January 08, 2019 at 06:30AM Quinoa is nothing short of a superfood—brimming with plant-based protein, containing nine essential amino acids, and packing plenty of vitamins and nutrients. It’s deliciously nutty flavor and nutritional stats should be reason enough make it a staple in every household. But if you haven’t quite fallen in love with it yet, or you find it hard to look past a bitter aftertaste, there might be a simple explanation—and it has to do with the cooking process. The hearty seed needs to be rinsed as part of the preparation. Unwashed quinoa is coated in naturally-occurring saponins, which give it a bitter taste that puts off hungry birds and insects. That sort of protection is good for quinoa farming, but not so much for hungry humans. Not only does the phytochemical affect flavor, it also has the potential to cause stomach aches, diarrhea, and digestive irritation. Removing the saponins requires only a quick wash with tap water. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer (like this one from Amazon) under running water, moving it around with your hand to make sure it gets thoroughly cleaned. Your quinoa is now ready to cook! How to cook quinoa Rinse 3/4 cup dry quinoa through a fine sieve. Place it into a pot with 1½ cups water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover pot, and simmer quinoa for 13-15 minutes, or until water has been absorbed. Remove quinoa from heat and allow it to stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff
Category: Vegetarians
“I’m a registered dietician—and I’ll never, ever cut carbs”
January 07, 2019 at 01:19PM If you’re a carb lover, you’ve probably felt like persona non grata in the healthy eating world lately. The keto diet—notorious for limiting all forms of carbs in favor of healthy fats—has never been more popular. People are ditching their pasta and rice in favor of zoodles and cauliflower-everything. And some health experts are even out here insisting that you can (and should) live without carbs. (Have we all forgotten about our love affair with quinoa?) But before you dip out on carbs for good, you should probably talk to registered dietitian and 80 Twenty Nutrition founder Christy Brissette, RD. Brissette likes carbs. Like, a lot. She likes them in the form of whole grain toast and almond butter for breakfast. Or as roasted potatoes on her dinner plate (either white or sweet, depending on her mood). Or even as fruit like mango topped with Greek yogurt (aka carbs on carbs). Give up carbs? Never! Especially because Brissette says they’re actually good for you. Gasp. Not all carbs are created equal “Carbs have gotten a bad rap because when people picture carbs, they think of white bread, pastries, and other processed, nutrient-void foods linked with causing weight gain,” Brissette says. “But a lot of carb-rich foods are actually packed with other nutrients.” The big ones: fiber, vitamins like vitamin B and C, minerals like magnesium, and in the case of fruit, antioxidants. “So if you avoid carbs all together, you’re going to miss out on nutrients that are actually
If your scalp is feeling dry and itchy this winter, here’s how to deal
January 07, 2019 at 01:15PM During the winter months, dry skin is about as common as puffer coats and pots full of vegan chili. While you may be taking care to de-chap your lips and moisturize your face on the reg, there’s another patch of skin that you may be forgetting about when it comes to adding extra hydration: your scalp. Yes, “dry scalp” is a thing. No, it’s not the same as dandruff (don’t worry—we’ll get there). And if you’re dealing with itchy, flaking skin up there, fear not—we’ve got you covered with a whole laundry list of expert-approved dry scalp remedies, none of which require slathering your head in yogurt or egg yolks. Even though no one actually sees the skin on your scalp, you should still care about what’s going on up there…ideally before things start to get itchy and uncomfy under your cute winter beanies. “The skin of your scalp is very much like the skin of your face or the rest of your body,” explains Dominic Burg, PhD chief scientist and trichologist with Evolis Professional. “The moisture of the scalp is influenced by the sebaceous glands, which reside within each follicle. As we know with the skin of the face, there are a variety of skin types ranging from dry to oily and this is no different for the scalp.” The symptoms of a dry scalp are more or less the same as those of dry skin in general: tightness, itching, and flaking. One thing worth keeping in
So, You’re Trying To Eat Less Meat. Here’s Where You Should Get Your Protein
January 06, 2019 at 11:00PM A functional doc breaks it down. Continue Reading… Author William Cole, D.C., IFMCP | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
