Dinner Tonight: Peach Salad

peaches-2Peaches are starting to come into season around here. We have been getting baskets of them from the local farmers’ markets and tearing right into them. Peaches are rich in vitamin C, a disease-fighting antioxidant required for tissue repair, maintenance of bone, cartilage and teeth, and formation of skin, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Peaches also contain vitamin A, another antioxidant that’s important for eye and immune health, reproduction, and cell function.

Although I love the unadulterated taste of a peach all by itself, combining it with greens, some fresh cheese and a little dressing makes a delicious meal, especially on hot summer days when turning on the stove is the last thing you want to do. Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Peach Salad”

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Dinner Tonight: Sesame Noodles With Kale

IMG_4548_smallKale is probably one of the most popular greens right now – and for good reason! It is an extremely versatile food that can be used in salads, soups and stews, and even turned into chips. This superfood is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, calcium and iron. Like other cruciferous veggies – think broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage – kale contains phytochemicals that may help protect against cancer. Kale is in-season right now, so very readily accessible, either from your own garden (lucky you!) or through your farmers’ market, co-op, or local supermarket.

This recipe is one of our own employee’s favorites (she says she always like to add extra sesame!). Easy and quick to prepare, it combines the taste of sesame with kale will surely make the dinner rotation. Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Sesame Noodles With Kale”

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Dinner Tonight: Healthy Pasta Salad

pasta-saladI love a good pasta salad. The typical version, loaded with mayonnaise, oils, and white pasta, isn’t usually the healthiest of meals. However, this healthy pasta salad uses yogurt, whole grain pasta, and tons of vegetables.

Recent studies have shown the benefits of fermented foods, like yogurt, on mood. But yogurt also has a positive impact on digestive health and the maintenance of a strong immune system. Plus fermentation may help to increase the nutritive value of foods by enhancing the body’s absorption of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, such as calcium and B vitamins.

The next time you are asked to bring something to a potluck, try this recipe! Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Healthy Pasta Salad”

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Snack Today: Cilantro Pesto

cilantro-pestoCilantro is a very polarizing herb – people either love it or they hate it. I love it… and with everything! In salsa, in a salad, on chicken or fish, in spring rolls… you name it, I will put cilantro on it.

Cilantro looks like parsley, but it has a much more distinctive taste. It also has a wide variety of nutritional benefits. It is particularly high in immune-boosting vitamins A and C and is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that may help prevent macular degeneration. It’s also full of fiber, important for lowering cholesterol and general good health.

So, when I found a cilantro-based pesto at my local health food store recently, I had to try it. It did not disappoint. I ate it with crackers, pasta and even dipped my veggies in it.  I concocted my own pesto at home and I enjoyed it even more. Here is the recipe I used. Keep in mind that you can substitute pine nuts, cashews or walnuts for the almonds. Continue reading “Snack Today: Cilantro Pesto”

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Dinner Tonight: Taco Tuesday

tacosAround our house, Taco Tuesday is a tradition. We try to shake it up a little with different toppings, protein options and even different types of wraps. This has been a great way to introduce my kids to different types of greens that they would have otherwise never even tried. One week they will have shredded kale, another week spinach. I even managed arugula once.

Tacos can be a healthy and fun meal for the whole family. Getting the kids involved with the preparation as well as the assembly makes kids more likely to try new things.

Ground beef is not the only choice for protein. There are plenty of healthier choices, including fish (our favorite), beans (lentils, black beans, white kidney beans, pinto beans), and tofu.

Filling options are endless. This is where you can think outside of the box and really have fun. Avocados, tomatoes and shredded lettuce are common taco fillings, but why not try strawberries, caramelized onions, kumquats, pomegranate seeds and mango? And as I stated above, this is a great place to swap traditional lettuce for healthier green alternatives. Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Taco Tuesday”

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    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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