Did you read our coaching tip last week? Did the thought of eating 30 different varieties of plants every week seem overwhelming? To keep you inspired and motivated to enjoy a wide variety of these plants, we wanted to share a fantastic idea to help you do just that. Plus, it is a great way […]
Do you count numbers as part of your diet? Some people count calories. Others count carbs, sodium, fat, or added sugars. We know there are situations where it might be helpful to track these things, but let’s think differently for a moment. What if you took a different approach to counting and didn’t have to […]
Welcome to April! This week, we were inspired to share a new breakfast casserole recipe with you! The inspiration for this came from a social media post we saw about this crazy fast and easy breakfast dish. We made it our mission to recreate it at home and share it with all of you! […]
It’s official…spring is here! What do you most look forward to this time of year? For some, it may be the warmer temperatures. For others, the blooming trees and the greening grass. If you are someone who eats with the seasons (we hope you are!), it means the much-anticipated arrival of fresh asparagus, […]
As you are embracing your REAL food journey, there is one area that may need a little help and renovation… the kitchen pantry! The pantry has a funny way of accumulating items that never get used, or get lost in time. If you can’t remember the last time you did a kitchen pantry clean-out, maybe […]
How often do you make smoothies? Do you make the same one over and over, or do you change it up to enjoy different flavor combinations? Smoothies can be a delicious – and nutritious – treat that you can quickly prepare for breakfast, snacks or even dessert. Whether you are a beginner or […]
What are you afraid of? Maybe it’s arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) or a fierce case of acrophobia (a fear of heights). There’s another common phobia that we don’t hear much about, but we may all suffer from to a certain degree… food neophobia! (or the fear of eating new or unfamiliar foods). Yes, there […]
We’ve all heard, “it’s important to have a healthy gut.” But what EXACTLY does that mean? And, maybe you have heard people talk about the “microbiome,” but wonder what in the world that is all about?! We want to shed some light on this topic. And, to help, we sought out the expertise of […]
We are frequently asked about freezing different foods and meals and, as you can probably imagine, we have stumbled upon several tricks that have left us thinking… “I had no idea you could freeze that!” Most of these freezing tricks came about because we always try to avoid wasting food. And when you enjoy cooking […]
Are you intimidated when it comes to seafood? Maybe you are like my in-laws, who love eating fish, but rarely make it at home because of the intimidation factor. Or maybe you had a bad experience earlier in life that has stayed with you, causing you to think, “I don’t like fish.” We want to […]
Do you have questions as you progress on your REAL food journey? Trust us, you’re not alone! We thought our weekly coaching tips would be the perfect opportunity to periodically answer some of the questions we are frequently asked. We will continue to do this if you find it is useful, so please […]
Ready for some inspiration? In our December coaching tip Celebrating a Milestone Birthday!, we talked about our goal to share more of YOUR success stories. We are blessed to have seen first-hand over the past 10 years SO MANY people transform their lives with the power of REAL food. When we tell these stories in […]
Especially this time of year, as we are in the heart of winter, we get the question: “what do you think of canned soups…and is it ok to use recipes that include canned soups like cream of mushroom?” Would you believe we have over 1,000 recipes on Eat REAL America and none of them include […]
In the beginning… as a parent, when your baby first starts to eat “real” food and is excited to explore all the new textures and flavors, you may find yourself thinking, “Wow, I am really rocking this parenting thing – this isn’t so hard, my child will eat almost anything!” Then, the toddler phase hits […]
What kind of food culture would someone find if they dropped into your workplace? Do donuts and bagels make frequent appearances in the breakroom and in meetings? Are there candy dishes everywhere you turn, always full of irresistible chocolate temptations? Are there soda and vending machines conveniently just a few steps away? Do the […]
Imagine this… what if you were from outer space and just got dropped off here, landing smack dab in the middle of the country. After observing everything for a few weeks, your friends back home ask you to report on what you have found. How would you describe the culture? You might say things […]
With 2024 just a few days away, and everyone anxiously awaiting the announcement of their “New Year’s Resolutions,” we’d like to FIRST encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments from this past year — and count every single one of them! For instance, maybe you: Started roasting vegetables multiple times […]
Holiday magic?! We have been blessed the last few years to have the opportunity to chat with Santa and catch up on all that he and Mrs. Claus – and the elves and reindeer of course – have been up to. In case you missed any of our previous interviews, you can find them here: […]
The holidays are here and winter is right around the corner… have you started craving a warm cozy cup of hot cocoa? Whether it was your own childhood or a special treat for your kids, how many of us have fond memories of coming inside after hours of playing in the snow and warming up […]
Can you imagine missing your child’s birthday? With the daily hustle and bustle, you get so busy trying to keep all the balls in the air…and you suddenly realize your precious baby’s birthday was a week ago! Of course, in reality, this would never happen! (We all know kids would be reminding you and […]
Have you or someone you love just been told… “You have prediabetes” (or “you have diabetes”)? Unfortunately, this is currently happening at an alarming rate, and we have had numerous recent encounters with people facing this exact situation. According to the CDC, almost 12% of the U.S. population has diabetes. On top of that, 38% of […]
Each and every day, you all inspire us, and we are so thankful for all of you! We love hearing all your stories about the changes you are making and how your own REAL food journeys are changing your lives. And how you are using your experience and knowledge to inspire others to do the […]
Have you started your Thanksgiving menu planning? If so, have you given any thought to how colorful your holiday table will be this year? Last week during a cooking demo I was demonstrating one of our all-time favorite holiday recipes, the Christmas Quinoa Salad, which is loaded with a variety of excellent colors, […]
Do you have sayings or quotes that help you navigate different areas of your life? We definitely do! For example, my husband is always reminding our kids, “You can’t get hit by the luck truck if you are not standing in the middle of the street.” Along our REAL food journey, we […]
Happy Halloween! We hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween adventure this evening, whether it is taking the kids or grandkids trick-or-treating, or staying home and passing out treats and hopefully being entertained by some creative costumes! Of course, there is no shortage of sugar being handed out on Halloween, and that is […]
“You mean my fall porch decorations?! I would have no idea how to cook with them!” Is this you or someone you know? If so, you’re not alone – we hear this all the time! Now is the time to savor the goodness of winter squash, and we want to help you overcome any […]
We recently took a trip to the Upper Peninsula (the “UP”) of Michigan, where we learned what it meant to be a Yooper! This is what residents of the UP call themselves (derived from “UP-ers”). So, I guess you could say we were recently “Yooper-Wanna-Bees.” You may remember our trip to Montana last […]
If you have not already noticed, earlier this week after many hours… we FINALLY have the website issue resolved! Our technical experts have assured us that this will solve the issue, at least for now, and our website is working well in all web browsers. We have already started to put together our Christmas […]
Imagine coming home and dinner is ready! The slow cooker has been working all day long, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner as soon as you walk in the door. Fix it and forget it…that’s the magic of the slow cooker! We all probably own one, whether it has been your staple kitchen […]
A few of you may have recently experienced challenges accessing the Eat REAL America website. For everyone else, you probably haven’t experienced any issues and all has been perfectly fine. The issue seems to be affecting those using the Chrome browser and you may be getting a message that the site is insecure. For anyone […]
Do you assume that since summer is over, the farmers’ markets and fresh greens are winding down? There are several varieties of dark leafy greens that make a comeback in the fall when the temperatures go down. They can taste even better after experiencing a few cold nights. One of these we encourage you to […]
Do you love coffee? Do you love a little creamer in your coffee? If so, I am right there with you! Before our REAL food journey, I had a tendency to go a little overboard with the sugar or creamer in my coffee. Not in a crazy way where someone might ask, “do you want […]
Do you ever have things happen that leave you thinking… “was that a coincidence?!” This happens to us quite often, especially if we are paying attention! Over the past couple of weeks, we have been talking about writing a coaching tip on how muscle memory relates to healthy eating. Then, after a recent […]
I still remember our first encounter with spaghetti squash… we were at the farmers’ market, feeling pretty adventurous so we decided to buy one. It was more out of curiosity whether it would really turn into noodles the way people described. We got home and realized we had no idea what do to with it. […]
It had been almost 4 years since Zonya and I had been together in-person. A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to spend a weekend in Michigan with my nutritionist partner in crime, Zonya Foco! Not only were delicious meals prepared (I know you are shocked!), but we were also able to […]
As we know all too well by now, there is mass confusion when it comes to food. And rice is no exception. One day you hear that brown rice is always better than white rice. The next day you see the headline, “Why White Rice is Healthier Than Brown Rice.” So, what’s […]
Have you ever thought about how the same concepts that help you achieve good health can also help you achieve financial well-being? Our daughter graduates from college this December and will soon be fully immersed in all kinds of REAL world financial decisions. (She will be off the payroll!) And our son, who is […]
How is it possible that school is starting up again already? In our area, most children are headed back this week, and some even started last week. If you have kids or grandkids headed back to school, you may be dealing with the ongoing dilemma and stress of what to do for school lunches. If […]
What is one of the biggest benefits to “eating with the seasons?” It’s the anticipation of those flavorful and nutritious foods coming into season each year! You start thinking about all the absolutely delicious meals you can make, your cravings start to ramp up, and then you get to savor the foods for […]
“Eating healthy is just so expensive.” We hear this all the time. Reality check…Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive! It’s TRUE! And, as proof, check out these 10 flavor-loaded meals that would feed 4-6 people for under $10. Plus, there are many more on the website! After perusing these meals (we secretly […]
What comes to mind when you think of hospital food? Many of us may think “bland,” “boring,” and “colorless.” These descriptions can typically be spot on because you always seem to experience the overcooked vegetable, a white roll, and the obligatory cup of Jell-O. Doesn’t this seem like the ultimate contradiction? People go […]
We all know that flavor-exploding sweetness that comes from a perfectly ripe, freshly-picked tomato. In many parts of the country, juicy delicious summer tomatoes are becoming abundantly available, either from your own garden or from your dedicated local farmers RIGHT NOW! Just the thought of a fresh juicy tomato can make your mouth water, […]
When we began our REAL food journey, one of the first things we began to experiment with was FRESH garlic. Yes, I have always loved garlic, but was an avid user of garlic powder. I had never cooked with a REAL garlic clove…not once! Right away, we noticed a HUGE difference in flavor…our meals with […]
Happy 4th of July to the Eat REAL America community! We hope you all are enjoying some relaxing time with family and friends – and of course enjoying delicious and nutritious food and drinks! What word comes to mind when you think about July 4th? Maybe it is fireworks or barbeque or independence or stars […]
When you go to the store, what percentage of the food you buy is ultra-processed? Would it shock you if we told you this number is over 60% for the average American household? Are you at least a little shocked by this? After all, it is no secret these foods (much of which […]
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see a cucumber? Maybe one of the following? “Maybe I should buy some to make homemade pickles.” “They are OK, kind of boring, I mean, you can’t do much with them except eat them raw, right?!” “That reminds me, I need to schedule […]
Believe it or not, this is real advice from some real “nutrition coaches!” One of our Eat REAL America members shared this story after a meeting she had with her “nutrition coach” where she was reviewing her journal of what she had eaten during the past week. The nutrition coach saw cherry tomatoes […]
Do you love having a glass of wine with dinner? Is this part of your relaxing evening routine? This was us! And we felt pretty good about enjoying a glass of wine with dinner because we have all heard, “Antioxidants in red wine provide health benefits.” So, last fall, here we were…so-called “empty nesters.” […]
Have you heard of the FODMAP Diet (or the Low-FODMAP Diet)? For some reason, we have gotten a lot of questions about this diet recently. So, we thought we should share some perspective…what it is, why people do it, and our take on it. What is “FODMAP?” FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, […]
We want to give you something a little different with the coaching tip this week! As Memorial Day weekend is approaching, we wanted to provide something a little lighter and entertaining! Last Saturday, I was invited to be a guest on The Good Life radio show with host Guy Bower here in […]
Fresh basil at your fingertips? Mint growing just a few steps from your kitchen? Growing fresh herbs at home is an excellent way to add tremendous flavor to your meals, boost your nutrients and save some money in the process! In many parts of the country, this is a perfect time to get […]
