Election Night. My husband Jeff and I watch the election results while enjoying chili and cornbread, usually my Hearty Big Beef Chili. But these unusual times call for a break from tradition. So I'm making my Caribbean Chili. (Doesn't that blue bowl really make the chili pop?) While anxiously watching the election results, we'll think of the blue waves near the Caribbean Islands. Blue waves that make us feel more calm and secure. Blue waves capped with decorum and decency. Blue waves that ...
Nine Necessities in This Dietitian’s Pantry
Of course you’ll find the usual suspects in my pantry – foods you’d expect ANY dietitian to keep on hand. Like canned fruits, vegetables, beans, tuna, salmon, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain cereal. But are you ready for some eye-opening revelations? Because certain foods are a pantry necessity in my balanced book of eating and enjoyment. They must always be on-hand for fast, easy and healthy meals and snacks. Sloppy Joe Sauce. What could be faster than opening a can of sloppy joe ...
Celebrate with Chili and Margaritas
National Chili Day happens to be the same day as National Margarita Day. Both of these celebrations fall during Canned Foods Month. So I'm celebrating all of them with a batch of my easy stove-top chili, but not my traditional Big Beef Chili. Today I'd like some warmth and tropical flair, so I'm doing my Caribbean-Spiced Chili with Beef and Pork. Or maybe my Black and White Chicken Chili. Both contain a variety of nutrient-rich canned foods, from canned ...
Zesty Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Canned pumpkin...accessible and versatile any time of year. Works in more than just desserts. So be adventurous and add canned pumpkin to your favorite chili. Chili?! Yes, it's easy and adds richness and even MORE nutrients. Chili is already filled with good nutrition because of the onions, garlic and canned tomatoes and beans: immune-boosting, heart-healthy and disease-fighting phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Canned pumpkin adds even more of those nutrients, especially vitamins A, C ...
Fast Family-Friendly Meals
Fast, easy and healthy. I've got you covered when you need inspiration for any meal or occasion: lunch, dinner or even breakfast. Tailgating. Hectic weeknight meals. Hungry kids home from school. Pitch-in, parties and more. First up, my favorite side-salad that packs easily in lunches or is a great "make-n-take" dish for get-togethers. Also, it's my husband Jeff's favorite salad for lunches. Asian Sweet & Sour Bean Salad. Asian Sweet & Sour Bean Salad Save Print ...
Crockpot Poblano Pork Chili
Game Strategy: create a big batch chili to wow guests at your next Tailgate Party. Defensive Move: cut kitchen prep time by giving those lean pork cubes a quick skillet sizzle, then letting the Colts Crock Pot do the rest of the work. Offensive Play: use ingredients with both great taste AND good nutrition, like lean pork loin, onions and hominy (corn), so you’re guests stay healthy and happy. Avoid Fumbles: serve this chili with plenty of nutrient-rich toppings like crushed corn ...
Fall & Football Favorites
Touchdown! All these fall favorites - apples, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, chili, cornbread - score big time at your next celebration or tailgate party. Intercept ho-hum tailgate sides with a batch of Maple Apple Baked Beans. Pass the apple and pear slices for my Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip. Huddle for more whole grains with my Skillet Cornbread. And tackle that bag of apples you bought by turning them into Homemade Chunky Applesauce. Forward pass to my Recipe page for all four recipes and get in ...
Bowls & Bars – The State of My Plate
In honor of the State of the Union speech, I’ve prepared two dishes that highlight my food philosophy: Blend and Balance. I’d like to share my proposal for blending and balancing: Nothing is off limits. You simply balance the different foods/dishes/recipes. Craving a high-fat dessert like my Bipartisan Shortbread Bars? No problem. Just serve a lean protein-rich entrée, like my incredibly nutrient-rich Hearty Bean & Beef Chili to balance it. How does this stack up according to the My Plate ...
Eight Almost Effortless Ways to Lose Weight
Weight loss takes work, but the time you dedicate to eating right and exercising doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing proposition or feel overwhelming. These eight low-effort, but highly effective strategies can help you shed those extra pounds. 1. Multi-task while Watching TV – instead of sitting and staring, get moving! Do lunges, jumping jacks or squats against the wall. Move the treadmill into the TV room instead of letting it sit in the back room acting as a clothing rack. 2. Shorten ...
A Dietitian’s Football Party Strategy: No Fumbles, All Extra Points
Formation for Winning Strategy: Flavorful + Nutrient-Rich Foods Forward Pass: Lean Beef in Chili & Burrito Meat + Lean Pork Tenderloin Field Goal: Vegetable-Rich with Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, Chilies & More in Chili & Salsa Touchdown: Fruit for Dessert with Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip Celebration: Fantastic, Flavorful and Colorful Foods = Happy Party Guests Hearty Three Bean Chili with Beef 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 ½ cups chopped onions 1 to 2 tablespoons minced ...