…Because Food is One of Life's Greatest Pleasures
Study after study shows that people and cultures that eat more fruits and vegetables live longer, have lower rates of chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease and obesity. But despite all this information, less than half of Canadians even come close to eating the recommended amounts of produce for optimal health. So how much fruit and veggies should we eat, and how can we develop health eating habits?
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, Food, Health, Nutrition on May 10th, 2012
One of the biggest challenges with eating healthy is that life is incredibly busy. When we are busy and stressed, there is usually little cooking that happens at home. Instead, we go to restaurants and fast food places to save time. The problem is that unhealthy food does not give us the nutrients our bodies need. In fact when we are stressed, the body burns through more vitamins and so our nutrient demand increases. Eating nutrient-depleted food (like French fries and hamburgers) does not help our bodies to cope with stress. Have you ever noticed that you feel tired after eating fast food?
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, Food, Health, Nutrition, SOUP AND SALAD RECIPES on May 3rd, 2012
This week we look at another top “Super food” that is an old-fashioned staple – lentils. Often people tell me that they cannot afford to eat healthy or that eating healthy is too expensive. But once you start cooking with whole foods, this is simply not the case. Whole foods, especially when purchased in bulk are inexpensive and usually the healthiest options. But there is one catch – you have to cook them. Lentils are very inexpensive and are a staple in many cultures around the world.
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, Health, Nutrition, SOUP AND SALAD RECIPES on Apr 26th, 2012
The warm weather is finally here, and so is BBQ season! When planning for your barbeque or picnic, don’t forget the veggies. Ontario Greenhouse vegetables offer a wide selection of colourful and delicious veggies that are great in salads or veggie kebabs. Plus you are supporting local growers, right here in our own province. This week on the blog, I am using Ontario tomatoes and cucumbers to make a healthy salad that is perfect for spring entertaining. This is a salad that can be served warm or cold. You can have it as a side dish or as the main course. It is a great addition to entertaining in case some of your guests are vegetarian or vegan.
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, DESSERT AND MISC RECIPES, Health, Nutrition on Apr 18th, 2012
Barbeque Season is here and it’s time to fire up the grill! Usually we think of putting meat on the barbeque, but how about something different – pineapple. It’s one of my favorite things to BBQ. Here is a basic guide and recipe on how to grill pineapple. I have also included the nutrition facts on pineapple.
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, Food, Health, MAIN COURSE RECIPES, Nutrition on Apr 12th, 2012
New studies have shown that salmon also contains small proteins that are anti-inflammatory, help maintain healthy joints and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies also show lower rates of depression among populations that eat more fish. So there are many benefits to eating salmon on a regular basis. Many people do not know how to cook fish, or get used to the taste. Here is an easy recipe that gives salmon a nice savory flavor.
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, HOLIDAY RECIPES on Apr 6th, 2012
Looking for some fun activities to do with your kids over the Easter weekend break? Why not try dying Easter eggs the natural way. Instead of using chemicals that you have to worry about around children. You can make natural dyes with ingredients from your own kitchen, like vegetables, spices and even coffee!
Posted in Holidays on Mar 29th, 2012
Eggs form a central part of Easter celebrations, from the chocolate eggs hidden in Easter egg hunts, to the beautifully decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs. But what is the symbolism of Easter eggs? And why does the Easter Bunny leave eggs?
Posted in BLOG RECIPES, DESSERT AND MISC RECIPES, Health, Nutrition on Mar 22nd, 2012
Although referred to as a nut, almonds are actually the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. The almond tree is in the same family as peaches and cherries. Almonds are packed with nutritional benefits and are an ideal ingredient for this delicious gluten-free cookie recipe.
This week’s focus is on another green veggie (you may notice a theme here, as there are many green vegetables that are worthy of “super” status). Kale is a dark leafy green that is high in calcium, Vitamin K, C and loads of other phytonutrients. As mentioned in another previous blog on alkalizing foods, it is also loaded with alkaline minerals that help your body to maintain a healthy pH. Kale, like most leafy greens, is also great for your liver and supports it in its detoxification processes.
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