It’s Chanukah time and many of us are getting out our favorite potato latke recipes. As a nutritionist, I am acutely aware of the confusion among many of my clients, patients, and friends over the role of potatoes in a healthy diet. I hear comments about how potatoes are so fattening, how they are so high in starch, how they contain as much sugar as a Tasty Cake. In short, many people see potatoes as a nutritional no-no. In fact, potatoes can most definitely be part of a healthful diet, provided a few simple caveats are kept in mind, as

If you had to list 10 dishes as nominees for the Jewish culinary hall of fame, stuffed cabbage would no doubt be among them – alongside gefilte fish, chicken soup, and other favorites. During this time of the year, especially, filled or stuffed foods are considered a good omen, symbolizing bounty and blessing, according to Rabbi Gil Marks’ Encyclopedia of Jewish Food.

  The Talmud, in listing chores that sages would perform to help their wives prepare for Shabbos, tells us that Rav Chisda would chop cabbage. We also learn that cabbage is “one of the six things that heal

So, you’ve decided to bake a quick banana bread as a healthy snack for the family. Just grab some flour, sugar, eggs, ripe bananas, oil, baking soda and spices and you’re ready to go, right? Not so fast. From a nutrition perspective, baking even the humble banana bread entails choices that affect the healthfulness of the final product. Using higher-quality ingredients will result in a quick bread or cake that is more nutritious and easier to digest.

It’s a wonderful feeling to know that each food you’re ingesting – each ingredient you’re using – is having a positive effect on

Did you know that cranberries, a botanical cousin to blueberries, are the third most-studied fruit, after grapes and strawberries? Nutrition researcher Paul Gross, PhD, who calls himself the “berry doctor,” points out in his book Superfruits that cranberries have been the subject of more than 500 studies in the past century. Researchers have focused on cranberries’ phenolic compounds, which are plant chemicals that protect against a wide range of health problems. Based on the findings, Gross places cranberries seventh in his list of the world’s top 20 superfruits.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, cranberries beat 19 other common fruits for phenolic content, surpassing red grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits. It is because of these compounds that cranberries may help lower heart risk, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, slow down some aging processes in the body, and heal ulcers.

Looking for a quick breakfast? Consider a protein shake. With minimal planning, you can blend up a tasty, nutritious shake (also known as a smoothie) in a minute or two. It will leave you feeling satisfied, and you’ll know you’ve started your day on the right foot. Protein shakes also work great for mid-morning or afternoon snacks.
  One of the best things about a protein shake is that you
control the ingredients: the amount of protein, the type of fruit, the sweetness, and the texture. You can make it as hearty or as light as you want by simply tweaking the ingredients.

From guacamole to salads to sushi, the delicious, creamy avocado has found its way into many of our favorite dishes. You’ll be happy to learn that, due mainly to its high content of healthy monounsaturated fat, this supremely versatile fruit is a smart choice for your heart and your waistline.

Hailing from northern Mexico, the avocado enjoyed great prestige in ancient Aztec and Incan civilization. It was a staple in the diet of these native cultures, and revered as a food with restorative and vitality-enhancing powers. The Spanish conquistadors appreciated the special qualities of the avocado and carried it with them