Get Cookin’ Holiday Gift Guide

Nutritious Life is making holiday shopping effortless this year. We have handpicked (and tested so you can shop stress free) the healthiest, most practical and inspiring items for every area of your life. We have something for everyone on your list. We’ll help you (and your loved ones) get better sleep, relax, cook up healthy and delicious meals, sparkle with self-care, and simply be more joyful!  Here are our favorite items for the person who loves to cook (or who wants to love to cook!). We’ve got everything from must-have gadgets to meal-kits.  17 HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE CHEF It’s Bacon!  A bacon gift box may be the perfect gift for the meat lover on your list. Baker’s Bacon is made from sustainably (and humanely) raised, no added nitrates, vegetarian-fed, antibiotic-free heritage breed pork sourced from family-owned farms in Iowa. This gift set includes three packages of bacon (two Thick Sliced Double Smoked Bacon and one Thick Sliced Uncured Back Bacon), a Baker’s Bacon lanyard and customizable gift message with clever bacon greetings.  BAKER’S BACON “I love you more than bacon” box, $42 Make Dinner Together  Having all the ingredients in one place to make a quick dinner is our idea of a great present. Pastene’s Gluten-Free Pasta Lovers Gift Box has everything needed to cook up a fresh and easy meal. Also, it tastes just like grandma made it. Pastene Gluten-Free Pasta Lovers Box, $20 Become a Gourmet Chef Want to impress at your next dinner party? The Levo is the kitchen tool you didn’t know you always needed. Make herbal infused oil, butter and honey at home, without the time or mess of traditional methods. New to the market, Levo is a kitchen tool that will have you whipping up delicious dressings, sauces and even beauty products.  Make a healthy Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing, Kale & Walnut Pesto or even a CBD Hand & Body Moisturizer.  LEVO Oil Infuser, $129 Meal Prep Magic Bentgo makes the cutest on-the-go salad and soup containers and sustainable options for meal prep. They will help anyone get excited about preparing all their healthy meals. Plus, really great options for the kids too! Bentgo Prep container, starting at $11 Instagram Ready Creations Ever wonder how those gorgeous food photos are created on Instagram? Well, it starts with some unique ingredients. Lucky for us, Civilized Coffee has recently launched their latest Gift Box “Craft Baking & Drink” which features everything a foodie photographer needs to make Insta worthy baked goods and drinks. You’ll get Honey Crystals, Cacao Nibs, Cocoa Powder, Rock Candy, a bodum Milk Frother and more.  Civilized Coffee Craft Baking & Drink Gift Box, $99 Breakfast in a Box Get cozy with the family on a snowy morning and cook up a warm breakfast. The Woodlife Ranch Breakfast Box has everything you need to take your breakfast to the next level. You’ll get Maple Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix, maple syrup, coffee and even a cute cup.  We love that Woodlife Ranch is a family owned working farm in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Woodlife Woodlife Ranch Breakfast in a Box, $89 Coffee Maker Magic The Clio coffee brewer uses a pressure-brewing system that delivers a sustainable cup of coffee with bold flavor. No watered down java here. Plus, our pods are also made from 50% less material and from fully recyclable material compared to the leading single cup brand.You can also upgrade this gift by signing your loved ones up for Clio’s subscription pod service.  The Clio Coffee Brewer, $129 Baking Up a Fairy Tale Supporting small businesses just became more magical.  The Cookie Cups has a number of fun cooking kits for the whole family. Looking for something savory, they also offer a Pizza Making Kit. This may not be your healthy option, but this is a great way to get kids excited about cooking!  Unicorn Cookie Cup Baking Kit, $49.99 Unique Sipping There’s nothing better than relaxing with a hot cup of tea. Chariteas works with sustainable tea farms in order to craft custom blends. The Herbal Infusion Tea Flight is a perfect gift for the tea lover to receive the most unique tea blends from countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and Vietnam. Thanks to butterfly pea flowers, the first infusion changes from blue to purple with the addition of citrus. Plus, Chariteas cares about the environment and with each purchase of tea, they replant trees.  Herbal Infusion Tea Flight from Chariteas, $36 Stir It Up Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking newbie, the Home Beis Silicone Me Utensil set will make you want to cook. These utensils are chic (love the wooden handle!) and durable (they won’t chip). The best part, they are affordable. A set including a deep soup ladle, flexible spatula, slotted turner, slotted spoon, strainer and pasta server is only $32. Home Beis Silicone Me Utensil Set, $32 Have a Tea Party When guests come by, this electric tea kettle is great for a pretty, impromptu tea party. Bella has a number of styles to pick from too. We like this blue aztec style. Best part, it’s cordless and has carefree auto shut-off (we love safety).  Bella, ELECTRIC CERAMIC KETTLE, $40 The Ultimate Smoothie Maker You all know we love our smoothies, so having the ultimate blender is essential. We love the Ninja as you get powerful ice crushing and single serve capabilities. Easy to whip up and go! You can also make soups and sauces with ease.  Ninja Professional Countertop Blender, $120 High Performance Pans Created for cooks who appreciate performance, and also ease (goodbye scrubbing pans!). HexClad has all you need—stainless or nonstick, dishwasher safe, oven safe, induction-ready, scratch-resistant and stay-cool handles. Plus they come with a lifetime warranty.  What we liked was that it really was non-stick, so easy cleanup.  HexClad  7PC Pan Set, $449 Airfryer, But So Much More Brussel Sprouts, French Fries, Pizza—Oh My! Airfryer meets countertop oven? Sign us up! We are obsessed with airfrying

