How to Avoid Gas when Eating Legumes and Beans

This issue is clearly one that many of you have an interest in. A blog posted in 2016 and updated in 2021, FIVE Ways to Avoid Gas with Beans, is one of our most read blogs. In fact, if you ask Google how to avoid gas with beans, the AI overview cites our blog. When […]

In Need of Meal Planning Inspiration This Week?

In need of meal planning inspiration this week? Pam Outen was recently honored by NC State University for her 50+ year career as an Extension agent. Pam’s goal was to help people plan quick, easy, and nutritious meals. You can find Pam’s videos on her YouTube channel Pam’s Kitchen*. I hope this will fuel your […]

Are Nuts and Seeds Healthy?

I have been in the nutrition business for over 40 years. This means that I participated in the low-fat craze of the 90’s and early 2000’s. High-fat foods such as nuts and seeds were not go-to foods. Considering what we know now about fat in general and nuts and seeds in particular, we could not […]

Tuna Salad prepared

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

This is an excellent recipe for those hot summer days when you want a nutritious meal or snack but cannot even think about turning on the oven or stove. This recipe amps up the traditional tuna salad recipe you may be used to by adding vegetables and flavor. Enjoy it as a sandwich, on top […]

Samosa-Inspired Potato Cakes

The best part of a samosa is the filling. This dish is inspired by samosas without the frying or outside wrapper. They are delicious and the heat can easily be adjusted for your palate by how much cayenne you use. Placing the mixture in the refrigerator makes it much easier to make patties and sear […]

A screenshot from the Banana Nut Med Muffin recipe showing the finished muffins in the tin.

Banana Nut Med Muffins

Next time you have overripe bananas lying around, don’t throw them out – make these delicious and healthy muffins instead!  Most muffins are just a step away from cake with lots of added sugar and unhealthy fat. Not these med muffins! These muffins utilize ripe bananas for natural sweetness and nuts for heart-healthy fats. Great […]

Healthy Pancakes Do Exist!

You may think that pancakes are off the menu for you. Too many unhealthy carbohydrates, sugar in the syrup – no pancakes for you. However, it is possible thanks to this great Med Instead of Meds recipe. There is truly such a thing as healthy pancakes and the biggest plus is, they are super easy […]

A prepared smoothie on an outdoor table

Strawberry and Tahini Smoothie

In a previous blog for a Chocolate Banana Oat Smoothie, I mentioned that I am working on consuming more fruit. Fruit-based smoothies with no added sugars are a way that works for me to enjoy more fruit on a daily basis. Do you have leftover tahini in your refrigerator from making hummus or a salad […]

a smoothie in a jar

Skip the Afternoon Caffeine—Make this Chocolate Banana Oat Smoothie!

One of the strategies that I have been using to consume more fruits and satisfy my sweets craving is to make smoothies. Working remotely means that I have more access to my kitchen appliances, which has been helpful. This chocolate banana oat smoothie has been one of my go-to snacks in the late afternoon. Skip […]

Healthier Eggnog Recipe

Christmas is this Friday! For many families, eggnog is a timeless tradition during the holidays but it comes with a hefty amount of calories (around 180 calories for 4 ounces). For those who crave the flavor on a regular basis try out this recipe for a healthy eggnog smoothie: Recipe from NC EFNEP Ingredients ½ […]