I love planting onions. They’re so easy. Stick them in the garden in the spring and they seem to grow no matter what. Because the spring is wet, they rarely need watered. They are dependable.  This year, it has been particularly cold in mountain Maryland, but that hasn’t deterred their growth. They don’t mind the [...]

Easter is egg season!  But should this be cause for concern? When I first became a registered dietitian, over 25 years ago, eggs were considered too high in cholesterol to be a regular part of a heart-healthy diet. But have times changed? The Egg Nutrition Center website states that more than 30 years of research [...]

I recently purchased an inexpensive, beautiful fresh pineapple at the grocery store and the sweet scent filled my kitchen as it ripened and it added an exotic touch to my kitchen counter. Pineapple is in season in the spring and fall so this is when the price and flavor will be best. Interestingly, pineapples take [...]

The news about sweet drinks is not so sweet.  Excessive liquid calories lead to unwanted weight gain. Rates of obesity in the U.S. are rising and this current generation is the first not expected to outlive their parents. And this month, the New York City Health Department became the first in the nation to ban [...]

I’m often asked for simple and easy tips to improve health and control weight. One of my favorites is to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. This is especially simple and easy now when fresh produce abounds. Filling at least half of your plate with fruits and veggies is an easy [...]

It’s so fun to going to the Farmers’ Market every week and finding something new to try. This week, my culinary adventure was tatsoi.  I love leafy greens, so I enthusiastically purchased the beautiful, rich, dark green tatsoi.  It really is a feast for the eyes! Tatsoi, a member of the Brassica family, originally from [...]

Yesterday I made it to my first local farmers market and it was a breezy, cool and sunny day in Frostburg, MD.  The market moved from Main Street to City Place, around the block, but thanks to a lovely lady watering an overflowing flower basket on the light post on Main Street, I found it.  [...]

Now is that gorgeous time of year when flowers are blooming, the world turns green and we delight in all the delicious, nutritious fresh produce that begins filling our tables. I got my first quarts of fresh, locally-grown strawberries this week and they are succulent and sweet.  Eating fresh locally grown produce helps YOU: • Save [...]

Did you know that asparagus is a member of the lily family?  Lilies have long been part of Easter celebrations. Since asparagus is in peak season during spring, it also makes a perfect addition to Easter traditions. Sometimes referred to as the aristocrat of vegetables, asparagus adds beauty to any table. It is as nutritious [...]

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape.”  National Nutrition Month is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), formerly the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Tips from AND to get your plate in shape include: • Make half [...]