By Aparna Mele Indian food is most popular for its diverse and exotic flavors. The variety of foods, spices and dishes that are native to India makes Indian food one of the most wholesome foods in the world. But lately, Indian food has begun to be categorized as unhealthy because Westernized preparations can be high […]
Published in Taste of Home August/September 2003 Take advantage of the fall season and its abundance of all things apple to make a delicious apple cider to warm you up on a nippy autumn day! Ingredients 1 gallon apple cider or apple juice 1 cup orange juice 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon orange extract […]
By Kate Murray This article was published in the Reading Eagle Newspaper on 10-10-18 and is being reprinted with permission from the author. Fall is a great time to return to gratitude and thanksgiving, and there is no better time than the present to refocus your priorities on your health and your family. For the […]
By Aparna Mele MD; Source: Halfbakedharvest.com For years now, the Mediterranean way of life has been looked to for health inspiration, and it’s easy to see why. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to numerous health benefits, from treating acid reflux to lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer and dementia, […]
By Sana Malik, Personal Chef of Clean Junk Food Ah, summer! Time for barbecues, ice cream, and ice-cold brews. Yes, it is the time for eating those delicious foods that tend to wreak havoc on our systems. While eating hot dogs and hamburgers every weekend is enjoyable, there comes a time when something light is […]
By Allison Witmer, B.S. in Nutritional Sciences, on behalf of Redner’s Marrkets With summer’s warm weather, use any excuse we can to get outside, including while making dinner. Sure, your grill is great for classics like hamburgers and hot dogs, but it’s time to step it up! Try grilling these items for an unexpected way […]
Sweet and Savory Salads Salads are perfect for summer. They are light and bright, cool and refreshing, and best of all, you can take advantage of the bounties of your garden or local farmer’s markets! You can create a symphony in your palate by bringing opposite flavors together in your salads. Try mixing berries, figs, […]
With love from: Rachael Romig, owner Just Breathe. Weddings & Events This year my husband and I discovered that he could no longer eat gluten. (Thank you, Dr. Aparna Mele from Digestive Disease Associates!) We should have seen it coming because he has had stomach issues for some time now but hearing it from a […]
The sweet potato is the new star of breakfast. What’s not to love? It’s delicious and versatile, plus loaded with fiber and nutrients like vitamins A and C and potassium. Best of all, it keeps well when made in advance. Get ready to love waking up in the morning with this delicious recipe Sweet Brekkie […]
Homemade recipe by Maria Theresa Post, a healthy Berks County citizen who hails from Italy! The term “wedding soup” comes from the Italian language phrase “minestra maritata” (“married soup”), which is a reference to the flavor produced by the combination/”marriage” of greens and the meat Ingredients Soup: 12cups low sodium broth 1 pound of curly […]
Source: www.foodfanatic.com Submitted by Erica Wennell Ingredients 3 1/2 cups Almond Flour 1 teaspoon Baking Soda 1 teaspoon Salt 1/2 cup Coconut Oil, Melted and cooled 1/2 cup Honey 2 Eggs 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 2 cups Dark Chocolate Chips, Paleo-friendly, like enjoy life semisweet chocolate mini chips Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. Line […]
What is American Heart Month? American Heart Association February is American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. Chances are, we all know someone affected by heart disease and stroke, because about 2,300 […]
Source: Everyday Food, Oct 2007 Warm up your winter with this gut healthy soup that is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Bonus, it’s all vegetarian too and a great way to add to your daily vegetable intake! Ingredients 1tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp tomato paste ½ tsp dried thyme 1 medium onion, chopped Coarse […]
By Kathleen Jones, MSACN, CNS Nutritionist at The Vitamin Shoppe in Wyomissing The most wonderful time of year can leave a lot of us feeling defeated, and not ready to take on the New Year. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to successfully […]
Source: Everyday Food, January/February 2004 INGREDIENTS 2 1/4cup all purpose flour, plus more for work surface ¾ shelled unsalted pistachios 1.5 tsp baking powder 3 large eggs ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup golden raisins ¼ tsp salt 1tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, pistachios, raisins, […]
by Rachel Romig Makes 8 servings (perfect for dinner then lunch on the weekend after a good snow shovel!) Ingredients: 1 can black beans 1 can kidney beans 2 lbs. ground turkey 2 onions – chopped 1 green pepper – chopped 2 35oz. cans Italian style tomatoes (I use one can chopped & 1 can […]
By Uday Shah, Owner and Chef of Shah’s Kitchen I planted my first backyard vegetable garden in Spring 2010. The idea and motivation for that came from a dinner that I attended in winter of that year. It was organized by the local chapter of Slow Food USA. Ever since, their motto of Good, Clean, Fair […]
