Zucchini Applesauce Muffins
It’s amazing how big a zucchini can get over night. The funny thing is, we didn’t even plant zucchini this year. It is growing right out of the compost bin! As anyone who has tried to grow zucchini knows, they grow like wildfire. I can’t seem to eat it fast enough. Short of giving it all away, I decided to find a muffin recipe to utilize the surplus. This recipe was adapted from Cooking Gluten Free! by Karen Robertson. Note: this recipe is not gluten-free. Read more
Homemade Applesauce
I realize it’s still summer and some of you may not be thinking about the fall and apple season. Well, it’s apple season in our backyard. We have this wonderful apple tree that is dropping apples like crazy so I thought I would make good use of all them and make applesauce. This was first attempt and I must say it was pretty easy and tasty too! This recipe comes from The New Vegetarian Epicure. Read more
Kalamata Balsamic Vinaigrette
I attended a fun cooking class with Lisa Barnes, owner of Fiddlehead Cuisine at The Culinary Center of Santa Cruz and one of the salad dressings I learned how to make was this recipe below. It is so easy and taste amazing. I suggest doubling the recipe because it will disappear fast!
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Food Addiction and Mindful Eating
Michael Krasny from KQED Radio interviewed 3 professors from UCSF Medical Center on the forum yesterday to discuss Food Addiction and mindful eating. It was a pretty interesting discussion. However, I was disappointed with Michael Krasny’s simplistic take on the subject matter as he kept referring to free will as a solution to addiction and the obesity epidemic we are having in this country. Check it out for yourself.
Crunchy Quinoa Salad
I just came back from spending a wonderful weekend cross-country skiing in Tahoe with some friends. I knew we would be out skiing most of the day on Saturday and Sunday so I wanted to make a salad that was going to provide sustained fuel for our long day kicking and gliding in the snow. By sustained fuel, I mean something that provides a balance of quality fats, quality protein and complex carbohydrates. This salad is packed with all three macronutrients. I also wanted something that was going make enough for the three of us for two days worth of lunch supplies.
Lorna Sass’ Crunchy Quinoa Salad fit the bill. This recipe is taken from Lorna Sass’ Complete Vegetarian Kitchen cookbook. I have adapted it by replacing couscous with quinoa, I just like it better. This dish tastes best when made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight, to give the flavors a chance to mingle. It’s a great recipe to prepare for a crowd. It yields about 6-8 servings. Read more
Fat Tuesday’s Skinny Red Beans
This is one of my favorite, quick, go-to recipes when I can’t figure out what to have for dinner. What makes it so easy is that I usually have all the ingredients on hand. And if I am really pressed for time, I can substitute quinoa for brown rice since it only takes 10-15 minutes to cook. This recipe comes from the Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites cookbook. Read more
Toilet Talk
I realize this topic may be a bit difficult for most people to digest. After all, talking about ones bowel movements is a sensitive topic. The truth of the matter is, you can really learn a lot about your health by examining what is in your toilet bowl. I know for me, if you can add humor to a learn experiencing I will retain the information more easily. Dr. Josh Richman and Dr. Anish Sheth, have written a book, ”What’s Your Poo Telling You?“ This little book is very informative and very funny. I suggest it to clients who are having digestive troubles. I usually get some pretty strange reactions at first, but when they get the book and start reading they find it rather entertaining. It also makes for great reading material in the bathroom! They have just come out with a new book “What’s My Pee Telling Me?” To learn more, check out the website at www.drstool.com.
Am I Hungry?
So tonight I start the first of twelve workshops entitled Am I Hungry? I am taking the facilitators training course. The workshops where developed by Michelle May, M.D. author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. When I complete the course I will be a licensed Am I Hungry? facilitator and once licensed will be able to teach the workshops. The workshops, which consist of 8-weekly sessions, teach people a non-diet approach to weight management. Read more
Fitness Anywhere
I like to stay physically active no matter where I am. This Christmas my husband and I drove down to the LA area to visit his family. We opted for driving instead of flying for a few reasons. One, was so we could take the world’s greatest dog (GINGER) with us. And two, so we could take our road bikes. John’s dad is still very active in his mid 70s and likes to ride, so we wanted to be able to spend some time on the bike with him.
In addition, we also took the TRX Suspension Trainer by Fitness Anywhere to get some resistance training while in the comfort of our hotel room. It provides a way to exercise your total body while using only your body weight for resistance. Whether you are traveling by car or plane, it’s the one piece of equipment you can take with you anywhere. This amazing piece of equipment fits neatly in any carry-on bag and is light weight. I own two of them, one for John and one for me. I like the fact that the TRX has so many uses, is very affordable and can be used pretty much anywhere. So the next time you are traveling and don’t want to miss a work out, look into purchasing a TRX Suspension Trainer.
Healthy Nut Brittle
Most homemade and packaged nut brittle is not what you’d call a healthy snack. This one is different. I was taking a cooking class at Bauman College three years ago when I discovered this recipe. I have made this too many times to count, people love it. In fact, I have friends who have asked me to make it for them so they can give it away as a gift! If you can’t figure out what to get that certain someone for Christmas, this is a great gift idea. Read more