You are doing you body more harm than good!
Read moreGrain Salad Goodness - Rainbow Black Rice
Rainbow black rice salad provides a welcome antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich meal during the dark and cold winter months. Black rice is fiber-rich and aids with digestion, satiation, and glycemic control. The pigmentation that causes the rice to be black is anthocyanin, an antioxidant also found in blackberries and blueberries. Additionally, black rice is shown to be cardio protective by assisting with lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Read moreSuperfoods Series- The Power of the Flax
Why is flax in the superfoods category? Because it is super-charged with beneficial attributes! Like it's other friends in the superfoods category, flax is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber. It also aids in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
Read moreSuperfoods Series- Hemp
No, these little seedlings won't give you a temporary high, but they will provide you with a plethora of health benefits. Hemp seeds are derived from the same species of plant as marijuana. However, they do not contain THC (the active substance) and the seed, not the flowering bud is what is utilized. Like chia seeds, (mentioned in the previous post) these seedlings contain both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation and promote cardiovascular health.
Read moreSuperfoods Series- Chia Seeds
I am sure that you have heard the reference to "ch ch ch chia", but these little seeds have nothing to do with your sprouting plant. Chia seeds are multidimensional. They can become gelatinous to create texture for puddings or remain in seed form when sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal. What makes these little seedlings super?
Read moreJust Peachy
Peaches have been an abundant staple in my CSA loot these past few weeks. In order to preserve the life of some of the stone fruit that were about to cross over to the "other side", I decided to utilize them in a different manner than mixed with my Ezekiel cereal or Siggis at breakfast. Sure, I could have gone down the salsa or galette route but, when surveying the cheese department one afternoon, I knew what had to be done. Grilled peaches served as a flavorful catalyst for this summertime salad indulgence. Why do I consider this salad an indulgence? Solely because it was tossed with torn, creamy morsels of burrata. Hey, everyone has their vices; and mine typically fall in the stinky and fermented category.
Read moreSort-of-Salmon Nicoise
Nothing personifies summer more to me than sipping crisp rose and eating chilled oysters or tart and tangy ceviche. Aside from the sticky and thick atmosphere that engulfs New York, summer pleasures can be simplified into hours slipping away at an outdoor cafe with animated conversation and ice cold wine. It also marks the beginning of my CSA. This is my second year as a supporter and participant in a local organic farm share. I love the unpredictability and challenge of receiving a bounty of produce and farm fresh eggs every week. There is also an inexplicable freshness and crunch that the produce has that you cannot obtain from your local Whole Foods. This past week’s bounty consisted of: kale, swiss chard, zucchini, green beans, mint, basil and mixed greens.
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