by: Allison Witmer, B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University Submitted by: Redner’s Markets Checking out at only 10¢ a serving, rice is a budget friendly alternative to potatoes and pasta. Coming in many varieties, rice pairs well with other healthy foods including beans, seafood, chicken, vegetables and even fruit. You may have […]
By: Allison Witmer, B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University Submitted by Redner’s Markets Keeping with the trend, avocados popularity continues to grow. They can be seen anywhere: toast, salads, sandwich toppings, dressings, smoothies, mousses – the list goes on and on! Even as culinary creations continue to evolve, the time-tested favorite way […]
Submitted by Jessica Norris Pham, RD Recipe From Living Sweet Moments Gluten-free, vegan, healthy, and better than salsa! To make it healthier, add chunks of avocado too! Produce: 1 can black beans 1 can black-eyed peas ¼ cup cilantro 1 cup corn ½ English cucumber 1 garlic clove 2 green onions 1 jalapeno pepper Freshly […]
by: Allison Witmer, B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University With warm weather finally upon us, we’re using any excuse we can to get outside, including while making dinner. Sure, your grill is great for classics like hamburgers and hot dogs, but it’s time to step it up! Try grilling these items for an […]
There’s nothing new about pasta, but after declining popularity during the height of the low-carb craze, pasta is now starting to make a major comeback. Data from Google trends show that, based on search results, consumers are buying and preparing more rigatoni, tortellini, penne, fusilli and linguine. Top chefs are also featuring lighter pasta dishes […]
by: Jordan Scroble, Grow Your Own Freedom As we develop a deeper connection with our food we begin to see more of its inherent value. Food is nourishment. It provides our body with the fundamental building blocks and nutrients that it needs to function. Of course, the wrong types of food can wreak havoc on […]
With the end of the harsh winter weather, which can be drying and damaging on the skin, seeking remedies to keep the skin healthy and youthful is always high on our to-do lists. Beyond topical treatments, there are actually skin-friendly foods that can be nurturing and rejuvenating. In actuality, whatever you eat that’s good for […]
From Allrecipes.com Submitted by Sarah Bundy, age 10 Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup ground flax seed ½ cup crunchy peanut butter 1/3 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla extract Directions Combine oats, chocolate chips, flax seed, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract together in a bowl. Form into […]
These mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette From: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2011 Ingredients 4 servings 1 pound Yukon Gold or white […]
Submitted by: Anna Grove, age 10 Raspberry and cream popsicles are the bomb. These are a must try. Simple and refreshing. I have never made these raspberry and cream popsicles before, and I really don’t know why. I have seen many variations of these so I figured I try my own, after all, summer weather […]
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. Simple tips for a heart healthy diet can keep heart disease away! Stay away from the S’s! That means salt, sugar, starches, and saturated fats. Sodium functions in the body to retain fluid, and as a result, raises blood pressure, which increases […]
Feeding a family can be an expensive so it’s unfortunate when unused food goes to waste. More than 1/3 of food produced globally is wasted or spoiled. Americans throw away up to 40% of the food they buy, and organic matter in landfills provides 20% of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes considerably […]
Once cold weather hits, a bowl of cereal just doesn’t cut it. But deciding how to keep a comforting wintertime breakfast meal healthful can be a challenge. When it is freezing cold outside and the snow is falling, many of us crave bacon, eggs, pancakes, and cinnamon buns. Problem is, these foods can really kill […]
Those who nibble on snacks in the mid-afternoon tend to pick healthier bites, according to a study from the University of Illinois at Chicago that was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The researchers found that afternoon snackers ate more fiber, fruit, and veggies; while also losing more weight. Snacking helps you […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
We all have those days when just thinking about having to wash a mound of dishes makes us want to cry, let alone creatively developing a spectacular gourmet meal every night for our families. Convenience is the reason that takeout seems like the perfect answer to a long day. But dinner doesn’t have to be […]
A lot of people are “going green” with their menus, buying food that is sustainable, local or organic. Some of those eating greener decide to grow their own food and compost all of their waste, while others are using reusable bags at the grocery store. However you decide to make food decisions that are environmentally […]
When training, no athlete wants a cold to run him down and limit his exercise program. Enter the diet, which can boost immune function and lower the risk of illness. To maintain your immune system, follow an individualized eating plan that is well-balanced and meets your energy, carbohydrate, protein, and micronutrients needs. Determine your fueling […]
Look forward to lunch again with these delicious and healthy on-the-go ideas from your grocery store. Most of us are time crunched and need lunch in a hurry on a busy workday. Well, take heart, there are healthy options you can quickly pick up at the grocery store, as healthy fast food items can […]
