My beef with commercial “green” smoothies is that they often contain more fruit (sugar) than actual greens. Commercial smoothies can also contain ingredients that sound “healthy”—for example: coconut nectar, agave, mango puree, apple juice or yogurt—but are really hidden sources of sugar that add up to a high-calorie or high-carb load for that smoothie. I […]
Blueberry-Cauli Smoothie
I’ve pretty much banished refined “white foods”, like rice, potatoes, flour, bread (even gluten-free breads) and pasta, from my diet. With one exception: cauliflower “rice”. From cauliflower mash to cauliflower pizza, cauliflower is all the rage as a smart carb, low-carb substitute for common blood sugar-spiking processed “white foods”. Cauliflower is the other “white food”, […]
Poached Chicken with Scallion Pesto
One of my favorite ways to eat a whole, pasture-raised chicken is to poach it. It’s a two-for-one: not only do you get a delectable, toothsome, easy-to-digest chicken, you also end up with homemade chicken broth that you can use for other dishes or sip daily to boost your immune system. By the way, a […]
Spicy Ginger Turkey “Noodle” Soup
When the March winds blow cold and raw, this bastardized, oh-so-tasty version of Vietnamese pho warms the body through and through. And it effectively boosts the immune system. I improvised on the spot, but the end result is both nourishing and delicious!!! You’ll want to have this on hand if you’re fighting the cold or […]
“Feeling” Your Way to a Healthy Heart
The heart wants what it wants. Follow your heart. A loving heart is the truest wisdom. Kind-hearted. Pounding heart. Heartbroken. The heart been long been regarded as an organ of emotion. The heart is not only central to our emotional system; it affects—and is affected—by what we feed our body (food, drink, movement) and our […]
Slow Burn Buckwheat Gingerbread Brownies
Do you enjoy a slow burn? Then you’ll love these gingerbread brownies! (And, no, you won’t be rating Scoville heat units…there are no chili peppers in these brownies!) Moist and flavorful, a combination of gently warming spices (including fresh ginger root) natural sweeteners and buckwheat flour, makes these brownies a delicious, warming treat (and digestive aid!) […]
How to Succeed in Making Health Resolutions Stick
On New Year’s Eve, did you make a health resolution to physically transform your body in some way—lose weight, get leaner, gain muscle or increase stamina? Or, did you vow to have more energy, eat “healthier”, or to experience relief from uncomfortable symptoms, like chronic bloating and gas; joint pain; or skin conditions (e.g., acne […]
Warming Mango-Ginger Smoothie
Even when it’s blustery and freezing cold outside (like it is in New York City right now), you can still enjoy a delicious taste of sunshine—and warm up with a little spicy heat! This is a warm smoothie. It has just three real food ingredients: organic mango, fresh ginger and coconut milk! No added sugar…just […]
Spiced Ground Lamb & Veg Ragu with Zoodles
A spiced ground lamb-veg ragu is one of my favorite one-pot comfort food dishes any day, but especially on a cold winter night. A ragu is toothsome, delicious and budget-friendly. You can make a simple ragu of onions, garlic, spices, ground lamb and strained tomatoes or one that is loaded with vegetables (my choice, and […]
Quick and Easy Faux “Pho”
When I came down with the flu earlier this week, I found myself craving pho in a big way. An authentic Vietnamese pho is made with a long-simmered beef marrow bone broth (or oxtail bones), flavored with star anise, ginger, and cloves. Savory additions include rice noodles, thin slices of beef, yellow onions, scallions and […]