The leaves are off the trees, I get to give my lawn guy the season off, and the invitations for holiday parties have begun to role in.It can all become a little overwhelming if you don’t have a plan of attack!Beginning with the first party invitation having a plan of action will give you all the ammo you need to ensure a healthy and nutritious holiday.

During this time of year we are making food decisions almost on an hourly basis.We all know the rules, protein first, then fresh fruit and vegetables. All foods that are high in…

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Food is always a part of holidays, celebrations, family and cultural traditions.
In fact, special occasions often center on food, such as Super Bowl Sunday. As a result, many people gain weight between Thanksgiving and the New Year. With all the tempting treats available during the holiday season or the pressure from family, friends, and co-workers to overeat. Mindful eating can keep you on track!

Eat a healthy meal before going to holiday parties. It is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished. Not only are you more likely to overeat, but you are…

» Read more...

Food is always a part of holidays, celebrations, family and cultural traditions. In fact, special occasions often center on food, such as Super Bowl Sunday. As a result, many people gain weight between Thanksgiving and the New Year. With all the tempting treats available during the holiday season or the pressure from family, friends, and co-workers to overeat. Mindful eating can keep you on track!

Eat a healthy meal before going to holiday parties. It is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished. Not only are you more likely to overeat, but you are also…

» Read more...

Have you ever noticed how many people will almost always choose the path of least resistance when it comes to diet and exercise? I was in the locker room at the gym and a woman next to me was grumbling that she had forgotten her swimsuit for water class. I suggested she go the gym floor and walk around the track or use a treadmill. “I don’t have my workout shoes.” 

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AHHHH, breakfast the first meal of the day, but the most difficult to figure out. As a chef I don’t find breakfast any more difficult than any other meal. Perhaps it’s because I don’t look at breakfast as a pancake and eggs “meal” fest. I’m sure you have heard this before, but let me mention it again. Before motorized farming equipment and machines man had to do most of the work with good old man power. The largest meal of the day was breakfast, which consisted of lots of protein and of course carbs. Eggs, bacon, pork chops, and…

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I was fortunate to recently attend The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in Phoenix. This is a great educational opportunity for me since researchers from all over the world present their latest findings in weight loss and weight management. One of the best sessions I attended was about food cravings, presented by Dr. Corby Martin from Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

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Alcohol in cooking

Universally the main reason alcoholic beverage are used in recipes is to add flavor. After all, the most premium of extracts with the most concentrated flavors are alcohol-based, particularly vanilla.

In many recipes, the alcohol is an important component to achieve a desired chemical reaction in a dish. Alcohol causes many foods to release flavors that cannot be experienced without the interaction of alcohol. Beer contains yeast which leavens breads and batters. Alcoholic beverages also helps break down tough fibers in marinades. Lastly other dishes use alcoholic content to provide entertainment, such as flambé…

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