There’s more to pumpkins than simply being Halloween jack-o’lanterns. They actually have many health benefits too! Pumpkins are rich in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer. However, despite being filling, they are also low calorie, with less than 50 calories per serving of canned pumpkin, which by the way is also about 90% water! […]
When Halloween comes and goes, what do you do with all those jack-o-lanterns and decorative pumpkins? The obvious choice is to use them in delicious recipes. However, carved pumpkins start to quickly spoil after sitting out for 24 hours, making them potentially unsafe to eat. However, there are so many other clever ways you […]
Its name comes from the Greek words OROS, which means mountain; and GANOS, which means joy. The name says it all. Its leaves are often more flavorful when dried than fresh, and it has a warm, highly aromatic, and slightly bitter taste — the perfect seasoning for both robust and light and earthy sauces, roasted […]
What would we do without the quintessential egg? It is a staple in our diets, can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and an important ingredient in many sweet and savory dishes. But for a few decades, eggs have had a bad reputation because of their high cholesterol content. Years went by while many […]
When it comes to the health of your teeth, you really are what you eat. Empty calorie foods such as candy, sweets, and snack foods endanger dental health, not only because they do not offer any nutritional value, but also because the amount and type of sugar that they contain that can adhere to teeth. […]
Choosing the right cooking oil is important at any age. When substituted for saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, can help to reduce your risk for heart disease. In addition to being a source of monounsaturated fat, extra-virgin olive oil is also high in antioxidants called polyphenols that have been […]
I have been seeing different variations of energy bites gain popularity lately, and my version is an update of an old family favorite. This is a great alternative to processed bars for an after-school snack. Or, try bringing these energy bites to your office instead of cupcakes for the next birthday celebration, and you just […]
Corn is a delicious and versatile vegetable, plus enormously nutritious. A one-cup serving of corn provides five grams of protein, which is about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance. You’ll also get four grams of fiber from one cup of cooked corn, which is 16 percent of women’s and 11 percent of men’s daily […]
Many people question the health benefits of juice as compared to whole fruit and specifically, if juice is healthy? The easy answer is that regardless of the fruit or the juicing method use, the most diverse and intact supply of nutrients always comes to us through the whole fruit. The edible skins of many fruits, […]
Are raw vegetables healthier than cooked? Do vegetables lose their nutritional value when cooked? Raw foodists argue that cooking kills vitamins and minerals in food and denatures the enzymes that aid in digestion, but it turns out that raw vegetables are not always healthier. A 2008 study from the British Journal of Nutrition noted that […]
For years, a low-fat diet was touted as the key to losing weight, managing cholesterol, and preventing deteriorated health. But it turns out that more than the amount of fat ingested, it is the types of fat you eat that really matter. Bad fats increase cholesterol and your risk of certain diseases, while good fats […]
Choosing healthier foods is easier than you think. By altering a few eating habits, you can make a big difference to you diet and is the most achievable way to lose weight. For our longevity and long term health, we are all encouraged to make healthier choices to help cut the excess saturated fat […]
Not only is breakfast the jump start everyone needs to energize their day, but breakfast is also linked to many health benefits, including weight control and improved performance (as long as you choose a healthy breakfast of course). Breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast – that’s where its name […]
Honey has a long medicinal history. The ancient Egyptians not only made offerings of honey to their gods, they also used it as an embalming fluid and a dressing for wounds. In the laboratory, honey has been shown to hamper the growth of food-borne pathogens, and to fight certain bacteria. This is because bees add […]
While breakfast may be the important meal of the day, taking the time to make a healthy breakfast may not always be convenient on a busy schedule. Here, I will share my favorite go-to breakfasts that are simple, require minimal clean-up, and are packed with clean ingredients including leafy greens, healthy fats and carbs. All of […]
Allium vegetables, often referred to as bulb vegetables, are aromatic vegetables used widely in cooking to add flavor to many dishes. Their earthy and pungent sweetness can transform any dish, and the sulfides that give them their strong aroma have been linked to a reduced risk for breast and colon cancer and have disease fighting […]
It’s officially summer, and ovens across America are turning off and grills are firing up! Food safety is crucial not only in the kitchen to prevent food poisoning, but at the grill too. The same rules apply, especially when it comes to preventing cross-contamination. During grilling season, cross contamination tops the list of food safety […]
