Easy Meals

Vegetable Shortening Vegetable Shortening (image credits: unsplash) Vegetable shortening is often at the bottom of most health rankings for cooking oils. It’s made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, usually soybean or cottonseed, and is packed with trans fats. These trans fats can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Even though some brands have reduced trans fats in recent years due to regulations, traces can still be found. The FDA has taken steps to remove partially hydrogenated oils from processed foods, but some shortening products still … Read more

In today’s world, where the effects of tariffs and price hikes are felt across the globe, especially in our grocery bills, the challenge is to put together meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly. But fear not, there are plenty of options that still allow you to whip up a satisfying dinner without breaking the bank. Here are ten meal ideas that cleverly circumvent the impact of rising prices due to tariffs — all while keeping your taste buds happy. 1. Vegetable Stir-fry Delight 1. Vegetable Stir-fry Delight (image credits: unsplash) A vegetable stir-fry is a fantastic way to enjoy … Read more

Iceberg Lettuce: The Least Nutritional Punch Iceberg Lettuce: The Least Nutritional Punch (image credits: unsplash) Iceberg lettuce often tops salads for its crunch, but it sits at the bottom when it comes to nutrient value. According to the USDA FoodData Central, iceberg lettuce is composed of over 95% water and offers the lowest amounts of vitamins and minerals compared to other leafy greens. A cup provides just 7% of your daily vitamin A and barely 2% of vitamin C needs. Registered dietitians say its appeal is mostly texture, not nutrition, as it lacks the phytonutrients found in darker greens. While … Read more

In today’s fast-paced world, finding budget-friendly meal options that don’t rely on imported ingredients can be a challenge. However, there’s a wealth of delicious and economical recipes out there that make use of locally-sourced ingredients. These meals not only help your wallet but also support local agriculture and sustainability efforts. Let’s delve into ten delightful dinners that are easy on the pocket and the environment. Hearty Vegetable Soup Hearty Vegetable Soup (image credits: unsplash) A steaming bowl of vegetable soup is the epitome of comfort food. Using seasonal vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, this soup is not only … Read more

Agave Syrup Agave Syrup (image credits: unsplash) Agave syrup is often marketed as a natural and healthier alternative to sugar, but the reality is a bit more complicated. While agave syrup does have a low glycemic index, which means it doesn’t spike blood sugar as quickly as table sugar, it’s actually very high in fructose—sometimes up to 90%. Researchers have found that high fructose intake can lead to increased fat accumulation in the liver and may raise the risk for metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease (American Diabetes Association, 2024). The World Health Organization has recently … Read more

The Surprising Protein Power of Insects The Surprising Protein Power of Insects (image credits: unsplash) Insects have quietly become one of the most protein-packed foods on the planet. Crickets, for example, are composed of about 60-70% protein by dry weight, compared to just 25-30% in beef. Recent research from Wageningen University in 2024 confirms that mealworms and crickets can provide all essential amino acids, rivaling or even surpassing traditional meats. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted edible insects as a sustainable, nutritious alternative for a growing world population. Unlike plants, insect protein is highly digestible and packed with micronutrients such … Read more

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the time to prepare a delicious, quick meal can be a challenge. However, with some creativity and the right ingredients, whipping up a tasty dish doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here, we explore 15 quick meals that celebrate all-American ingredients, effortlessly combining flavor and convenience. Let’s dive into this culinary journey! Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich (image credits: unsplash) The grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless classic that never fails to deliver comfort. Using just bread, butter, and American cheese, this meal can be ready in … Read more

Flavored Greek Yogurt Flavored Greek Yogurt (image credits: unsplash) Many people grab flavored Greek yogurt as a quick, healthy snack, but the reality is often not so sweet—at least for your blood sugar. While Greek yogurt itself is high in protein and probiotics, most flavored versions are packed with added sugars. According to recent nutrition data, some popular brands contain between 12 to 20 grams of sugar per serving, which is nearly as much as a scoop of ice cream. This surge of sugar can spike blood glucose rapidly, especially if eaten on an empty stomach. The American Heart Association … Read more

Granola and Protein Bars Granola and Protein Bars (image credits: unsplash) Granola and protein bars are everywhere—at the grocery store checkout, in gym bags, and even at office desks. They seem like the perfect healthy snack, but a closer look at their nutrition labels often reveals a different story. Many bars are loaded with added sugars, sometimes as much as 15-20 grams per serving, according to a 2024 Consumer Reports review. That’s about half the recommended daily maximum for women, based on guidelines from the American Heart Association. In addition, some bars have processed oils and artificial flavors that can … Read more

Skipping Breakfast: Still a Common Mistake Skipping Breakfast: Still a Common Mistake (image credits: unsplash) Many people think skipping breakfast will help them lose weight, but research consistently shows that this habit can backfire. According to a 2024 study published in Nutrients, people who skip breakfast are more likely to snack unhealthily and consume more calories later in the day. Nutritionists agree that a balanced breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and helps maintain steady energy levels. Fitness experts often see clients struggle with low motivation and poor workout performance when they skip the first meal of the day. Despite decades of … Read more