Monday Meals: Big Avocado Toast Inspiration

Whether you are new to the avocado toast trend or the tasty stack is an old favorite, some fresh ideas for topping your toast are always welcome. Avacados are unique fruits. Their creamy texture is a result of a very high fat content.  That fat however, is the heart-healthy monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid called oleic acid. …

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Monday Meals: Freekeh, Chickpea and Herb Salad

Ancient grains have enjoyed an explosion in popularity in the last several years. They have benefitted from an expanding curiosity about world cuisines, a growing market for gluten-free grains and an appetite for whole and “super” foods. Among the rediscovered grains is the form of wheat called freekeh. The young wheat …

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Monday Meals: Make-Ahead Oatmeal, a Healthy Morning Treat

Oatmeal has a mixed reputation. A 2008 survey found that Americans consider it the 4th most healthful food, coming in after whole grains, broccoli and bananas. But even with this wholesome reputation, it can be hard to find true oatmeal enthusiasts. Oatmeal is a modest food. While kale enjoys its moment in the …

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Monday Meals: Cauliflower for the Cauliflower Haters

Cauliflower is everywhere! You may have noticed that in the last 5 years the crunchy, white cruciferous veg has jumped from the crudités platter to the center of the entree. Its ability to masquerade as rice or mashed potatoes propelled it to fame during the low-carb craze and many adventuring chefs …

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Monday Meals: Thai Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes get a bad rap. The carb-phobic among us see the words “sweet” and “potato” and run the other direction. In reality, sweet potatoes are a great addition to a healthy diet. Despite their natural sweetness, they are lower on the glycemic index than regular potatoes; which means that …

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Monday Meals – Benefits of Bitter Greens!

“Take the bitter with the sweet…” It’s more than just an old proverb, good advice to remind you that life is full of ups and downs. It’s also a directive from Mother Nature – and it’s speaking to your digestion!  From our earliest days as hunters and gatherers we knew …

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Monday Meals: Mushroom and Spinach Frittata

Eggs are your ally when you need a quick satisfying meal. This recipe for Spinach and Mushroom Frittata from New York Times Cooking  pairs the ubiquitous refrigerator resident with bagged spinach and pre-sliced mushrooms, offering a nutritious and convenient meal in no time. Eggs provide protein, as well as Vitamin D …

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Monday Meals: Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl

The Mediterranean diet is consistently judged to be the healthiest way to eat, for heart health, reducing inflammation and weight loss or maintenance. This way of eating includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, olive oil, fish, whole grains, beans and legumes, seeds and nuts, limited amounts of red meat and …

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7 Simple Ways Women Can Fight the Middle-Aged Spread

Are your jeans fitting a little tighter? Have you noticed more flesh hanging over the belt-line? If so, you may be suffering from what is often called the “middle-age spread.” And no, it’s not all your fault. There are definite changes that occur at middle age that compel the body …

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Monday Meals: 20 Minute Black Bean Burgers

If you are looking for a quick and delicious way to pack lots of veggies and fiber into a meal consider the fresh-but-familiar black bean burger. Some vegitarian burger recipes are more complicated than a 5 course meal, but 20-Minute Black Bean Burgers from Cooking Light are truly a healthy …

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