Ingredients: 3 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup vegetable oil + ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 3 tsp vanilla 1 ¾ cup white sugar 2 cups shredded zucchini 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour + 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp baking soda 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1 pint […]
Coffee is the morning pick-me-up for millions, increasing wakefulness and improving concentration and focus. However, coffee may offer more than just an energy boost in the morning, and emerging evidence suggests that coffee offers multiple health benefits. Researchers at Harvard found that increasing coffee consumption to an average of 1.69 cups per day over a […]
The Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Chocolate has always been regarded as an occasional indulgence. New research shows that despite the high fat content, there remain many health benefits to eating dark chocolate in moderation. Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your […]
BURGERS: New approaches to an American Classic It’s grilling season and burgers top the list of the most popular foods to slap on the grill in summer. Not only is it the quintessential comfort food, it is truly an American classic too. The trouble is, a broiled quarter pound hamburger has 20 grams of total […]
It’s a great time to discover the many tasty and healthy ways you can use soyfoods in your family’s meals and snacks. No one says you have to go vegan, or even vegetarian, but the benefits of a plant-based diet are well documented. And the good news is that improving your diet can be as […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
In our lifelong quest to stay trim, the burning question we ask is how many calories should we eat a day? While recommended daily caloric intake in the United States is about 2700 calories for men and 2200 for women, the amount of calories we need to eat depends on multiple factors, including age, size, […]
The Benefit of Pulses Pulses are the delicious protein-packed sustainable foods that you know as dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. These little superfoods are big on flavor and have major health benefits. They are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and are full of iron and antioxidants. They also happen to be gluten, sodium, […]
Pretzels can be a healthy snack, with vitamins, minerals and fiber. They can also be helpful with weight loss because they are low in calories, and are low in saturated and total fat. Pretzels are one of best snacks when it comes to fat content. A 100 gram serving of hard pretzels, or about 16 […]
Feel the heat with turmeric Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. It has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Curcumin, the compound in turmeric responsible for that bright hue, is behind a whole host of the health […]
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help keep your digestive tract healthy by controlling growth of harmful bacteria. There are more than 100 trillion different microorganisms in the gut and their functions are vast, including the promotion of normal gut functioning, regulating metabolism, and constituting 75% of our immune systems! In fact, it is the dysregulation […]
Most dieters agonize over what to eat for their dinner. Now, research has suggested that those who want to lose weight should think instead about the plates on which they serve their meals. Does the color of your plate affect how much you eat? A new study by Dr. Brian Wansink et al from Cornell […]
When it comes to eating sensibly, it’s not always WHAT we eat, but HOW MUCH we eat. Most Americans underestimate their food intake and overestimate physical activity, resulting in a positive energy balance (aka weight gain)! Even the most nutrient-dense foods, when consumed in excess, can contribute to weight gain. How to stay on track […]
Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting from multiple causes, including morning sickness, postoperative nausea, chemotherapy treatment, and motion sickness. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, is responsible for its distinct aroma and also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Its phenolic compounds can prevent gastrointestinal irritation, improve appetite, stimulate bile and saliva […]
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it brings with it a chance to increase disease awareness, education and support for one of the most deadly, yet most preventable, cancers in the U.S. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. It affects approximately 150,000 people […]
In the past five years there has been an explosion in popularity of so-called “ancient grains” in the American food market. What is an Ancient Grain? There is no official definition, and all whole grains in the larger sense can be considered “ancient”, as their roots trace back to the Neolithic times, roughly 10,000 years […]
In the colder months, salads are often pushed aside in favor of steaming soup. However, with a few modifications, salad can be expanded as a deliciously rich and savory meal for the winter, with bright fresh flavor combinations to celebrate the season! With the bitter cold of winter weather, choosing food with warming qualities as […]