Have you encountered AI yet? If you haven’t heard of it, we are talking about “artificial intelligence.” Even if you think it hasn’t affected your life, it probably has. I know I have run into it, and I expect it is about to become a bigger part of all of our lives over the […]
Believe it or not, Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away. Are you ready? You may be celebrating your Mom or a special person in your life. Or maybe your family is asking, “what would you like for Mother’s Day?” There are so many ways to celebrate. Breakfast in bed. A day […]
Do you ever wonder if you are getting enough iron? Have you been told you need to get more iron in your diet? If so, you’re not alone. We were doing a cooking demo a couple of weeks ago and one of the participants asked if there were specific things she could do […]
“Woman shows every meal for 47 days!” If you saw this headline, would you think “she is crazy!”? Or you might wonder, “what kind of fad diet is she trying to sell?” As many of you know, that is what we did as part of our 2023 Lenten Challenge. And we learned a few things! […]
As farmers’ markets are opening all over the country right now, we want to help inspire you with some of the early season vegetables you will be able to enjoy within the next few weeks! Recently we welcomed you to asparagus season and this week we want to highlight an odd, alien-looking vegetable with a […]
“I’m feeling sooooo much better, and that’s after just 2 weeks of eating REAL food!” “In less than a week, my digestive issues have calmed down and I’m feeling amazing!” We hear comments like this all the time! Is it true that you can experience noticeable changes in as little as one […]
Can you guess which vegetable was once proclaimed the “king of vegetables,” can help reduce the risk of birth defects for pregnant women, helps manage PMS symptoms, prevents progression of cataracts and even fights cancer? Sound too good to be true? Believe it or not…it’s asparagus! With all of these powers plus more, and since […]
What if you could live to 100? And, we are talking about REALLY LIVING and REALLY THRIVING! Think of all the great moments, experiences and memories! Imagine being part of not just your grandchildren’s lives, but your great grandchildren…and great, great grandchildren! Have you heard of the Blue Zones project? Over a period of 10+ […]
Do you know what today is? If you said “March 14th,” you are right, but it’s much more than just March 14th! Quick flashback to math class… it’s Pi Day! And that’s not all…it’s also the start of March Madness (also known as the NCAA basketball tournament)! For those of us who love food, […]
Do you sometimes find yourself craving a burger? Then, you work really hard to tell your brain to push that craving aside, telling yourself, “burgers aren’t healthy…I should really eat a salad instead.” What if you could have both?! Believe it or not, burgers can absolutely be healthy – we even wrote a coaching tip […]
Have you ever noticed how many Eat REAL America recipes call for citrus zest – either lemon, lime or orange zest? Do you sometimes ask yourself “is that ingredient really necessary?” or do you just skip over it? If you turn the clock back several years, that was us! We rarely used citrus zest. […]
Those things go together, right?! Today they do! First, we want to announce the winners of the Eat Real t-shirts! Thank you for such a wonderful response to last week’s coaching tip! We are so grateful for all of you and are humbled and inspired by all of your comments. So inspired, in fact, that […]
Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope all of you are celebrating this “holiday of love” with your loved ones – and, of course, some delicious and nutritious REAL food! You know how much we love the Eat REAL America community, so, we want to give our own gift to you this Valentine’s Day. Eat REAL […]
One thing we have learned on our REAL food journey is… it helps to have bite-size sweet treats easily and readily available. And, of course, we have also learned that having those unhealthy treats out of the house is also key! What if we told you we discovered a bite-sized sweet treat […]
Any guesses? Let’s face it – our nation is obsessed with diets, especially this time of year. It is estimated that U.S. consumers spend $33 billion annually on these programs. Many of these diets promise super-fast results and have huge marketing promotions behind them. “Lose 15 pounds in 15 days!” or “Slim down and look […]
Have you noticed the recent fascination with Butter Boards? We’re not sure exactly where this started, although it seems that a Portland, Oregon chef, Joshua McFadden, may have originated the idea back in 2017. Then, last year, the idea took off when it became a “thing” on TikTok. If you haven’t seen butter boards, think […]
We have all heard the advice,”to be healthy, you need to eat more fruits and vegetables.” But what EXACTLY does this mean? And, are there certain foods that are more important than others? In the past, we have featured a monthly “Superfood”, encouraging our members to enjoy that food in a variety of ways throughout […]
What did you think of last week’s coaching tip? Did the numbers or video give you or someone you know a sense of unease? Last week, we unveiled the first step to making a lasting change in any area of life – having a sense of unease. But having a sense of unease […]
Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Many of us have…and the good news is most of us are probably still on track since we are just a couple of days into the new year! The age-old question is… how long will we be able to stay committed to our resolutions…and why are some […]
With 2023 just a few days away, and everyone anxiously awaiting to announce their “New Year’s Resolutions,” we’d like to FIRST encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the accomplishments you’ve made this past year — and celebrate every single one of them! We have seen more progress this year than ever in […]
Some of you may remember our interview with Santa last year. We didn’t want to bother Santa this year, knowing how busy he is. So, you can imagine our surprise when he called and asked when we were going to come up for lunch and a quick chat! Of course, we dropped everything, packed our […]
Whether you consider them “rules” or “grandma’s cooking tips,” they may hold some truth… or they may actually be myths that we have been doing all this time… just because! You know the tips we are talking about, the ones like “when cooking with aluminum foil, always put the shiny side down.” Or […]
Are you struggling to come up with gift ideas for someone on your Christmas list? Are you looking for something that is useful, practical and, dare we say, possibly inspiring? We have some gift ideas that would be ideal for just about anyone on your list. Maybe they already love transforming REAL ingredients into […]
Do you own a cast iron skillet? Do you love it and use it all the time? Or, is it sitting lonely in a cabinet or maybe tucked away with the camping gear in the garage?! Cast iron skillets can be extremely useful in the kitchen, but can also raise a ton of questions and […]
Do you know what inspires us the most? Our Eat REAL America members…YOU! We learn so much from your insights, feedback and engagement! Within the past few weeks, we discovered something new thanks to Bev, one of our favorite Eat REAL America members. We were looking through the recent comments on the website and saw […]
Are you ready for more about coconut? Last week, we talked about coconut nutrition, coconut oil and coconut milk, and shared a variety of nutritious and delicious meal ideas! This week, for part 2, we want to continue the discussion on some of the other coconut products you will see on the store shelves. […]
Is coconut healthy? Shouldn’t I avoid coconut because it is so high in saturated fat? What is the difference between light and full-fat coconut milk? We get so many questions about all of the coconut-related products, so we want to attempt to answer some of the most frequent questions here. There is […]
Do you ever enjoy a restaurant meal and wish you could recreate it at home? Or, do you wish you could make it healthier so you could enjoy it more often? This happens to us all the time! On our most recent trip to Montana, we had a Roasted Cauliflower Sandwich, a […]
According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, 90% of the sales for this canned vegetable (well, technically, it’s a fruit) take place every year during the 4-month period from October to January. Any guesses?! It is something that will most likely appear in your shopping cart over the next several weeks. However, after that you […]
What do you think when you hear words like chimichurri or chutney or gremolata? You have probably seen these words on menus in nice restaurants and have watched chefs making dishes with them on The Food Network. When you taste them, you know they add amazing flavor to your meals, but you may assume it’s […]
“What’s for dinner?” We all know a little planning is involved to best answer this question, especially if you are cooking with fresh ingredients and eating at home (which we hope you are!). But what do you do on those nights when the plan has failed, or unexpected life circumstances kick in? Say hello to […]
With just a few short days until the start of October, “pumpkin spice season” is well under way! It used to start making its appearance with the beginning of cooler temperatures and the first signs of fall. Now, every year it seems to start earlier and earlier…this year, Starbucks started serving its beloved pumpkin […]
“I walk by the butternut squash all the time at the store, but never buy one. I always buy it frozen…using a fresh one is intimidating for me.” “Growing up, my mom never cooked squash. To be honest, I don’t think I like it…and I would have no idea how to use it.” “Butternut squash […]
Each week, our objective with our Eat REAL America coaching tips is to either inform, inspire or entertain (OK, maybe a little of each!). Occasionally, we also like to include tips that discuss current events and get us all to step back and think (even if it’s just for a minute). This week, we wanted […]
As we head into September, autumn is rapidly approaching – (even if the weather in your area may not feel like it yet!). This, of course, means fall festivals, family trips to the pumpkin patch, fall-inspired craft beers, pumpkin-spiced everything and, of course… …football and tailgating! As we all know, tailgate parties can be celebrated […]
Do you ever have one of those weeks where you hear things that just seem to stick with you and you can’t stop thinking about them? We recently experienced one of those weeks and wanted to share with you some of what we heard. First, let me help paint the picture…we spent A LOT of […]
One of the best pleasures of summer? Fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables! If you eat in-season (which we highly recommend!), then you most likely love this incredible summer produce even more because you know there is a relatively short window of opportunity. But what if we told you that you can enjoy these flavors […]
What do Mofongo, star fruit, red snapper, cherries and tiny mangoes all have in common? These are just some of the local and delicious foods we experienced during our trip to Puerto Rico last week! We wanted to share some tidbits from our trip, especially how to enjoy the best of REAL food on the […]
Busy with work, busy with kids, busy with social obligations, busy keeping up the house — busy, busy, busy! Regardless of where we live, the season we’re in, how old we are; whether we have a houseful of kids or are kid-free, single, married, divorced or widowed… our busy lifestyles spell S.T.R.E.S.S. And, the constant […]
We are kicking off the month of August highlighting one of the most popular fruits grown in the United States, especially during the summer… PEACHES! And August just happens to be National Peach Month! Who doesn’t love a fresh peach on a hot summer day? First the sweet smell gets your tastes buds going, and […]
Have you heard of shishito peppers? What about Padron peppers? Would you believe me if I told you these little peppers are life-changing, with only 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare? It’s true! And now is the perfect time to get them at many local farmers’ markets! Check out our video to see why […]
Just last week some information came across our radar and we thought… “we have to share this with our Eat REAL America community!” It triggered all kinds of interesting discussions among our family and friends, and we would love to know your thoughts and reaction! Here is the first graph that caught our […]
Has summer boredom kicked in for your kids yet? If you have kids – or grandkids – at home this summer, or know someone who does, you know the challenge of keeping them busy and keeping their minds productive! After they do their household chores and clean up their rooms – and, of course, lots […]
How is your “fruits and vegetables of the week” challenge going? Did you remember?! In our coaching tip a couple of weeks ago, we encouraged you to enjoy a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables this month. And this week, blueberries would be a perfect choice! We picked some up at the farmers’ market […]
Are you embracing the blistering hot summer weather that arrived with a bang in many parts of the country the past couple of weeks? Or are you already over it and looking forward to fall? Since summer only officially started last Tuesday, brace yourself, there is plenty of summer left! Many people have […]
Do you know someone who eats the same foods over and over, each and every day? Some people may find comfort in this routine. Others would find themselves in the uncomfortable and frustrating situation of feeling “stuck in a rut.” A few years ago, we ran across someone who literally ate the same thing every […]
Are you a natural planner? Whether you call it discipline or a slight case of OCD, we happen to be planners. And, we have found this very helpful when it comes to eating healthfully. When we don’t plan, we tend to resort to the quick “grab-what-you-can meals and snacks,” which unfortunately aren’t usually healthy choices! […]
You are probably intimately familiar with quinoa, which has exploded in popularity in the past few years. And, quinoa is loaded with nutrients and is a versatile addition to so many recipes, but there is another “ancient grain” gaining popularity more and more… …FARRO! (Pronounced FAR-oh, or you may hear some pronounce it FAIR-oh). […]
Are you someone who loves the vibrant red crunch of a fresh radish? Or does that distinct peppery radish flavor send you running the other direction? Some people absolutely love radishes, and then there are others who only think of them as those thinly sliced veggies you find on a salad bar. We hope […]
Have you ever heard someone say something similar to this: “No one lives forever…I might as well enjoy life while I can!” or “So what if I die a few years early? It’s worth it to be able to enjoy my donuts and fast food.” We all have! But how many people […]
Maru Sushi & Grill (Nashville, TN) Website 1100 Fatherland Street, Suite 101; (615) 712-8115 We consulted a local food blogger for ideas on the best sushi in Nashville. We ate an early dinner at Maru, a family-owned restaurant on the East side of town. We felt right at home, the service was great, and the […]
