Toasting the season with a warm, aromatic mug of wassail is a tradition as old as time. The boozy beverage dates back to the Middle Ages and comes from the Old English saying wes hál meaning “be in good health.” However, most wassail recipes are far from healthy, with brandy or sherry and brown sugar… Read more »
I recently watched the classic heartwarming movie “Swiss Family Robinson” about a family shipwrecked on a Polynesian island. Beyond battling with pirates and wild animals, they make a home and thrive on the abundant foods found on the island. There are no foods in bags or boxes…no food labels…nothing is processed. If we are careful… Read more »
Gone are the days we could drink directly from a clear stream. Today, the clean water flowing from our faucets – and even bottled water – can harbor hidden pollutants. However, thanks to advances in technology, many modern-day contaminants can be filtered out; we just need to know what to look for. Water companies work… Read more »
Everyday food items have been used medicinally for thousands of years. By harnessing the healing properties of common foods found in our kitchens, individuals can access cost-effective, potentially effective therapeutic interventions. Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, etc.), cayenne pepper, vinegar, olive oil and turmeric offer a treasure of medicinal benefits that align with the principles of… Read more »
You’ve probably heard the buzz – researchers and health professionals everywhere sounding off on the potential health risks associated with consuming industrial seed oils, such as soybean, canola, corn, sunflower and safflower oils. These oils, once heralded as heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fats, are now being scrutinized for their destructive effects on our brains, guts,… Read more »
Are you ready to start the New Year off fresh, clean and balanced? Because digestive health is the basis for whole body health, it’s worthwhile to utilize juice fasting protocols and herbs that cleanse each part of your digestive tract. At one point or another, repairing your digestive health will be the only way for… Read more »
Gourmet mushrooms are certainly enjoying their glory days. These superfood superstars are showing up everywhere, from our coffee to the main course, as consumers and chefs realize their nutritional value, adaptability, texture and taste. Growers across the country are jumping on the shroom boom bringing the Pennsylvania natives to boutique farms in city and suburbs… Read more »
Warm water aids digestion. Those four words are part of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine as taught in Germany. I have used warm water for the treatment of a variety of ailments of the gastrointestinal tract such as difficulty swallowing, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. When patients ask me what I take for… Read more »
“Healing is not just a matter of time, but also opportunity.” – Hippocrates Most of us have grown up in a world where processed foods and fast foods are the norm. Soda and sugary cereals for breakfast, donuts and coffee with cream and sugar at break time, candy bars and bagels in the afternoon and… Read more »
Maybe you are like me, and although you don’t have a full-blown diary allergy, you consciously consume dairy and have earmarked which forms affect you and how – stomach grumbles, maybe a bathroom trip and/or sinus congestion. I’ve tried alternatives, each with their pros and cons (taste being a theme in the con column) and… Read more »
Mother Nature’s goal for fall is to fatten us up for the cold winter ahead. So she gave us apples and pumpkins…which usually end up in irresistible pies…topped with ice cream. These nostalgic months tempt us with seasonal tastes we’ve been anticipating all year, and there is no reason to deny ourselves. With a few… Read more »
My husband and I both grew up with warm memories of our Italian roots and most of them revolved around food. Even though we now enjoy a low-carb, gluten-free lifestyle, we have found many satisfying substitutes to keep those traditions alive. Experimenting is half the fun; eating is the other! When it comes to pasta,… Read more »
(As inspiration, we are reposting this article from March/April 2022) Season is here! The sun is shining, swim suits are swimming, hot tubs are heating and cocktails are flowing. As the good times roll, it can take a toll and all too often, you feel it in the morning. The good news is you can… Read more »
If your 2022 resolutions include losing weight and/or enhancing mental sharpness, lowering carbohydrate intake is a good place to start; then, you can easily expedite your efforts by adding MCT oil. This natural, coconut additive can effectively curb your appetite, enhance energy and fuel brain cells when coupled with a healthy low-carb diet.1,3 Medium chain… Read more »
The sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar can bring back fond memories of grandma’s kitchen, especially this time of year. But too many of her holiday treats can leave you stuffed as a stocking and sleepy as a sugar plum fairy. If baking is on your Christmas list, why not consider natural sweeteners that taste… Read more »
As you may have read on page three, our favorite former NBC anchor, columnist and friend, Janet Zappala, has moved back to her hometown of Los Angeles. However, she is still working to spread the word on healthy living through her new Eatthis.tv show, “Good Food Matters with Janet Zappala,” which will air on Amazon… Read more »
Who doesn’t love pasta? If you grew up in an Italian family, preparing and eating a hearty plate of spaghetti warms your heart like a big kiss from Nonni. But for those who have chosen a gluten- or grain-free lifestyle, eating pasta can send your stomach spiraling. While many gluten-free options are available, those made… Read more »
Making healthier choices doesn’t mean giving up everything you love and crave; it’s about finding satisfying, convenient alternatives and getting creative! In this new column, I’ll share ideas and favorites. Today’s topic: SALTY SOLUTIONS Who doesn’t love salt? We know it’s something to be consumed in moderation, but we all crave it, and unfortunately, the… Read more »
Whenever I meet someone with good intentions to start eating healthier, they always say, “I just can’t seem to give up (their thing).” It’s usually cheese, ice cream, pumpkin spice lattes, or something of the sort. I get it. We all have our comfort foods, and with the chilly weather and holiday season, those cravings… Read more »