17 Surprising, Tasty Ways to Eat Sweet Potatoes

From smoothies and casseroles to burgers, pizza, cookies, and pie.

Genius Ikea Kitchen Hacks that Make Healthy Cooking Easier

When you sit down at a clean, organized desk, doesn’t it make you feel like you’re about to conquer the world (or at least your to-do list)? These Ikea kitchen hacks will give you that same feeling—just in relation to healthy cooking. RELATED: How Staying Organized Helps a Busy Nutritionist (and Mom) Eat Well The truth is, if you’re trying to make more nutritious meals on a daily basis, it’s really going to help to have your space to set up for success. You don’t want to come home revved up to make Thai Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Roasted Halibut only to get hung up on the fact that you can’t find any of the spices you need or that you’re going to have to move 15 other appliances in order to get your Spiralizer out. And by tapping Ikea, you know you won’t break the bank (so you can spend more of your hard-earned dollars on organic veggies, naturally). RELATED: Budget Healthy Eating Tips You’ve Got to Try Here are five super affordable Ikea kitchen hacks that will help you get organized for more fast, fresh, stress-free meals. 5 Genius Ikea Kitchen Hacks 1. Organize your spices and seeds. You want the spices and seeds that you use the most often ready and within reach at all times. Use Rajtan glass jars to store them on your counter or a close shelf. They’re simple and sleek and will match any kitchen decor. You can also premix spices you use as blends and store them in the jars, like a curry blend or a taco seasoning. 2. Put potted herbs in a wine rack. This blogger came up with a genius way to use the Vurm wine rack. Pot fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and parsley in pint glasses and stick them in the rack for an easy indoor herb garden that takes up no space at all. Better yet, buy one rack for your red wine and one for herbs…they’re both great sources of antioxidants. RELATED: What Are Antioxidants, and Are They Really That Important? 3. Use bins in your fridge. Pluggis bins are made for recycling, but you can also use them to organize your fridge in ways that make it easy to find things. Put all of your condiments in one, for instance, or give breakfast foods like eggs, yogurt, and berries their own box. As you can see from this blogger’s tutorial, it makes your fridge look prettier, too. 4. Hang up your fruits and veggies. Fruit bowls take up lots of counter space, but there’s plenty of produce—like bananas, apples, and tomatoes—that should really stay out rather than going in the fridge. Solution: Use the Fintorp collection of rails, hooks, and bins to hang your produce on the wall, like one blogger did, here. You can also hang a rail near your stove and put cooking tools like your go-to spatula and whisk in the Utensil Holder for easy access. 5. Put your cookbooks on a shelf, and hang your pot holders. This wall shelf with hooks may look more like an item made for hanging coats by the door, but put it on a kitchen wall near the stove and it’s super useful. Your favorite cookbooks can lean on the shelf for both access and decor (or you could stock a row of spices there). Then, hang dish towels and pot holders from the hooks, so you don’t have to be rummaging through drawers while paying attention to multiple pots.

