Eating Healthy on the 4th of July

Photo credit: history.com

The sound of children's laughter, music floating through the air, and bursts of color lighting up the sky. The 4th of July has almost arrived again, and these are just a few scenes that come to mind. It is a day of celebration, which unfortunately, like many holidays, has become synonymous with overeating (unhealthy foods) and over-drinking (alcohol).  There are plenty of red, white, and blue foods that don't involve sugar, artificial food coloring, and a host of other murky ingredients, and plenty of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to cool you off on a hot day.

Miami Vegan Fare with a Latin Flair

Choices Cafe in Miami, FL

Perhaps thought of eating out on a gluten-free diet is stressful, or maybe you're really passionate about eating organic foods. Maybe you are also vegan and find it is difficult to combine all three things. At Choices Cafe in Miami, FL you don't have to compromise your health, the environment, or your wallet; you can have it all. It is 100% plant based vegan, 95% organic, and of course, there are plenty of choices.

12 McDonald's Closed in Russia

A passerby strolls by a closed McDonald's in Moscow.
source: Reuters/Alexander Demianchuk 

Times are tough for the golden arches in Russia. Twelve McDonald's restaurants have been temporarily closed in Russia and over 100 of the country's 440 McDonald's are under inspection.

Vegan Restaurant in Moscow: Fresh Restaurant

Interior view of the bar at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

Healthy is the new sexy. Because what is sexier than eating delicious food that makes you feel fantastic and look great?

Food Shopping in NYC: Best Fruit Cart in Manhattan

When you have to walk 1 mile to the grocery store, suddenly the logistics of buying a watermelon become a challenge. Or maybe you want to stock up for the week because you know you have a busy schedule ahead of you, but you'll have to figure out a way to get it all home.

Carolina's Fruit Pick of the Week: Cherimoyas

Photo credit: Felicia Friesema

Cherimoya: This fruit is one of my absolute favorites! It brings me back to my childhood memories of seeing its peculiar green (brownish when ripe) scales in Spanish markets and handing over my pesetas (now Euros) to the frutero and running home to cut it open and indulge in its custard-like white, creamy flesh. When it's perfectly ripe, it melts in your mouth.

Papaya Passion Smoothie

It's finally Spring and there's nothing like sipping a refreshing smoothie in the warm weather!

Dance or Dine: Tao Downtown in New York City

Original painting by UK artist HUSH

I’ve always been somewhat disturbed by Koi fish. Maybe it’s the fact they look like overgrown goldfish that makes them seem grotesque. As I walked down the grand staircase, nearing the gigantesque Quan Yin Buddha with 24 protruding arms like a medusa

Is Milk Good for Us?

Have you ever sucked on a cow's udder? What about a goat? A tiger? Yeah, I didn't think so.

8 Foods We Eat in the US that are Banned in Other Countries

Do you eat any of these foods? 

1. Artificial food dye: Used to make food-like products colorful, and inhibits nerve-cell development.

Where to Eat at the 2013 US Open

The US Open has a myriad of choices, but which ones are actually worth pursuing? Well if it was up to us, I think we would all be dining with the players in Balance Kitchen

Brown Rice Noodles with Ponzu Sauce

 

Looking for a fresh recipe to tantalize your taste buds? Check out this healthy summer pasta that can be served warm or cold. The first time I made this, I had just gotten back from a 6 mile run and was starving! I was so satisfied after eating this, it was light and refreshing but still filling. For all you athletes out there, this is a great way to replenish your body with carbohydrates after a workout and get plenty of vitamins and minerals from the veggies! If you make extra to have for the week, keep the sauce separate so the veggies stay crisp. Enjoy!

Brown Rice Noodles with Ponzu Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb brown rice fettuccine noodles
• 4 medium carrots cut into match sticks
• 1/2 lb snow peas cut into match sticks
• 1/2 c white button mushrooms finely chopped
• 1/2 chopped cilantro
• juice and zest of 1 lime
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 T brown rice syrup
• 2 T rice vinegar
• 1/3 c reduced sodium tamari

Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, brown rice syrup, rice vinegar, and tamari in a small bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.
2. In a large pan, add a small amount of water to the bottom and bring to boil. Add carrots and snow peas. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add pasta, cilantro and add 1/2 cup of sauce (add more if desired). Mix well and serve warm or chilled.