March is here, but with this chilly weather you wouldn’t know that spring is just weeks away. Now is the perfect opportunity to sneak in some warming, winter vegetable dishes before the temperature starts to rise and spring comes into full bloom! This recipe from Integrative Nutrition graduate Terry Walters for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fennel and Shiitake Mushrooms is perfect for late winter when Brussels sprouts and fennel are at the peak of their growing season. Serve this dish as a side with roasted chicken, or over quinoa for a warm, vegetarian dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fennel and Shiitake Mushrooms

My all time favorite awards show of the season is on this weekend: The 84^th Academy Awards. What’s not to love about the Oscars? From the dresses on the red carpet, right down to the Best Picture award, I’m hooked.

If you’re anything like me you’ve been thinking, not only about how much you want War Horse to win Best Picture (is there a best movie of all time award?!), but also about what glitzy, star-worthy appetizers you will be serving your friends during your annual Oscar watching party.

Here are a few healthy, Best Picture-themed snack options that I know I’ll be whipping up this Sunday!

Start the evening with some tropical Carrot Punch and imagine that you are on the beaches of Hawaii with George Clooney in The Descendants.

Next, serve a salad that even the four-legged star of War Horse, would enjoy: Radish, Celery and Apple Salad

Mardi Gras is this Tuesday, which means it’s time to celebrate with some gold ol’ Southern cooking! The holiday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is all about indulging in many of the traditional dishes are not very good for you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a lighter, healthier version of these dishes! This recipe, from the blog Running, Loving, Living is a healthy version of a classic New Orleans dish – jambalaya! I love that this dish has all of the classic Creole flavoring without the guilt, so you can feel good about serving this dish to your family and friends at your Mardi Gras celebration!

Remember, you can also alter this dish to your taste. Are you a vegetarian? No problem – just replace the chicken and shrimp with a red bell pepper, green beans, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken!  You could also add some kale or spinach for added greens. 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Instead of planning a night out with your special someone, why not cook up a lovely meal at home that your Valentine is sure to adore?  We’ve put together some of our favorite healthy Valentine’s Day recipes that will both wow your guest and leave him or her feeling loved and healthy!

Appetizer

Oysters are often associated with Valentine’s Day because they are known to be an aphrodisiac. This recipe for Oyster Ceviche is delicious served with gluten-free crackers or pita chips! If raw fish isn’t your thing, a cheese platter with Heart Shaped Figs is an adorable way to impress your guest.

Soup

After an unseasonably warm winter so far, February is proving to be not quite as kind as January. As the weather gets colder, warm up your dinner guest with a festive red soup such as this Roasted Beet Soup with Crème Fraiche and Dill or this Fire Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Chickpeas!

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables. I love everything about it – from its beautiful purple color to the way it so kindly absorbs the favor of whatever I decide to pair it with. Usually that’s tomato sauce and cheese. Since the classic dish eggplant parmesan isn’t exactly healthy, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to cook this pretty vegetable.

When I found this recipe on 2008 IIN grad Amie Valpone’s blog The Healthy Apple, I was elated! Not only does she use eggplant, but she also incorporates some of my favorite flavors – paprika and balsamic vinegar. If you love eggplant like me, definitely give this recipe a try! And don’t be afraid to switch up the flavors by using your favorite spices!

Eggplant Fries

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup green tea, brewed and chilled
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1/3 tsp. sea salt
• 5 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
  

Sometimes sugar cravings can be hard to ignore. I know I crave chocolate when I’m really stressed or have a lot going on. Whatever your reason, we can all agree that there are certain times when our taste buds need a little something sweet.

Instead of giving in and scarfing down a chocolate bar, try to instead enjoy sweet treats that can satisfy the craving without sabotaging your diet or spiking your blood sugar. I love this Raw, Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe from the Healthy Blender Recipes blog. Not only is it packed with antioxidants, but I also like cacao powder and raw cacao nib. , It’s delicious and the perfect way to finish a meal! 

Now that the holidays have come and gone, I find myself craving warm, filling meals for dinner that are also on the lighter side. I’m still in detox mode from the holidays, but I need more than JUST vegetables. That’s why I’m so excited about this salmon recipe from Elana’s Kitchen.  It has just enough flavor and substance to satisfy my appetite without making me too full. Not to mention, it’s a quick and easy dish loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids that will definitely impress your dinner guests!

The holidays are a wonderful time of year. It’s the time to see loved ones, catch up, and reminisce. The only problem is the inevitable stuffed mushroom, glass of champagne or iced gingerbread cookie that seems to have taken up permanent residence in your hand.

Now that the holidays are behind us, what better way to kick off the New Year than with a nice big green smoothie? Your body will thank you! 

If your family is anything like mine, excitement is running high in your house today! Maybe you have small children, who have been up since 5 am, peering through the darkness to see what Santa left under the tree. Or maybe you have a house full of relatives and friends whom you haven’t seen in far too long. One thing is for sure, being surrounded by those you love calls for an extra special breakfast! These pumpkin pancakes will fill your home with the delicious scent of pumpkin pie and are sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

The holidays are notorious for heavy meals and sweet treats. This Pomegranate and Persimmon Salad from Brooklyn Supper is a great way to enjoy seasonal flavors without over-indulging in decadent foods. For more holiday recipe ideas, check out our list of 101 Holiday Recipes!