- What's the deal with matcha?
What is matcha?
Matcha is finely ground whole green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
What are its health benefits?
When you drink matcha you consume the entire tea leaf, unlike traditional teas in which the leaves are steeped. Whole leaves means more nutrient density, plus the benefits of fiber. Matcha contains polyphenols (antioxidant compounds), and research has shown that polyphenols aid in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. Drinking matcha is also believed to help relieve tension and stress, as well as improve concentration and mental focus.
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- Travel is fun if you pack the right snacks.
Packing lunch on a daily basis does not have to stop because of travel. I often hear from clients that hectic schedules and days on the road constantly throw off their healthy eating goals. With a little planning and commitment you can brown-bag it in any town even if you are just passing through. Here a few how-to tips for travel:
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- What should you eat when you're traveling through the air?
For those of us who have jobs that require travel, simply packing a lunch to take to work is not always so easy. Here are some tips for brown-bagging your lunch for car or air travel to help you stick to your daily brown-bag vow this month.
Airplane travel is a bit trickier then travel by car or train since there’s a security check is involved. Luckily, all airplane-friendly meals also work for car trips, bus trips and train rides, so adapt accordingly.
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- Skip the taco stand -- homemade tacos are healthier and cheaper.
All this month we are Brown Baggin’ it at Healthy Eats. For those of you who eat out on a regular basis here are some healthy DIY options for your favorite cuisines.
Italian:
Caesar Salads are a lunch staple for many and you can enjoy it guilt-free. This version is made with shrimp which cook up in minutes. Remember to pack your dressing on the side so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.
If you plan ahead and make lunch for dinner you save time. So feed the family this healthy version of pasta with meatballs, then save a few meatballs to pack for lunch with a crusty whole grain roll and some shredded parmesan for a satisfying meal the whole office will envy.
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- Can you still have one of these on a healthy diet?
On Labor Day weekend, many families will be firing up the grill to cook . . . you guessed it: hot dogs. 95% of American households eat hotdogs (we consume over 20 billion a year). Hot dogs are notoriously high in fat/saturated fat and sodium and most only have about an ounce of protein. So, I bet you’re wondering how you can enjoy your Labor Day cook-out and be health conscious? Here are some tips to a better ‘dog.
Choose a hot dog that is lower in fat (less than 10 g of total fat and 5 g of saturated fat) and sodium (less then 500mg). Look for light or reduced fat versions; fat-free versions usually add more sodium for flavor. Here are some brands that fit the bill.
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- What is spirulina, exactly?
With so many so-called super foods on the market it’s tough to decide which are worth shelling out some dough. Here are a few facts on a funky green powder called spirulina; I think it’s worth at least a try!
What is spirulina?
It is an edible blue-green algae that is available in tablet, flake or powder form.
What nutrients and vitamins does it contain?
Spirulina is about 60% complete protein, which is a lot compared to about 25% in chicken or beef. It contains all the essential amino acids, and 10 non-essential ones. Ever wonder where fish get their fatty acids? Fish eat algae like spirulina which is rich in fatty acids, especially omega 3. Spirulina contains B complex vitamins including B-12 but there is insufficient evidence as to its bioavailability. Beta-carotene is also found in this super-cool supplement. Read more »
- Feelin' hot, hot, hot?
Tired of the same boring, bland foods? Take your summer fare up a notch and try experimenting with chile peppers this season! Chile peppers are a healthy way to spice up your menu. Whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch or dinner, chile peppers can add a little or a lot of heat to your food, which means big flavor . . . without the fat. Try some peppers in your breakfast omelet, add them to your favorite stir fry, or stuff them for a delicious entree. I promise you, your taste buds will be pleased.
Traditionally, chile peppers have been ranked on the Scoville Heat Scale heat which indicates the amount of heat a pepper produces. To give you an idea, the bell pepper ranks the lowest with a 0, while the habanero chile pepper ranks toward the top with a reading of 350,000 units.
Here are some descriptions of some delicious chile peppers that you can begin experimenting with this summer:
Poblano – You may not have heard of these peppers before, but poblano peppers, with their large size and thick walls, provide the perfect foundation to create a wonderful stuffed pepper entree. Try stuffing poblano peppers with Mexican chili or Spanish rice and vegetables and then grilling them; your family will be happy you did. This pepper is slightly mild with a rating of 1,000-2,000 heat units.
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- Bobby Flay's Grilled Salmon With Olive Vinaigrette
School may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t learn a thing or two. What better way to boost your brain power than by combining two of the most loved aspects of the season – barbecue and the ocean – than to grilling up some fresh fish? With its mind-boosting omega-3s, grilled fish will ensure that you clear your brain of the summer “fog,” and when done right, it will blow those boring hamburgers and hot dogs out of the water. So get ready for Grilling Fish 101.
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- Yellow Trio Salad: tomatoes, corn and yellow squash.
Beat the heat of the season with a light, refreshing, summer salad! It’s finally time for some really fresh produce. Experiment with seasonal fruits and vegetables from your local farmer’s market. Next time you go to a neighborhood barbeque use these tips and bring a salad that will leave your friends wanting more than just hot dogs and hamburgers.
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- Bobby Flay's Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Breast
As the weather gets hot, the grill starts to call my name! Sure, we all have our tried-and-true recipes we’ve been craving since last summer, but there’s always room for some creativity. One of my favorite grilling preparations is spice-rubbed meats and fish. Spices add tons of flavors without adding fat and calories. Rubs are easy to make yourself and you can prepare them in bulk so you have go-to flavor all season long. Here are a few of my favorites.
4 spice rub recipes for all-summer flavor »
