food of the week


week of 07/17/2011

quinoa - pronounced (keen-wah) - the mother grain

if you dont know, now you know! quinoa is one of the best things you haven't been eating. a staple in my kitchen, quinoa is a grain substitute that is actually a seed and originates in the andes mountains of south america. why is quinoa a must have for practically every body on the planet, especially those serious about living a healthy lifestyle in a not so healthy world? check below for a breakdown of what the ancients called the "mother grain":
  • complete protein - contains all eight amino acids
  • gluten free
  • high in fiber
  • cholesterol free
  • high in essential vitamins and minerals
  • about 7g of protein per serving
so to wrap this quinoa is awesome! it comes in three main varieties which are the ivory, red and black colored grains. it also has a very interesting texture as it cooks up soft and fluffy with a slight crunch that comes from the inner kernal. quinoa is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. depending on how you prepare and season it. for some great recipes click the link: quinoa recipes


week of 11/21/2011

sweet potatoe - super food of the ages

super food indeed! Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes may be one of nature's unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene. Several recent studies have shown the superior ability of sweet potatoes to raise our blood levels of vitamin A. This benefit may be particularly true for children.


Sweet potatoes are not always orange-fleshed on the inside but can also be a spectacular purple color. Sometimes it's impossible to tell from the skin of sweet potato just how rich in purple tones its inside will be. The purple-fleshed sweet potato has important antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Particularly when passing through our digestive tract, they may be able to lower the potential health risk posed by heavy metals and oxygen radicals. For more details on purple-fleshed and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, please check the link...and now the breakdown:


  • top ranked in vitamin A content
  • significant source of dietary fiber
  • excellent source of vitamins C, B2, B6, E, and B7
  • good source of minerals
  • averages 2g of protein per serving
  • full of cancer / disease fighting antioxidants
It's important to have some fat in your sweet potato-containing meals if you want to enjoy the full beta-carotene benefits of this superfood. Recent research has shown that a minimum of 3-5 grams of fat per meal significantly increases our uptake of beta-carotene from sweet potatoes. Other than that, you pretty much want to eat sweet potatoes on an almost daily basis to enjoy, healthier skin, hair, and nails; improved metabolism and the wonderful taste of a virtually fat and cholesterol free cancer fighting powerhouse. eat up!




week of 11/27/11


garlic - the stinking rose


one of what I call " the three tresures" (aka the three "g's") garlic is an invaluable vegetable and one that i consume in some form or another almost daily. dubbed the stinking rose, garlic has benefits ranging from antiseptic, antiviral, immune booster, and more. if you can get by that sweet smell than youll have a host of benefits to enjoy. check below for the breakdown:

  • garlic is proven to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and fight cancer and  artherosclerosis (heart disease)
  • garlic is a superb anti-inflammatory
  • garlic is great source of antixidants
  • garlic is proven to boost immune
  • good source of protein (1.5g/serving)

the health benefits of garlic are enjoyed to their fullest when the garlic is crushed or chopped finely and allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes, this gives the all imortant alliinase enzymes the opportunity to reach their greatest potential before ingestion. When eating, it is best to add garlic towards the end of the cooking process to retain the maximum amount of flavor and nutrition. Enjoy!






week of 12/25/11


kale - spinach's big cousin


Ah Kale! what sweet crucifer you are. that's right kale is one of the healthiest veggies you'll find out there with origins in europe kale is a hearty vegetable that does well in cold environments, in fact, kale acquires is best flavor after being exposed to some frost. kale is a member of the cruciferous  vegetable family which includes other high powered foods like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.  there have been extensive studies on the kales ability to prevent and fight various cancers specifically: colon, breast, bladder, prostate, and ovarian cancers. WoW! 



  • kale is even more rich in antioxidants than spinach
  • kale is superb anti-inflammatory
  • kale is a strong detoxifier an d has great alkalizing effect on the body
  • kale is high in fiber and has been proven to lower cholesterol

















cayenne - guinea pepper
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