These (foodie-approved) Mediterranean diet cookbooks make healthy eating feel like an indulgence
January 05, 2019 at 05:13AM One of the best things about the Mediterranean diet is that it’s based on an established culinary tradition in the Middle East, Greece, Italy, and Spain—some of the best and oldest food cultures in the world. Yes, it is the most popular healthy-eating approach right now, shown to improve digestion, gut health, and heart health—and studies show it can even help you live longer. But the deep roots of Mediterranean cooking also make it a favorite of foodies who couldn’t care less about slow carbs or ketones. Translation: When you want to feel like a kitchen goddess, creating beautiful plates of food and serving them up on your rustic Tuscan dining table (dare to dream, in a tiny New York City apartment), Mediterranean is the nutrient-dense way to go. The deep roots of Mediterranean cooking also make it a favorite of foodies who couldn’t care less about slow carbs or ketones. While the huge communal dining table may be all in your head, the chef-approved dishes are absolutely doable, thanks to the huge selection of Mediterranean cookbooks at pretty much any bookstore. Here’s a curated list of favorites, from chefs who will help you make everything from a weeknight meal to Sunday dinner with the family extra-special (and healthy!). Photo: Knopf Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel Two-time James Beard award-winning chef Alon Shaya made New Orleans foodies swoon for Israeli cooking when his namesake restaurant opened a few years ago, and in this cookbook-slash-memoir, he offers up something
We tried Trader Joe’s new umami mushroom seasoning and it’s delicious
January 04, 2019 at 08:56AM Mushrooms boast an impressive number of health benefits, so it’s no wonder they’re popping up in everything from lattes to skincare products. And now they’ve been dried and bottled by Trader Joe’s for the brand’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend. A mix of porcini and white button mushroom powder, as well as salt, dried onion powder, ground mustard seed, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme, the new seasoning is a healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) without sacrificing flavor. Known as the “fifth taste,” “umami is basically glutamate, a nonessential amino acid found in an abundance of foods. Natural sources include seaweed, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and even tomatoes,” founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition Angie Asche, RD, wrote on Instagram of the spice blend. “Because mushrooms are a natural source of glutamate, this umami mushroom powder will enhance the flavors of any savory dish.” The Umami Seasoning Blend is so good that it threatens to replace Everything but the Bagel as Trader Joe’s cult-favorite du jour. Now, Everything but the Bagel goes with everything, so you don’t want to give it up completely, but you might want to clear some space in your pantry. People are already so obsessed with the new blend that it’s currently being offered on eBay at more than triple its in-store cost of $3. So, which dishes might benefit from the addition of natural umami flavor? We tried it on a salad. (Yum.) We tried it on avocado toast. (Delicious.) We tried it on our fingertip. (More,
Proud new owner of an air fryer? Try it out with these 6 healthy recipes
January 04, 2019 at 08:23AM Of all the kitchen appliances I’ve collected over the years, there’s nothing I love more than my air fryer. Sure, my juicer can provide me with a tall glass of green juice—but can it create sweet potato fries in 15 minutes and give my tofu a seriously crispy upgrade? I don’t think so. If you’re also a sucker for all things fried, using an air fryer lets you create the same beloved texture without all that oil, which can wreak havoc on both your digestive system and sleep schedule. Instead of submerging your food in those bubbles, air fryers circulate hot air in the enclosed space to get the same effect. Itching to put the new gadget you unwrapped this holiday season to use but not sure what to make? These recipes are a great place to start. Put your air fryer to work with these 6 healthy recipes. Photo: From My Bowl 1. Vegan onion rings Neither eggs nor oil are needed to make these melt-in-your-mouth onion rings. Using your flour of choice, some plant-based milk, bread crumbs, and seasoning, they’ll be ready to devour in just eight minutes. Photo: Keepin’ It Kind 2. Popcorn tofu Both vegan and gluten-free, this popcorn tofu tastes even better than the beloved chicken version (IMO, at least). And the secret to keeping the crispy crust in place? The magic of aquafaba. Photo: One Arab Vegan 3. Garlic and herb chickpeas You can absolutely bake your chickpeas in the oven for
