Author Archives: Emilee Firth

Health Benefits of Beans

Health Benefits of Beans

I was kindly invited to dinner one evening and on the table sat a large pot of beans. This caused me to begin to wonder what actually comprises a bean? Beans are considered a legume and there are many kinds: kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, just to name a few. Beans are used in many ways including soups, tacos,and chip dip. BeansContinue Reading

Spinach Pomegranate Salad

Spinach Pomegranate Salad

Ingredients 1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves, rinsed and drained 1/4 red onion, sliced very thin 1/2 cup walnut pieces 1/2 cup crumbled feta 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts (optional) 1 pomegranate, peeled and seeds separated 4 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette Directions Place spinach in a salad bowl. Top with red onion, walnuts, feta, and sprouts.Continue Reading

Pomegranate-Orange Salsa

Pomegranate-Orange Salsa

Ingredients 1 cup chopped orange sections 2/3 cup pomegranate seeds (about 2 pomegranates) 1/3 cup fresh pomegranate juice 1/4 cup minced shallots 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions Combine all ingredients. Serve with shrimp, flakyContinue Reading

Coconut Waffles with Pomegranate Syrup

Coconut Waffles with Pomegranate Syrup

Ingredients 1½ cups Gold Medal self-rising flour ¼ cup cornstarch ¼ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk 1 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk (about 1 cup coconut milk) 2 eggs ½ cup virgin coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled 1 ½ cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted, plus more for garnish Pomegranate SyrupContinue Reading

The Purpose of Processed Foods

The Purpose of Processed Foods

As you enter the grocery store you can’t help but notice the processed foods that have become a standard in the American diet.  Have you ever wondered why we have processed food?  What led us to the point of isles and isles of processed foods to choose from? Processing food started in prehistoric times becauseContinue Reading

Nutritional Benefits of Parsley

Nutritional Benefits of Parsley

When I try a new recipe and it states “garnish with parsley” I usually ignore it.  Does that little bit of green really affect the taste or add all that much nutrition? I thought it was just a way to make your dish look fancy. Parsley is actually a great way to add some nutrients without addingContinue Reading

Benefits of Potatoes

Benefits of Potatoes

My husband grew up on a farm in Idaho and since being married to him, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about potatoes.  Usually when looking at fruits and vegetables, it is easy for the average nutrition-conscious shopper to associate certain colors of vegetables with a higher level of nutritional value.  For example, the luscious green color of broccoli, theContinue Reading

Probiotics Effect on Blood Pressure

Probiotics Effect on Blood Pressure

Probiotics are microorganisms found in our gut that aid our health.  Probiotics can be found is some yogurts and supplements.  A study done by School of Medicine and Griffith Health Institute analyzed the effect that consuming probiotics had on blood pressure.  543 adults were analyzed from nine different studies. Researchers found that those who consumedContinue Reading

Does Diet before Pregnancy Affect Babies?

Does Diet before Pregnancy Affect Babies?

Women who eat healthy before becoming pregnant are 50% less likely to have a preterm birth!  A preterm birth is when a child is born before 37 weeks gestational age, also referred to as “preemie”.  A study done by the University of Adelaide investigated the diets of 300 Australian women before conception. Results showed that women who ateContinue Reading

How Can Oranges Boost Your Health?

How Can Oranges Boost Your Health?

Oranges are a popular fruit because of their natural sweetness.  Oranges are used in many ways: as juices, face masks, or eaten plain as a snack.  Oranges are packed with many nutrients; one medium sized orange has 80 calories, 14 grams sugar, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram protein. One orange also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.Continue Reading