Food that Comforts: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Especially when it’s cool or rainy outside, there’s nothing that warms the body better than shepherd’s pie– comfort food at its best. Also called cottage pie, this dish contains a meat  and vegetable base with mashed potatoes on top. It’s quick to prepare and there’s enough leftover for lunch the next day! My recipe is […]

For the love of avocados!

When it comes to me and avocados, it was love at first bite. If you feel the same, don’t despair about the high fat content. The nutritional benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. When are avocados in season? While California’s peak season for avocados is February – September, we get a year-round supply of this fruit, […]

ABCs of Nutrition: Shop Smart

One of the easiest ways to positively impact your eating habits is to shop smart. If you buy packages of brownie mix to store in your cabinets, then you’re much more likely to eat brownies in the evening when you’re hanging out watching TV. Same goes with ice-cream and Kettle Chips. If you buy it, […]

ABCs of Nutrition: Eat Less Sugar

Excessive sugar has not only been linked to obesity, but it can also lead to weight gain, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Sadly, though, sugar isn’t just about a luscious dessert any more. According to Michael Moss, author of Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us,“Food scientists have deliberately bumped up the sugar (and […]

ABCs of Nutrition: Create a Healthy Eating Infrastructure

Mark Fenton‘s life mission is building environmental infrastructures that encourage physical activity in communities. His data shows that education, coaching and similar influences motivate individuals to stick to a fitness plan for about six months, at which point compliance drops off. He believes community infrastructure, or external environment, is critical in taking people beyond that […]

ABCs of Nutrition: Eat Healthy, Whole Foods

There are so many benefits to eating healthy, whole foods that it’s hard to find a reason not to eat them. They contain nutrients, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, iron and pretty much everything else that’s good for you. When in doubt about what to eat, go whole! So why? No processed worries Many processed foods contain […]

Feel the kale love

Do you struggle to love this healthy green leafy veggie? I used to disparage kale until I discovered a helpful tips and tricks. That’s when the kale romance began. Why should I care? Kale is one of the healthiest foods around. According to Food Facts, one cup of kale can trump a whole week’s worth […]

Easy Summer Dinners: Grilled, Stuffed Trout

I love to grill in the summer because it’s quick, healthy, and there’s little mess to clean up afterwards.  I often turn to my favorite cookbook – License to Grill – for inspiration. This month’s Bon Appétit also has some great suggestions for improving your BBQ technique. Taking advantage of my herb garden, I love […]

Chicken with Watercress Salad and Guacamole

This is when a nice dinner salad hits the spot, along with a cold beer, of course. This dish is inspired by Jamie Oliver. Though the original recipe cannot be found online, you can purchase the video tutorial for your iPad. I usually throw it together based on whatever ingredients I have on hand, and […]

Feeding the Family – FAST

Tennis season has arrived, or whatever summer sport you may happen to enjoy. Many of you may also have children who participate in baseball, soccer, swimming and/or flag football, all of which seem to start at 6 p.m. On nights like these, you may have an urgent need to get the family fed —fast! Though […]