A rare treat

This blog is first and foremost about food. Food... it's what we eat. It's what nourishes us.

My aim, though, as a dietitian is to strive to provide ideas for foods that nourish both taste and body. Both formal (and informal among friends and family) research shows that if it doesn't taste good, no matter how good it is for you, people won't eat it.

That said, I have been known on occasion to discuss a recipe or two that doesn't necessarily fit the bill of good for you food. I hope though that when I do, I'm bringing something else worthwhile to the table: either a new cooking technique, an opportunity for exploring a new flavor profile or in the case of today's post, a new way to use something you're already familiar with.

Today's post should inspire those of you, like myself, who regularly find yourself with a bounty of fresh herbs in the summer, but little opportunity to use them in a new way. Sage is a perfect example. It's easy to grow, fairly hearty and a delightful flavor. But let's face it... other than the occasional roast potato batch or Thanksgiving dressing, what really else do you think to do with it?

Here's what: Blackberry Sage Ice Cream, courtesy of The Food Channel . It's a "tad" on the rich side... so I recommend exercising caution if you try it. But try it you must... after all, it's is a rare treat to enjoy fresh herbs in such a sweet way.

~Regan

(image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/dm-set/3283251760/)

Feeling blue... how about you?

I love this time of year. The anticipation is almost too much. I'm just waiting... waiting... waiting... for our blueberries to "come in" (i.e. to be ripe & ready!)

My family has roughly 13 or so (I've lost count) blueberry bushes that were planted by my grandparents years ago. For a number of years, I've lived too far away to make it back during the summer to pick a crop. But not this year! I'm just waiting on the chance to hop in the car, head west and get my fill.

If you don't have a personal stash, that's okay, too. The beauty of in season produce is that it can typically be found in abundance either in your local grocer (look for signs that tell you you're picking up local produce... I guarantee it to be fresher) or better yet, head to the farmer's market.

And once you've got the superstar, health berry in your basket, consider making something truly special with it. Sure, they're great sprinkled over cereal, tossed into oatmeal or just popped bite by bite alone. But trying your hand at something new is worth the effort when it's peak season. I recommend this Galette via MyRecipes.com as a great place to start. 

(Wanna learn more about all things blue in the berry world, check out http://www.blueberrycouncil.com/)

Lastly... once you're finished baking... how about an invite? I'm still waiting on my blueberries...

~Regan

(image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/garibaldi/254885460/)

It all adds up

As a working mom to two boys (one who is nearly 4 and the other, just turning 5 months), I can hardly find time to exercise these days. And I'm not just talking find a good time, that's convenient, when it's not too hot, when there aren't a lot of people at the gym, when my favorite sports bra is clean... I'm talking, absolutely can't find a spare moment. Can I get an amen from my fellow moms?

That's why I'm really beginning to embrace this idea of "micro fitness." I was first introduced to it by the work that I'm doing with Cabot Creamery Cooperative on their Get Up and Move Initiative. They call it "random acts of fitness"... and that's exactly what it is. Random bursts of activity throughout the day that add up to a tangible amount of physical activity.

But the idea isn't just something they conjured up to help us time-starved, fitness seekers. It's based on the sound principal that every little bit you do can help. If you don't believe it, check out this article. In essence, it encourages us to accept that it is a challenge to get in a long "workout" and instead, embrace the small opportunities we do have to be fit. And really, isn't that what being "active" is all about... being active all day, everyday? Not just the 30 minutes that you swing by the gym?

Sure, it may not be the kind of training that gets you ready for the Iron man. But last time I checked, they don't stop the Iron man for me to make chocolate milk, burp a baby, check email or pick up dry cleaning... a day full of micro fitness does.

~Regan

Whole Grain "a Go-Go"

I can totally relate to this post on Simple Bites.

Mornings around my house are always a mad dash - preschool, summer camp or wherever we are headed for the day.

That's why the idea of grab-n-go foods is appealing. Don't get me wrong... I welcome a sit down meal with the family any time we can, but the first foods of the day don't always lend themselves to that plan.

