Live Well. Eat Well. 2015

For those looking to manage their weight, calories are a piece of the strategy. Calories are the energy we get from food, and some foods have more calories than others. Picking or substituting lower-calorie options in our daily food choices can help us get to our weight loss or management goals....

Who's going to a potluck this summer and needs to bring a dish? Whether going out on the lake, sitting beachside, or having a house party in someone's backyard, try these tips for being a contributor to the food fun. 1. Bring the unexpected Variety is the spice of life, in food...

Anyone else surprised by these high temperatures outside so early in summer? Phew, it's time to get into summer cooking mode. For me, that means using my oven less and adding in more cold temperature recipes. There are a variety of recipes you can make in summer to keep cool. I like these recipes...

In a follow-up to the roasted veggies post, I started thinking about ways I make meals easy and quick, but still flavorful. What occurred to me were sauces I use in recipes. Sauces add another level to otherwise plain recipes. Lately, sauces I use in cooking have been pesto, tomato salsa, salsa...

I enjoy cooking at home and feel good about it, since research shows these meals tend to have more nutrients and fiber and less fat and sodium.  Plus I get to control what goes into my meals. However, the lazy cook in me has shown up lately, and it has been a struggle to want to follow a...

Let's all celebrate Whole Grain Month this September and put our gluten-free concerns aside. People with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies CAN enjoy whole grains, too! The list below outlines those that contain gluten and those without (...

Olive oil, peanut butter and avocado are just a few foods that have gone from feared to revered over the last few years for their status as sources of "heart healthy fats." With February being heart month, I thought we should shine some light on this "hot topic" and get down to the nitty gritty...

Lemon bars are one of my all-time favorite springtime desserts. They're bright in both color and flavor and are a great way to end a meal on an uplifting note. But lemon bars aren't usually as light in calories as they are in appearance. I've tweaked this treat to be just as satisfying, with the...

Zuppa Toscana is one of my favorite soups at Olive Garden but when looking at the nutrition information I decided to make my own version to avoid all of the sodium, fat and calories that come from just 1 serving. By making a few simple changes to the ingredient list, I was able to save 130 calories...

It's Valentines weekend…we all know what that means: Chocolate galore! And while we should partake in treating ourselves in moderation, we can tend to get carried away. I mean who really eats only ONE chocolate out of the ten pound assorted box? We should most definitely indulge in these items...

Last week, John L. (a producer at WCIA-3, our local CBS station) asked if it was possible to make a healthier version of the Chocolate Stout Brownies he made to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The stout beer used in the batter and glaze lends a rich, complex flavor. But 2 sticks of butter and a cup...

I went with some friends down to southern Illinois over Memorial Day weekend and reconnected with some of my favorite places that I frequented throughout my time there during grad school. Besides the severe allergies I endured that last day it was a fantastic trip filled with fun in the sun and...

You know you've eyeballed them at the grocery store. They hang out in the produce section right next to the bananas. From time to time, might even be mistaken for bananas, but overly sized and sometimes rotten looking (black.) The plantain is a surprisingly versatile fruit that is as much a...

Over the past few years, carbs have gotten an unnecessarily bad rap, but there's plenty of room for bread in a heart-healthy diet. And it's a good thing, because there's nothing quite like biting into a still-warm slice of freshly baked bread; soft and chewy inside, with a slightly crisp crust....

Leave the bottled salad dressing on the store shelf. You might be thinking, "But I buy 'low-fat' dressing so it isn't that bad…" Think again. When food manufacturers take out the fat, they are putting something else in to help with palatability and when it comes to dressing…it's most likely sugar...

Have you broken your resolution yet? Lost 20 pounds? Ran a marathon? Me neither. This year I am keeping it simple. An apple a day… Apples are good for you! Who knew? Recent studies both in the US (University of California, Davis) and in the United Kingdom (Oxford University) have shown that eating...

Okay, so donuts are delicious. Fried dough with a sweet frosting or glaze? Yes please. Of course, we all know that donuts aren't health food. But let's be honest - it's unrealistic to expect that you're NEVER going to eat donuts. Plus, it's definitely possible to occasionally have one in the...

This post goes out to cooks who want to save time preparing meals, use a few less dishes, and avoid heating up the house using the oven or stovetop. Whether reheating leftovers or cooking foods and recipes, it is time to open your microwaves! Tips Reheat recipes to 165°F or until steaming hot Be...

I for one am a breakfast food fanatic! What's more, I absolutely love the smell of bacon in the morning! But what if I told you eggs and bacon aren't as simple as they once were. There are constantly new products out on the market targeting consumers as being a "healthier" alternative or a "new and...

Celebrate a belated Mardi Gras with the one-pot wonder that is jambalaya! Spicy sausage, chicken breast, and shrimp stewed together with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and rice that soaks it all up. The best! (Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable PDF version of the recipe)...