As soon as the sun comes out I start dreaming of lazy afternoons on patios with friends and mojitos. It wasn’t that kind of day so I settled for a mojito inspired salad. Limes are very high in vitamin C, so much so that they were used to save British sailors, or “limeys” from scurvy. Like lemons they contain several other nutrients and are cleansing and detoxifying. Continue Reading →
The ingredients in this salad are all about cleansing and strengthening the body. There is an abundance of calcium from two of its best food sources- kale and sesame seeds (ground up in the tahini), as well as from the more moderate sources of chickpeas and lemon. Calcium is a mineral, and out of all the minerals to be found in our bodies, it is the most abundant. It is closely tied to the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, regulating muscular contractions (including heart beats), and balanced functioning of the hormonal and nervous systems. Continue Reading →
Avocados are technically fruits but they are more like nuts, being low in sugar and high in fat with a creamy texture and rich flavor. In many nutritional philosophies and general thinking there is the principal that like increases like, but this is not the case with certain dietary fats. Seemingly contradictorily, eating good quality fats in moderation does not increase body fat percentages, and it can even help the body to metabolize current excess fat stores, or burn fat. Continue Reading →
I have been getting lots of questions about detoxification lately. Technically our bodies are always detoxing but spring is a time when our we are naturally more inclined towards doing it consciously, so if you are feeling this urge you are probably very in touch with what your body needs, which is a great sign! There are countless trendy cleanses and detox programs out there but it does not have to be complicated or overly expensive. Continue Reading →
Tuna is a great source of protein when there is not much time or desire for cooking, however it should not be consumed more than once or twice a week because tuna can accumulate mercury, a damaging heavy metal. Potatoes are one of, if not the most universal and widely consumed vegetables. They often get a bad rap for being a causal factor in weight gain, and when they are fried, this blame is warranted. However, they can be a low cost and very nourishing food. Continue Reading →
My lovely father generally does not eat salads unless they are so drenched in salad dressing that you cannot see the vegetables. Either he was starving or he wasn’t wearing his glasses, but he tried this and to my delight he really enjoyed it. My secret to making creamy dressing that goes a long way is plain Greek yogurt, it lets the other flavors shine through while adding some protein and a slight tanginess. Continue Reading →
The Mediterranean diet attracts people from all over the world for its focus on simplicity and natural, nutrient rich ingredients. Some of the main components of this cuisine are whole grains, olives (and olive oil) and fresh produce, all of which contain phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that protect against cancer and atherosclerosis, as well as help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Red wine on the side is optional. Continue Reading →
Omega 3s are an essential fatty acid, essential meaning that our body cannot make it, so adequate sources must be obtained from food. Fatty acids are important for the development and regulation of the nervous system and immune system; plus they keep hair, skin and nails hydrated and strong. The ideal ratio of omega 3s to omega 6s is between 1 to 1 and 1 to 4, but the majority of North Americans consume upwards of 1 to 20. Continue Reading →
This is a really easy and very healthy salad to throw together with antioxidant rich ingredients. Pomegranates also have high levels of folate, vitamin C and a flavor similar to cranberries, but sweeter and less tart. Kale is a hardy leafy green that can even survive frosts; it is a good source of several vitamins plus important minerals Continue Reading →
Technically there is nothing German about this salad besides the mustard, but my friend and I invented and lived off of it when we were there together. It was basically designed around creating a nutritious and palatable way to eat large amounts of basil. Unfortunately basil plants never last long around me Continue Reading →