The problem with so many "breakfast" bars, cereal bars, whatever you want to call them is that they're high on sugar and low on fiber.

USDA details the benefits of fiber on MyPyramid.gov. In case you're not inclined to make the jump, here's a snip-it of what they have to say:

Why is it important to eat grains, especially whole grains?

Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies.

Health benefits

• Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, may reduce constipation. 
• Eating at least 3 ounce equivalents a day of whole grains may help with weight management.
• Eating grains fortified with folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects during fetal development.
• Click here for more information about preventing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

I don't know about you, but for me... those are pretty good reasons to fill your diet with a little more fiber. And if you can do it with a homemade, less processed treat that tastes as good as it looks, I say "go" for it.

~Regan

P.S. If you've been following my chronicle of house woes, let me share that it looks like we WILL be closing on our new home (read: my new kitchen) a week from today. Hip, hip, hooray (and *fingers crossed*)

http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/grains_why_print.html

Little Eats for Little Ones

As an RD mom, I'm constantly asked about ideas for little palates. My pals over at the Southeast Dairy Association offers some great ones here.

Check 'em out & let me know what you think.

~Regan

Nutrition at your fingertips

The amount of nutrition information available to the average consumer is mind boggling. Even more mind boggling is the amount of "bad" nutrition information disguised as helpful hints and credible science. Sometimes I'm so thankful that as a mom, wife, daughter and basic day-to-day air breather, I'm an RD who actually knows the truth about eating well. Otherwise, I'm not sure where my everyday eating would be. 

But for those out there who aren't educated in the aforementioned matters and don't have a personal nutrition guru to gab with, the guess work is over. Nutrition Blogs Network recently launched and provides the only one-stop shopping for folks looking to read the real digs on what's good, bad and beyond in the food world.

The humble little blog (yours truly) sharing this info with you isn't included on the list... I can certainly raise my hand for inclusion if I'm so inclined. But regardless of my listing or not, I encourage you to check out the site and bookmark it as one of your main "go to" sites for good info. Likely the list will grow, but I can already attest to the high quality of many of the bloggers listed. Admittedly, this collection is way overdue, but a big thank you to those who had a hand in making it happen.

~Regan

(image courtsey of http://www.flickr.com/photos/darrenhester/4010448281/)

I wish I...

That's how my son starts so many of his sentences (remember, he's 3)... "I wish I..." had some chocolate milk. "I wish I..." had a race car like that. "I wish I..." It's quite cute, really.

So when I saw this blog posting by Mrs. Whellbarrow's Kitchen, I thought "I wish I was gonna get that as a Mother's Day present." It's not that I sit around and long for presents at holidays. On the contrary, my husband and seldom exchange gifts... we're both too practical. But I guess that's the allure here. An "edible" salad bowl. One where you actually cultivate your own lettuces. As they say, "LUV it!"

If you're struggling with what to give the matriarch in your family, I suggest you check out that idea. It's really the gift that keeps on giving. I mean, think about it... we all need to consume more fresh veggies. With your edible salad bowl, your greens are no farther than the pot you've placed them in.

I wish I ...

~Regan

A Daring Baker to be

I'm so far behind on my personal blog reading right now, it's scary. We're still in the woes of house negotiations... we've experienced a "set back." I hope to be able to report soon that it's resolved. It's those woes, though, that have me behind on many personal pursuits... keeping up with a toddler, a newborn and a business, just hasn't left much "me" time. 

That said, I've decided to carve out some "me" time, do or die, by joining an online cooking club: The Daring Bakers. Those of you who are regulars to the food blog circuit know it no doubt... if you haven't, I encourage you to check it out. 

I'm posting this here to hold myself accountable to the first one I've been approved for, which is this month! Yikes! If... and that's a big if... if I make it into my new kitchen by May 21st (as I'm supposed to at this point) that only gives me a week to create the first challenge. OY! Fingers crossed that I can do it... and fingers crossed that I have a kitchen to cook in of my own VERY SOON.

~Regan