STRENGTH
The strength icon indicates recipes that build bones, muscles, and joints. Foodtrients that promote strength help build bone density and repair tissue.
Recipes that build strength are below.
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June 7, 2022
It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow and lowers blood […]
May 31, 2022
In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion 1 […]
May 4, 2022
Deviled Eggs – Lightened Up! Deviled eggs are everyone’s favorite party appetizer but loaded with mayonnaise, can be a caloric bomb. Lighten up a classic treat by subbing mayo for protein-packed low-fat Greek yogurt, dropping a couple of yolks (but keeping the majority!) and adding mustard, dried dill and smoked paprika for an unexpected burst of flavor. Eggs are loaded with protein for strength, and choline for brain health. This recipe is quick and very easy, using common household ingredients so next time you need the perfect appetizer, on-the-go snack or after-school dish, whip up a batch of Deviled Eggs […]
January 26, 2022
If you think tofu always lacks flavor, you have to give this sweet, savory, and herbaceous soy-based holiday entree a try. A simple blend of oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari or soy sauce combine to create a flavorful entree that’s wholly worthy of a coveted spot on your holiday table. The added aroma from fresh, wintry herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage is just a bonus. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this comforting and festive main dish! The tofu provides plant-based protein for strength while the vinegar and tamari promote gut health. Rosemary boosts brain power. […]
January 3, 2022
Korean glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch. Gluten-free and low-calorie, they have a springy texture and a neutral flavor. In Korean BBQ restaurants, this dish is known as Jap Chae or sometimes Chap Chae. In this recipe, I jazz them up with marinated meat, stir-fry vegetables, eggs, and a sesame sauce. By cooking and assembling the noodles, meat, vegetables, and eggs, this becomes a perfect party dish: your guests can toss together exactly what they want. Traditionally, these noodles are served with a scrambled egg on top, but you can omit it. You can use chicken or tofu […]
August 21, 2021
Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. This dish’s blend of summer and year-round produce is tossed in an immune-boosting garlic miso sauce for added nutrition and delicious flavor. Miso is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans. Sometimes called miso paste or miso soybean paste, it can be found in any Asian grocery, or in the international section of mainstream grocery stores. You can use either white (mild) or red (stronger) miso. Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamin B6, choline, calcium, and zinc. Because it’s a fermented […]
May 24, 2021
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, lemon, mint, sweet dates, and nourishing chopped kale for a well-rounded dish full of flavor. Freekeh can be found in Whole Foods and other health food stores or online. 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 for […]
March 30, 2021
Garlic’s many compounds, including allicin, work in tandem to create a relaxing effect on artery walls, keeping them free of excess cholesterol and minimizing inflammation. I use garlic with black pepper and horseradish to spice up this rack of lamb. New Zealand lamb is lower in fat, cooks faster, and is more tender than American varieties such as Colorado lamb. Ingredients New Zealand rack of lamb (about 1 lb.) Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 tsp. minced garlic 2 Tbs. prepared horseradish 1-2 tsp. minced rosemary 1-2 tsp. minced thyme 1-2 tsp. minced parsley 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs […]
January 26, 2021
Pork shoulder is pretty tough, so I like to start this dish the night before and let it cook slowly overnight. This method will tenderize any tough cut of meat. The balsamic sauce can be made at the last minute. This is a perfect dish for a buffet dinner. Pork has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood, and phosphorous for nerve and muscle function. Annatto (achiote) seeds have a very bioavailable form of vitamin E, which helps lower cholesterol and protects the skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet radiation. They also contain carotenoids for healthy eyes. […]
January 20, 2021
Fajitas are a perfect party or family food because they can be assembled by your diners and the ingredients can be kept hot for an hour or two in a chafing dish. I use three different colors of bell pepper for eye appeal, but you can use only one. You can use other vegetables, such as mushrooms, scallions, zucchini, or even kale, cut long and thin. The cayenne pepper adds a little heat, which you can adjust to your preference. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. It also has detoxifying selenium as well as lysine, which repairs tissue. […]
May 19, 2020
Party food can most definitely be colorful, delicious, and healthy at the same time. This pineapple black bean salsa is a perfect example. Pineapple, beans, avocado, and other nutrient-dense ingredients combine to create a festive dish that promotes optimal energy levels, digestion, and wellbeing. This dish is also versatile. Try serving it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or use it as a sweet and spicy topping for grilled tofu or fish. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your next summer barbecue. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pineapple, peeled and diced (about 2 ½ cups) 1 ¼ cups […]
April 26, 2020
Spinach contains iron as well as age-defying antioxidants. Grapefruit is chock-full of vitamin C and potassium. You can use vitamin-C-packed pink or white grapefruit in this salad, though pink grapefruit has the added benefit of lycopene. If you use whole segments of the grapefruit, you’ll also add fiber. The candied walnuts and dried apricots balance the acidity of the grapefruit and increase the antioxidants in this dish. My Honey-Lime Dressing perfectly compliments the mellow flavor of the spinach. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1 bunch or 1 bag spinach leaves 1 whole grapefruit, segmented ¼ cup candied walnuts ¼ cup dried apricots 2 […]
April 26, 2020
Getting bored with regular green salads? Toss things up with a fresh spring salad packed with flavor and protein to keep you full and energized. Tofu is a versatile and easy-to-make protein source that adds texture to this flavorful salad. A light lemon-herbed dressing perfectly suits a combination of favorite garden veggies. Given the hearty nature of this salad, it travels well and makes great leftovers. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, be sure to include this simple, tasty salad as a side dish at your next dinner or picnic. Because of the marinating, cooking and cooling time in this […]