3 Farmers’ Market Recipes that Use Up Lots of Produce

Do you ever get home from the farmers’ market with a huge haul and not know what to make? Or pick up a CSA box filled with unrelated veggies you’ve got only a week to eat? My family and I love to visit our local market every Saturday morning, but sometimes when I don’t go with recipes in mind, I go a bit overboard with my purchases. What can I say? All that fresh produce just looks sooo good. RELATED: Delicious Roasted Veggies, 3 Ways Since I hate to let fresh fruits and veggies go to waste, I created a whole collection of farmers’ market recipes made for this scenario. Below, you’ll find three of my favorites. Each utilizes lots of different kinds of seasonal produce in one dish and highlights fresh flavors via simple preparations. (That means they’re also easy to make!) The smoothie is great to share (my kiddos love it too), and the pesto and marinara can be frozen for later use. Give these easy, yummy recipes a try next time you’re drowning in heirlooms and herbs. Farmers’ Market Recipes 1. Strawberry Veggie Smoothie Veggies are my smoothie secret weapon. They add so much nutritional value with minimal calories. This smoothie is filled with tons of fiber, protein, and healthy fat, and is sure to keep you full all morning long. Tip: Some people prefer to steam and then freeze their veggies for easier digestion. GET THE RECIPE 2. Pea Pesto Crostini My Pea Pesto Crostini is super easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s vegan and allergy friendly (nut-free, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free), making it a perfect option for a cocktail party hors d’oeuvre. The pesto can also be frozen to use in pasta and on sandwiches, later. GET THE RECIPE 3. LivLight Market Marinara There’s nothing better than summer tomatoes, and who doesn’t love a homemade marinara? This sauce is delicious right out of the pot and gets even better with time. I love to make a big pot on Sunday and use it throughout the week on pasta, veggies, and grilled fish. GET THE RECIPE

5 Easy Ways to Add Turmeric to Your Diet

Turmeric is a champion anti-inflammatory food. How can you harness its powerful, health-promoting strengths? You’ve got to find more ways to add turmeric to your diet. Before we get to those, a quick refresher on why you want to sprinkle this spice everywhere. Turmeric is filled with curcumin, a compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals while at the same time lowering levels of enzymes that cause inflammation. That’s no joke, considering inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases. RELATED: 7 Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Should Be Eating To add turmeric directly to your diet, you can buy the fresh root and grate it yourself, or you can buy the ground spice in a jar. While its yellow-orange color is seriously bold, the taste is actually pretty mild, so you can add it to lots of different dishes easily. Ready to start? Try these simple tips for incorporating more turmeric into your diet, stat. 5 Easy Ways to Add Turmeric to Your Diet 1. Add it to a salad or salad dressing To make this Green Salad with Shiitake Bacon, you toss chickpeas in turmeric with paprika and olive oil and crisp them up. But you can also just sprinkle it on most salads or whisk it into any basic salad dressing. 2. Drink Naked Pressed Lively Carrot Grab a bottle (or two) of Naked Pressed Lively Carrot—part of Naked Juice’s cold-pressed line—for an easy, on-the-go source of turmeric. Plus, you’ll also be sipping on healthy, high-quality veggies like cold-pressed carrot and cucumber, which means you’re taking in nutrients like vitamin A (it contains all you need for the day!), calcium, and magnesium. 3. Make curry You’ve seen the color of curry, right? No surprise there’s turmeric here. This Chickpea and Cauliflower version is filled with vegetables, plant protein, and other antioxidant-rich spices. 4. Make a latte Skip your afternoon coffee (just this once!) and make a delicious Turmeric Latte, with almond milk, coconut oil, and cinnamon. 5. Sprinkle it on vegetables before roasting An easy way to enjoy root vegetables? Sprinkle favorites like sweet potatoes and squash with turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (and any other warming spices) and toss them in coconut oil before roasting them. This blog was created in partnership with Naked Juice.

