Ashley Mason is one of my WONDERFUL students at Cosumnes River College, with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. She has worked at Tom's Books in downtown Lodi for the better part of four years, and in addition to school, she is doing a fabulous job as the...
“I can’t believe that is has been nearly 12 years,” I thought, as I wrote her my mother-in-law’s name on a sticker which read, “I am running in honor of _____” a few minutes before the start of a 5K run to raise money for local breast cancer research. Twelve years...
I had to add a quote from my beloved book The Foodie Bar Way to the beginning of this article: Instead of friends and families being divided over what to eat, The Foodie Bar™ Way is about being united. Bringing us together around the table to share one meal, with lots...
As the temperatures spike above 100 degrees, how does a cool, sweet treat sound? This is a wonderful story and easy recipe from Mariah Chavez-Vasquez, one of my former nutrition students from Cosumnes River College, and exemplifies my mantra, “Love the Food That Loves...
“Dessert Nachos for breakfast?! Seriously? This is awesome!” exclaimed my kids, as I prepared a gorgeous plate that not only tastes great, but will also fuel them all morning. Life is to be ENJOYED and food that makes us feel super can be FUN! If you have been...
Time for Sushi Roll in a Bowl! I was in the underneath a HUGE load of grading after my Friday morning class, when an email popped up on my phone with a GORGEOUS picture of a sushi bowl from what I thought was a restaurant. I had made several suggestions that morning...
“Mom, I need greens!”… music to my ears! My kids just finished up a few weeks of state testing and my 8 year old daughter made the connection between what she eats and how she feels at school, especially her ability to cope with testing situations, focus and...
Rene Silvey, Jr. is one of my amazing nutrition students from Cosumnes River College. He had the courage to take the information that we discussed in class and not only incorporate it into his own life, but also share it with his family and inspire them to...
You might think it is odd that I only go out to lunch during the weekdays once or maybe twice a year. How is that possible? Especially since those of you who know me know that I LOVE FOOD?! I have developed a cornerstone habit that saves money and keeps my body well...
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, chocolate is on the minds of many! Cacao beans, from which chocolate is made, is one of the most nutrient packed plants on the planet, supplying a plethora of phytonutrients, fiber, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and whole...
As we begin a new year, I wanted to share a very inspiring story from one of my students at Cosumnes River College and delicious recipes to bring you luck and prosperity! In Makayla's words... At 19, I was 100 pounds overweight, my favorite meal was two McChicken...
While many might think about giving someone soup when they are feeling under the weather, a nourishing pot of soup can be the perfect holiday gift for anyone you care about! If you are doing mental gymnastics trying to figure out gift ideas for some of your close...
A family friend, in her early twenties, told me over the weekend that as the holidays draw near each year, her and her buddy anxiously await the return of the pumpkin flavored drinks at their favorite coffee places. What she said next caught me off guard, “We only...
Since this article was originally published on the "food page" of our local newspaper, a bit of editing was done, and a great picture of a sliced pear appeared next to it. However, I will publish it here on my website, as I wrote it, along with the picture that we...
Team Family - Mission: LUNCH! With school back in session, families are trying to re-establish their routines, one of which is packing lunches. As parents, we want to provide a lunch that is enticing enough to actually get eaten, but also provides our kids with the...
If you think brown rice is boring… I would bet that you haven’t tried my recipe for Lime Cilantro Brown Rice! You may have enjoyed something similar at a local or chain restaurant and assumed that it would be too complicated to make at home. Good news!!! My students...
Although these hot days may leave you wishing for the weather to turn cooler, our bounty of delicious summer fruits and veggies are a pretty amazing trade off! Our kids especially look forward to the white nectarines they sample and we buy at Thursday night Farmers’...
Master recipes are incredibly helpful, as they provide the basis for so many dishes. A person favorite, Mediterranean Spread with cannellini beans, was one of my recipes featured in the latest issue of California Bountiful Magazine (May/June 2014 issue), along with a...
I was thrilled to learn that when this article was published in the newspaper, it quickly received national attention, as it was picked up by the Academy of Nutrition and Food and SmartBriefs for Nutritionists !!! What is a little habit that most people ignore, but...
Cauliflower is quite under appreciated, as most people don’t realize that it is one of the most versatile vegetables around or how many amazing ways eating it can benefit our health! After learning a little more about this phenomenal food and how to prepare it well,...
I was having one of those days, with an amazingly long to do list hanging over my head, no time to talk, and then it happened… I saw a former student from one of my nutrition classes at Cosumnes River College, and she made my day! She was so excited to tell me about...
“What recipes do you make all the time?” is a question that students and friends ask me on a regular basis. While it is hard to choose just one, my Cowboy Salad is a great place to start! Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it is consistently delicious,...
As we welcome 2014, now is the perfect time to make a few little tweaks to our habits that will pay off in terms of our bank accounts and our health! A significant drain on finances, and likely waistline expander, that may be under the radar for you, revolves around...
My secret recipe is out… iBars for everyone - to enjoy or give as gifts! Avoiding all of the preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, processed grains and refined sweeteners can be quite a challenge when shopping for "energy" or snack bars. If you are lucky...
As another breast cancer awareness month ends and the holiday season begins, I think about cherishing time with family and friends and remembering those we’ve lost. Since sharing good food is a way to connect with those we care about, why not share meals that...
Over the past few weeks, I have been busy grading diet study assignments for my college nutrition classes, and thought I’d share a few observations that might ring true at your house. My students eat A LOT of pizza and VERY FEW veggies, which sets them up for not only...
It is zucchini time again! One veggie - so many options! If your garden (or your neighbor's garden) is overflowing with zucchini, I have some suggestions for turning that wonderfully mild veggie into a variety of dishes. When I think about zucchini, my mind goes right...
Melons deliver a sweet treat, needed hydration and an array of nutrients! It is Saturday morning, the temperature is already heating up and friends are coming over in a few hours! You need something refreshing to serve, quick to prepare and doesn't involve turning on...
Which fruit has seeds on the outside and is hollow in the middle? STRAWBERRIES! Like many Lodians, we patiently waited for the homemade “Closed/Season Over” signs in front of the local strawberry stands to display “Open”. Since strawberry season is now in full swing,...
A few weeks ago, I received an email that excited my whole family, “Cherries were ready to be picked!” The professional pickers had already been through a friend's orchard, and she was generously inviting us to show up with bags in hand, sunscreen applied and our...
This unique membership brings The Foodie Bar Way to LIFE, surrounds you with a supportive community that will stay connected every step of the way and makes loving the food (and living a life) that loves us back… simple, satisfying, sustainable AND FUN! Live virtual Cooking Demos, Meal Planning Parties, Q & A sessions, a WONDERLAND of recipe and meal ideas, access to The Foodie Bar Way e-book at home or on the go and MUCH more! Check it out!
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This is a first for me... Some of MY recipes are part of a rock star compilation cookbook put together by Andrew Spud Fit Taylor!! Order it today!