Tag Archives: pumpkin

Chipotle-Spiced Pork Recipe Inspires a Creative Halloween Dinner Menu

By Alison Lewis with IngredientsInc.net

Since the kids start talking about which Halloween costume they are going to wear three months ahead of time, it seems like there would be plenty of time to come up with a creative Halloween dinner menu. It’s so fun to have friends over or host a neighborhood get-together on Halloween night. It’s something you and the kids will remember, and it starts the night off on the right foot.

Halloween doesn’t have to be one of those holidays where you get off track with all of the sweets and candy. Look to fall produce such as pumpkin, butternut squash, cranberries and fresh vegetables for wonderful healthy, fresh recipes. Start with this simple Chipotle-Spiced Pork recipe. It’s easy, fast (only 10 minutes), low fat and high in protein. It makes a great entrée for Halloween night with its spicy orange color.

Chipotle-Spiced Pork

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced pork loin chops
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

1. Season pork evenly with chipotle seasoning, lemon pepper and salt. Sauté pork in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium-high heat 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. (more…)

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Health Buzz

The 15 Best Healthy Pumpkin Recipes You Haven’t Tried

Matthew Kaplan is the Editor for FaveDiets.com, a free online resource featuring hundreds of free healthy recipes, healthy cooking tips and loads more. Be sure to check out FaveDiets on Facebook and on Twitter.

Oh, pumpkins – what would fall be without you? After all, from Jack-o-lanterns to pumpkin pie, it is awfully hard to avoid those seemingly ubiquitous orange orbs this time of year. Try as you might, pumpkins are always the “it” food item this time of year.

However, while pumpkins and pumpkin dishes appear everywhere, the one place where they rarely make an appearance is the average home kitchen. This is too bad, as pumpkin recipes are delicious and, when done right, highly nutritious as well. If you have seemingly banned pumpkin from your recipe repertoire, then it’s time to reconsider. (more…)

Posted on October 22, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Pumpkin Patch Relays and Other Active Fall Games

In many parts of the country, it’s finally cooling off. Fall weather is just around the corner, and one of the most enjoyable and traditional fall activities is a visit to the pumpkin patch.

Instead of just walking around this year, why not take the opportunity to incorporate some fitness into your pumpkin selecting? Mix it up, have some fun and get your cardio in while having fun at the pumpkin patch!

  • Run sprints to the farthest pumpkin. Walk back. Repeat.
  • High knees to the scarecrow. Have a race with your kids.

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Posted on September 19, 2023 by Carmen

Healthy Fall Produce Recipes for Crisp Days

Summer is fun – especially going to the beach and other water events – but fall is my favorite season. Wearing jeans, watching football, and the crisp fall weather all comes together to create a delightful time.

One of the stand out features of the fall is the availability of fall produce – the cooler days make it perfect to turn on your oven and slow roast the heavier squashes and comfort soups for which the season begs. Try some of these terrific, tasty fall dishes that won’t break the calorie bank but will satiate your taste buds and warm you from the inside out.

Puree butternut squash in small batches in your blender to make this Butternut Squash Soup recipe from Elana’s Pantry. Top each bowl with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to lend depth of flavor.

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Posted on September 17, 2023 by Carmen

What Your Nails and Skin Say About Your Diet

Whether you’re male or female, healthy nails and hands are typically seen as signs of physical beauty. According to Dr. Ariel Ostad, a Manhattan Board Certified Dermatologist, changes in skin and nails can signify health problems, some of which can be helped or prevented by eating a healthy diet.

“Skin and nail changes should be given the same level of attention and scrutiny as other physical symptoms men and women experience within their body,” said Ostad. “All too often, we only see a doctor for symptoms we can feel such as stomach or back pain. Visible changes to nails and skin can be indicative of conditions such as skin cancer or other systemic issues.”

While a perfectly manicured hand is one where the nails are strong and smooth, with no discoloration or jagged cuticle, most people have less-than-perfect hands. While regular visits to the dermatologist, proper moisturizing and protecting your skin from UV rays are all good practice, what you eat can also help prevent the issues that cause skin damage – and help improve damage that has already been done.

Look at your skin and nails for cues that it’s time to change up your diet. If you suspect there is an underlying issue, be sure to see your doctor or health care professional.

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Posted on June 15, 2023 by Maris

Natural Alternatives to Potentially Dangerous Artificial Food Dyes

The Food and Drug Administration determined many years ago that there was no definitive link between artificial food colorings and health problems in children or adults. However, it recently decided to review the evidence and consider possible policy changes that include placing warning labels on food containing the artificial colorings.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Morrison, MD, author of Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind has studied the links between toxins and chemicals in our food and environment to health and behavior. He advises his patients to avoid all artificial colorings and food dyes whenever possible.

