5 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruit and Veggies
We all need to eat more fruits and vegetables! Did you know over 2/3rds of Americans don’t meet the recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake?!  We typically throw away spoil fruits and vegetable two times a week on average, which translates into about $42 a week! I am not saying you need to sacrificing taste or flavor or have to eat salads at every meal, I’m here to say “you can’t mess it up”!  Just add in fruits and vegetables to any dish you’re making. No matter what the recipes says, you can always add fruits and vegetables to any dish to help bump up the nutrition. Includ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - June 25, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking diet eating healthy food fruits nutrition recipes vegetables blueberries healthy eating kiwifruit mushrooms slow cooker smoothies stuffed burgers vegetarian veggie burger Source Type: blogs

Gastrointestinal Recovery After The Wheat Battle Is Won
Josie posted this comment that addresses the issue of bowel health recovery post-grain removal. “I have been wheat-free for almost a year now and I no longer fall asleep during the day, and my mental fog has disappeared. My wheat-free life is great! However, I am experiencing major digestion problems. I went to see a dietitian and explained to her I do not eat wheat and try not to eat grains. She emphasized that I need fiber in my diet and based on my current food intake I was not receiving an adequate amount, which was most likely the cause of my digestion problems. She respects that I do not eat wheat, but is enco...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - April 26, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Bowel flora Gastrointestinal effects of wheat Source Type: blogs

Gastrointestinal recovery after the wheat battle is won
Josie posted this comment that addresses the issue of bowel health recovery post-grain removal. I have been wheat-free for almost a year now and I no longer fall asleep during the day, and my mental fog has disappeared. My wheat-free life is great! However, I am experiencing major digestion problems. I went to see a dietitian and explained to her I do not eat wheat and try not to eat grains. She emphasized that I need fiber in my diet and based on my current food intake I was not receiving an adequate amount, which was most likely the cause of my digestion problems. She respects that I do not eat wheat, but is encouraging...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - April 26, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Bowel flora Gastrointestinal effects of wheat Source Type: blogs

Shame on the Chicago Tribune
A blatantly pro-wheat piece ran in the Chicago Tribune that bashes the anti-grain movement. Read it here. Written by dietitian, Marsha McCullough, it is full of the oversimplifications and partial truths echoed by the wheat industry. (So it smells and looks like something either paid for by the wheat industry to be placed in the Tribune, or Ms. McCullough was paid to write. That’s how the big lobbies work. They generally cannot rely on “organic” commitment.) “Those with an allergy to wheat or other grains must avoid them. And the one percent of the population with celiac disease and the six percen...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - April 4, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Wheat Belly counterattacks Source Type: blogs

Produce of the Day: Avocados
All this month I’m making it fun to eat better with my 30-Day Challenge “Half Plate Produce” in the spirit of National Nutrition Month’s theme “Enjoy the taste of eating right!” Tweet, Post, Instagram or Pin your favorite pics and recipes that help make it fun for YOU to eat better. (Use #30DayChallenge and #NNM in your messages.) Feature Produce of the Day: Avocados Once upon a time, avocados graced the tables of only the wealthiest people – they were a delicacy that no one short of royalty could afford.  And if you were lucky enough to be sitting at one of these historical tables yo...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - March 24, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food fruits nutrition recipes vegetables 30 day challenge avocado produce Source Type: blogs