Do you feel like you make healthy choices when you go out to eat? Do you always opt for a salad or a vegetarian meal because you think, “surely those must be the healthiest options?!” We want to take you on a visit to a few popular restaurants this week and see which of these […]
What do you think of when you hear “rhubarb?” A lot of people say, “I remember my grandma cooking with it” or “Rhubarb pie, of course!” or “I have no idea what to do with that!” Over the years, it seems like rhubarb has become an underappreciated vegetable (or is it a fruit?) – […]
Are you confused about inflammation and how it affects your health? Is it good for you, or bad? If you are confused, rest assured you’re not alone. We want to help you understand what it is and how it might be affecting your health, or the health of your loved ones. People sometimes […]
Do you feel like food prices are increasing every time you go to the store or eat out? It’s not just a feeling – it’s reality! In just the last 12 months, food prices have increased more than any time since 1981! The biggest increases have been seen in meat, poultry, fish and eggs, […]
Have you wondered if your health would be under better control if your portion sizes were too? Or, are you not even sure what a reasonable portion size is anymore? We have great news for you! The reality is if you focus on nutrient-rich REAL food, you really don’t have to obsess about portion […]
It’s farmers’ market season! Have you fallen in love with the farmers’ market yet? For some, a weekly visit to the local market something is something they look forward to and is part of their routine. Others have told us that going to the farmers’ market feels intimidating and outside their comfort zone. When we […]
Have you ever watched cooking shows or read food magazines and noticed those tiny, vibrant leafy greens that chefs use as the finishing touch on their dishes? They look a little bit like sprouts, but they are actually much different… …they are microgreens! Microgreens have been growing in popularity and are now available at many […]
Have you taken the time to step back and look around at the grocery store recently? A couple of times each year, we visit the store specifically focused on checking out the newest products and the latest trends. We did our most recent visit last week and, once again, we kept finding ourselves saying, “Really?! […]
Hearts of palm? Have you heard of it? Does it sound exotic and expensive? This unique veggie was foreign to us until several years ago. We were at a restaurant in New York and ordered a Steak Salad that included romaine lettuce, heart of palm, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, radishes, scallions, and feta, tossed in a […]
Why is it so important to keep our cholesterol in check? Heart disease is the number one leading killer for both men and women! Because of this, it’s very important to keep our cholesterol at healthy levels, preferably below 200 mg/dl (preferably below 180). And even more importantly, keep the lousy LDL cholesterol to […]
We have all heard the advice: “Eat the Rainbow” Of course, we are NOT talking about the rainbow found in a bag of Skittles or a box of “magically delicious” Lucky Charms! And, let’s face it, color is typically NOT a good thing when it comes to processed foods. Whenever you see Blue […]
Happy Pancake Day! Did you know today is Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day)?! In honor of this special day, let’s talk pancakes! Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the Lenten season. This day comes from the old English custom of people saying confessions for the […]
How much sodium are you consuming every day? Believe it or not, the average American consumes over 3,500 mg of sodium daily! The CDC also reports that about 90% of Americans 2 years old and older consume too much sodium. Current recommendations are for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (ideally less than […]
Pharm Table Website 611 South Presa Street; San Antonio, TX 78205; (210) 802-1860 Eat REAL America member comment: Stepped out of our comfort zone and had fun trying healthy options. Refreshing after days of fried and unhealthy foods (we are traveling in the South). We had the Israeli style hummus and veggie appetizer, green goddess […]
The Winston (Norman, OK) Website 106 West Main Street; Norman, OK 73069; (405) 561-7616 Eat REAL America member comment: This place is Eat REAL worthy! We had a Crumbled Chicken Flatbread (green apple, bits of real bacon, blue cheese crumbles, fig jam, spinach, and balsamic reduction on a crispy flatbread). We also had the Adobo […]
Why do some people crave a burger, fries and soda, while others crave fruits and vegetables? And, is it true that your cravings can actually change to prefer healthy (REAL) food? What exactly are taste buds? When it comes to food, our preferences are influenced by all five of our senses – sight, smell, […]
February gives us all kinds of reasons to celebrate the health benefits of chocolate! Of course, Valentine’s Day is just a few days away. Plus, February is also American Heart Month and National Chocolate Lovers Month! Is it really true that something as delicious as chocolate can also be good for our health? The answer […]
We’re back in the grocery store with a trip to the bread aisle! Do you feel confused with all the options in the bread aisle? If so, you’re not alone! Is multi-grain a good option? Are all wheat breads healthy? Why are some breads in the freezer section and others are on the […]
Do you skip recipes that have too many ingredients? And how many is too many? Over the past few weeks, we have heard a couple of people say they don’t make any recipes with long ingredient lists. These recipes seem too intimidating, and the perception is they will take way too much time and effort. […]
When is the last time you or someone you know said, “I don’t like ________”? Last month? Last week? Maybe it was yesterday, or maybe even earlier today! We are not exaggerating when we say we hear this just about EVERY SINGLE DAY. And, believe it or not, we totally get it! We […]
Turmeric… the real deal or just a bunch of hype? Is it really as beneficial as some people claim? We have several family members and friends who have dealt with arthritis and cancer who have asked, “what is the deal with turmeric?” We are here to tell you why you should get to know […]
Have you heard of “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?” Especially this time of year, you or someone you know may experience feelings of anxiety or depression. The holiday celebrations are over, the Christmas decorations are coming down, the work and school routines are starting up again, the days are short and the temperatures are cold. Everyone […]
Last year at this time, we provided 21 ideas to embrace a healthy REAL food lifestyle… this year, as New Year’s Day rapidly approaches, we want to help you be the inspiration! We all know the top New Year’s resolution always seems to be to “eat healthier” (right up there with exercising more), […]
Some of you may remember our exclusive interview with Santa in 2019. We were honored that he took time out of his super-busy schedule to talk to us. Well, the luck truck struck again and we had the good fortune to catch up with St. Nick to talk about what he and Mrs. Claus and […]
As we begin to wrap up another year, we have been reflecting on the past 12 months. Of course, it’s impossible to think about this past year (or the past two years) without COVID being front and center. There is no disputing that COVID has been absolutely devastating, especially for families who have lost loved […]
We have all heard about the dangers of artificial sweeteners… …from causing cancer, to disturbing the beneficial bacteria in our guts. So, it’s easy to see how we can become exasperated by all the conflicting and confusing messages. Good news! Not all calorie-free sugar replacers have negative stat sheets! Yes, according […]
Welcome to pomegranate season! If you haven’t seen them already, these ruby-red seasonal fruits should start showing up at your local stores. There was a time when we really weren’t familiar with pomegranates. We had heard of them, but had never tried them. Quite honestly, they don’t really look that attractive on the outside, but […]
Have you been telling yourself… “I am going to make some homemade granola,” but for one reason or another, you keep putting it off? Granola can be an ideal snack…paired with yogurt and fruit, or enjoyed with milk for breakfast, and believe it or not, making your own is easier than you might think! […]
Are you afraid to step on the scale during the holidays? Are you dreading all the sweets and not-so-healthy dishes that show up every year between Halloween and New Years? If so, you need a holiday survival plan! Let’s face it, we will be surrounded by all kinds of pound-packing holiday goodies over […]
Do you ever stop and notice there are things you take for granted? Maybe something is so abundant, or it is just part of your routine, that you really don’t give it much thought. That is, until one day, you find yourself saying “WHAT THE HECK?!” This happened to us recently. We were preparing a […]
It’s one of the most popular trends on social media. It has been even been called the “adult lunchable.” You have probably seen these in magazines, at local restaurants and elsewhere, as there seems to be an obsession to create Instagram-worthy masterpieces! We are talking about charcuterie boards! Growing up, our family simply […]
Time flies when you’re having fun, right?! Believe it or not, we published our very first Eat REAL America weekly meal ideas and coaching tip 8 years ago, in October 2013. My husband and I were reminiscing about everything we have experienced and learned over the last 8 years and thought you might enjoy some […]
What if you could… reduce your risk of colon and rectal cancer by 56% lower your risk of heart disease by 40% help fight obesity, type 2 diabetes and constipation plus more! Interested? Drum roll please … Eat 30 grams of fiber each and every day! That’s right, diets naturally high in […]
Love beer?! Love food?! Why not love them together?! More and more people are now pairing beer and food…just like we have been pairing wine and food for many years. The right beer paired with the right meal can definitely create a memorable experience. Another way to love them together is to use beer as […]
Have you taken on the Better Breakfast Challenges this month? Have you experienced any new breakthroughs? Did you try oats or eggs in a new way, or any of our kid-friendly breakfast ideas? We would love to hear about your experience! In this last part of our Better Breakfast series, we want to take […]
Did you take the challenge last week and try oats in a new or different way? Remember, our better breakfast challenges this month are all intended to help you and your family reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in your morning routine. We started with super kid-friendly ideas, then covered cholesterol-sponging oats, and this week […]
Did you take the challenge last week and offer your kids an “out of the ordinary” breakfast? Did you do find a way to change it up and reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in their morning routine? This week, we are continuing our Better Breakfast Challenge and visiting the world of oats! […]
We know weekday mornings can be hectic… and hectic may not even begin to describe your mornings if you have school-aged kids. Trying to get them out of bed, dressed, and even awake enough to eat breakfast can be a challenge. This is why so many turn to the convenience of highly processed breakfast foods […]
How can we help our kids not just survive, but thrive? A couple of weeks ago, a study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showing that 67% of calories consumed by U.S. youths are coming from ultra-processed foods. Yes, that is over two-thirds! Remember, ultra-processed foods include […]
We hope you enjoyed last week’s tour of the yogurt section! In the coaching tip and video, we mentioned how healthy yogurt can be (loaded with protein, calcium and beneficial bacteria)! This is especially true when you buy plain nonfat yogurt (with simple ingredients like nonfat milk and live active cultures), and then add other […]
Do all of the choices in the yogurt section of the grocery store overwhelm you? We can relate! And, we want to share what we have learned on our REAL food journey. There are so many options…traditional, Greek, Icelandic, Australian, fruit flavored, fruit on the bottom, low-fat, non-fat, soy, almond, coconut, sweet and crunchy…with […]
How do you find the best REAL food restaurants when you are on the road? You may remember our coaching tip from February where we shared how we selected restaurants to visit in our trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas, along with our reviews of those restaurants. In that coaching tip, we also mentioned one of our […]
If we asked the question, “what is the one vegetable that you just don’t know what to do with?”, what would you say? So many people respond to us by saying… “eggplant!” Eggplant is one of the most misunderstood vegetables…or should we say, fruits. And, yes, in case you were wondering, the eggplant […]
Do you… love the crisp taste of pickled vegetables, but wish they weren’t quite so salty? Or, do you wish you could avoid the questionable ingredients you see on those jars of pickled vegetables? Does the thought of pickling our own vegetables intimidate you? It did us! The whole canning process seems difficult to find time […]
Do you make your own salad dressings? Or, are you thinking, “no way, who has time for that?!” Believe it or not, homemade dressings are so much easier than you think…not to mention, more fresh, flavorful, nutritious…and cheaper! Do we have your attention yet? One of our amazing Eat REAL America members shared with […]
Why all the vinegar choices at the store? And, what about all those bottled salad dressings…can they be part of a healthy lifestyle? Continuing our grocery store tours, we want to build on our last segment from the cooking oils section and take a trip to the vinegars and salad dressings sections. […]
Fireworks, enjoying time with family and friends, soaking up the sun at the pool, or relaxing on the lake! If you are like us, you are not only looking forward to celebrating all things summer, but especially celebrating our upcoming patriotic holiday with family and friends, and savoring life feeling a little more normal this […]
Branch Out (Paducah, KY) Website 713 Kentucky Ave.; (270) 443-7028 We found this restaurant when searching for the “best food” in Paducah. We had lunch on our drive back from Nashville and loved it! It is owned by a husband and wife, who saw the options were lacking for those looking to eat plant-based. They […]
Letty Mae’s Tea Room (Morris, IL – southwest of Joliet, IL) Facebook page 112 E Washington St; Morris, IL 60450; (815) 416-1370 Eat REAL America member comment: Many of her specialty salads and drinks feature fresh strawberries–even a cold strawberry soup that is to die for! Unique sandwich fillings are also a highlight. We always […]
Lebanon’s Cafe (New Orleans, LA) Website 1500 South Carrollton Avenue; 504-862-6200 Eat REAL America member comment: In New Orleans one of our favorite go to places was Lebanon’s Café. Great Shawarma and many other dishes.