These gluten-free thumbprint cookies are wildly delicious
January 04, 2019 at 03:30AM Well+Good Council member McKel Hill is the master of recipes that taste so decadent, you’ll be surprised to find out how nutritious they can be. And while cookies aren’t exactly a health food, her recipe for gluten-free thumbprint cookies means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the serious sugar rush. The best part? Whipping up a batch is quick and easy—so enjoy! These cookies can be (and should be) enjoyed year ’round, but they’re also the best cookie to start your year off with a sweet, healthy treat. Inspired by traditional thumbprint cookies, these cookies are thin but pillowy soft, with a sweet, raspberry jam filling in the center. They’re are gluten-free, so simple to make, and a delicious, healthier alternative to your traditional thumbprint cookie recipe. If you’re not a fan of raspberries or don’t have time to make your own jam, not to worry! You can use any store-bought organic jam you enjoy and don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavor—apricot, orange, blackberry, or even strawberry fillings would all be equally as delicious. Be mindful that while these are a healthier cookie, they are still cookies and should be enjoyed with that in mind… because these are very easy to overeat. Healthier, gluten-free thumbprint cookies Ingredients: Cookie: 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp coconut oil 1/2 cup honey 1 egg, beaten (can use vegan egg replacer) 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups Bob’s Red
Goodbye, Juice Cleanses—Here’s Why a Food Cleanse Might be Right For You
January 03, 2019 at 06:30PM The November-to-December rush to meet deadlines, get gifts, and make your rounds at holiday parties always leaves you feeling spent. But there actually is a way to do all of that and still run into January feeling your best (because #goals). The trick could be doing a quickie food cleanse (you know, a cleanse where you still get to eat). When women see health coach Maria Marlowe for symptoms like fatigue and brain fog, she often suggests a food reboot. Why? “A short-term cleanse can offer big results in terms of how you feel in just a few days or weeks,” says Marlowe, author of The Real Food Grocery Guide. To get the scoop on how to do it, we teamed up with Flora Health and tapped into Marlowe’s wisdom on doing a total-body reset in the name of optimized health. “A short-term cleanse can offer big results in terms of how you feel.” Here’s the gist: By subbing nutrient-dense foods for processed foods that can negatively impact your gut and mood, you’re helping to support your body’s natural ability to flush out toxins—with no juices or hunger pangs in sight. “You can still eat three wholesome, nourishing meals a day that’ll fill you up and leave you satisfied,” Marlowe says. From rainbow veggie bowls for lunch to seared salmon with broccoli rice for dinner, the feel-good possibilities are endless. Scroll down for the nutrition pro’s pointers on successfully completing a food cleanse so you can take the new
Someone literally offered to buy this jacket off my back because it’s that cozy
January 03, 2019 at 09:44AM I shop online in a way one might be tempted to label as “excessive.” Not that I buy a ton. I’m the kind of shopper who fills up her online cart with a bunch of items but only occasionally hits the “proceed to checkout” button—kinda like when you swipe right with guys on Bumble, but then go back and have to reassess your decision when they’re in your match queue. Only instead of double checking that they don’t have any pictures of themselves posing with a dead fish from that one time they went fishing (seriously, WTF is up with this?), I’m double checking fabric composition and price and deciding if it’s really my style. Because I rarely find something that I feel immediately connected to, when I felt an instant spark for a beige teddy jacket online at Zara, I knew I had to make it mine. It’s like they say about love: when you know, you know. And my instincts about beige teddy jackets were spot on. (Now, if only those same gut feelings extended to my dating life….) I did the only logical thing to do when true love is staring you in the face from the backlit glow of a computer screen: splurged for express shipping because when I find something I want I have to have it immediately. Related: “Learning to be more patient” is on my list of resolutions this year. I’ve gotten more compliments since I added a beige teddy jacket