By Dr. Andrew Weil

Questions: What’s a Weil Thanksgiving Dinner?
Dr. Weil, I’m wondering what you serve for Thanksgiving dinner since you don’t eat poultry, beef or pork. Can you share a typical menu with us?

Answer (Published 11/9/2010):
I’ve found that it’s possible to have a delicious, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dinner without the turkey. Instead, I typically serve wild Alaskan salmon, either whole and baked or grilled. I eat salmon often, not only because it contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but because I love it. You can make a very festive presentation of salmon at Thanksgiving dinner that will make your guests quite happy.

Read the full post on A Weil Thanksgiving Dinner.

By Stacy Goldberg

Treat your taste buds and your heart tonight at dinner! Pork tenderloin is a great source of lean protein, and cherries are full of antioxidants and anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the risk for heart disease by decreasing inflammation and lowering cholesterol.

Serves 4 to 6

1-1/2-pound pork tenderloin [or 2 1-pound tenderloins]
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary needles, plus 2 sprigs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium, organic chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider [or 1/2 cup dry white wine]
1 cup organic, dried tart Michigan cherries

Read the full post on Roast Pork Tenderloin with Traverse City Cherries.

Wake up to the smell of autumn apples and cinnamon with this warm and delicious breakfast. Cinnamon and apples are packed with health-promoting antioxidants, and whole grain quinoa is full of fiber to keep you satisfied until lunch-time.

Original Recipe yields 3 servings

Ingredients
1 cup organic, whole grain, red quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1 apple – peeled, cored and diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon skim milk (optional)

Read the full post on Quinoa Porridge with Cinnamon Apples.

Did you know?
The average person gains as much as 7 pounds during November and December from eating too much and exercising less.

Steps to take
Make plans that keep you moving, not just sitting and snacking. Limit serving sizes. Limit alcohol.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can solid pack organic pumpkin puree
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Sage, divided
salt and ground pepper, to taste
8 extra wide (10 inch) whole wheat lasagna noodles (Hodgson Mills)
1 cup canned reduced sodium chicken broth
1 cup finely shredded Swiss chard

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 30 minutes – one hour

Read the full post on Pumpkin Walnut & Orange Ravioli.

Did you know?
Super sizing a fast food order gives a lot more food for a little extra money, but costs more in the long run as excess body fat.

Steps to take
Save money with healthy choices from the “extra value” menu, such as a small chili, a side salad with nonfat or low-fat dressing, etc.

Did you know?
Diets high in dietary fiber may help reduce the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and heartburn.

Steps to take
Choose whole-grain foods over white, enriched ones. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and beans.

Fats…we need a healthy amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in our diets. These healthy fats are vital for sound mental health, prevention of cardiovascular disease, lowering dietary cholesterol and making us feel very full and satisfied.

In a study at the University of Sheffield, people living a low fat lifestyle were found to be much more likely to get upset, angry, and have mood swings rather than those who included dietary fats in their diet.

Low-fat diets are linked to reduced levels of serotonin, the ‘feel good’ chemical that lifts your mood in times of emotional stress and despair.

Read the full post on Snack on Sunflower Seeds.

What’s the most dangerous meal of the day?

Dinner!

Am I being dramatic when I use the word “dangerous”? Not one single bit!

Why?

Unfortunately, most people make their biggest meal of the day also the last meal of the day which makes no sense to me or anyone else who’s trying to:

Read the full post on What’s the most dangerous meal of the day?.

• Lose weight
• Have better digestion
• Eliminate acid reflux (heartburn)
• Reduce congestion / snoring
• Get rid of gas, constipation, bloating
• Decrease water retention (resulting in swollen ankles and puffy eyes)
• Relieve tightness in the hands (feeling of arthritis that eases later in morning.

These are a great vegan cookie alternative…rich in heart healthy fats, high fiber and a tasty treat! Note: These bars are free from margarine or other hydrogenated oils. They are great breakfast bar alternatives, pre or post workout or to serve as a vegan dessert!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup macadamia nut butter
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 cupl brown sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
3/4 cup golden raisins

Read the full post on Vegan Macadamia Nut Bars Recipe.