Paleo Diet

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   It is asparagus season!  These fat or thin, green, white or purple, tender stalks are a great way of welcoming the spring season.  Asparagus gives us plenty of reasons to fill your plate with this elegant superfood. The bright-green veggie is packed with vitamins and minerals like A, C, E, K, B6, folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. Thanks to all these nutrients, asparagus offers some serious health perks!   Asparagus has serious health perks!   Not only is asparagus low in fat and calories (one cup sets you back a mere 32 calories), but it also contains lots of...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Have you ever asked someone if they like Brussels sprouts?  If you have, you will know that you always get a quick and clear yes or no answer.  Brussels sprouts don’t seem to be a vegetable that people kind of like or don’t.  They tend to be ones that people either love or hate.  If you are a Brussels sprouts lover, then you will reap in the many benefits of this small, cabbage-like vegetable.  If you haven’t been a fan in the past, perhaps learning about Brussels sprouts might get you to take a second...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Spring brings us a new batch of seasonal vegetables.  Bright flavors and colors are obvious reasons to embrace the produce of this beautiful time of year. Spring's first vegetables like crisp lettuces, slender spears of asparagus, leafy spring onions, and fresh peas and green beans join year-round staples like garlic and beets as well as winter favorites nearing the end of their season.  Now, since the weather in the spring can be so unpredictable – with some regions still up to their eyeballs in snow and others enjoying significantly warmer weather – this link, www.seasonalfoodguide.org, can tell you, based...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   If you have a busy lifestyle, then stir frying is the way to go because it is one of the quickest cooking methods. It is originally a Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking the ingredients at a high temperature in little or no oil. It doesn’t require lots of fancy equipment.   If you have a large, thick, frying pan or wok and a wooden spoon, you will have everything you need to start stir frying tonight.   Stir frying is versatile.   Now that we have an extra hour of sunlight each night, who wants to spend extra time in the...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Often people comment that eating healthy is too expensive.  Processed foods are largly what goes on sale in our local grocery stores, and dollar value meals draw customers to their drive-thru windows.  However, what are the long term costs to your health by pinching your pennies when it comes to the food you choose to eat?  The truth is healthy eating doesn’t have to be more expensive if you’re a smart shopper.   Here are some tips to make your healthy eating journey more pocket book friendly.   Have A Strategy   Have you heard that old saying, “Never shop...

Written Julie Paiva, CHHC   Most people know that filling your plate with green veggies can benefit your health, but let’s shine the spotlight on another color - purple. Purple fruits and vegetables boast plenty of nutritional credentials behind the vibrant hues. They are not only a great way of adding color to a dish, but you should feel good about eating them too.  Purple foods are very high in antioxidants, like anthocyanins, which give them their beautiful shade. Many of these foods may also contain resveratrol, the anti-inflammatory compound found in red wine.  You may be surprised to learn how many different heirloom varieties of...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Cauliflower is rich in health-promoting phytochemicals, has a high level of anti-inflammatory compounds, and can ward off cancer, heart disease, brain disease, and even weight gain. There isn’t much cauliflower can’t do.  Use cauliflower to create a fancy gluten-free, low-carb version of your favorite meal.  Cauliflower is a grain-free side that can replace the popular starchy sides that often fill our plates.   Why Eat Cauliflower:   Cauliflower, along with broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts, is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of natural antioxidants, due to their high levels of...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   The Super Bowl is all about football, commercials, and most importantly, food.  In many people eyes, it's also the championship of snacking. This year bring our healthy "A" game snacks that will keep everyone happy no matter the score. Marpé Wellness is dedicated to giving you healthy options for foods you used to indulge in.  Whether your Super Bowl Sunday includes a chili cook off or you're responsible for finger foods, these recipes will help fuel football fans (and commercials fans) all the way through.   Events like this often put a damper on all of the...

It's no secret that vegetables are usually the least desirable food on a plate (if they even make it there) especially for kids. Who are we kidding ... adults often aren't much better!  With burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and the like as common menu offerings, it's no wonder why veggies sometimes take a back seat. But vegetables are so beneficial for us. They contain key nutrients necessary for optimal health and can even protect against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer! So how do we get more of these superfoods into our diet? Here are five tips...

With back to school on the brain (or maybe because I saw The Nut Job 2 for my son's birthday over the weekend), I'm reminded of a sack lunch staple: The PB&J. Between the glutinous white bread and the sugar filled jelly, this classic sandwich is about as far from "Dr. Brown approved" as it gets. But what about the peanut butter? Nuts are healthy, right? Well, it turns out it's not as cut and dry as it may seem. Peanuts are NOT actually nuts at all! Despite the obvious misnomer, peanuts are a legume not a nut. By definition, nuts grow...

July 4th is definitely one of my favorite holidays. Backyard cookouts, time with friends, fireworks... I love it all! But as with every holiday, I know I will once again face that temptation to overeat. Over the years I have learned that the best way to stay on track and not eat too much junk is to host the party myself. So if you are like me and planning your party menu, look no further. Here are seven paleo recipes that are sure to light up some taste buds this Independence Day! The Starter https://mihicooking.wpengine.com/recipes/firecracker-deviled-eggs/ This unique spin on a classic app is sure...

After a weekend in Northern California, the Dallas 90 degree temps feel pretty brutal! And anyone from Texas knows that we haven't seen anything yet ... I'm already dreading the sweltering heat of July and August. I remember when I was young how I loved to cool off after a long day at the pool with a nice, cold snow cone.  Now, as a mom, nothing makes me cringe more than my kids asking for this awful treat. (Here, honey, why don't we drink a big ole' glass of high fructose corn syrup and artificial dye?!)  Instead of giving...