Friday, May 25, 2012

Lunch plate

About a month ago, NPR asked their readers, "Are your friends bombarding you with food porn?" Thankfully, their findings were NO! Which is lucky for me because I am definitely guilty of flogging the social web with food picks...

and I love that I'm not the only one. My latest food blog addiction comes from a 9-year-old girl in Scotland who decided to take pictures of her school lunches. It has gotten a lot of attention fast, and as a result the school has already tried to improve it's menu. Have you seen it yet?

neverseconds.blogspot.com.es


















And in the spirit of sharing...

A vegetarian's revenge to Gaga's meat dress?



My lunch at Namu today.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The good guys

How much do you know about probiotics? For me, they are one of only and most important supplements I take.

When I was in high school, my doctor placed me on a daily antibiotic to control my acne. That prescription was renewed over and over again for years, and although it only mildly improved my skin, it did a number on my insides. I was tired all of the time, I couldn't seem to digest anything anymore, I had frequent sore throats, UTIs, anxiety, etc.

At 21, I was interning at a cutting edge physical therapy clinic, who had a dietician on staff for their clients. One day he offered to analyze my blood sample, and was able to determine that I had a shortage of good bacteria left in my body. He could even guess my ailments before I told him how I was feeling! Now I make sure to supplement my diet with yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, and on occasion I take probiotics in pill form.

Recently, I've come across some some interesting articles about these "good bugs" and have found out they also have the potential to change mental states, are found in breast milk, and could possible be the secret to longevity...

First, Radiolab's episode on "Guts" explores the personality changes in mice after eating probiotics.

Second, an article about Madonna's secrete to longevity, and an interview with her former chief Mayumi Nishimura. Also, for those of you interested in macrobiotic cooking, I highly recommend Mayumi's book.

Third, find out "Just What's Inside Those Breasts". It will shock you!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Spelt: a granola-ish grain


spelt udon

zucchini spelt mini loaf

Spelt biscotti






















































































You might have noticed spelt in a health food blog, or the grocery store lately, but have you tried it yet?
Spelt is an ancient cousin of wheat with origins in Southeast Asia. Its recent rise in popularity is good news for wheat and gluten avoiders, because although it does contain gluten, most with gluten sensitivities can tolerate it. Also, spelt is not normally treated with pesticides or chemicals because it grows a thick husk that protects the berry from pollutants and insects.
It's a little pricier than buying wheat flour, but totally worth it. If you want to try it out at home, here are a few of my favorite substitutions and recipes (after the jump).

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May Day

Yay! May is here. As I mentioned, it's always a busy month for me, but it's also my favorite. Here is a list of some great things to do and ways to celebrate in May...



1. Eat more berries. Strawberry season in California has already begun. Blueberry, blackberry, and boysenberry season starts around May 15th. Berries are full of phytochemicals and antioxidants, and are especially delicious when they come from local organic sources. So eat up while you can!

2. Be nice to your Mom, and take her to Flora Grubb. This is one of my favorite places to spend a weekday morning in the city. It is the most stunning nursery/store I have ever been to, and they have a Ritual Coffee bar inside. Two weeks ago, Nick and I went to a Saturday morning talk about edible plants that grow well in the bay area. On Mother's Day, they are having a talk about "slow flower". Go here for more information. So buy your mom a cup of coffee, and enjoy their fancy patio furniture together. If your Ma doesn't live near by, no worries. It's great place to buy her a gift. They will even ship some of their plants right to her door.

3. Treat yourself to some Harvey Milk and Honey ice cream at Humphry Slocombe in honor of Harvey Milk's Birthday and the Milk Club's anniversary.

4. Join Lisa's 2nd-Hand Pledge! She is only buying second hand clothing from May 1st to October 1st, and she's asking YOU to join her!

5. Celebrate the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th Birthday! Watch the firework display over the bridge on May 27th, or paint your nails International Orange as a tribute.