Can food be poetry? Poetry is a way to capture something that is so difficult to do – explain human emotion in writing. Changing one word in a piece of poetry can alter the entire experience. And the same holds true in the creation of fine cuisine: changing one ingredient can brighten the dish or make the flavor clash in sour dissonance.

If you suffer from sinus pressure the way I do, then you know it’s a nagging winter affliction that you dread at the first snowfall. Sometimes, you feel like finding relief isn’t possible without some form of medication though I found out that you don’t necessarily have to resort to medicine for a reprieve.

Vanilla bean is a quintessential flavoring that has been prized for centuries by countless cultures for its complex creamy, yet sometimes spicy flavor. Find out more about its history, health benefits and quick and delicious uses for the vanilla bean.

Sweet, salty, and spicy, this pineapple salsa is a great way to dress up any plain jane dish. If you prefer more heat in your salsa, you can add one chopped jalapeño.

It might sound like a lofty, philosophic ideal, but I think Ahimsa is particularly pertinent right now, with our hurting economy, obesity and diabetes rates at an all time high, and a general sense of fear that I sense when I walk down the street. If we take a minute to practice Ahimsa, I can’t help but think the world would be a better more positive place.

Whenever my friend Bernadette and I spend time together, we always latch on to some obscure topic that usually ends up in a friendly dispute. This time, the topic turned to wine – read more about appreciating wine and if drinking wine is as good for your heart as they say.

Everyone is talking about the downside to “Fad Diets” in the media and why they can be so hard to follow. I’m so happy to see a real “anti-diet” spirit growing and a shift to living life through healthy eating and moderation. But let’s take a closer look at fad diets to really understand why they are so problematic.

Mystery surrounds the famous Saint Valentine who restored sight and hearing to the daughter of his jailer while imprisoned. His great act of spiritual love is commemorated with a modern celebration of romantic love, on Valentine’s Day next week.

Nut butters are great for making baked goods and sauces. I love the sweet mellow taste of cashews, but if cashew butter is not in your budget, replace it with peanut butter instead.
 

I’ve always believed that beautiful skin comes from two places, first heredity and second diet. So what if you’re prone to acne or dry skin? Can diet really make a difference? What about vitamin supplements? Is it possible to “overdose” on vitamins?

Everyone wants to eat delicious food and be healthy at the same time, right? And who wouldn't want to ditch the diets forever and start making simple, lifelong changes that keep you healthy, satisfied and in shape? I am proud to announce the launch of my first cookbook, a collection of 100 of America's favorite recipes made healthier and tastier!

Valentine's Day is a time to let loose and shower your loved ones with love and tempting treats. But just because you want to spoil them with delicious eats, it doesn't mean you have to spoil their New Year's resolution to eat better - download my free booklet to find out how...