As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter and gloomier it is natural for us to crave sweet, heavy and rich food. Root vegetables can fill this void well. They are comforting and grounding, with a natural subtle sweetness. Generally the fruits and leaves of trees are light and airy, they provide quick and easy but short-lasting energy. The root vegetables in contrast are heartier and tend to fill us up and bring us down, with a calming effect on our digestive systems and whole bodies. Continue Reading →
Deviled Eggs
Knowing what food to eat in what amounts can be pretty confusing on its own. Yet there is something else to consider- and that is the availability of nutrients in our food. Just because we eat something does not mean that our body can automatically use it. The nutrients have to be in a form that our body can easily recognize, break down and then incorporate. Continue Reading →
Pomegranate Yam Salad
Raw leafy greens are a super superfood. They are incredibly high in several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them supportive of so many healthy body functions, not the least of which is detoxing. Our bodies are constantly detoxing from dozens and dozens, if not hundreds of chemicals and toxins in our air, land and water and feeding ourselves leafy greens is a great way to support this important process. Continue Reading →
Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
I confess I am not much of a breakfast person and never have been. Yet there is too much evidence that proves the importance of an energy dense breakfast with carbohydrates, fats and protein to not give it some effort. A good meal in the morning is integral for fast and clear thinking, for keeping the metabolism in good working order and for replenishing energy stores in our muscles, keeping us ready for action. Continue Reading →
Heirloom Tomato Salsa
Canning is a bit of a lost art in our world of convenience. My brother offered to just buy me some salsa if I wanted it. Yet if you have an interest in the slow food movement or a bit of nostalgia for simpler times, canning can be a nice way to spend a couple hours. Continue Reading →
PB&J Crisp
Fruit crisp is a really easy and fast dessert to make. It is not finicky at all, the ingredients and their ratios do not have to be very specific and it always turns into a warm, grounding dish. Since the doughy part is made primarily from oats (whole grains) instead of refined white flour like fruit pies and tarts the end product has much more protein and fiber as well as B vitamins and several minerals including manganese, magnesium and phosphorus, all important for bone formation and several other body functions. Not only do all those nutrients make it healthier, but they also make it more filling. Continue Reading →
Roasted Red Pepper Butternut Soup
Technically it isn’t fall yet but I’m up in the mountains and the temperatures in the evening are cold enough to warrant warm, creamy dishes centered around squash. Smoothies are often praised for the fact that they are easy to digest because they are already blended up, leaving less work for the digestive system- but the same goes for blended soups. Unlike many traditional comfort foods, a soup loaded with fresh vegetables and other high quality ingredients can be gentle on our bodies and full of health supporting nutrients. Continue Reading →
Black and Blue Cardamom Smoothie
What I like best about golfing this time of year is the succulent blackberries that line the edges of some of the holes. There is something that feels very “hunter-gatherer” about picking wild berries, even if they are right next to perfectly manicured land meant for dedicating hours of leisure time to, something that was in much shorter supply before we developed agriculture and cities. Berry picking also takes me back to my childhood, it was one of the few times that I would have access to an unlimited amount of sweets, and when they were ripened on the vine and warmed from the sun I liked them even more than five cent candy. Continue Reading →
Asian Millet Salad
Unfortunately, carbohydrates have suffered a poor reputation in many circles over the past few decades. Yet they are very simply a requirement for human life. They are our bodies’ main source of energy, and therefore they sustain us. Continue Reading →
Warm Mediterranean Potato Salad
Making a warm potato salad is much faster than roasted or baked potatoes but it still provides the same grounding comfort food. I like to use it as a side dish when I don’t have much time to throw together a dinner for hungry people. Potatoes have an unfairly bad reputation, when they are fried they are definitely not a health food but if they are baked, steamed or roasted they are a great source of fiber and several vitamins and minerals. Continue Reading →