March 2015

Got Chickpeas?

Since it is National Nutrition Month®, I thought I would get crafty to find a good wholesome snack that was high in fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates and heart healthy fats. Over the past few months, I have seen various articles rave about roasted chickpeas.  So I started to experiment with some of my favorites seasonings with chickpeas.  What I ended up with is a yummy snack that pleased my taste buds and satisfied my appetite.

IMG_1303Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, phosphorus, zinc, folate and polyunsaturated fat. When you combine chickpeas with spices and oils, you make them even better.  For my experiment, I simply used some garlic powder, cayenne powder, honey, and olive oil.  The result was a wholesome snack that rivaled pretzels.  (more…)

By Natalie, ago

Nutrition for a Better Mind?

When many people think about weight loss, they often think about the types of foods that they should avoid.  Foods like donuts, pies, cookies, white bread, chocolate, etc.  But it is National Nutrition Month®, and I would like to offer a positive twist to the typical weight loss diet.  Instead of focusing on the foods that you should avoid, let’s consider the types of colorful and flavorful foods you should be eating not only to slim your waistline, but to also protect your brain’s cognitive skills.

File:Berries (USDA ARS).jpg

Courtesy of Scott Bauer, USDA ARS [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

There are many new research papers talking about the cutting edge pharmaceutical treatments that can protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, prevention may be as simple as what you eat.   There is an increasing body of research that focuses on healthy diets and their possibility to delay or even prevent cognitive decline.

When you include heart healthy fats such as omega 3s you may be able to give protection to your mind.  The same is true with an increased intake of flavonoids, such as those found in berries. (more…)

By Natalie, ago

Healthy Cooking: Shrimp Fajitas

During National Nutrition Month®, I challenge you to get into your kitchen and try some new and healthy recipes.  In this post, I wanted to share with you how to make one of my all time favorite recipes—fajitas.

Fajitas can be healthy IF you choose lean meats, control the amount of oil you use, and increase the amount of veggies to meat ratio per tortilla. Shrimp are a great alternative to the typical fajita meats of chicken or steak.  Shrimp are low in saturated fat and high in vitamin B12, iron and selenium (a powerful antioxidant that can help decrease the risk of chronic diseases).

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By Natalie, ago

National Nutrition Month 2015

It’s March, time for National Nutrition Month®.  I personally love this year’s theme “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle”.  It is SO true.  A healthy lifestyle begins with the food that you use to fuel your body.  This month, take time to nourish yourself with whole foods: whole grains, fruits, veggies, Read more…

By Natalie, ago