Cooking Pro Pamela Salzman Shares Her Healthy Kitchen Habits

Pamela Salzman made a career out of teaching people in the Los Angeles area how to cook their own wholesome, delicious meals. Now, Salzman’s bringing her tips and tricks to the masses, with her first book, Kitchen Matters. Kitchen Matters is filled with more than 100 innovative, nutritious recipes (healthy Greek nachos!), and the photography is so vibrant you can practically taste the fresh flavors. But where it’s even more unique is in the practical resources Salzman provides to set you up for success. Think charts that explain how to roast every vegetable you can think of, instructions on how to stock your pantry, and meal plans and tutorials that suddenly make you feel like a total pro. (It’s kind of like she’s standing next to you helping you chop and measure…) RELATED: How To Do Sunday Kitchen Prep for a Productive, Stress-Free Week We caught up with Salzman during her book launch week to get an even closer look at how she eats—and lives—well. How Does Pamela Salzman Live a Nutritious Life? If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? Anti-Inflammatory flexitarian, because I don’t really avoid any food group, but I do strive to make most of my food choices anti-inflammatory ones. RELATED: 7 Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat Daily What’s your go-to breakfast? Smoothie bowl. Your go-to workday dinner? Wild salmon, roasted sweet potato, sautéed greens. What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Homemade salad dressing. The snack you always have with you when traveling? Homemade trail mix. Your favorite food indulgence? Ice cream. Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Green tea. How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? 6 days a week, barre class. How do you stay active outside the gym? Walking on the beach. What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? Meditation. How do you pamper yourself when you need it? I get a mani/pedi. Do you have a favorite health gadget? Nope, unless you consider a Vitamix a health gadget. Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Hot yoga. Most of the classes are 90 minutes, and I can’t get away with not washing my hair afterwards! Lightning Round Meditation or massage? Meditation. A hot shower or a soothing bath? Bath. Almond butter or peanut butter? Almond butter. Coffee or tea? Tea. A long run outside or a dark spin class? Run outside.

Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Is One Healthier Than the Other?

When it comes to healthy ways to make magic in the kitchen, olive oil and coconut oil are two of your closest friends. Olive oil is the friend you’ve known since grade school who’s completely dependable and always supportive. Coconut oil is the friend you made in your early 20s who’s always up on the latest trends. You need both of them—but what happens when your schedule gets really busy and you’ve only got time for one? Translation: When you reach for a bottle at Trader Joe’s, which should you carry home if your grocery tote is too full for both? (Reminder: Quality always matters. We’re talking about extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil vs. virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil.) We’ve got the facts on which is healthier: olive oil or coconut oil? Olive oil vs. Coconut Oil: The Skinny on Different Kinds of Fat Olive oil contains some saturated fat as well as minimal omega-3s and omega-6s, but the star of its fatty acid profile is monounsaturated fat, most of it in the form of oleic acid. Monounsaturated fats are linked to decreased risk of high blood pressure and a decrease in LDL (“bad” cholesterol)—both of which are good for your heart. In fact, research shows extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) benefits heart health in multiple ways. Researchers have amassed pretty robust evidence that it reduces heart disease and stroke. RELATED: Why Healthy Fats Don’t Make You Fat Coconut oil, on the other hand, is made up primarily of saturated fat in the form of molecules called medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs). Saturated fat used to be demonized for raising heart disease risk, but recent research has altered that thinking. The saturated fat in coconut oil has actually been found to raise your HDL (“good” cholesterol) and lower triglycerides (fats that raise the risk of heart disease). MCTs are also quickly metabolized and turned into energy, which means less stored fat. Some research suggests that coconut oil might be superior for weight loss. Preliminary evidence even suggests coconut oil’s fat profile helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, although the research is far from conclusive. As for the actual nutritional value of the two oils, they’re much the same. Comparing a one-tablespoon serving of each, extra virgin olive oil has 120 calories in 14 grams of fat (with zero protein and carbs). Virgin coconut oil matches these macronutrient amounts exactly. The difference, as stated above, comes in the saturated fat levels: Olive oil has 2g; coconut oil, 13g. Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Antioxidant and Anti-Bacterial Advantages Olive oil has earned its reputation for being rich in antioxidants. It’s filled with bioavailable phenolic compounds that have been found to have multiple, varied positive health effects, such as decreasing oxidative damage to DNA and lowering inflammatory markers. RELATED: Why Is Inflammation Such a Buzzed-About Health Term? Coconut oil has been linked to some antioxidant activity, but not nearly to the extent of olive oil. It does, however, contain some anti-bacterial compounds that play a role in preventing acne, supporting immune function and fighting infection. Olive Oil Vs. Coconut Oil: How to Cook with Them So, both oils have their own benefits when it comes to nutrition. But what about how they perform in the kitchen? You may have heard that because olive oil has a lower smoke point, you shouldn’t use it for cooking at higher heats. The concern here is that intense heat will cause it to break down, becoming carcinogenic. Most research actually shows olive oil is very resistant to oxidation, even at high heats (likely due to those incredible antioxidants!). Still, there’s a reason olive oil is a go-to choice for salad dressings, or for dipping your fresh bread into (as a side to some scrumptious Italian dish)—this Mediterranean marvel tastes great at room temperature, which is what you should store it at, preferably in a tinted bottle. The flavor compounds in EVOO are delicate, and some will evaporate when overheated. Coconut oil even looks different: Unless you live in a very warm climate (and don’t use the AC much), the coconut oil inside that jar in your pantry is solid at room temperature. That’s an indication of the oil’s higher smoke point, or the temperature at which it begins to break down and oxidize. That’s one reason coconut oil is good for sauteing and baking. If you want to err on the side of caution, choose olive oil primarily for cold foods, coconut for hot. RELATED: Does Grilling Make Food Carcinogenic? The Bottom Line When it comes to research-backed health benefits, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil wins. Consider this: It’s a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which has been studied at length and is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, some cancers, diabetes and more. Coconut oil is amazing for your health, too. It has multiple benefits for your heart, weight, and more; they’re just not as well-studied yet. It also wins when it comes to versatility. (You can use it outside the kitchen for dental health, to take off makeup and moisturize, and so much more.) At the end of the day, it’s nice to have one option for savory flavors and another for sweet. Just look for extra-virgin and cold-pressed varieties from trusted brands, and stock your pantry with both options. (Image: Shutterstock)

