Talk about comfort food. Pasta e fagioli is an Italian dish that literally means “pasta and beans.” Once considered a peasant dish because it consisted only of inexpensive ingredients, the Italian staple has countless variations. Many recipes use bacon or pancetta, but I love the simplicity and overwhelming goodness of this version, crammed with flavor and texture from a variety of fresh and dried herbs, vegetables, white beans, tomato sauce and tube-shaped pasta. Even better? The soup is low in saturated fat and crammed with fiber, boasting 16 grams per serving.
Easy Pasta e Fagioli Soup by Robin Miller in Robin's Healthy Take, October 18, 2013
15 Ways to Use Up Whole-Grain Bread by Robin Miller in Robin's Healthy Take, October 18, 2013
Got a fabulous loaf of bread that’s just a smidge past its prime? It’s heartbreaking to consider throwing away day-old bread (even several-days-old bread), especially when the whole-grain varieties boast loads of B vitamins and fiber. Happily, there’s salvation for that scrumptious loaf of goodness. Whether you have crumbs, cubes or slices, check out these 15 uses.
Cheese: Is It Healthy? by Toby Amidor in Is it Healthy?, October 17, 2013
Does this dairy delight have a place in your healthy eating plan? Although cheeses have gotten bad press for being high in artery-clogging fat, the right ones can provide important nutrients to your diet.
10 Ways to Make a Healthier Pizza by Dana Angelo White in Meal Makeovers, October 17, 2013
Cooking with Beer (the Healthy Way) by Toby Amidor in Healthy Recipes, Healthy Tips, October 16, 2013
Win This Dehydrator! by Victoria Phillips in Giveaway, October 16, 2013
Dehydrated fruits and vegetables aren’t just for outdoors-y types going on a camping trip. Apples, pears, bell peppers, tomatoes—you name it—can be turned into healthy, portable snacks for anyone. Instead of always turning to store-bought versions, enjoy ones you make at home with the Excalibur Dehydrator. The five-tray machine provides 8 square feet of space to dry many different foods—even meat.
You can buy your own Excalibur Dehydrator or enter in the comments for a chance to win one. Just let us know, in the comments, what you’re most excited to dehydrate first. The contest starts at 10:00 a.m. EST today, and ends on Friday, October 18 at 5 p.m. EST.
We’re giving away one Excalibur Dehydrator to one randomly-selected commenter. You must include your email address in the “Email” field when submitting your comment so we can communicate with you if you’re a winner.
You may only comment once to be considered and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S. states, D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 to win. For the first day of the giveaway, all entries (answers) must be entered between 10:00 a.m. EST on October 16 and 5 p.m. EST on October 18, 2013. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of each prize: $249.95. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a Food Network, 9721 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932.
So tell us, what are you most excited to dehydrate first? Fruits? Veggies? Meat?
Breakfast: Myths vs. Facts by Toby Amidor in Myth vs Fact, October 15, 2013
There’s so much misinformation swarming around about breakfast. Read on for the facts about this important meal.
Myth: My kids should eat breakfast, but I don’t have to.
Fact: As a mom or dad, you need even more energy to keep up with your kids! Also keep in mind that parents set an example for their children. If your kids should see you munching first thing in the morning, they are more likely to make it a lifelong habit.
5 Frozen Foods to Stock (and 5 to Skip) by Toby Amidor in Grocery Shopping, October 14, 2013
More Foods That Fill You Up by Jason Machowsky in Healthy Tips, October 13, 2013
Ever wonder why a doughnut leaves you hungry within moments of finishing, while a bowl of oatmeal keeps you full for hours? An innovative study conducted in the 1990s looked at how “full” someone stayed after consuming 240 calories of a variety of foods. The top five scorers were all whole foods and, surprisingly, the No. 1 food to keep you full is often vilified for its high carbohydrate content. (Note: Most vegetables were not included in the study, likely due to the fact that consuming 240 calories of kale would require a lot of chewing! But based on the factors associated with satiety, I assume they would score very well.) Here are six foods that made the list.
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