The number of farmers’ markets nationally is growing, fueled by an increasing interest among consumers in buying local food and supporting more sustainable food sources. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there has been a 67% increase in the number of farmers’ markets since 2008, with more than 7,800 listed in the USDA’s National […]
Phytochemicals are a non-nutritive part of a plant that provides benefits to our bodies. They are considered non-nutritive because they aren’t vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, fat or fiber. Researchers have found that these phytochemicals, or otherwise known as phytonutrients, are beneficial for our bodies. It is even more interesting that when researchers extracted the phytochemical […]
Okay America, it’s time to get trendy for this grilling season. The trend to blend that is. So if there was a way to prepare your foods to be more flavorful, contain less calories and more nutrition, not add any high tech equipment or fancy ingredients, and it can actually save you money, would you […]
Have you ever stopped to think about all the wonderful things our bones do for us? Besides giving our bodies structure, protecting our organs and anchoring our muscles, they also allow us to perform basic functions like sitting, standing, walking and running. And as many of us know, the best way to keep our bones […]
Quinoa, pronounced keen wah, is an ancient grain relatively new to our gluten free markets. In its native country of Bolivia, it’s known as the mother grain and has been a staple in diets there for thousands of years. Red quinoa is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. Quinoa comes in three varieties […]
I was listening to the radio the other day and the morning show commentators were talking about salad dressing…whether they prefer to buy a bottle of salad dressing at the grocery store or whether they make their own at home. Despite the fact that my local grocery store chain devotes nearly an entire aisle to […]
Fiber is only found in plant-based foods. It is the part of these healthy foods that doesn’t break down and digest, and this has a positive and important impact on our health! Fiber is like a sponge inside your body, it soaks up the bad stuff in your digestive tract and makes sure it gets […]
The grapefruit was bred in the 18th century as a cross between a pomelo and an orange. They were given the name grapefruit because of the way they grew in clusters similar to grapes. Beyond being absolutely delicious and refreshing, grapefruits are low in calories, and full of nutrients. According to the USDA National Nutrient […]
It’s so silky and sweet, your kids will hardly know it’s healthy. That’s right, no cream, no butter, nothing unhealthy about this recipe! It came about by accident, the way many of my recipes do. I was hungry after doing some exercise, and looking for something quick that I could just heat up and enjoy. […]
This article appeared in The Reading Eagle Newspaper on December 3, 2014 and was reprinted with permission from the author. [column size=”1-2″ last=”0″] [/column] [column size=”1-2″ last=”1″] One of the questions I hear asked most often about eating plant-based foods is “where do you get your protein?” Typically people believe that the more protein you […]
It’s apple pickin’ season and I have a simple, crowd pleasing Apple Harvest Salad recipe that’s as good for you as it is flavorful. The superstar of the dish is a freshly picked apple. Yup, it’s that simple and that splendid at the same time. I visited Weaver’s Orchard, my local orchard, to find a […]
A version of this article appeared in print in the Reading Eagle on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Our society has unfortunately experienced a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from chronic diseases (such as heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders). In the past few years, it’s become increasingly evident that […]
You know it’s important to encourage them to eat healthy foods, but it’s not easy. Teach your child to grow a cucumber, and she’ll probably eat more of them. Take her to the local orchard, and watch as a new-found love for gardening evolves. The first rule of thumb is to introduce vegetables along side […]
SERVINGS: 6 2 ruby red grapefruit 2 navel oranges 3 tangerines (or 5 mandarin oranges) 1 Tbsp chopped crystallized ginger 1 Tbsp chopped pistachios 2 tsp champagne vinegar 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (we used California Olive Ranch) Preparation Instructions 1. SLICE peel from grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines. Cut fruit into slices and arrange […]
Ingredients 2 tbsp reduced fat sesame ginger dressing 1/4 tsp chopped garlic Dash of ginger 4-6 oz Salmon filet 3 Cups fresh or frozen stir fry vegetable or any vegetable Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dressing, garlic, and ginger in small bowl, add salmon and coat both sides. Cover and chill for […]
Sweet. Salty. Sour. Bitter. Every exquisite bite you’ve ever tasted has likely been the result of all of these mouthwatering tastes coming together in the right balance. Unlike cooking, baking requires precise measurement to achieve the desired result. Celebrating holidays, or any season from Memorial Day to Independence Day to New Years Day is the […]
This article was printed in The Reading Eagle on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Find it in the Berks Country Magazine section under “Strength in Plants” by Kate Murray. You know the bitter greens, the ones that don’t exactly make your taste buds sing: dandelions, arugula, broccoli rabe, swiss chard, collards, mizuna, mustard greens, radicchio, endive, […]