Stone Row Pub & Eatery (Jim Thorpe, PA – north of Philadelphia) Website 45-47 Race Street, Jim Thorpe, PA; (570) 732-0465 From their website: We’re a meat-friendly, plant-forward scratch kitchen specializing in tasty food & drink for everyone. We have fun with flavor, making classic comfort food with a twist. We are transparent in our […]
Feta Kitchen and Café (Bloomington, IN – southwest of Indianapolis) Website 600 E Hillside Dr; Bloomington, IN; (812) 336 3382 Eat REAL America member comment: Create your own bowls. Fabulous choices. We shared a $10 bowl with tabbouleh, spinach, black lentils, falafel, roasted broccoli, pickled carrots, onions, cauliflower & raw radishes with a dollop of […]
Manna Wok (Wichita, KS) 4865 East Harry Street; 316-684-5512 Eat REAL America member comment: Since departing Wichitawesome, KS, I have been really missing my favorite Korean Restaurant, Manna Wok on Harry St. and Oliver. Great mom and pop restaurant w/ some unbelievable flavors. Definitely a hole in the wall but worth your wild. My favorite […]
“I’m so tired…I just can’t get a good night’s sleep!” “All I want is to wake up energized and to feel like I can take on whatever comes my way!” Does this sound like you or someone you know? Getting a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury, but a requirement for […]
Did that headline grab your attention? It definitely got ours! Then, as we read the rest of the article, two things struck us: 1. Cooking at home does NOT increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (as the article suggests). 2. We have to be cautious when reading the health […]
It seems like such a simple question: “What is the best oil to use?” Have you looked at all the choices at the store lately? There is olive oil, coconut oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, and the list goes on! These oils are not […]
Are you back out there? Last Tuesday marked the first day where restaurant dining activity EXCEEDED pre-pandemic levels…this according to OpenTable.com’s CEO Debby Soo. Clearly, people are getting more comfortable venturing back out to their favorite restaurants. As you head back out to meet up with family and friends, stop for a second and notice […]
Summer celebrations! Pool parties! Family reunions! This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. And, we will savor all the opportunities to gather again with family and friends – something we missed out on much of last summer. Of course, that means food…and plenty of it! What kind of foods do your summer celebrations include? […]
Have you started craving pineapple yet? There is something about pineapples and warmer weather that just seem to go together. With the unofficial start to summer only a couple of weeks away, those cravings may start soon, if they haven’t already! Whether you are enjoying a freshly sliced pineapple, adding a few chunks to a […]
In response to our coaching tip last week about “Should you only eat organic?”, an amazing member of our Eat REAL America community requested insights on topics like grass-fed beef, organic milk and free range chicken, and whether it is worth buying organic varieties of canned goods, such as broth, beans, maple syrup and more. […]
Do you wonder whether you should be eating more organic foods? Are you confused about what “organic” really means? If you watched our virtual grocery store tour last Tuesday, we mentioned one of the most challenging decisions in the produce section…whether to buy organic or non-organic. Part of our Eat REAL America mission […]
How much time do you spend in the produce section of the grocery store? If you are on a REAL food journey, you will likely (AND SHOULD!) spend well over half your time and money here. There are a rainbow of colors and so many fantastic nutritious and delicious options in this part of the […]
Are you a spiralizer fan? If so, have you ventured beyond zucchini? Since we will soon be surrounded by amazing late spring and summer produce, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite kitchen gadgets… …the “spiralizer” Years ago, when we first heard of the spiralizer, we initially dismissed it as just another fad […]
Do you dread preparing your taxes this time of year? We certainly do! Should we claim our college-aged children as dependents? What tax credits can – and should – we take? How do we calculate capital gains (or losses) on that stock we bought years ago and have no idea what we paid for it? […]
Thanks to your generous response and feedback, we are continuing our virtual grocery store tours! Just in case you missed our first one on nuts and nut butters, you can check it out here. This week, we are tackling the breakfast aisle! Have you been down the breakfast aisle lately? Talk about overwhelming! […]
Have you taken the time to actually look around at the grocery store recently? We went to the store last week to check out the newest products and the latest trends, and we were shocked how many times we found ourselves saying, “Really?! You’ve got to be kidding me!” Here is just some […]
If you enjoy eating with the seasons, one fantastic food about to hit the scene in March is… fresh artichokes! Are you thinking…artichokes are expensive, take too long to cook, and seem intimidating to eat? We want to shed some light on this somewhat misunderstand superfood… What are artichokes? Artichokes are […]
We are surrounded by “food” in everything we do and every part of our lives! But, have you ever stopped to think about what “food” really is? Are all of the things we eat really “food?” The definition of FOOD is “a nutritious substance that maintains life and growth and nourishes, sustains, and […]
Do you have a love or hate relationship with grocery shopping? Did we really just ask that question?! Most people will probably tell you they DREAD grocery shopping! For some, it is the time involved. For others, it is the hassle of dragging kids to the store. And, for just about everyone, even if […]
Do nuts make a regular appearance in your meals? We often hear people say they avoid nuts because they are “too high in fat” or “have too many calories.” Nut lovers rejoice! Enjoyed in moderation, nuts are loaded with nutrition including fiber, protein, healthy fats and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they each […]
Most of us know we live in a culture where we want our food to be convenient, fast and cheap. So, to answer our wishes, many foods in the supermarket today have been developed to provide just that — a quick hunger fix with ultra convenience! Plus, products are developed to cater to specific types […]
What would you say if we told you we are each supposed to be eating 10 servings of fruits and vegetables…daily!? Would you respond by saying, Krista and Zonya, “No way, you all have lost your minds!” Believe it or not, 10 servings of fruits and vegetables is the target we should all […]
What if you had a resource to find all the best REAL food restaurants anywhere in the country? We’re talking about those restaurants that use the best and freshest in-season, local ingredients. Sometimes they are small, hole-in-the-wall, off-the-beaten path, local dive restaurants. And, they always use their passion and creativity to transform local quality ingredients […]
REAL food on the road. We know this can be a struggle. In fact, we recently shared a coaching tip inspired by an Eat REAL America couple who had relocated to Florida for the winter, and were encountering some challenges while visiting family and landing back in the land of white fluffy pancakes. Because traveling […]
What if you could have delicious eggs and veggies for breakfast in less than 3 minutes? Great news — you can! And, it’s the perfect way to use those lonely oversized coffee mugs sitting in your cabinet…you know, the ones that are just too cool-looking to get rid of, but you never use them because they are […]
Do you remember learning to ride a bike? We remember more vividly teaching our kids how to ride a bike. As we held onto the back of the seat, they would wobble and weave as we guided them along. Then, without fail, when they “thought” we were still holding on, they would glance back […]
Pre-mixed seasoning packets. Available for any seasoning combination you can dream up…taco, chili, ranch, brown gravy, hollandaise, fajita, spaghetti and so many more. They are easy, convenient, and marketed as “no-hassle” and seasoning that will add the “perfect flavor.” Before our REAL food journey, we will admit, we had a collection of these “flavor packets” […]
Here we go! As we rapidly approach New Year’s Day, everyone will be making their “resolutions” and the #1 resolution every year always seems to be to eat healthier (right up there with exercising more). Many will dive head-first into some kind of fad diet. They may become obsessed with counting calories, skipping breakfast, limiting […]
Have you noticed blood oranges showing up at your local stores? If so, do you savor these while they are available, or do you tend to walk past them, opting for the more recognizable navel, mandarin or clementine oranges? Because of the conditions required to grow blood oranges, their peak ripeness is starting right now […]
Is it just us, or do you feel like you have something bottled up and ready to burst out in 2021?! After the year we have just experienced, we feel like 2021 is the time for something significant to happen, right?! We all know that 2020 has been challenging in SO MANY ways. It is […]
What comes to mind when you hear “root vegetables?” Some might say “intimidating” or “I am not even really sure which vegetables make the root vegetable list.” And, of course, the most common…”I have no idea what to do with most of those strange-looking veggies!” The reality is root vegetables can be absolutely delicious and, because […]
An Eat REAL America member recently shared a message that we think many of you may relate to… we certainly did! This husband and wife, who are thriving in their REAL food journey, recently relocated to Florida (near family members) for the winter, and these family members have not yet discovered all the […]
Are processed foods really that bad for us? And, what is considered a “processed food?” We recently participated in a webinar hosted by an organization called Diet ID, where some industry experts discussed ultra-processed foods, including results from some recent studies. You may be surprised by some of the insights they discovered and, with […]
Are cocoa and cacao the same thing? And should you believe those headlines about losing weight by eating chocolate? So, what’s the deal? We want to help you sort through the confusion. First, let’s start by saying not all chocolate is created equal! There are many differences in taste and nutrition of cacao and […]
Let’s face it, we are social beings and are highly influenced by what is around us. And there is no denying it…food is all around us…it is absolutely everywhere! Food is a part of everything we do and is a HUGE part of our culture and environment. There are the candy jars, snack rooms and […]
We were recently presented with a challenge… DONUTS, made with REAL ingredients! They needed to be delicious enough to satisfy a sweet tooth, yet healthy enough to enjoy without feeling guilty…and, of course easy to prepare! One of our beloved Eat REAL America members gave us a recipe for inspiration, saying “these are delicious, […]
Why does this always happen?! Does this sound familiar…you have your list (check), you go to the store (check), you get home and start preparing dinner (check), and then everything comes to a screeching halt when you realize you forgot an important ingredient! So frustrating…can you relate?! In our experience, we have learned there is […]
Does this sound familiar? After a long crazy day, you are feeling pretty good about the plan for dinner. Sure, you only have a 30 minute window, but no problem, you’ve been to the store, have the recipe ready and everyone is geared up for a great-tasting meal! As you are quickly and efficiently adding […]
It’s transition time! Now that we are in the last full week of summer, there is an abundance of in-season produce! There is still quite a bit of summer produce available…tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, okra, eggplant and even some watermelons hanging on! While, at the same time, the fall produce is starting to become […]
We have had several “aha” moments in our REAL food journey. One of the most game-changing moments was learning how to roast vegetables. And, it is not just us — we have seen it first-hand with our family, and in our virtual and in-person programs. We have literally witnessed lives transformed when people discover how […]
Quick, easy, and the possibilities are endless! You can use your favorite veggies, fruits, seafood, meats, nuts, herbs and so much more! Plus, they are affordable, delicious and good for you! That’s right, we are talking about spring rolls! Thanks to the passionate inspiration and request from an Eat REAL America member, we […]
With the abundance of chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, excess weight and cancer, it’s no surprise there is a constant buzz about healthy eating, nutrition, diets and food. But, why aren’t the disease rates decreasing? And, why so many different messages? No wonder many of us are in a state of […]
“Avoid white potatoes…eat sweet potatoes instead.” “A white potato is worse than a Snickers bar.” “White potatoes have too many carbs.” Have you heard these things? Are you confused about whether you should eat them or not? Why do white potatoes have such a bad reputation while the sweet […]
How is your summer grilling going? Have you discovered some new favorites to cook on the grill? We hope you have found inspiration to grill… …more veggies …salads (yes, salads!) …fruits and desserts (have you tried the Grilled Banana Split yet?!) In the final coaching tip from our summer grilling series, we want to […]
Caramelized onions… sounds fancy, right? Chances are, you have enjoyed these sweet, savory, tender onions on a burger, steak or sandwich at a restaurant and thought, “wow, those have great flavor!” But unless you are an avid cook, you may not have given any thought to making these at home. Believe me, there was a […]
On Saturday, we did a cooking demo at a local farmers’ market. This is one of our favorite things to do because every time – not just once in a while – EVERY TIME someone says, “I didn’t think I liked __{fill in the blank}__.” Inspiring people to overcome those perceptions is so much fun! […]
Among our favorite kitchen gadgets, there is one that we have received a lot of questions about recently…questions like “do I really need one?” and “will I use it?” This kitchen utensil is… …the immersion blender! Maybe you are like someone we spoke to last week who said, “I have had one of those in my […]
