In the spring, especially, it’s important to show our liver a lot of love. As the second largest (and heaviest) organ in the body, the liver is a tireless multi-tasker. On a functional level, it serves us by: Producing bile Producing cholesterol and proteins to help carry fats throughout the body Creating proteins and cholesterol […]
Getting Sauced: A Healthy Twist on Chimichurri
Herbs are an often underappreciated source of green nutrition. They contain unique antioxidants, vitamins, essential oils and other nutrients that can help boost immunity and promote proper detoxification. Parsley is one of these herbs. I remember a time when “parsley” only referred to the curly parsley that restaurants used as a garnish. The idea of […]
6 Mood Changers: How to Boost Mood Naturally
As summer wanes, with shorter days and a hint of cool, are you experiencing a mood shift—perhaps, feeling unexpectedly blue or in need of a “lift”? If you’ve ever had a “gut feeling” about something, experienced digestive upset, like nausea or diarrhea, when feeling stressed, or felt “butterflies” before giving a work presentation, then you’ve […]
Sweet Taste of Summer: Watermelon
July is “National Watermelon Month”. Official designation or not, watermelon is a delicious and detoxifying warm weather food that deserves recognition for its many health-promoting properties. A welcome finale at the end of any summer meal, it’s also the easiest, fuss-free dessert you’ll ever serve! Naturally sweet-tasting, yet crisp and refreshing, watermelon is an extremely […]
Oodles of Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)
If your garden is overflowing with zucchini, or neighbors are gifting you with bags of homegrown summer squash, enjoy your unexpected abundance by making zoodles, a.k.a. zucchini noodles. Because I have hypothyroidism and NCGS (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity), I don’t eat wheat or other gluten-containing grains. It’s not a hardship though! I find zoodles more satisfying […]
Comforting Poached Cod, Guernica-Style
This quick and easy cod dish riffs on Besuguito Guernica, a traditional Basque dish, where besugo, or sea bream, is broiled then topped with a warm garlicky sauce of olive oil, sherry vinegar and red pepper flakes. Instead of sea bream, I use cod and substitute apple cider vinegar for the sherry vinegar. The end […]
“Green” Eggs and (No) Ham: Broccoli and Shishito Pepper Frittata
When you’re short on time, you can always count on eggs for an easy-to-make (and wallet-friendly) meal. Eggs are a nutrient-dense food—considered both a high quality source of protein and a healthy “good” fat. Dieters and health-minded eaters often favor egg whites for their protein. But don’t be so quick to chuck the yolks! These […]
Salad Days
“Any variety of herb in existence may go by the name of salad,” Prosper Montagne, the French chef and author of Larousse Gastronomique, once famously said. My appetite for salad is legendary. I eat a large salad at lunch every day—”large” means 6 to 7 tightly packed cups of leafy greens (yes, I was curious […]
Cooling Cucumbers
An easy way to stay hydrated (and pleasantly full), especially during the summer, is by eating watery foods. Cucumbers, which are made up mostly of water (approximately 95%), fit the bill. The high water content of cucumbers also makes them an excellent food for cleansing the body of toxins. I use cucumbers in the recipes […]
Summer “Cleanser” Smoothie
Smoothies make a great breakfast, especially in the summer, when your body is most primed for raw foods. They’re an efficient way to eat your vegetables and fruit at one time. Whenever I have a savory all-green smoothie (the only fruit in it is lime) for breakfast, I add 5 packed cups of leafy greens […]