“Artificial food colorings and dyes have been used for many years but only recently have they been under investigation with the FDA,” Morrison said. “In particular, red dyes have been known to cause hyperactivity and gastrointestinal discomfort in children and adults.”

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Posted on April 28, 2023 by Maris

Eat Orange to Prevent Cancer and Boost Immunity

Cheryl Forberg, R.D., is a James Beard Award-winning chef, the nutritionist for NBC’s The Biggest Loser and a New York Times best-selling author. Her Pumpkin Polenta recipe is reprinted from Positively Ageless: A 28-Day Plan for a Younger, Slimmer, Sexier You (Rodale, 2024). Follow her on at www.facebook.com/cherylforbergrd or twitter at cherylforbergrd

To maintain a healthy balance in your diet, make sure you eat something orange every day. From the burnt orange richness of carrots, yams and pumpkin to the ocher shades of apricots and nectarines, these colorful foods are packed with nutrients and compounds that our bodies need to function properly and stave off disease.

Orange foods take their hue from beta-carotene, a plant substance converted by the human body into Vitamin A, essential for normal growth and development, immune system function, and skin and vision health. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant shown to help fight cancer and heart-disease. Most people don’t get enough beta-carotene in their diet so it’s important to add orange to the menu daily.

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Posted on March 18, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Healthy Recipes for a Perfect Thanksgiving Feast

You might be a great cook but if you serve the same Thanksgiving fare year after year, your guests are bound to start going home hungry.

Whether you’re preparing a meal from start to finish in your own kitchen or toting a side dish and dessert to a nearby gathering, it’s easy to refresh your favorite classic dishes without piling on fat and calories.

Cheese Ball
It’s tempting to snack on rich cheeses and sodium-packed crackers while you’re waiting for the turkey to finish cooking. This year, skip the mindless snacking by presenting your guests with a cheese ball flavored with herbs and spices so tasty you’ll never know that you’re eating reduced-fat cheese. (more…)

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Maris

6 New Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

Emily Fonnesbeck is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

I love pureed pumpkin. It is such a tasty way to sneak in a vegetable and it just screams fall. It is loaded with vitamin A, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to health of the eyes. At just 40 calories for 1/2 cup, pumpkin is a very nutrient dense food. Here are a few ways I like to use it:

Pumpkin Yogurt: Mix plain non-fat Greek yogurt with pumpkin (I usually do equal amounts or slightly more yogurt) and season with vanilla and cinnamon. This can be used as a dip or as a base for breakfast with the addition of fruit, oats, cereal, and/or flaxseed.

Smoothies: Add a spoonful (or more if you’re daring!) to your regular smoothies. I recommend pumpkin, almond milk, banana, milled flax seed, cinnamon, vanilla and a scoop of almond butter. Blend together and enjoy a nice refreshing drink! (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Pick Pumpkin for Delicious and Healthy Fall Treats

If you’re like me, this time of year you have nothing but pumpkins on the brain. I’ve already been to the pumpkin patch to pick out my pumpkins, I simply can’t get enough of that Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks (I order it “Skinny”, though, and have it as the occasional treat, as it clocks in at 200 calories and 37 grams of sugar for a tall), and I’ve already made enough pumpkin smoothies to keep Libby in booming business. Good thing, because it turns out that pumpkin isn’t just tasty, it packs quite the nutritional punch.

Pumpkins come two ways: fresh or canned. While removing the flesh from your own pumpkin (perfect to do when carving Jack-o-lanterns) is obviously fresher, it can also be quite the chore. So, when it comes to baking and eating pumpkin regularly, canned is your more convenient option, and thankfully, canned pumpkin is just as nutritious as fresh. (more…)

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Jennipher

The Colors of Fall Point to the Healthiest Foods

Guest blogger, Vicki L. VanArsdale is a freelance writer, certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. By adopting a healthy and active lifestyle, she has lost 100 lbs. Her mission is to motivate and inspire people through her actions and words. Get healthy from the inside, out is her motto. Learn more on Vicki’s blog.

Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage on the East coast, which is why it’s my favorite season. In addition, I love the food. Hearty and healthy soups and stews come to life and herbal teas bring comfort. Besides apples and squash, some of my favorite fall foods are figs, pumpkin and cranberries. Other fall favorites are beets, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. These are all nutritional superstars, which should be part of any healthy diet.  (more…)

Posted on October 6, 2023 by GuestBlogger