January 29, 2024

Taste the Warmth of Hearty Winter Vegetables

It’s that time of year when the sun sinks too early and you’re ready to light a fire, or at least scented candles. While we might think longingly back on summer and its exuberant offerings of fresh tomatoes, luscious stone fruit and tender baby greens, it’s time to relish in the bounty of winter vegetables. The winter months give us a number of hearty veggies that provide comfort and superb nutrition, not to mention versatility and great taste. I make sure to include a lot of these delicious foods on my winter menus. Here are some of the most FoodTrient-packed […]
November 6, 2023

The Superstar Benefits of Quinoa & Kale

I like to frequently use an ancient Socrates quote to my patients when I try to drive home the importance of eating the right foods to both preserve and heal their health.  The saying, roughly, goes, “Let your food be your medicine” and with these 2 nutritional powerhouses, that I’m going to tell you about here, old Socrates couldn’t be closer to the truth.  These 2 simple foods are quinoa – an ancient super-grain – and the beautiful kale plant.  They not only taste great but I’m going to tell you how they can actually save your life. The Amazing Health Benefits […]
July 30, 2022

North African Freekeh

Ancient grains are trending, so you have probably heard of the roasted young (green) wheat called freekeh (pronounced free-kuh). This grain and the dishes made with it are from North Africa. In this recipe, I’ve combined it with savory garlic, fresh lemon, mint, sweet dates and nourishing chopped kale for a well-rounded side-dish full of flavor. Freekeh can be found in Whole Foods and other health-food stores or online. Benefits: Freekeh is packed with fiber and protein, so it will keep you full and satiated for hours. It also has vitamin B for energy, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and manganese […]
January 3, 2022

Kale-Cashew Pesto

Cashews are a sweet nut that helps to balance the sharpness of kale. I use Tuscan kale, which is mild and tender. It’s also called lactinato kale, black kale, or cavolo nero. This pesto is wonderful tossed with pasta, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or even spread on sandwiches. This recipe is from The Age Beautifully Cookbook, and it’s loaded with antioxidants, which prevent and repair oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals. Kale is practically a wonder drug, with all its disease-preventing indoles (sulfur compounds), immune-boosting carotenoids, quercetin, vitamin C, and a bonus helping of bone-building calcium. Olive oil is […]
February 15, 2021

Potato Kale Soup

This Balkan-inspired recipe has clean, bright flavors that go well together. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It’s also part of the cabbage family, so it has cancer-fighting compounds. If you can’t find caraway powder, grind caraway seeds in a mortar and pestle, an electric spice grinder, or even a coffee grinder. For a milder version of this soup, omit the caraway and marjoram and season with sea salt and ground pepper. SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 peeled and cubed Idaho potato or 2 rose potatoes ½ tsp. kosher salt dissolved in 4 cups water ½ tsp. […]
October 20, 2020

Autumn Salad with Maple-Protein Dressing

Sometimes salads aren’t filling, but they can be if you add the right combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats. This fall salad offers double beans, a protein punch! Maple syrup, mustard, tahini, tamari and savory nutritional yeast combine into a thick dressing that pairs perfectly with hearty salad greens. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale are cancer fighting, anti-aging champions. Enjoy them blended into a salad that packs perfectly for lunch or accompanies a holiday meal. YIELDS 10 SERVINGS Ingredients Dressing 1 (15-oz.) can cannellini or white beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbs. tahini paste 2 Tbs. […]
June 23, 2020

Strawberry Hempseed Kale Salad

A simple massaged kale salad gets an anti-inflammatory boost from antioxidant-rich strawberries and essential fatty acids from hemp seeds. This is an easy make-ahead salad that can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, eaten as a side dish or on its own topped with a lean protein. Chef Notes: -If using baby kale, you do not need to massage the leaves as they are already tender. -Extra vinaigrette will store in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients For the salad: 1 bunch of curly green kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped into pieces […]
May 26, 2020

Can Certain Foods Help Regulate Blood Sugar?

I’m sure you’ve had this experience. You eat healthy most of the day, but at about three o’clock in the afternoon you crave something sweet. Or salty/crunchy. You indulge and feel great for a short time, and then you’re more tired and hungry than ever. What’s happening is that the simple carbs in these snacks spike the level of the sugar in your blood and trigger a surge of insulin, which the body manufactures to metabolize sugars. These extreme swings in blood sugar levels will not only play havoc with your energy and moods, but can present serious challenges to […]
May 6, 2020

Kale Stems with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

This colorful salad uses a less-popular part of kale and combines sweet and savory notes derived from bacon and