The humble can of black beans. It’s way much more than just a can of boring beans. This pantry staple is always on hand in my kitchen (along with lots of other kinds of beans as well), because they are a really good option when you need something quick. I stock up on beans when I can (always buy the low-sodium variety) but if you prefer to go with dried beans, you can click here for a good reference on how to soak them (overnight or the quick-soak method). Regardless of which type you start with, here are a few of my favorite recipes that use them. CONTINUED »

While avocados are slightly high in fat, that’s absolutely no reason to shy away from them. They contain monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to reduce the bad LDL cholesterol levels in your blood, lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke. In addition, they are high in vitamin E, which helps maintain good, overall health as well as oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies. And this super quick recipe is a great way to enjoy them. This recipe was inspired by a recipe I saw on Oh She Glows, and it’s really easy to make (the sauce is no-cook) and is ready in the time it takes to make the pasta. The sauce is nice and creamy and it’s a healthy and satisfying way to get more avocados into your diet. You can use any kind of pasta you prefer but a whole-wheat version makes it an even healthier recipe. CONTINUED »

This year, instead of making resolutions (which I tend not to keep for very long), I decided to make a few simple lifestyle changes to get myself a bit healthier. They are little changes, ones that I can actually incorporate easily into my life, making the chances of them sticking far greater than just a broad-based resolution like “losing weight” or “exercise more.” The key to any successful change is to do it slowly, and be patient. Change, and more importantly results, take time to show up so it’s important not to get frustrated or defeated before you give the changes time to work. And thinking of them as lifestyle changes instead of hard and fast resolutions makes them seem much easier to keep. So here are a few suggestions to help get you on the right track for the new year. CONTINUED »

Kale may not be the first thing that you typically grab at the grocery store but because it’s such a nutritional powerhouse, I really recommend you give it a try if you’re not that familiar with it. Packed with nutrients, fiber and loads of vitamins, kale is a really versatile ingredient that works great in soups, hummus, as a substitute for basil in a pesto or simply sautéed with olive oil, garlic and a few red pepper flakes. It’s in season during the winter months, from November until March. When buying kale, look for sturdy leaves that are fresh and not wilted. Kale should be stored in a plastic storage bag in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 5 days. Do not to wash it before you store it because any exposure to water will make it spoil much faster. CONTINUED »