Did you know that July 7th was National Macaroni Day? In recent years macaroni, as well as pasta in general, has gotten a bad rap. The “low carb” craze has many people cutting back on their intake of this tasty wheat product, but is this really necessary?   No, it’s not!   Why? Because pasta…

I often hear people saying that they try to avoid bananas when they are trying to lose weight because they are higher in calories and sugar as compared to other fruits.   I have to say that that is just bananas!   These delicious yellow fruits have so many health benefits and, like most other…

It’s no question that large companies have made cold-cereals a staple part of morning breakfast. Many products on the market today are loaded with simple carbohydrates and tons of sugar that spike your blood sugar. It’s not very long before you start to feel hungry again. Fortunately, hot cereals like oatmeal are a great alternative…

You would never believe what a little but of peanut butter can do to the humble head of cabbage. The combination of peanuts, soy sauce, garlic and cabbage, which are staples in Thai cuisine, really add to the unique qualities of the dish. This stir-fry is delicious as a side dish or you can add some leftover shredded chicken or meat for a main dish.

October is more than just a month to celebrate spooks and sweets. It’s also a month to celebrate treats that are good for you like popcorn! It’s National Popcorn Popping Month which means it’s time to give a little patronage to this healthy snack. Did you know that fresh popcorn, lightly seasoned can be a…

Fall is just around the corner. With a new season comes new foods, new flavors and a new, perhaps busier, you. The kids are back to school, the errands seem to pile up and work is in full force. During these rather stressful times it’s important to remember to keep your body on its A-game….

Whole Grains Month   Happy National Whole Grains Month everyone! If you’re like me then you happen to love grains! They definitely make up my favorite part of every meal since I’m not much of a meat lover. The best part about whole grains is that there is such a variety to choose from that…

Millet Mania By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern Millet has been long overlooked as an edible grain because of its association with being food for birds. However, it has seen a resurgence in the last few years. This is in part because it falls into the now trendy “ancient grain category”, which is one of the…

June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!   Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?   In my practice, I come across a lot of adults who don’t like and therefore don’t eat fruits and vegetables. This is often due to the fact that they were not served these wonderfully healthy foods as a…

Yesterday, March 26, was Spinach Day! While you may not be interested in eating spinach straight out of a can like Popeye, the health benefits of spinach are worth giving it a try in a few different recipes.   You may remember Popeye eating a full can of spinach to gain super strength. Although you…

Each March, health professionals put the focus on Colon Cancer Awareness. Although colon cancer, sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, is one of the most preventable types of cancer, it is the third most common cancer among men and women individually. While the death rate from colon cancer has decreased over the past 20 years,…

Strawberries are among the most eaten fresh fruits enjoyed in the United States, so it is no wonder why today, February 27, is National Strawberry Day. While strawberries are available for fresh picking across the country, most of the strawberries you will buy from a grocery store will be from California or Florida due to…

The Versatile Chickpea By Charna Sheinfeld, Nutrition Intern   By now, most Americans have tasted that creamy and popular dip known as Hummus. However, it has only been a few years since we have figured out that chickpeas, its main ingredient, can provide lots of fiber and protein and make for a delicious snack!  …

This recipe offers a flavorful meal that is perfect for a weekend dinner. The delicious combination of onions, garlic and rosemary makes these chicken breasts anything but bland. This chicken dish is also full of hearty, healthy ingredients like Portabella mushrooms and chickpeas so that no side dish is needed!

These Chickpea and vegetable Patties are wonderful as a vegetarian side dish to brighten up a meal, or great on their own as a main course. They are fun to eat wrapped in a piece of lettuce or whole wheat bun with some vegetables. They freeze beautifully, so I will sometimes cook up a large batch and then freeze them in packs of two. On a day where I will be out for a few hours, I can just grab two from the freezer in the morning, and eat them for lunch or as a “midday pick me up snack” once they have defrosted.

Soup is one meal that is enjoyed around the world and can incorporate a variety of different ingredients to offer a well-balanced nutritious meal for you and your family.  Nowadays, it is easy to pick up a can of premade soup for a quick easy meal, but it is no doubt that soup is healthier…

The Wonders of Oatmeal By Charna Sheinfeld, Nutrition Intern   January is National Oatmeal Month! What a great time of year to celebrate this satisfying grain. There is nothing like a hot bowl of creamy oatmeal on a cold wintry morning, especially when you know that you are giving your body loads of vital nutrients….

This oatmeal is a little bit of a change from the typical oatmeal that is made over the stove. As opposed to a more porridge-like consistency, baked oatmeal is more similar to a bread pudding. It is great as a breakfast or even a filling snack. It can be prepared the night before and put in the refrigerator overnight. Then in the morning, all you need to do is re-heat in the oven or microwave and you have a hot fresh breakfast!

January is National Fiber Focus Month!   I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than to learn about the benefits of fiber and how you can increase your daily intake.   To start, what is fiber?   It is a form of carbohydrate which, unlike other carbohydrates you’re familiar with,…

December 19th is Oatmeal Muffin Day! This weekend we’re cooking up muffins to boost health. Oatmeal has become a popular breakfast choice, but what makes oats so beneficial to health?   Oatmeal is considered a whole grain, meaning that the germ, endosperm, and bran of the grain are kept intact and used in the processing…