Is your summer grilling in full swing? Did you “get your grill on” as part of your July 4th celebrations? Hopefully, you were able to enjoy not just grilled meats, but also take advantage of all the in-season produce…maybe even gaining inspiration from our recent grilling coaching tips on: Grilling more veggies! […]
“We feel better, have more energy and sleep better, and we no longer succumb to emotional eating!” How many people wish they could say this?! We are often asked, “what keeps you inspired?” Without a doubt, it’s you…the Eat REAL America community! This week, we want to share the story of one couple […]
What if we told you we had a salad idea that would help you savor and enjoy fresh in-season ingredients all summer long? Would you believe it?! Plus, you can customize it with whatever is in-season, including all kinds of colors, flavors and textures! This makes it not just the ultimate summer salad…it’s […]
Which would you prefer? A perfectly round flawless tomato? Or, for 30% less money, a tomato with some funky lumps and bumps? Many people tend to avoid the “ugly” produce, even though they are often as delicious and nutritious as the ones that look like they should be featured on the cover of a magazine. […]
Summertime bliss… an ice-cold glass of lemonade, fireworks on the 4th of July, relaxing in the pool listening to your favorite summertime music, watermelon seed spitting contests and devouring a popsicle at lightning speed to keep it from melting all over your hands! Doesn’t get much better than that, especially if you are a kid […]
Are your grills getting a workout, now that we are in the heart of grilling season? A few weeks ago, we kicked off our summer grilling series with a coaching tip encouraging you to grill more veggies! Today, we want to continue the series and talk about something you may not have thought much about. […]
We are NOT talking about Siri or Alexa… …although you may feel like they are always watching you in a techy creepy kind of way. We ARE talking about people watching you – and your behavior – in the ordinary course of life. In some cases, you may be aware someone is watching you…you […]
Do you ever have moments where you feel like your meals are a failure? Have you ever thought: “I am a horrible cook!” “When I try to make something new, it always turns out awful!” “What if I mess it up and no one likes it?” Guess what? We have our share […]
Are you thinking, what in the world is a locavore? And, is this a good thing or a bad thing? “Locavore” is used to describe someone who tries to eat locally grown or produced foods as much as possible. “Local” can mean different things to different people. For some, it may mean foods […]
Are you ready for grilling season? With the extra time at home the past few weeks, grilling season may have started early this year for many of us. And, let’s face it, for some, grilling season never ends! But as the weather warms up and we carefully scale back our physical distancing, we will be […]
This is something we continually reinforce to our kids. And, it is something that has had special meaning for us ever since listening to Jimmy Valvano’s inspiring 1993 speech at the ESPYs. We hadn’t completely given up, but we had definitely put this on the back burner. We had tried – unsuccessfully – many times […]
Have your meals changed since our world “shut down” over the past few weeks? In our culture, our lives tend to become so insanely busy that meals often become an afterthought. There are so many obligations we devote our time to – our jobs, our kids’ activities, school and church activities, social media – meals […]
Most of us have probably had really good hummus… you know the one from that local Mediterranean restaurant (heck, it may be the reason you keep going back)…it is so creamy and delicious that it leaves you thinking about it days later, even craving it from time to time. Then, maybe you have bought hummus […]
With this whole Coronavirus thing and being in quarantine for days on end, we have been doing a lot of thinking… and we have made a big decision. We are taking a break from REAL food! Yes, we are breaking up with REAL food. There is such a sense of relief that […]
One amazing member of our Eat REAL America community shared a great quote this week: “Grocery shopping during the pandemic has become an episode of ‘Chopped’: 🤔 What can I make with a bruised apple, can of deviled ham, breadcrumbs, chicken feet, and maple syrup?” Do you feel this way after a grocery store […]
Have you noticed a resurgence in people talking about “Superfoods?” Google saw a huge spike in the interest of Superfoods last week. And, as we turned on the TV on Friday to catch up on the latest news, guess what was on? You got it, a segment on Superfoods! This probably isn’t surprising, as we […]
Can you exercise your way out of bad eating habits? Which is more important, exercise or eating healthy? Have you ever thought…”It’s ok to have that doughnut…I had a great workout this morning!”? Have you ever felt like you were working out like crazy, but just not seeing results? That was us several […]
“I don’t like leftovers!” Have you ever heard this from your family or friends? Or, maybe you have even said this?! Let’s face it – with our crazy schedules, we have to find ways to bring convenience into our kitchens! We have a variety of tips on how to do this for breakfast…ideas like […]
What if we told you one of our favorite kitchen tools costs less than $1.00? And, you probably have one in YOUR house right now…it has been around for over a hundred years… …it’s a mason jar! Yes, a simple mason jar! If you don’t have these jars in your kitchen, we […]
When did meat become so confusing? Is it healthy or will it take years off your life? What about all the new “plant-based” meats…how do they compare to the REAL thing? We want to help navigate through all the conflicting and confusing messages! First, we all know that Valentine’s […]
When we started cooking more frequently, one of our first lessons was… knives. “You only need one,” says Mark Bittman, NY Times cooking advice columnist. We now agree with Mark that all you really need to have a complete kitchen is a good Chef’s knife. Mark says it well: “A good paring knife […]
Have you ever heard of “food imposters?” They are substances pretending to be food… and there are many food imposters lurking out there! One of the most blatant offenders is pancake/waffle syrup. Notice we didn’t say maple syrup?! That is because we want you to take a close look at the ingredients of the commercially produced pancake/waffle […]
Because we spend countless hours in the kitchen coming up with delicious, easy-to-prepare, nutritious meal ideas for the Eat REAL America community, as you can imagine, we have our favorite kitchen gadgets and utensils. Keep in mind, when it comes to kitchen gadgets, we are picky…they have to be affordable, useful and convenient…we don’t need just […]
Sound, sight, touch, smell and taste… we all know the five senses. Which are the most important when it comes to food? Of course, smell…and especially taste! We frequently hear people say, “healthy food just doesn’t taste as good” or “vegetables are just so boring.” Why does this perception exist? One reason is someone […]
As we have mentioned before, some of the food rules we love by Michael Pollan are: “Buy items with fewer than 5 ingredients,” “Don’t eat anything that your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food,” and “Avoid food products containing ingredients a third-grader cannot pronounce.” Another good one is: “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change […]
We all know hummus is famous as that pre-dinner snack or appetizer that’s the ideal dip for pitas and veggies, right? But have you ever considered hummus to be an after-dinner sweet treat? And, what exactly would you call it? Would it still qualify as hummus? Work of genius, or are you having […]
“I’ve been on a diet for two weeks, and all I’ve lost is 14 days.” -Totie Fields Does this sound familiar? As the new year rolls in, millions of people will start their new routines – including their new diets. We cringe when we hear the word “diet” because that typically means deprivation and restricting what […]
As you can imagine, Santa has been super-busy with final preparations for his around-the-world trip that is now underway! Just before he left, he took a few minutes to talk to us about a variety of topics, including his challenges with healthy eating. We hope you enjoy the discussion! Is it OK if […]
What really is the difference between chopped, diced, and minced? And, how much is a “dash?” Where is the cooking terminology instruction manual?! Some “fancy” cooking terms can sound intimidating, maybe even scaring you away from great (and easy) recipes that call for the food to be “braised” or for the sauce to be […]
Which is the best broth to buy? Is homemade broth really better than store-bought? We receive quite a few questions about chicken broth and vegetable broth, and these are just a couple of examples, so if you have thought these same things, rest assured, others have too! Broth is an important ingredient in many […]
What if you could change someone’s life this Christmas? As you are turning your attention towards Thanksgiving, are you also starting to anticipate holiday gift giving?! Whether you are looking for a great gift for family, friends, employees, or you are looking to fill out your own wish list…what about giving the gift of […]
Whether it’s a cold blustery winter day, or life has you anxious and stressed out, do you immediately start craving a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese, or a cozy meal of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy? Do you have certain comfort foods you turn to in these situations? And, do these […]
Did you see our coaching tip from a couple of weeks ago? In The Whiter the Bread, the Sooner You’ll Be Dead, we tried to reassure you that you don’t need a chemistry to buy nutritious bread at the store. When buying bread, two of the most important things to focus on are looking for […]
If you are anything like us, one of the biggest challenges with eating healthfully is… …managing the sweet treats! Especially if you have kids or grandkids, they seem to creep in from every direction…birthday parties, school events, church gatherings, friend and family gatherings — they are everywhere! One of the biggest sweet treat events of […]
Do you feel like you need a chemistry degree to purchase a healthy and nutritious bread at the store? If you have recently evaluated the options in the bread aisle, it just may leave your head spinning! In Michael Pollan’s book “Food Rules,” he says “the whiter the bread, the sooner you’ll be […]
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, do you ever stop to think… “how many years do I have left?” Do you ever worry about whether you will be able to accomplish all the things on your bucket list? Whether it is to travel and explore the world, enjoy nature by hiking, […]
They say their sugar cravings are gone. They say their “brain fog” is gone. They are losing 3-5 pounds per week. It’s all because they are “going keto.” Is it all really too good to be true? Are there health risks to “going keto”, and how do the benefits and risks compare to simply eating […]
Are you a risk-taker? Now, we are NOT talking about bungee jumping or James Bond 007 stunts where your life’s in danger…just basic risk-taking. Whether we realize it or not, we all take risks every day. We also make decisions NOT to take certain risks. What is risk? Risk causes a lot of people […]
Bi Bim Bop! Have you heard of it, or maybe you are already a huge fan?! Watch us show you how easy it is to prepare! We first discovered this unique, mind-blowing meal during a trip to Chicago several years ago. We went out for brunch and couldn’t resist one of the specials, which […]
Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to breakfast? Do you keep telling yourself that you want to eat a better breakfast to prevent that mid-morning sluggishness? Or maybe you would love for your kids to get a healthier start in the morning? We all know that healthy breakfasts are […]
We are now past Labor Day weekend, school is well underway, football games have started and most of us have “checked out” of summer mode. We recently heard someone say, “I am looking forward to fall, but am sad the farmers’ market is over”. WHAT?! As summer winds down, you may also […]
What does an inspiring fun-filled 4 days look like when Zonya and I get together? As you can imagine, there is NOT a lot of sitting around! I recently spent a few days at Zonya’s home base in Michigan and we hit the ground running! Of course there was cooking… The first night we […]
Want a super-simple way to add another level of flavor and texture to your meals? No fancy equipment required, and it can be done in a matter of minutes! You can even delegate this simple task to a teenager or spouse! If you guessed TOASTING NUTS, you’re right! If you are new to […]
Maybe you have heard someone say… “I can’t eat nightshades because they make my joint pain flare up…or they give me heartburn.” We want to shed some light on this group of veggies and also provide some alternatives for anyone who may have a sensitivity. What are “nightshade” vegetables? Nightshades are a […]
Do you or someone you love suffer from the pain of stiff and swollen joints, known as arthritis? Get ready for some good news! When it comes to a disease for which changing your diet provides improvements you can actually FEEL…this is it! First of all, why do some suffer from arthritis? […]
Confession time! A couple of years ago, I tried “nice cream” (also known as banana ice cream) and I wasn’t crazy about it. But, as Zonya and I were recently discussing coaching tip ideas, I knew I had to heed the advice we give everyone else and try it again! I am not sure what […]
We are frequently asked about meal kit delivery services. Are they worth it? We want to share with you some of the comments we have heard, give you some thoughts to consider, including pros and cons, and Zonya’s personal review of one popular service called Hello Fresh after a 3 week trial. First of […]
A couple of weeks ago, while at the farmers’ market, we experienced a flashback! A friend of ours generously bought an Eat REAL Cookbook for some friends of his because they were just starting their REAL food journey. Literally, this couple was starting their journey, right there at the farmers’ market! Due to some recurring […]
