Why Do We Need Manganese?


Updated 10/14/11 11:49 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Food Sources of Manganese

Getting enough fiber and protein is definitely on my radar, but manganese isn't a nutrient we hear about often. Just because it's rarely mentioned, doesn't mean it 's not important. Manganese has many health benefits to our bodies. It keeps your bones strong and healthy, and is important in synthesizing fatty acids and cholesterol. It's essential in keeping your blood sugar levels and thyroid Read more

In Season: Stinging Nettles


Updated 04/06/12 12:42 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Stinging Nettles

Stinging nettle: the name might lead you to believe that this plant is (1) dangerous to touch and (2) a weed. And you would be right. But despite its name and repellent nature, stinging nettles are also edible and delicious and becoming increasingly popular among foraging chefs, thanks to its abundance in the wild. Now in season, nettles could be the perfect addition to your Spring kitchen Read more

Warm Up Breakfast With These Whole-Grain Hot Cereal Recipes


Updated 03/26/12 3:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Whole-Grain Hot Cereal Recipes

Sometimes a bowl of cereal from the box just doesn't do it — you need something warm to jump-start your day. If you're over eggs, and don't have time in the morning for an elaborately cooked breakfast, reach for a bowl of whole-grain hot cereal. Most recipes are easy to prep ahead of time, while others cook up in less than 10 minutes. By morning's end, you will have enjoyed a breakfast filled Read more

Spring Vegetable to Try: Green Garlic


Updated 03/07/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Health Benefits of Green Garlic

When green garlic first appears at the farmers market, you know that Spring has sprung. Picked before the bulb is fully mature, green garlic resembles a large scallion, with a small white base and a dark green stalk. The green garlic season is short (only a few weeks), so make sure you pick a bunch up when you see it, to enjoy the mild, slightly sweet baby garlic stalks. Green garlic is still Read more

Foodie Friday Link Time: Feeling Moody? Could Be Dehydration


Updated 01/20/12 11:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Dehydration Can Cause Mood Swings in Women

Drink up! Dehydration can put you in a bad mood — HuffPost Healthy Living Quick and easy breakfasts that will literally make your day — Real Simple Low-cal onion dip perfect for your Super Bowl party — Prevention Skip the mayo! Balsamic tuna with celery will do just fine — Shape Foods to fuel your next sweat session — Blisstree Do you live in a Girl Scout Cookie capital? — The Daily Read more

5 Hearty, Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes


Updated 10/25/11 11:03 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

The sweet potato never does me wrong. It might be starchy and heavier on the carbs than other veggies, but it's also full of good-for-you nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, manganese, and potassium. Because sweet potatoes are so substantial and full of goodness, they are a no-brainer ingredient for vegetarian dishes. From breakfast until dinner and everything in between, see how to use this Read more

Learn to Love: Red Cabbage


Updated 09/22/11 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Benefits and Nutrition of Red Cabbage

With berry season coming to an end, it's time to turn our attention to some Fall-friendly vegetables that often get ignored. First up: red cabbage, an inexpensive veggie option packed with antioxidants and nutrients, is easy to cook with and can be used in a variety of dishes. Cabbage, in general, helps lower cholesterol, and because it's part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, cabbage may Read more

Quick Tips: 5 Belly-Shrinking, De-Bloating Foods


Updated 03/03/11 4:35 PM · Posted by · 5 comments

Foods to Help With Bloating

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! We're not going to lie: transforming your body from head to toe isn't always the fastest process, because it takes time to burn fat and build muscle. However, there is an exception: With the right diet and workout, you can see a difference in your belly (and maybe even reveal an ab or two!) in just a couple of days. The Read more

Hats Off to Maple Syrup For Its Many Health Benefits


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Health Benefits of Maple Syrup

When you need a sweetener, what do you turn to? Honey, agave nectar, or maybe just plane ole sugar? I'm far from being this "freaky" eater, but my sweetener of choice is organic, Grade A maple syrup. Aside from smothering pancakes and waffles in this delicious brown syrup, maple syrup is a very versatile sweetener. I like adding it to yogurt, oatmeal, or apple sauce, but you can also use it in Read more

Make This: A Sweet Bed of Kale


Updated 03/07/11 2:27 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

A Delicious Recipe For Kale

When you're invited to a dinner party, you may not expect to be doing the cooking yourself, but that's exactly what I did last weekend. At a recent gathering of friends, I was surprised to see that we actually made our dinner and then sat down to eat it. Organized by a dear friend of mine, Parties That Cook came to his house and set up work stations, gave us recipes, showed us some chef tips, Read more