Mushroom Soup

Eating fungi has a multitude of health benefits. Mushrooms are a great source of fiber and are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Though mushrooms are fungi, and technically not vegetables, we categorize them as such for dietary purposes. When compared to other veggies, mushrooms have some of the highest amount of vitamin D when exposed to UV light. They are also a good source of B vitamins, particularly B2 and B3, and the B12 that is in mushrooms is more bioavailable than the forms in other vegetables. Much research has been done on mushrooms and their potential benefits on healing cancers and neurogenerative diseases, but the research continues and there are no definitive recommendations.

Mushrooms make a tasty addition to any meal. This soup is a Hungarian classic—creamy, bright, savory—and the perfect thing to ease the pre-spring chill.  

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Maple Glazed Carrots

Winter is time for cozy hibernation foods; we crave the hardy, the sweet and the savory. This recipe hits all three of those cravings: roasty savory carrots, smothered in sweet maple. Carrots are a wonderful vegetable, a good source of fiber and carotenoids. 

We know carrots are a healthy choice, but what about maple? Is it healthier than regular sugar? This is a common question, and any people make the switch in their cooking, baking, even in their coffee, favoring maple syrup, agave nectar or honey over table sugar.  Maple syrup, for example, contains 67 different healthful compounds, including calcium, zinc, manganese and amino acids. Other natural sweeteners are similar in that they do have added nutrients when compared to white sugar; however we need to keep in mind the big picture: its still sugar. Too much can add an excess of calories to your diet and will still have an influence on your blood sugar levels. That being said, eating something sugary with fiber (like in the carrots) protein and heart-healthy fats will help slow that sugar absorption, giving you long lasting energy and steadier blood glucose levels.

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Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn Squash is a fall favorite! And it should be, as it’s an edible aesthetic countertop adornment to mark the season. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, and the vitamin A building blocks called carotenoids, which have been shown to be beneficial not only for our eye health but also for the health of our skin, and lowering risk of heart disease and stroke.

Acorn squash is also high in fiber at 5g per ½ cup. Fiber acts like a magnet to LDL, our “bad” cholesterol, clinging to it and taking it away and out of our bodies. This helps improve our cholesterol levels, leaving us with a happier heart. All the winter squashes are a good sources of Vitamin A, carotenoids and fiber. The spice blend in this recipe is tasty on many different kinds squashes, try it on butternut squash, delecata squash, pumpkin or even sweet potatoes.

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Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Oh yes, it’s that time again. Time to bathe ourselves in the delectable sensation of warm sweet spices in every way we can. Pumpkin spice candles, pumpkin spice soaps and lotions, and, of course, pumpkin spice foods. This recipe for overnight oats will be just the thing start spooky season right. It’s easy, perfect for making a head of time, and full of protein, fiber, anti-inflammatory spices and omega-3 healthy fats. You can eat this cold or reheat it in the microwave. Add whatever toppings you like; try toasty almonds, cranberries or coconut flakes.

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