“Make sure you drink enough water.” This advice has been drilled into our heads since we learned about nutrition basics in elementary school. Yet, despite the constant reminders, as many as 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated! As we discussed in our “Do This To Stay Healthy All Summer Long” coaching tip, there are a […]
We recently asked some family and friends what they thought about pesto. The response… ”you mean that green stuff?” That made us think a coaching tip on pesto might be helpful! If you already use pesto at home, hopefully we can provide a useful tip or two. If you haven’t thought about using pesto at […]
“Beans, beans, the magical fruit”… we all know the rest of this, right?! Why beans? Beans are a nutritional powerhouse, but are sometimes under appreciated. Beans of all kinds provide an excellent and super-easy way to get more protein and fiber into your routine! Actually, consuming these bundles of protein, potassium and soluble fiber at least 4 […]
What if you could reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 53%? And, wouldn’t we all like to slow down “old age forgetfulness” and improve our memory? We have great news…recent research says you can! Perhaps you have heard of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet for high […]
A HUGE part of eating REAL is eating in-season – it’s such a great way to savor foods that are at their peak of freshness and flavor! We are frequently asked, “how do you know what is truly ‘in-season’?” This is a great question because it can be a little tricky. For example, shopping for […]
Which do you think is healthier, a burger or a salad? If we asked ten people this question, at least nine would say, “Of course, the salad is healthier!” What if the choices were a pizza or a salad? Obviously, a salad is healthier than a couple pieces of pizza, right? Well, the answer […]
The results of a study were published earlier this month in The Lancet, which found that 11 million deaths in 2017 were attributable to dietary risk factors. That would mean that poor diets are responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor, including smoking cigarettes! Among the dietary factors, they also found that low […]
Have you – or someone you know – ever had… A burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone? A sour taste in the mouth, or lump in the throat? Chronic cough, laryngitis, new or worsening asthma or disrupted sleep? It may be GERD! Any of these may be signs of gastro-esophageal reflux, […]
We all get bombarded with news feeds every day, and interesting stories can sometimes be overlooked. Don’t worry, we have you covered. We have been monitoring recent food-related headlines and wanted to share some of these with you…some of them may be surprising! “U.S. Longevity Rates Have Increased for the First Time Since […]
“I let go of the wheel and we fell off the wagon…” We recently had some close friends who had been successful on their REAL food journey tell us they got lazy and let go of the wheel. Because of this, some medical issues crept in and they are inspired to get back on track, […]
Since January, our disease-dodging series has taken us on a journey to discuss: How you can reduce cholesterol without medication. What if you could ditch your blood pressure medication for good? Insomnia? REAL food to the rescue! We are providing these coaching tips to help keep our Eat REAL America community as healthy as […]
What’s the difference between the different varieties of onions? Can they be used interchangeably? Scallions, green onions and spring onions…aren’t they all the same? Many of us probably just grab whichever onion is on sale, or the first one we see, and don’t think much about it, but have you ever wondered “what’s the […]
This week, we want to share some of the highlights of the whirlwind, and oh-so-much-fun, 5 days Zonya and I just spent together! With me in Wichita and Zonya in Michigan, we have mastered the element of working long distance…as you can imagine. When we have the opportunity to spend time together in the same […]
We recently received a request from one of our amazing Eat REAL America members… how can you make Rice Krispie Treats healthier? We love requests from members and, honestly, we love a good challenge! So, what’s so bad about Rice Krispie Treats? If you have made them at home, you know they typically […]
Have you or someone you love been told “you need to get your blood pressure down?” In our disease dodging series, we provided information last month about how you can reduce your cholesterol, naturally. We know another extremely common concern is high blood pressure. Whether you have been told you need to reduce […]
Can a food be an amazing flavor enhancer while helping you control blood sugar and lose weight? YES! Vinegar is a perfect example! Last week, we told you about the life-changing habit of making your own salad dressings, which often include vinegar as an acid. This week, we want to share with you […]
Can salad dressing make or break a great salad? Salads are part of almost every meal in our home. Of course, quality REAL ingredients are a big part of phenomenal salads, and we believe the right dressing CAN elevate a great salad to another level! Have you ever noticed when you go to a […]
Let’s face it…pizza is one of America’s favorite foods. It’s quick, it’s convenient and it’s a staple at most get-togethers. It is reported that the average American eats 23 pounds of pizza every year, which equates to around 46 slices! An estimated 3 billion pizzas are sold every year in the U.S., generating $38 billion […]
Did you know REAL food can be one of the best cholesterol-lowering medicines? Whether you have been told by your doctor “it’s time to get your cholesterol down” or you just want to make sure your cholesterol stays within a healthy range, we are here to show you how truly powerful REAL food can […]
Merry Christmas! On this most blessed day, we want to extend a HUGE thank you to all the Eat REAL America members and others who continue to support REAL food — we are so thankful for all of you! Thank you to all who suggested charities in response to our coaching tip a couple weeks […]
Picture it… the perfect poached egg with a runny yolk and perfectly set egg white. Your fork slices through it and the yolk magically coats your toast, roasted or sautéed vegetables, pasta, or burger. Several years ago, we thought poached eggs were something only a trained chef could do, so we only […]
Do you know what food is considered to be a perfect snack for astronauts during their long missions? Believe it or not, it’s quinoa! Why? Because it’s loaded with nutrients, is gluten-free, and contains all the essential amino acids! These are just some of the reasons why it’s our December Superfood of the Month! […]
Over the past five years, Eat REAL America has given us so much to be thankful for. Most of all, we are so thankful for ALL OF YOU! The stories you share every single day about how REAL food has improved your lives is truly an inspiration to us. These stories keep us motivated and […]
We want to share… …an eye-opening article that caught our attention this week. It was written by Yoni Freedhoff, a Canadian doctor, who discusses how overconsumption of sugar has become a completely normal part of our culture. Let’s face it, the world is one giant candy store and we are surrounded by “sugar-pushers” every single day. […]
As November rolls around, we can’t help but start thinking about the holidays. And, there is a fruit that seems to go hand-in-hand with the holidays (believe it or not, 20% of annual consumption takes place during Thanksgiving week), but we really should be enjoying it all year long! It’s cranberries… and it’s […]
How many times have you heard this? “I’m doing paleo.” “I’m doing the keto diet.” “I’m doing Whole 30.” “I’m doing weight watchers.” Maybe you or someone in your family has even said this at some point. We hear these comments frequently — in fact, at least 5 times just this past weekend! As […]
It’s ridiculously simple. It requires no recipe. It can be one of life’s simplest pleasures. And, it’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, a mid-afternoon snack or any time of the day. If you haven’t already, you must try it soon… it’s avocado toast! It’s been “trending” the past few years, although it has been “a thing” […]
What comes to mind when you think of figs? The classic Fig Newton cookie? Or, one of the many Bible stories that talk about fig trees? What about a favorite recipe using fresh or dried figs? Like all of our Superfoods, figs are both nutritious and delicious – and have an amazing flavor and texture, […]
Have you stood in the salt aisle at the store and felt dazed and confused? There was a time when there were two options: iodized table salt or sea salt. Now, there is an array of salts including table salt, iodized salt, kosher salt, sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, Fleur de sel, celtic sea […]
One of our favorite and most fulfilling aspects of Eat REAL America is the inspiration we receive from our members! Over the past few weeks, we have heard many inspiring and motivating stories and want to share a few of these with you. These are just a few great examples of what can happen […]
Do you know what fruit has over 3,000 varieties, helps reduce your cancer risk, and is considered “hypoallergenic?” It’s the pear! With fall, and hopefully some fall-like temperatures, just around the corner, now is the perfect time to celebrate this superfood… which is why pears are our September Superfood of the Month! […]
It’s hard to believe it’s that time again… …back to school! If you have kids headed back to school, the routine that comes with it can be great, but it also can mean more chaos! Between morning and afternoon practices and meetings, weeknight activities, homework and team sports, mealtime becomes even more challenging…for every meal […]
It still amazes us how often we run across foods that are NOT what they appear to be. In this week’s coaching tip, we are going to pick on enchilada sauce…it sounds so simple, right? You may have a can or a jar in your pantry right now, ready to open and throw into an […]
“Eating healthy is too expensive.” “And it takes too much time.” We hear this a lot. Many perceive that it’s too expensive (or too time-consuming) to eat REAL food – or eat healthy. Recently, after discussing this perception during a lunch-and-learn, someone said, “it is NOT more expensive to eat healthy if you get sick.” […]
Picky eaters. We all know one…maybe we are one…or we once were. Almost every single day, we hear “I don’t like _________.” You can fill in the blank with all kinds of things such as onions, corn, mushrooms, seafood, olives and beets…the list is long. But hang on! As adults, have we ever stopped to […]
Summer is officially here! Well, it will be official this Thursday, June 21st! Here in the Midwest, the scorching temperatures and thick humidity have made it feel like summer for several weeks already, and we know there’s more sweltering heat ahead! This means it’s super-important to stay hydrated. Doing so will help prevent headaches, sluggishness […]
Hakuna Frittata! Frittata. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? If you have no idea what a frittata is, you are not alone. For many years, we thought it was a complicated, fancy and time-consuming dish that you only order at a restaurant. WOW! Were we wrong! And, if you are looking for a great-tasting, super-easy […]
What fruit has more potassium than a banana and is sometimes called an “alligator pear?” Believe it or not, it’s the avocado! And, yes, you read right…it is a fruit…actually, it’s a berry! Like many other REAL foods, the avocado has nutritional superpowers, which is why it is our Superfood of the Month […]
What comes to mind when you hear the word “fungi?” Does it make you want to run the other way? There was a time when we wouldn’t eat anything that contained this food, or we would at least carefully pick out any visible pieces. But as a result of our REAL food journey, we absolutely […]
Picture it… …you are sitting in your doctor’s office, worrying about why you have just been diagnosed with heart disease (or a stroke, or diabetes, or cancer). Your mind is racing with questions about how this could have happened and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. After all, you are only […]
As Michael Pollan says… “The most important thing you can do, and it’s challenging for many people, is cook for your family.” Unfortunately, cooking at home with REAL ingredients is becoming less common and each generation seems to be losing the skills and confidence to prepare delicious meals in the kitchen. In fact, just in the […]
How often are salads part of your meals? We must admit, salads are a part of almost every meal in our home. Especially when locally-grown produce is available — we love the taste, texture and nutrition that a huge salad provides. Plus, the combinations of ingredients are endless! Of course, high quality REAL ingredients are […]
Are you confused about all the messages regarding gluten? If so, you are not alone! Maybe you or someone you know is already living a gluten-free lifestyle…or maybe you have considered removing gluten from your diet, but just can’t stand the thought of giving up bread, pasta, pizza and so many other beloved foods. We want […]
They are wrinkly, brown and their chewy texture is sweet and satisfying. And, they are not raisins! We are talking about dates… and, for good reason, they are our Superfood of the Month for April! What are dates? Dates are the fruit of a palm tree known as the date palm. They […]
Before we get into this week’s coaching tip, we want to thank you for all your great feedback on the cookbook! And, the great news — it’s now at the printer! We want all of our Eat REAL America members to know about the SPECIAL PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT! If you are anything like us, there […]
They are nutritious, taste great, can be transformed into sweet AND savory meals, and are versatile enough to be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Plus, they are easy to prepare and very affordable. Any guesses what this under-appreciated food is? If you are old enough to remember and not “Out of […]
It’s finally happening! We are closing in on the final stages of our NEW Eat REAL Cookbook, but we have one last dilemma: What do we title the book? We need your help! To give you some insight, Zonya and I have worked hard to provide a countertop easel cookbook […]
If we asked you which fruit has the highest level of Vitamin C, what would you guess? Oranges, right? Believe it or not, there are several fruits (and vegetables) with more Vitamin C than oranges…one of which is kiwi! If kiwi is not a regular part of your routine, you may want to add […]
