Goji berries, also called wolf berries, come from Northern Asia, mainly grown in Tibet. They come in dried form, much like cranberries or raisins – but have a rough texture and tart, smoky flavor. Don’t let their tough exterior fool you, these little wrinkled berries are seriously beauty food. They have 20 times the antioxidant power of prunes (that already rank extremely high in antioxidants, containing over 3 times more than blueberries). While they can be costly (these little gems usually range from $6 to $8 dollars a bag which has about 2 cups), they are a powerhouse of nutrition. Goji ber ..read more

Foods that are raised or grown organically must follow certain guidelines. They are raised in an environmentally-friendly way, without pesticides or radiation, and restricted amounts of hormones and antibiotics. This is a good thing for our health and the well-being of our children and their children. But why is organic more expensive? Sadly, many farming practices use unhealthy techniques to produce food cheaply and quickly. Going back to the “good old days” of farming can cost and can also mean the food is slightly more expensive. Is it worth it? Well, organic food that is certified by the U ..read more

The cocoa plant, chocked full of dark, rich history, is responsible for the world famous drink “hot chocolate” that is sipped with delight all over the world. The cocoa bean, that was cultivated in Central and South America, was first brewed into a magical ceremonial drink, by the ancient Toltecs, Mayas, and Aztecs. It seems that the Aztecs were the most serious of all the chocoholics – their famed leader, Montezuma II used it as currency and threw back several gallons of his spiced version each week. So what’s all the current health buzz about cocoa I keep hearing on the news? Reports says th ..read more

Want to the freshest fare this summer or maybe find out how to grow Martha Stewart’s culinary herb garden? The New York Botanical Garden will present The Edible Garden, a summer-long celebration of growing great food. Through delectable exhibitions and mouth-watering programs, be inspired to grow, prepare, and eat garden-fresh produce, and understand how plants provide the food and drink essential to maintaining life and enhancing wellness. During Vegetables and Kids (Tuesdays-Fridays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) children can plant, tend, and harvest fruit, herbs ..read more

With summer in full swing, help your skin successfully weather the season with these two essential steps: exfoliation and moisturization. As dermatologist will tell you, skin-cell buildup can lead to dryness, poor circulation and possibly blemishes. Exfoliation removes these dead cells, thus revealing fresh skin that is better able to absorb moisture — and moisturization is the second part of this one-two combination. As an aside for men: While men’s skin is typically oilier than women’s, men are oftentimes more prone to epidermal dehydration. So here are 5 easy ways your kitchen can serve as ..read more

Herbs have been delighting cooks for centuries, but did you know that herbs are a dieter's dream? They're fat free, very low in calories, packed with flavor and also have other added health benefits. The post Cooking With Herbs appeared first on Skinny Chef ..read more

Most of us think of grilling as an easy low-fat way alternative to cooking on the stove top. But how healthy is your grilling, really? Let's take a closer look at your grilling habits and choices! The post Grilling May Not be as Healthy as You Think appeared first on Skinny Chef ..read more

Summer just so happens to be the perfect time to save money in the kitchen and save on calories. Why? Because nature's bounty is plentiful, flavorful and naturally healthy! What's more is that a little goes a long way! The post Cheap Summer Eats appeared first on Skinny Chef ..read more

Ice cream aside, eating a small bowl of fresh cherries can help you lose weight instead of reaching for that bowl of ice cream. Why? I'll tell you in a minute, plus give you great ideas for new recipes with a twist... The post Cherries May Help you Lose Weight appeared first on Skinny Chef ..read more

If you’re looking to outfit your kitchen with the best healthy cooking tools or just learning the basics of healthy cooking, then this post is for you! The post Healthy Cooking Kitchen Equipment appeared first on Skinny Chef ..read more