Considering its proximity to Mexico, it makes sense for California to have some of the best, most authentic Mexican food around. I can say that with confidence because I’ve actually eaten Mexican food in Mexico on numerous occasions, since I have family members from there. I’m a Northern California girl, but I must admit that some of the Mexican food in Southern California is better than what I’ve come across up north.
Do you remember taking those little fruity Flintstones multivitamins? Well, as a child, I ate them because they were pretty darn close to being plain ol’ candy. Now, as an adult, I don’t have to buy any daily vitamins because I’m already buying foods that are great sources of necessary vitamins and minerals. Plus, the best part about adulting is that it gives you the freedom to buy actual candy, if candy is what you crave (don’t we all from time to time?).
Every vegetarian and vegan has heard it before, and will undoubtedly hear it time and time again—“But where do you get your protein?” Just to set things straight, a lot of Americans are overweight because we actually eat too much protein than we need to due to many of us rarely exercising. For everyone who thinks people on plant-based diets are lacking protein, you’re sadly mistaken; most of us are definitely getting adequate amounts.
Ginseng was discovered more than 5000 years ago in the mountains of Manchuria, China. The name is derived from the Chinese word “jen” meaning the form of man and “shen” defined as the crystallization of the essence of the earth. However, this ancient herb was used approximately the same time in North America by many of the tribes there, though the European invaders did not know of its existence until the 16th century.
You might think of mochi as the neon-green or fluorescent pink-colored ice cream treat popular at Japanese restaurants, but mochi is a traditional Japanese food that has been eaten for hundreds of years. While once considered a "Food for the Gods," mochi remains a talisman of prosperity and luck in Japanese culture–especially during New Year's celebrations. While sweet mochi is delicious as a treat, the more traditional brown rice or glutinous rice mochi makes a satisfying and healthy snack. Here's why:
Ginger is the “ultimate medicine” according to Ayurveda. Not only does it warm the body and balance Vata-types, it’s also a healer for your digestion and immune health.
Most people would label everything that grows from the cracks in the sidewalks as weeds, but are they? Nope: You can actually eat a lot of plants you probably never noticed before. Unfortunately, I can't include all the foragable plants in your neighborhood in this one article, but the three I chose should be easy enough to spot.
Vitis vinifera Linn, otherwise known as raisins, have been a common ingredient used in many Ayurveda dishes over the years. Many people specializing in Ayurveda practices encourage the mixing of healing foods, such as raisins, in with every day foods. Although I’ve always been aware that dried grapes were a nutritious food, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered more about their beneficial uses in Ayurveda practices. Of course, I couldn’t keep this discovery to myself.
Brown rice, the simple ingredient I base most of my home-cooked meals on, is amazing. And we all know about other grains that are trendy in America, like quinoa and couscous. But there are so many other options that can add interest to meals, or work for those who have food allergies to more popular grains. Whether you’ve never heard of some of these or just haven’t tried them yet, here’s the lowdown on different grains you can try this year.
Brown rice is believed to have first been cultivated in China about 9000 years ago. Arab travelers brought the grain to the Middle East and subsequently rice traveled throughout the world. The whole grain is known as brown rice – it contains the inner grain, the hull and the germ. Together, they are a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and proteins.