How many times have you heard someone say they are trying to eat healthier or following a specific “Diet”, and then they begin to list all the things they are no longer eating? Or, maybe you or someone you know has read an article or received advice that included phrases like… “Don’t eat…” “Limit…” “Avoid…” […]
Happy Valentine’s Day! Last week, we provided tips on how to prepare the perfect steak for your loved one. Since you are likely preparing a wonderful meal at home or enjoying a meal at a favorite restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we want to provide some tips on selecting the perfect bottle of wine! Many years […]
As promised a couple of weeks ago, we want to follow up on our coaching tip regarding the Maillard reaction and provide some guidance on… …how to cook the perfect steak! With Valentine’s Day just one week away, you may be trying to decide on “the perfect meal” for your sweetheart. What could be better than a […]
What comes to mind when you hear the word “cabbage?” If all you can think of is coleslaw, you are likely missing out on some truly delicious meals, not to mention the AMAZING nutrition and health benefits this cruciferous vegetable provides! This is why cabbage is the Superfood of the Month! […]
Have you ever wondered why veggies taste so good when they are roasted? Or why bread smells so good when it is baking? And, “what’s the point of searing a roast before you put it in the slow cooker?” There is a reason for all of this…it’s a chemical reaction called: […]
What is the best salad you have ever eaten? Take a second to think about it. You may be thinking of a summer salad with fresh, in-season tomatoes, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, basil and other summer produce. Or maybe it’s a salad with juicy, flavorful strawberries, blueberries or watermelon that comes to mind. Of course, summer […]
Have you seen it or heard about it? Both of our families were unsure what to expect, but decided to dive in and spend 90 minutes watching the documentary, “What the Health?”…despite the controversial reviews. We had heard some of the claims from the pro-plant food film… “Sugar doesn’t cause diabetes.” […]
What are they? Why are they important? Are they really good for us, or is it just marketing hype about another “healthy food?” These are the questions we are often asked about flax seeds. We are happy to report that, while they may be tiny, they provide a HUGE nutritional punch… …which […]
Can eating healthfully be both simple AND easy? And, of course, delicious too? We wholeheartedly believe the answer is YES! And, this will continue to be part of our mission as we head into 2018. Eating healthfully really is simple, especially if you simply focus on eating REAL food. However, we have seen time-and-time again […]
Tis’ the season! The season with a love/hate relationship for many of us. We love the decorations, the parties, the time with family and friends, the festive music and, of course, the sweet treats! On the other hand, we aren’t so fond of the overindulging that we just can’t seem to resist and the extra […]
What is the difference between white flour and whole-wheat flour? Is whole-wheat flour really healthier? What about gluten-free flours? It doesn’t take much to notice we live in a wide world of flours…and, as we enter the holiday baking season, we want to help clear up any “flour confusion” you may have, […]
We all know the nutritional and health benefits of REAL food… …but what if the benefits are much bigger than that? Perhaps there are also significant social and family benefits associated with a lifestyle based on REAL food. The good news is family meal time is increasing…but challenges still remain, especially with our many distractions. […]
Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Are you ready? What will be on your Thanksgiving menu this year? Of course, turkey is a staple in most homes and there are many favorite ways to prepare it – roasted, smoked and even deep fried. While the turkey can be an important part of Thanksgiving […]
“I am not a carrot!” Yes, a parsnip may look like a carrot, and they are often confused with carrots, but they want you to know they are NOT carrots! However, they ARE now in-season and are fantastic in a variety of fall and winter meals, so they ARE the Superfood of the Month […]
Not that Ginger! Is fresh ginger a staple in your house, or do you automatically go for ground ginger because you are unsure how to use that funky-looking “knob?” There is absolutely nothing wrong with using dried or ground herbs, but once you experience the freshness and flavor of fresh herbs such as ginger and […]
We use them routinely now, but there was a time when we had NO idea what leeks were! I have to admit…I used to think leeks were something slimy that came in a jar…I couldn’t have been more wrong! Once we learned that a leek is actually like an oversized green onion, we tried them […]
Did last week’s coaching tip stress you out? Did it make you think about all the processed meats that are part of your weekly routine…and how they are causing havoc inside your body? Did you want to stick your fingers in your ears and run away, pretending not to hear it? Since there may be […]
If you haven’t heard the news… …The World Health Organization has now declared processed meats: “carcinogenic to humans.” Really?! And, what exactly is a processed meat? Processed meats are meats that have been preserved by smoking, curing, fermenting or salting, often (but not always) including sodium nitrates. These meats are processed in order to […]
Some may think of it as a “boring” vegetable. It’s extremely common, colorless, and seems to go hand-in-hand with broccoli. It’s often served plain or boiled…or maybe you think the only way you like cauliflower is loaded with a thick, creamy cheese sauce?! Brace yourself! Cauliflower’s reputation has been changing and we want to turn […]
Milk…it does a body good, right?! Or does it? A lot of controversy has arisen regarding cow’s milk and our health. What exactly are these health concerns? Are plant milks better and, if so, which ones? Zonya and I worked long and hard to sort fact from fiction, which is often fueled by different interest […]
If you are hitting the farmers’ market this month, it will be obvious that melon season has arrived! There are many ways to enjoy local, in-season melons, but do you ever wonder… what to look for? how to pick the most flavorful ones? what’s the best way to store them? There are some tips and […]
“Love it!” “Hate it!” “What is it?” These are the most frequent responses when you mention the August Superfood of the Month…it’s okra! What is okra? This heat-loving plant grows well in a variety of warm climates including Africa, south Asia, China, Australia and the southern United States, and this sturdy plant […]
We have all heard how healthy the “Mediterranean Diet” is, but why? Is it real, or all hype? How can you incorporate it into your routine? It’s true — the Mediterranean way of eating and living is quite possibly the healthiest in the world! Focusing on traditional foods found in countries surrounding the […]
Happy Fourth of July! Happy Birthday America! As we celebrate America, our freedom, and everything that goes with it, we thought this would also be the perfect day to celebrate the success of a few Eat REAL America members! Let’s start with Jan… Just last week, her world got a frightening reality check…her […]
We all want to enjoy high-quality produce to get the benefit of the best possible flavor and nutrition. But how? The first tip in picking the best produce? Buy in-season at your local farmers’ market! As many know, shopping at the farmers’ market is an excellent way to enjoy the amazing flavors of eating in-season. […]
What if you could lose weight and improve your health without feeling deprived and always hungry? Good news, you can! And one great way to do this is with legumes…how often do you include legumes in your routine? In a recent study, researchers conducted a test: caloric restriction vs. consuming legumes. One […]
Do you ever feel under-appreciated? Whether you’re a mom who just finished a hectic week or an employee who just finished a big project, at times we have all had that feeling…“do they know how hard I work and what things would be like if I wasn’t here?” Well, the bees may feel the same […]
Do you or someone you know have high blood pressure? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one out of every three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. We all know that high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of very problematic health issues…like heart disease and strokes. We also know that too […]
Many underappreciated and underutilized vegetables just don’t get a chance to shine in our home kitchens. Our Superfood of the Month for May is one of those… it’s fennel! Believe it or not, fennel can add amazing, fresh flavor to a meal. It’s delicious raw, especially when incorporated into salads […]
We have all heard these quotes… “Proper planning and preparation prevent poor performance.” “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Without a doubt, having a plan is one of the most important things we can do to eat healthy, flavorful […]
If there was a single group of foods, that has been scientifically shown to help you fight cancer… would you want to know about it? The good news…there is! And, this probably won’t come as a shock when we tell you they are vegetables! And, this special group contains EXTRA cancer fighting powers. […]
What do you think of when you hear the term “antioxidant?” Most of us have heard this buzzword thrown around when a food is described as “healthy.” Or, you may have seen it on the front of the boxes in the cereal aisle. But, do we really understand what antioxidants […]
Ok, basketball fans…March Madness is rapidly approaching! That means brackets, food, drinks, parties…did I mention FOOD?! Since March Madness games and food seem to go hand-in-hand, that got us thinking… what if each school in the tournament had an official food? What food would you associate with each team? Here are some ideas. […]
Last week, we shared some of the 2017 food trends. One of these was “Plant-based everything.” This week, we want to share another example of this. What if we told you that you can turn sweet potatoes into “toast?” Would you think we had lost our minds?! Well, maybe we have, but we have […]
Every year, the “experts” predict the food trends for the coming year. So, we wanted to know… what are the food trends for 2017? First, let’s take a quick look back on 2016. In the Midwest, we saw the continuing evolution of street food, microbreweries and over-the-top donuts. Nationally, some of the trends included […]
“Bland, boring and they only belong in soups…” Is this your perception of lentils? Honestly, that used to be our perception. We never really had lentils until we started our REAL food journey and started trying all kinds of new foods. Well, let’s just say our perception was wrong! We discovered their great taste […]
Are you one of the lucky ones who gets to host a holiday gathering this year? Festive get-togethers with family and friends can be joyous fun-filled occasions, but if you are the host, it can also mean a lot of coordination, planning and preparation. And, it can mean a lot of pressure…after all, you want […]
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, hopefully we will all take time to pause (at some point among the cooking and chaos), and think about all the blessings we are so thankful for… for our family and friends, our health, the opportunities we are given to use our talents and abilities, and so much more. At Eat […]
Is there a red, wobbly dish that sticks out like a sore thumb on your Thanksgiving day table? Is it there, amongst all the other dishes that have been prepared with patience and love, jiggling and waiting for someone to take the first slice? It’s time for our annual cheerleading session…to help you keep REAL […]
ANNOUNCING… We have added a comments section to the coaching tips! Your thoughts and ideas are so important to our community and we want all of our members to benefit…so we encourage you to share your perspective on this one and other coaching tips! Let the conversations begin! We all know the nutritional and […]
Have you experienced digging through your refrigerator produce drawer and discovering a moldy green pepper, shriveled-up limp greens or cauliflower covered with brown spots? You had such great intentions to use these, but they got buried at the bottom of the drawer, left undiscovered, until it was too late…so, into the trash they go! […]
Convenience… let’s be honest, we all want more of it! Convenience is defined as any “quality or situation that makes something easy or useful by reducing the amount of work or time required to do something” — who doesn’t want more of that?! One of Eat REAL America’s goals is to help you enjoy healthy, […]
Do you “eat with the seasons?” If not, we highly recommend giving it a try! Just when you have been enjoying summer produce such as zucchini, melons, okra, tomatoes and peppers until you can’t take it anymore, the calendar transitions from summer to fall, and your cravings for Fall produce kick into high gear…foods like […]
When you hear the October Superfood is Brussels sprouts… what is your reaction? Are you excited, or are you thinking “ugh, I DO NOT like Brussels sprouts!”? A few years ago, a survey found that Brussels sprouts were the most hated vegetable in America! Why do so many people despise this cabbage-like veggie? For some, […]
This probably won’t come as a shock, but sugar has been in the news again this past week. You are probably thinking…what now? In case you missed it, an investigation has determined that the sugar industry, starting in the 1960s, developed a systematic effort to clear sugar as a contributor to heart disease and point the […]
Last week, we provided a delicious way to simplify and healthify your mornings with baked oatmeal cups. Did you have a chance to give them a try? We would love to know how you liked them and your favorite flavor combinations! This week, we want to give you another idea to bring convenience into your […]
Have you noticed that oatmeal cups have recently become a “thing”?! We have been experimenting and have found that oatmeal cups can be absolutely delicious and help revolutionize your breakfast routine… Baked oatmeal cups are similar to a muffin (although WAY more healthy than any muffin you will find at the store or on your […]