In the Kitchen with Keri: Cooking with Spring Veggies

    We share heaps of healthy information on Nutritious Life’s blog every day, but “In the Kitchen with Keri” is your chance to spend some quality time with the wonder woman behind it all, Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN. It’s where she invites you into her space to share the ingredients she’s currently obsessed with, recipes she can’t get enough of, and other tips and tricks learned over many years of life as an always-ahead-of-the-curve nutritionist and wellness expert. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh spring vegetables after a long, cold winter (unless you live in Los Angeles, in which case … we’re super jealous!). I mean, I seriously love nutrient-dense, versatile sweet potatoes or a really good, creamy butternut squash soup. But when the sun starts shining and the flowers are blooming, you just want lighter, brighter flavors and textures on your plate. Cooking with Spring Veggies Eating in sync with the season literally does put a spring in your step (pun intended). It’s also great for the environment, and Earth Day is fast approaching. Here’s how I’m currently cooking with spring veggies.   Artichokes: A top farmers’ market find Artichokes are filled with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that are great for both your overall health and glowing skin (which is important as temps rise and you start to show a little more).     I’ve been a big fan of their benefits for a long time—so much so that they were a daily part of my O2 Diet four-day cleanse. And while artichokes are fresh during spring, you can eat them all year long by using canned or frozen versions. I often drizzle them with olive oil and roast them to get them just a little bit crispy. RECIPE: Roasted Artichoke Hearts Serve artichokes alongside a piece of omega-3-rich salmon seared or broiled and placed on a bed of arugula. The nutritious green is super zesty and flavorful when its first leaves sprout in spring. RECIPE: Broiled Salmon Veggie-Rich Grain Bowl Another way to easily enjoy fresh produce? Make a grain bowl!     Grain bowls are simple to put together and you can basically throw in whichever grains and veggies you have on hand. For this bowl I made recently, I used farro—an ancient grain filled with fiber—as the base. (If you don’t have the perfect-sized bowl, you can improvise like I did and use a plate. The point is the simple mix of ingredients.) Then, I sautéed fresh asparagus and mushrooms in a pan with olive oil until slightly crispy, and threw those on top of the grains with raw sliced radishes. I love mixing it up with cooked and raw veggies. I topped it off with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein. Asparagus, by the way, is the perfect anti-bloating food, since it contains compounds that aid digestion by acting like probiotics. (Again, perfect for midriff-baring weather!) Radishes are a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and immune-system strengthener. I also love them for snacking, as part of a crudite platter to dip in guac or hummus. RECIPE: Pesto Hummus Dip See you at the farmers’ market, soon!

3 Easy, Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

If you made homemade salad dressing, would you add titanium dioxide or monosodium glutamate (MSG) to it? Um, no. But guess what? There’s a good chance you’re drizzling these two ingredients (plus many more) on your fresh spinach and sliced tomato salad without realizing it! Many seemingly benign bottled dressings include a laundry list of yuck ingredients including added sugar, unhealthy fats and gross preservatives, quickly turning your greens from a yay to a nay. The good news? It’s not hard to do good by your go-to salad. Homemade salad dressing can be not only simple, fast and easy to make but it can also add awesome nutritional value without sacrificing taste. Healthy fats help you absorb the fat soluble vitamins found in your salad and antioxidants from herbs and spices add anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits to your fork. All my homemade salad dressings include both. Skip the fuss of finding the perfect store bought dressing and make your own. These are my top 3 homemade dressings and they’re surprisingly easy to make! 3 Easy, Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes Keri’s Lemon Dressing: About 6 servings ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Kefir Avocado Dressing: About 5 servings ½ cup Kefir ⅓ avocado 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon ½ clove garlic, minced ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper Pomegranate Mint Dressing: About 6 servings 6 tablespoons 100% pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped

