Glorious Fennel Bulb + Inspiration For Home Cooking

Food, glorious food

You may recognize this phrase from the famous play, “Oliver.” I personally couldn’t agree more.


Food is many things to many people; comfort, celebration, tradition, routine, sustenance, even medicine for health. The list is as endless as there is variety of foods available in the world.


I personally feel the true, goodness of fresh whole foods sometimes gets lost amongst all the noise and chatter about the function of food: from the numerous diets (keto, paleo, vegan), to the experts constantly “revealing” what we should and shouldn’t eat. 

And then there is the packaging. Boxes of packaged goods boasting to be the healthiest, most natural, most sustainable food out there – or the most likely to help you lose weight. 

Finally, don’t even get me started about the celebrity chefs, who make meal prep look so darn easy.

I agree daily cooking can be a chore and a bore. There are (many) days I just don’t feel like cooking. 

I understand some people hate cooking and prefer takeout and pre-made meals. 

I realize food is a competitive market and is a big business. 

I appreciate that some do not have a positive or healthy mindset regarding food. And I know that maintaining a healthy weight has been tough for many. 


But let’s put aside all the babble around food for a minute, turn the story around, and look at all the goodness food can bring:


10 Easy Steps To Meal Planning

Weekly Meal Planning

It's always a good idea to get a handle on meal planning. 

It really does simplify home cooking, makes meals interesting and eliminates the need to think about what to make for dinner all day long. 

Not only that, you can save on your grocery bills because you only buy what you know you will be using - no food waste!"

 

10 EASY STEPS TO MEAL PLANNING

We Are All Cooking Heroes

It’s September, and time to get back into the routine of everyday home cooking. For some, it can be a tough transition – especially after the long, lazy days of summer.

I don’t know about you, but I find summer cooking simple and easy with all the fresh local produce that’s available (think salads and barbecues). But as September sweeps in with cooler temperatures, the local produce is not so easily prepared. Sturdy root veggies force us indoors to take up our positions in front of our stovetops to cook soups, stews, and simmering one-pot meals.

To motivate myself during this transition of daily cooking, I started listening to podcasts on how to create change. 

I learned to start with small steps, celebrate success with small wins, and continue to build until you reach your desired result. Great advice!

The podcasters I listened to also suggested treating or rewarding yourself when you reach your goal. For instance, one expert would reward himself with his favourite smoothie whenever he accomplished his exercise target.

Hmmm…what would I choose as my reward for cooking dinners seven days a week? That’s a tough one. 

Simple Grocery Shopping Tips

Simple Grocery Shoppng Tips

Grocery shopping for the family can be confusing and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 18 simple tips to help you grocery shop for the family stress-free and with success!

Five Ways To Save Money On Your Grocery Bill

How To Save Money On Your Grocery Bill

Have you noticed that the price of food is rising as fast as the housing prices in Vancouver? Well, okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but you have to admit, food is not cheap. When I'm at the grocery store, I have to stop myself from gasping at the cashier's total and accusing them of overcharging me. I typically smile (a fake smile), pay, and discreetly check the bill while walking away. They are never wrong.

10 Ways To Snack Smart

Snacking is contagious. Don’t you agree? Once you start it’s tough to stop. Especially if it’s salty potato chips, greasy french fries or anything with chocolate. Avoiding these treats is tough but doable. Here are a few tips to help you snack smart.  

1.  Just Say No And Don’t Buy The Junk Food  

7 Ways To Fight The Boredom Of Everyday Home Cooking

Let’s face it, cooking every day is dull, boring and monotonous. Planning, shopping, cooking and clean up is no easy feat. Combined with a busy lifestyle it can be terribly stressful. When you cook breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for the family, it can add up to over 1,000 meals a year. No wonder it’s tedious!

But we all know it’s always a good idea to cook your own food at home from scratch. You, and your family eat better, which means you can take more control over your health. So, just how can we avoid the boredom of everyday cooking? Here are 7 ideas to consider:

10 Ways To Reduce Food Waste And Save Money On Your Monthly Food Bill

Only buy the veggies you need to reduce food waste

There’s so much guilt around food these days. We’re bombarded every day with guilt about our eating,  I suggest it’s time to by-pass the guilt and just enjoy food.  Appreciate all the tastiness, pleasure and health benefits it gives us, guilt-free…even if it’s a chocolate bar.

Self-Care Healthy Eating Tips For Moms

Self Care Healthy Eating Tips For Moms

A mom’s life is like being on a roller coaster ride going in circles.  You do everything and look after everyone: the kids, the dog, the house, schedules, daycare, appointments, meal planning, shopping, family obligations, real work to pay the bills, and in your ‘spare time,’ you squeeze in a personal life. It’s exhausting.

We’re so busy looking after everyone else that we tend to put self-care, including healthy eating, on the “I’ll do it later” list.  
But think about it. If you get sick, who’s going to get the stuff done?  
You are. 

That’s why self-care healthy eating is important to add at the top of your list.  It’s a doable goal and here are some tips to help you out.

What Are Modified Milk Ingredients?

This package of cheese has "no modified milk ingredients"

“And, it’s made with real liquid milk,” said the elderly woman in a chef’s hat and apron at the grocery store.  

She handed me a small, free sample of Monterey Jack cheese produced by a Canadian cheese company. 

 “And, it has no modified milk ingredients in it.” She added.

“Oh really?” I said. “And what exactly are modified milk ingredients?”  

“Oh, it’s kinda like a paste or a powder, but not liquid milk.” 

Hmmm….not exactly a scientific answer, but my curiosity was piqued so I headed out to discover exactly what modified milk ingredients were and if I should be eating them.

How To Avoid Dishpan Hands

I was born with dishpan hands. It’s embarrassing, especially when I shake hands with other people. I’m sure it feels like rubbing against coarse sandpaper. 

I cook a lot, which obviously doesn’t help.

I’ve tried to improve this uncomfortable situation using various therapies through the years. This includes slathering on expensive ‘rejuvenating’ ointment at night and wearing white cotton gloves to bed. Not only did I feel foolish sleeping with white gloves but my rough hands never did rejuvenate.   

How Much Water Should You Drink?

How much water should I drink?

Do you own the perfect water bottle?  

I’m always impressed by many people come to my classes with their beloved water bottles and sit them proudly on the table like a beacon of health. 

The bottles come in all shapes, styles and colours. Some are stainless steel with wide rims and others are coloured with drinking spouts that pull up. They are multi-coloured and round. And some can even hold a whole day’s worth of  water…these always impress me.