We're Obsessed With Saffron Road Crunchy Chickpeas, You Should Be Too
At around 3 PM, I inevitably start to crave a solid afternoon snack -- something healthy or well-balanced will prevent me from grabbing a bag of chips, cookies or whatever may be near me at that moment. So rather than let my waistline go by the wayside, I keep some handy snacks with me at all times. And my guidelines for what goes in my purse (or my desk drawer!) aren as follows: They should have 200 calories or less, provide some nutritional benefits like protein, fiber, or vitamins and minerals, and, perhaps most importantly, satisfy my craving for FLAVOR. And at least half the time, I want something with ...
Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. - March 20, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Tags: Nutrition calories food grocery store find snacks Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Okra Gumbo with Chickpeas & Kidney Beans
Another happy Meatless Monday! In celebration of Mardi Gras tomorrow, I wanted to share one of my favorite vegan friendly gumbo recipes: Okra Gumbo with Chickpeas and Kidney Beans. This thick and tangy gumbo is made with a toasty roux, fresh tomatoes, plenty of onion and garlic, fresh thyme, and of course, okra. What I love most is that it only requires one big pot and 25-minutes of active cooking time, leaving me with minimal cleanup and more time to spend with my family out of this kitchen, a perfect weeknight meal! I serve my gumbo over brown basmati rice or quinoa (and perhaps a sliced vegan sausage if I’m feeli...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - March 3, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition gumbo recipe healthy food healthy recipe mardi gras meatless monday seasonal cooking vegan vegan recipe vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Pan Fried Chickpea Salad
Another Happy Meatless Monday, where has February gone! Today I wanted to share a delicious, very simple, healthful and savory vegetarian side dish: Pan Fried Chickpea Salad. This one-pot chickpea salad is made with warming spices, vibrant cilantro and lemon, protein packed chickpeas, making it the perfect go-to accompaniment. Not to mention the absolutely divine dressing! It keeps for up to a week when left undressed, so consider doubling  it to have at your convenience. I love serving a double portion as a main meal topped with thick slices of creamy ripe avocado or toasted walnuts for an added crunch. Photo from: 101c...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 24, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition chickpeas healthy food healthy recipe meatless monday salad side dish vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Heart Smart Your Menu with Tasty Comfort Foods
Think “heart healthy eating” is bland and boring? Think again.  February is “Heart Health” awareness month. With heart disease being the leading cause of death for both men and women, eating well is one of the best ways you can protect your heart.  I know most people aren’t going to eat salads all the time, which is why I want to share my “heart smart” take on  some of my comfort favorites, chili and pizza. Using healthy swaps like veggies and spices in place of salt, choosing whole grains and cooking with heart healthy corn oil, people can still enjoy these delicious and easy favorites wit...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 18, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food nutrition recipes vegetables cans get you cooking corn oil heart health Mazola mushrooms WBAL wheat foods Source Type: blogs

“Good for Your Heart” Chili Recipe
What’s more comforting than a simmering pot of chili? One of the things I love about chili is that you can please everyone in the family. I also love that you can get lots of nutritious foods into a pot without being in the kitchen all day. My chili recipe reduces the amount of meat using a 50/50 mix of blended mushrooms and several other fiber rich vegetables and beans.  This healthier twist reduces the cholesterol and sodium and increases the fiber and nutrients, which help to make the recipe heart healthier (especially if you compare to a traditional recipe). My recipe has all the taste and flavor you have come t...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 5, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition Source Type: blogs

5-Minute Meal Idea: Salmon-and-Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
As I let you guys know last week, one of the keys to whipping up uber-quick meals is making the best use of smart, simple ingredients that don't even require cooking -- like the canned wild salmon and canned chickpeas I use to make these lettuce wraps, which are perfect for a light, quick lunch. The salmon provides healthy fats and the chickpeas are a great source of fiber, both of which will help keep your tastebuds satisfied and quell those annoying afternoon cravings. For even quicker assembly, make the salmon and chickpea mixture the night before. Then all you have to do is stuff the lettuce leaves and enjoy! (Source: ...
Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. - December 17, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Tags: Nutrition five-minute meal food lunch recipe vegetables Source Type: blogs

Fall Comfort Foods You Can Feel Good About
Fall is in the air – it’s a time when many of us start craving our favorite comfort foods like casseroles, soups, and stews.   I love comfort foods like soups, chilis, and casseroles – they’re easy to prepare and can be full of nutrients if you choose the right ingredients.  Recently I appeared on Let’s Talk Live DC to discuss my favorite tips for a healthy fall. Check out the video below or read on for some highlights: Eggs Are Back for Breakfast I love egg dishes for a warm comforting breakfast that’s full of nutrients.  Eggs had a bad rap for a while, but research now shows that egg consumption does not...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - October 31, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food nutrition recipes supplements chili comfort foods egg strata eggs fall healthy cooking Kind Bars multivitamin Vitafusion Walmart Source Type: blogs

Fall for Chili: Easy Chickpea, Bean & Turkey Chili with Veggies
I love when the cooler weather hits and its time for jeans, sweaters, and warm comfort food. Chili has to be the ultimate in comfort foods. I love that you can’t mess it up. Just about any combination of veggies, beans, and lean protein will work. You can season it from sweet with maple syrup and molasses to spicy with jalapeno and poblano peppers to smoky with chipotle in adobo. The one I’m giving you today takes advantage of canned beans, corn, and tomatoes along with fresh carrots, celery and onion. Meat lovers will get their “fix” from some ground lean turkey in the dish, but this would do fine ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - October 28, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition beans chili comfort food cooking easy chili healthy comfort food quick chili recipe Source Type: blogs

You've Gotta Try One of These Awesomely Unique Hummus Recipes
So, we're like REALLY big fans of hummus here at SELF. The chickpea-based spread is packed with tons of fiber, protein and healthy fats -- and tastes good on just about anything. (Try it instead of mayo on your next sandwich. Then, you can thank us later.) But as much as we love hummus, we're always looking for the latest and greatest iteration. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.)
Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. - September 24, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Tags: Recipes diet food nutrition Source Type: blogs