Dinner Tonight: Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

lentil-sweet-potato-soupAll this snow has me pulling out the soup pots. Soup is the perfect warming meal for days when you can’t go anywhere. This one in particular has a bit of Thai flair to it. You will need red curry paste. I use Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste, which you can find at most health food stores.

This recipe combines coconut milk, sweet potatoes and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal that goes will with some warm naan bread.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. And lentils have a wide spectrum of essential amino acids and are a good protein source. They’re rich in folic acid, iron, phosphorus, and copper.

Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
2 Tbsp Thai curry paste
2 medium-sized red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch  cubes
1 large  sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup”

Read More

Snack Tonight: Beet and Walnut Dip

beetWhen I think of a food that is a nutrient powerhouse, the deep red-colored beet always comes to mind. Beets contain the powerful antioxidant betacyanin, which several studies have shown helps both to fight and prevent various types of cancer, especially colon cancer. Beets are also an excellent remedy for constipation, act as a cleanse for the liver, and provide overall support for kidney, gallbladder, stomach, and intestinal problems.

Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as vitamin C, carotene, and B vitamins, beets nourish the nerves, aid lymphatic function, and increase energy.

And… aside from the many healing properties beets have to offer, they simply taste great. This recipe combines all the wonderful properties of beets and walnuts to make a tasty dip that no one will be able to pass up.

Beet and Walnut Dip

2 medium beets, peeled
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
4 oz firm tofu
1 Tbsp walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced Continue reading “Snack Tonight: Beet and Walnut Dip”

Read More

Dinner Tonight: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

brussels-sproutsMy husband’s aunt made this Brussels sprouts dish for a get-together a few weeks back and it was a huge hit. The combination of the tart pomegranate seeds and the sweet mandarin oranges, along with the greens, was such a delicious combination that I had to ask for the recipe.

Not only is this a tasty side to any meal, it is also chock-full of nutritional goodness.

Pomegranates are a super food and studies have shown positive effects in preventing tumor growth, as well cutting down the risk of breast cancer. Antioxidants in pomegranates can also help to reduce the effects of aging, lower cholesterol, and prevent heart disease.

Not to be outdone, Brussels sprouts contain a plethora of health benefits. Two phytonutrients in particular, sulphoraphane and indole-3-carbinol, are found in abundance in these mini-cabbages.

A phytonutrient formed in Brussels sprouts when the leaves are chopped or chewed, sulphoraphane boosts our body’s natural detoxification enzymes and can help clear cancer-causing substances from our system. Studies have indicated sulphoraphane may also inhibit the growth of colon cancer and help control the spread of late-stage breast cancer cells. Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds”

Read More

Dinner Tonight: My Family’s Chicken Soup

chicken-soupChicken soup isn’t just good for the soul. Experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha found evidence the soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent a cold’s miserable side effects. Although they couldn’t pinpoint the exact biological reason, they did find that eating chicken soup can help prevent cold symptoms.

Here is one of my family’s favorite chicken soup recipes. It is loaded with veggies, herbs and spices and it always makes us all feel better.

Chicken Soup

• 1 whole chicken or a few chicken legs/breasts (whatever you have on hand)
• 6 cups (or more) of water or organic broth (if you are using just the breasts or the thighs)
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bag of fresh or frozen spinach (or you can use kale, bok choy, swiss chard)
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: My Family’s Chicken Soup”

Read More

Dinner Tonight: Crispy Baked Cauliflower

cauliflowerCauliflower (along with cabbage and broccoli, to name a couple others) belong to the Brassicaceae family, which literally translates to “cabbage” in Latin. Also referred to as cruciferous vegetables, they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals—including vitamins C, E, K, and A, as well as folic acid, iron, magnesium, and fiber. They also contain a group of chemicals called glucosinolates, which studies have shown could reduce the risk of certain cancers. Funny enough, these same glucosinolates are also responsible for the sulphuric odor and bitter taste that cause many to shy away from these beneficial vegetables.

However, this recipe involves baking the cauliflower, bringing out a very rich toasty flavor. This a is a great side dish to any meal. Crispy baked cauliflower is delicious, as well as nutritious!

Crispy Baked Cauliflower 

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 Tbsp  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 to 2 Tbsp capers
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 lemon

Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Crispy Baked Cauliflower”

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..
January 2025
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031