Recently I’ve been asked by a number of people whether it’s okay to eat fruit. You know it’s relatively high in sugar; they’re worried about whether they should be eating a food that contains a lot of sugar. It’s fine. As long as the sugar is enclosed in a fiber matrix, and as long as you don’t already have a blood sugar problem (like uncontrolled diabetes), feel free to eat fruit. You can trust me when I say that apples and oranges are absolutely not what’s driving up our collective weight. The obesity epidemic is not being caused by fruit. Continue reading
Author Archives: Dr. Sukol
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: October Pumpkin Chili
This is one of those recipes that comes straight out of your pantry and right into the pot. It’s a perfect choice for when you haven’t had time to go shopping, but you’re still looking for something yummy and nourishing that sticks to your ribs. Continue reading
Get Ready for my TEDx Talk!
I’m thrilled to announce that I will be giving a TEDx talk at the end of this coming week!! I have been invited to speak this coming Friday on the subject of Real Food vs. Manufactured Calories, otherwise known as Your Health is on Your Plate! Yes, it’s really happening!
As if this weren’t exciting enough, in addition I had the opportunity to hear a few of the talks this past week at a rehearsal, and I must tell you that I was completely blown away by them! Not exaggerating. I cannot wait to hear the rest!!
If you would like to learn more, click here. Click here to find out about tickets. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Roasted Butternut Squash Extraordinaire
If I were to pick a single food that best embodied the fall season, it would definitely be squash. And if I were to consider how best to prepare that squash to make it taste as delicious as possible, showing off its very best qualities, then this is the recipe I would choose. I would definitely recommend that you give this recipe a shot! Now (speaking of shots), you should feel free to try it with or without the whiskey. In case you were wondering, the alcohol burns off with the cooking, leaving behind that little extra dimension of flavor. But if it doesn’t appeal, just skip it. Continue reading
Plant-Based Eating and the Esselstyns
I had the pleasure last week of hearing Dr. Caldwell and Anne Esselstyn speak on plant-based eating. Their strategy, which works beautifully for them, is to include among their food options only those items that belong to the macronutrient category I term “intact carbohydrates,” i.e., carbs with an intact fiber matrix. This is in contrast to “stripped carbs,” which have had their fiber matrix removed. Their diet is very similar to the vegan diet, with one major exception as enumerated below.
Intact carbs are rich in fiber, and consist of these four food categories: vegetables, beans, fruits and [whole] grains. In addition to fiber, a second major benefit of intact carbs is their color. No other food group contains fiber, and no other food group has such a tremendous variety of colors. Each color represents a different phytonutrient, so the more colorful your food, the more antioxidant power your diet will provide. All good. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Sweet Apple Breakfast Bowl
People are always asking me for new breakfast ideas, and I’ve listed more than a few in these blog entries. In this recipe, using an idea I had never seen before, the apples supply the moisture that allows the chia seeds to grow and supply texture, crunch and protein. Make yourself a Sweet Apple Bowl for breakfast, or put your meal into a small bowl with a tight lid, and take it to work for lunch. Continue reading
Trip to Napa
I had the pleasure and privilege to speak on my favorite topics at a medicine conference in Napa recently, and the week was filled with magic of all kinds. Here’s a little taste: Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Brown Rice, Carrots & Raisins
Some recipes are just more than the sum of their parts. This is one of those kinds of recipes. Make it in advance if that works better for your schedule, and just plan to save the almond sprinkling ’til it’s party time! Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Tomato Quinoa Risotto
The most important part of this beautiful dish is the gorgeous tomatoes. First find the tomatoes, and then organize the rest of your ingredients. The rest will all come together beautifully once the tomatoes are chosen.
Plan to make this recipe only if you’re going to be around to keep your eye on it. It’s a great choice for a small group of friends planning to spend the day together and looking for something special to make. It goes great with a mixed green salad and a glass of wine. Continue reading
Checkout Line Zen II
Today is a good day for thinking about mindfulness. This sweet little #mindfulness tip comes courtesy of my friend Diane, who works as a pediatrician. She is patience personified.
Here’s what she told me a couple of weeks ago: Continue reading