Cooler temperatures have to be right around the corner…right?! As we transition into Fall, we want to help you take full advantage of some of the cooler-season produce. And, what better place to start than our September Superfood of the Month… bok choy! Have you wondered, what is bok choy? Different varieties! Bok choy can […]
Have you been glued to the television this past week? Watching those incredibly talented athletes perform in Rio? Whether it was Simone Biles’ gravity-defying routines, Katie Ledecky’s world-record setting swim or all three U.S. women finishing in the top 10 in the marathon, they have already blown us away with some extremely impressive performances! Watching […]
The Superfood of the Month for August is one of the most misunderstood vegetables…or should we say, fruit… it’s the eggplant! And, yes, in case you were wondering, the eggplant is a fruit (it is actually a variety of berry), not a vegetable! Are you an eggplant lover? In our experience, there are not too […]
Your stories are so inspiring… whenever we see Eat REAL America members at lunch-and-learns, other events or just out-and-about, they are always eager to tell us about something exciting that has happened to them or their family! Sometimes, it’s a meal they recently made that their whole family enjoyed…just the other day, someone told us […]
Several years ago, when we starting really paying attention to what our family was eating – and enjoying more meals made with REAL food – we asked the kids… “what is a meal we used to make in our ‘pre-REAL food days’ that you would like for us to try to healthify?” Their […]
If you are not regularly eating this vegetable, there is a long list of reasons why you should start…NOW! We are talking about BEETS! When we talk about beets, we frequently hear people say things like “oh, I don’t like beets” or “you mean those jelly-like things on the salad bar?” or even “they taste […]
As we all gear up for summer vacations, we want to provide some inspiration to help you enjoy some delicious and healthy meals on the road … First, eating on the road is NOT the time to settle for anything less than great-tasting REAL food! In fact, whether traveling for business or pleasure, […]
Zonya and I just spent 4 crazy busy, laughter-packed, hard-working, incredibly fun-filled days together in Michigan. We are working on new content and videos for Eat REAL America, plus some other great surprises coming this year! During our time together, we taught each other a number of things. I was able to show Zonya […]
So very simple, yet so amazing how this simple corn kernel “pops” when heated to become the fluffy, crunchy popular snack we all love! POPCORN! It’s reported that in the U.S., we eat over 17 billion quarts every year (that’s enough to fill the Empire State Building 18 times)! The Good News? Popcorn is very […]
“My teenage daughter was eating the dressing from the Caesar Salad with Avocado Dressing with a spoon!” “I was skeptical about the Maple Almond Vinaigrette, but followed the recipe and the salad was a huge hit at a recent family get-together! This might become my new go-to recipe for potlucks.” “This dressing tastes so fresh…of course […]
How often do you enjoy the delightful taste and nutrition of a ripe, sweet mango? Does it typically take a backseat to other more familiar fruits? Do you choose frozen mango because you aren’t sure the best way to deal with those pesky pits in the fresh variety? Known as the most popular fruit […]
We are SO excited to share with you a great story about two Eat REAL America members! This inspiring mom and daughter team is a perfect example of what so many people could achieve…with the right attitude, commitment and persistence! Meagan is a dedicated wife and full-time working mom with two […]
It’s surprising how often we hear people say they don’t like sweet potatoes. When we hear this, the next obvious question is “have you had them other than at Thanksgiving with marshmallows and brown sugar?” The reality is there are endless spectacular ways to prepare and enjoy sweet potatoes! We want to help you discover all […]
What is one of the most popular snacks in America? You got it…chips! And, there are so many choices to pick from at the store…with all kinds of crazy flavors! Not surprisingly, many chips come with ingredients that can include a lot of salt, sugar and other flavorings and preservatives. That is why we are […]
What if we could save you several hours this week? Great news…we can! As you may know, the new dietary guidelines were released last week. While the intent is good, we are not sure how “actionable” they are. There is A LOT of information for people to digest (no pun intended)…not to mention, […]
How many people do you know have kicked off the new year “dieting” to lose weight? They’ve given up sugar, carbs, fat, grains, meat, you name it…talk about deprivation! We have a MUCH different suggestion. What if you decide to get healthier, (AND lose weight if you want to), NOT by giving up and removing […]
Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the holiday season and all we are thankful for, we want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the Eat REAL America members, partners and others who continue to support REAL food — we are so thankful for all of you! With well over 800 REAL food recipes […]
“Dieting? Don’t Forget the Chocolate!” “Excellent News! Chocolate Can Help You Lose Weight!” “Dark Chocolate May Guard Against Stroke.” So, is it true? Is chocolate really good for us? Well, the answer is “it depends”…and it largely depends on the type of chocolate we are eating. There are a few things […]
What do YOU want for Christmas this year? Most of us want the simple things…relatives getting along, no pets (or kids) knocking over the Christmas tree, and gifts we can actually use! With the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush, it can be challenging to truly appreciate the joy of this special time of […]
Do you want to know the secret to making vegetables taste absolutely amazing? Would you like to work a little crazy-easy culinary magic? It’s so simple…put vegetables in the oven and roast them! The magic happens in the oven and the result is an incredibly tasty caramelized flavor! Whether you are an avid expert at […]
Have you had the chance to try overnight oatmeal? When we first discovered it, we will admit, we were skeptical. Cold oatmeal? It’s not cooked? What? Being open-minded, we decided to give it a try, and the result? We were blown away! Overnight oats are very similar to muesli, which was developed by a Swiss physician and pioneer […]
Try to wrap your brain around this… there are a whopping 17,000 new food products introduced every year! The grocery store shelves have become…needless to say…intimidating, especially if you are trying to eat healthfully. Then, it’s even more complicated with the mind-boggling marketing and health claims on the front of the boxes and packages. […]
…an under-appreciated chef! You know the one, the chef that’s cranking out some out-of-this-world meals, but flies under the radar…often due to his or her humble character. They contribute significantly to the continued evolution of our food culture, but do so quietly and out of the spotlight. Typically these chefs are found in local, sometimes undiscovered, gems. […]
I am sure you have heard someone say… “eating vegan has changed my life” or “eating paleo is the only way to go.” We have all been bombarded by contrasting information about Veganism and Paleoism and to be honest…it can be confusing and overwhelming. I consulted with our nutrition leader and partner, Zonya Foco, for […]
Ask and you shall receive! After continuing to listen to member feedback and requests, we are delighted to announce some exciting upgrades to Eat REAL America! First and foremost, we are VERY excited to announce that we are partnering with America’s Nutrition Leader…Zonya Foco…to bring you even more valuable advice and information! Check out this […]
I am so excited to share with you a little bit about my dad’s recent diabetes diagnosis! And, I am so thankful my dad is allowing me to share this story with the hope it might help someone else! Picture this…a hot steaming cup of coffee, a package of mini powdered sugared donuts and the […]
When I look back on our journey to enjoying more REAL foods, there is a key breakthrough that really stands out. This breakthrough opened up a whole new world for us and is what helped our son start eating more vegetables. What was this monumental moment? ROASTING VEGETABLES! Yes, it was as simple as […]
The perfect food? Eggs? Yes! Many consider eggs to be “the perfect food” because there are so many nutrients jam-packed into such a small package! However, eggs have also been considered a “villain” the past several decades after scientists decided that cholesterol in our food was bad for us! After this finding, food companies latched […]
I was blessed with an opportunity to do a cooking demo at the local Women’s Fair this weekend. During the discussion, I shared some perspective on our eating habits before we started our journey to REAL food. After the demo, someone approached me and said “You’re talking about my family!” That comment stuck with me […]
It’s light, fluffy and sweet and is the perfect topping for pies, puddings and hot chocolate… Cool Whip! But hold on a minute…there is more going on in that plastic white tub…and it’s definitely NOT COOL! When you are on the REAL food journey, you learn more and more about products you either […]
When I first saw the trailer for the documentary “Fed Up,” which was just released on DVD in September 2014, I was intrigued. We recently had the chance to kick back and enjoy some family movie time (which doesn’t happen enough around here), and “Fed Up” was part of the line-up. If we weren’t already […]
One of the perks of having family in Kansas City is the opportunity to visit often and occasionally sneak out (leaving the kids with grandparents of course), have a “date” with my wonderful hubby and enjoy the awesome restaurants in the Kansas City area! A perfect example is one of our favorites…The Westside Local. We recently […]
Merry Christmas! In celebration of the holiday season, we want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our Eat REAL America members, partners and others who continue to support us — we are so thankful for all of you! With well over 500 REAL food recipes on the site now, we know there […]
If you love to cook, then you know the excitement of receiving a new kitchen tool or gadget! Or even better…the joy of giving someone a great gift for the kitchen that will help them enjoy home-cooked meals throughout the year! At Eat REAL America, we obviously cook all the time and have lots of […]
Have you ever read something that got you so fired up you just can’t stop thinking about it? A couple of articles did just that to me this week and I wanted to share them with you. First, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released its 2014 Cancer Progress Report last week. The good […]
As part of Eat REAL America’s series featuring local Wichita farmers, chefs and others who are great resources for REAL food, we wanted to provide you an opportunity to get to know an amazing local producer…Jimmy Vo of Kan-Grow! MEET JIMMY VO…A ONE-OF-A-KIND WICHITA “FARMER!” We first met Jimmy Vo a few years ago at the […]
We recently traveled to Chicago and St. Louis for a family vacation and enjoyed several of the unique and fun things both cities have to offer including Lake Michigan, Wrigley Field, shopping on Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, The Museum of Science & Industry, St. Louis Arch, and, of course, we enjoyed some incredibly good food! […]
As part of Eat REAL America’s series featuring local chefs, farmers and others who are great resources for REAL food, we wanted to provide an opportunity to get to know a couple of amazing brothers (Jeff and Rob Schauf, owners of The Flying Stove food truck) a little better. MEET THE FLYING STOVE…WICHITA’S MOBILE CULINARY […]
Superfoods! Lake Superior State University creates an annual list of useless, overused, or misused words and “Superfoods” made #6 on the list for 2013! So, what exactly is a Superfood? The Wikipedia definition of a “Superfood” is: “a food that is considered to be beneficial to your health and may even help some medical conditions.” […]
Aren’t we all on the lookout for fun and interesting places to visit?! We recently had the opportunity to travel to Oregon and wanted to share some of what we found! Plus, we have included some ideas on how to enjoy REAL food while traveling. Living in the Midwest, I perceived Oregon as a cold, […]
We hear it all the time… support local family farmers, connect with your community, know where your food comes from, and know your farmer! There is actually a perfect and easy way to do all of these, shop at the farmer’s market! Whether you are an avid farmer’s market shopper or have never […]
Did you know new dietary guidelines are issued every 5 years in the U.S.? I know you may be thinking, how can the government come up with rules to tell us how to eat?! And, do we really need guidelines…is eating well really that difficult? With a lot of science and research, these guidelines are […]
As Eat REAL America helps our community learn more about the local resources we have available for REAL food, we are beginning a series featuring local chefs, farmers and others. We want to give you the opportunity to get to know these amazing people! (If you don’t already!) MEET THE CHEF: JASON FEBRES…WICHITA’S CELEBRITY FLAVOR […]
Ok, this is not an easy topic to write about without getting into the “science” of it, but I decided to give it a shot. I was talking with someone recently who said that flies won’t even land on margarine. And that margarine was one ingredient away from being plastic. WHAT?! Well, those statements fall […]
Most of us probably just want simple things for Christmas. You know, the relatives all getting along, no pets or kids knocking down the Christmas tree, and finding the perfect gifts for everyone. But just in case you are looking for a little bit more, we thought we would provide some ideas for your Christmas list (or someone else’s)! […]
We have all seen and heard the reports that diets high in processed foods affect the health of our kids during their childhood and teenage years, with ongoing effects into adulthood. In our culture, it is extremely challenging to help our kids embrace REAL food. Kids are bombarded with things like chicken nuggets, corndogs, French […]
There was a time when we remember always looking at the calorie content of food. Then we were told to also worry about the fat, and not just the fat, the saturated fat because that was the kind of fat that turned solid on our hips. Then there was trans fat, carbohydrates, blah, blah, blah. […]