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Dr. Barb, the Nutrition Budgeteer

Helping families eat healthier for less

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Dry Grocery Tips & Strategies 

 
Many healthy food items can usually be found around the perimeter of the supermarket, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, mealts, poultry, & seafood, and dairy products. However, the inside aisles of the store are just as important. The inside aisles are where you'll typically find canned meats and seafood, whole grain flours & cereals, healthy oils, dry and canned beans, 100% fruit juices, and many other nutritious foods.
 
 
  
Do You Know . . .
. . . cocoa powder may offer significant health benefits? A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that eating cocoa, a food rich in flavonoids, may improve your blood cholesterol levels by decreasing "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL cholesterol. Cocoa may also improve blood vessel health and decrease your blood pressure. More studies are needed to determine the amount of cocoa needed to reduce your risk for heart disease, as well as to determine the impact that cocoa with sugar and fats (as commonly found in a dark chocolate bar) have on various health parameters. Here's an interesting twist: pilaf with cocoa. Click here for the Quinoa Pilaf with Cocoa recipe. 

 

  

 

 

Do You Know . . .

 

. . . recent research has been looking at the antioxidant properties of several spices? McCormick, a world leader in spices, has identified 7 super spices: cinnamon, ginger, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, thyme, and yellow curry. One-half a teaspoon of dried oregano, for example, has been shown to have the same antioxidant levels as 3 cups of fresh spinach. Click here to learn more about McCormick's spices for health. Cinnamon may help reduce insulin resistance. Click here to learn more about cinnamon and diabetes. Our Treasure Chest Oatmeal recipe is a great way to add cinnamon to your diet. Curry is also one of McCormisk's Super Spices. Check out our Curried Squash & Mushroom Soup or our Red Lentil Soup for a delicious way to add more curry to your diet.