Blog
Plant Protein Made Simple
I had an interaction with a friend recently that I decided to use as inspiration for a blog. She shared with me that she had heard a lot of buzz about plant protein and how it was important for good health. However, when she went to the grocery store to buy plant protein products, she could not find any that seemed appetizing to her. She looked at ground meat substitutes, ‘chicken-less’ nuggets, and soy-based cheese and sausage. She shared that these products were expensive, had a whole lot of ingredients, and she did not think her family would like them. How was she supposed to get plant protein? I can relate to this challenge. I grew up eating mostly animal products for protein and learning to incorporate plant proteins took some time.
Recipe Round-Up: Flexible Ways to Use Produce
Vegetables here, vegetables there, vegetables everywhere! Gardens and farmers’ markets are bursting with produce. You may have some tried and true ways you like to use summer vegetables. If you’re looking for some new ideas, here is a round-up of some of our recipes that allow for flexibility in the vegetables that are used.
Double Up Food Bucks
One of the best things about summer in Iowa is the wonderful fruits and vegetables that come into season. Sweet corn, summer tomatoes, and fresh green beans are high on my list. In Iowa, we are lucky to have a program that helps Iowans who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eat more fruits and vegetables while sticking to their grocery budget.
Baking Without Eggs
Egg prices are tough for everyone right now. We usually make breakfast food for supper on Wednesday nights. My children’s favorite is when we make smoothies, scrambled eggs, and toast. They each like to help with making one of the foods. They have to take turns making the smoothies because they all want to run the blender. Since egg prices have started going up, we have stopped making this family favorite meal, which is a bummer for everyone.
The Truth About Seed Oils: Friend or Foe?
Seed oils have become a hot topic in the world of nutrition, with opinions ranging from them being a dietary villain to a misunderstood hero. Let’s dive into what seed oils are, their health effects, and how to make informed choices about consuming them.
Fresh Fall Finds
The fall produce is here! Even though it means letting go of tomatoes fresh from the farm or garden, I enjoy switching up my meals to feature what’s in season. Here in Iowa the fall produce is coming in and some people even have it in their gardens. We’ll see dark greens, winter squash, and root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes showing up at farmers markets.
