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It’s National Nutrition Month! It’s National Nutrition Month!
March 1st, 2015

With the herald of spring, we Americans also celebrate National Nutrition Month, thirty-one days encouraging everyone to (according to nationalnutritionmonth.org), “adopt eating and physical activity plans that are focused on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and getting daily exercise in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.”

 

A noble purpose.

 

And with articles like “20 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits and Vegetables” the organization is certainly on the right track in...

Beans, Beans; They’re Good for Your Heart
February 23rd, 2015

How could I resist using that silly little ditty from our childhoods to begin a discussion of beans…and their influence on your heart health?

 

I can’t. My inner Henny Youngman just won’t let me…

 

As corny as that little song is, it rings of truth. Beans, eaten regularly are great for creating a healthy heart.  But don’t panic. You don’t need a hill of them to reap the benefits (I know; the hits just keep on coming…). According to The Journal of Nutrition, a mere half-cup of cooked beans daily can help reduce cholesterol.

 

It gets better.

 

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Be #HeartHealthy And Win!
February 18th, 2015
Calling all creativity! All you Instagrammers and Tweeters out there; it’s time to show off your artsy side…and win a great prize for posting.
 
It’s simple to enter. Simply share a photo on Instagram and Twitter showing off a heart-healthy dish you’ve prepared. But here’s the catch. From February 18-22, you’ll be showing off dishes made with yummy greens. From February 23-27, show off your dishes made with luscious beans. 
 
To be considered for a prize, post your photo including my tag @christinacooks and the hashtag #hearthealthcontest.
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Let Them Eat Kale
February 16th, 2015

There are two types of people in the world…those who eat greens and those who should.

 

You can laugh, but it’s true.

 

In my book, leafy greens are the first line of defense when it comes to improving or maintaining your health and wellness. Leafy vegetables are brimming with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds that help protect you from heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.

 

Here’s the thing. If you are looking for a reliable source of Vitamins A, C and K, calcium, potassium, folate, antioxidants, some B vitamins as well as help...

Label.ology: Agave Nectar (Syrup)
February 10th, 2015

Label.ology

In this feature, we’re taking labels…and ingredients apart.

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Lovely Lentils
February 10th, 2015

I admit it. I am completely obsessed with lentils. Green, brown, yellow, red, black,...

Money Talks…Chocolate Sings!
February 9th, 2015

There’s a saying that money can’t buy happiness. It can, however, buy chocolate. And in my book that’s practically the same thing.

 

It used to be that chocolate,...

Christina Cooks Heart Health Contest
February 4th, 2015

It's contest time! Don't you just love that idea? I do! To celebrate American Heart Month, I'm giving you the chance to become a 'proactivist' and take your heart health into your own hands...and win some very cool Christina Cooks prizes along the way!

 

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Shiitake Just Got Real!
February 3rd, 2015
 
If we think about mushrooms at all, we may consider them a tasty addition to a salad, stir fry or casserole. Ah, but they are so much more. 
 
There are about 38,000 species of mushrooms and most of them provide a wealth of protein (yes, you read right), fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, as well as calcium and other minerals. At least three species have also been shown to have phenomenal healing potential: maitake, shiitake, and reishi. Considered therapeutic, these ancient mushrooms can protect our hearts; reduce...

The Beat Goes On - American Heart Health Month
February 2nd, 2015
 
We may think of February and picture Valentines, but since 1963, this short month has been celebrated as American Heart Month to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease.
 
Since 1963???? Wait. We have struggled to get Americans on board to keep their hearts healthy since 1963?
 
A bit of history. Before 1900, very few people died of heart disease. Since then, it has become…and remains the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
 
Simply stated, the age of technology has made life...