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 […]

Prepared recipe cut into pieces

Simple Recipes for Busy Schedules: 6 Ingredients or Less

With busy schedules, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to prepare meals and snacks at home. Are you looking for simple, healthy recipes? Look no further! All of these recipes only require 6 ingredients or less, making them great for quick dinner, lunch, or snack options. Mediterranean Lunch Salad Slow Cooker […]

Okra after grilling

BEST way to cook okra – GRILLED

I grew up in the south. This means that fried okra was on the menu frequently. In fact, I am not sure I knew that you could eat it any other way until I was an adult. Lucky for me, my mom was a health-conscious southern cook and did not use heavy batter or deep […]

Best, Easy Corn Salad: EVER

With all the fresh corn available you may be tired of just plain corn on the cob. I have been experimenting with using corn to make a cold summer salad. I like cooking the corn in the husk in the microwave. The corn comes out perfectly every time. I like a sherry vinaigrette but you […]

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 […]

Cinnamon Baked Pears

A delicious and healthy alternative to fruit pies, these baked pears can be served as dessert, or even eaten with breakfast. This is a favorite of mine at holiday meals when you want something sweet after dinner because they fulfill the sweet tooth craving without being too sugary or too filling. These pears are delicious […]

Prepared yogurt bark recipe

Berry Yogurt Bark

Recipe from NC Steps to Health Ingredients • 2 cups non-fat plain yogurt• ½ tsp. vanilla extract• ¼ tsp. lemon juice• ¼ tsp. salt• 1 cup strawberries, sliced• 1 cup blueberries, whole Directions Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. […]

Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberries are super healthy with lots of antioxidants. Thanksgiving, however, does not bring out the best in this super fruit as they are usually accompanied by lots of sugar. This recipe is what I would call healthy-ish as it does have some sugar but lots of fruit that adds most of the sweetness. It also […]

Crinkle-Cut Oven Fries with Japanese Sweet Potatoes

November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month. Sweet potatoes are a healthy source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. A fun fact, North Carolina has led the nation in sweet potato production for decades and produces about 60 percent of the country’s total sweet potato crop. My favorite type of sweet potato is Murasaki—or […]