The Easiest, Healthiest, Homemade Fathers Day Dinner

Father’s day is coming up and I can’t wait to celebrate the Dads I know and love. I always feel warm and fuzzy when I catch a man in a moment of parenting. I turn to mush every time I see a father cut his child’s food or handle a scraped knee with the kind of empathy only a Dad could give. Tempting as it is to succumb to honoring dad with a 1950’s style Father’s Day, this year I want you to avoid buying the giant steak, 12 pack of beer, trough of potato salad and dad’s dream dessert. You can bring back the “Father knows best” sentiment and honor him with a manly fathers day dinner that also shows you care about his health and plan to celebrate many more Father’s Days together. We don’t like to discuss it, but as men age and their testosterone levels decrease; their risks of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer increases. Diet and lifestyle plays a huge role in preventing dad from getting these cooties. Play a round of golf with him, take a long walk or help him in the yard, and then make him a meal that is as good for him as it tastes. Here’s what to make dad for a manly, healthy, delicious fathers day dinner: Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad Get the Recipe If you know me at all, you know I adore artichokes. They are full of antioxidants, are high in heart healthy and colon cleansing fiber, great for the liver, protective of the heart and improve digestion. Eat them. Hearts of Palm are also a fave of mine.  They’re full of iron and calcium and low in calories.      Roasted Pork Tenderloin Get the Recipe Pork tenderloin is a super lean cut of meat that cooks simply and quickly and is reliably delicious.          Spicy Potato Salad Get the Recipe Red potatoes aren’t just an aesthetic whim for the nutritional artiste. They contain anthocyanins, pigments that act as antioxidants, which are great at fighting cancer.       Carefully Creamed Spinach Get the Recipe Iron rich and full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, what’s not to love when it comes to spinach?         Spiked Berries and Cream Get the Recipe Lower in sugar than most fruits, full of antioxidants and fiber, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are a perfect way to finish a meal.     Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there! I hope you enjoy your easy, healthy, manly Fathers Day Meal and feel well celebrated this year.    

Is the Spiralizer the Healthy Gadget Your Kitchen Needs?

Nobody has ever accused me of being a tech genius, but I am a great appreciator of modern gizmos. When nouveau gadgets find their way into my kitchen, I am a happy cook, nutritionist, and mom. Which is why I’m still taking about the spiralizer. I put it to use the day I got it and the next night…and the following three nights. When something’s this good, I share. If you haven’t heard about it yet (not on Instagram much?), the spiralizer is an uber cool tool that turns your favorite veggies into pasta like julienned works of art. Even if you failed finger painting in kindergarten, you’ll be a master at food styling with a spiralizer in your hands. RELATED: 5 Expert Instagram Tips for Gorgeous Healthy Food Photos Why Use a Spiralizer? Regular pasta is flat out nutrient poor. There aren’t many health benefits lurking in the processed flour, eggs, and water that make it up. Still, it’s delicious and eliminating it seems extreme. Enter the un-pasta of your dreams. You can spiralize zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and jicama (or even apples, beets, or whatever your heart desires) to make nutrient-dense, yummy pasta-ish creations. When you turn your veggies into spaghetti-shaped eats, you get to keep all of the amazing nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. You can slurp ‘em down raw, pan sauteed, or steamed, and dress ‘em up with everything from pesto or marinara to Pad Thai or curry sauce. The recipes and ideas are only limited by your imagination (and we all have a little Jackson Pollock in us, right?). RELATED: 7 Easy, Creative Smoothie Recipes to Shake Up Your Routine How to Choose a Spiralizer I did the homework for you. If you are a New Yorker, like me, go for the spiralizer that fits neatly in your utensil drawer, stays sharp forever, and washes easily in the dishwasher. If you have counter space and are looking for more varied shapes, try the countertop version, which offers changeable blades that will unleash your inner food-artist. I love this gadget as an omnivore, but if you are looking for a gift for your gluten-free, Paleo, or raw foodie friend, it’s a perfect tool, because the un-noodle is a perfect ingredient for any type of eater. Happy spiralizing!