Tag Archives: summer

Grill, Mastered!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

It’s finally summer, my favorite season! I love summer because of all the fresh foods, the outside gatherings, and of course, the warm weather. Unfortunately, it’s only early June, and I’m already tired of the fatty fare available at picnics. Well, the grill isn’t just for burgers anymore! Try something delightful and healthy at your next outdoor grilling event. Grilled fruits and veggies are an excellent and delicious way to add color, variety, and nutrients to any backyard bash. Ditch the potato salad and coleslaw and pop some festive veggie kabobs on the grill! You can use any vegetables you like, but seasonal, grillable options include peppers, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, and onions. Just brush them with olive oil and grill over medium heat, turning until tender and marked. But if you’re like me, you’re more interested in dessert! Try grilling Continue reading →

School’s Out for Summer

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

The school year officially ended Saturday. With so many seniors trekking out on their career paths, I spent countless hours conducting “exit interviews” to assess their knowledge, goals, and to say goodbye.  I’m sad to see so many leave, but I am excited to see how far they go! In one particular meeting, a student said to me, “I still remember the very first thing you taught me: Nobody ever got fat eating fruits and vegetables.” This is a direct quote and principle I teach again and again. If my students learned anything, I hope this was it! We all need an overall nutritious diet high in fruits and veggies for a better, healthier life. Not only can they help you maintain a healthful weight, but they are dense in nutrients and phytonutrients that help fight off a majority of Continue reading →

The Skinny on Weight Loss

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

Swimsuit season is fast approaching, and many of my students have come to me for help with weight loss. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity continue to be problems across America. The most prevalent setback I see in clients’ diet recalls and food journals is that they eat too many processed foods. Many of them have even tried fad diets, fasting, and pills. These approaches don’t work! The only weight loss method that truly works is to adopt a healthful lifestyle change. So how do you change your lifestyle? First, you have to want to change your lifestyle, not just for a quick weight loss, but for good. Secondly, you have to be patient; healthful fat loss takes time! Finally, you have to eat well and exercise. As it turns out, most people I’ve counseled are willing to do anything to lose Continue reading →

Grilled Pears

Brittany By on

It’s hot here. Really hot. Today’s forecast is a high of 97 degrees in Portland, and I have no air conditioning at home. Last night, as I was whining to my roommate about the heat in our kitchen, all I could think about was ice cream. And although I didn’t have any (but selflessly let her polish off our shared pint), today the perfect combination came to me. As soon as those Bartlett pears are picked in the next couple of weeks, I’m getting my hands on some and making this: It will be divine. Especially if I put a scoop of this on top. Ohhhh yes. Have you ever grilled fruit? What do you put on your grilled pears? Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Pearfect Summer Nights

Brittany By on

I’m back with more on the pear décor front, just in time to enjoy these sultry August nights. I’ve seen these elegant candles everywhere from Monterey, CA to Hood River, OR, and generous friends have thought of me when seeing them, too, as my mantel is currently graced with a trio of Vance Kitira “Timber Pears.” They’ve been lined up on a porcelain tray, white-seafoam-white, and while they’re a lovely centerpiece in themselves, I recently thought of a fitting way to fully enjoy them when I can’t enjoy the real thing—a Bosc or Concorde eaten fresh out of hand. Here’s the simple recipe: warm outdoor evening + pear candle + mason jar. It’s romantic, elegant, and easy. I’d love to gather all my closest friends on my backyard deck (sitting on my hypothetical patio furniture) with these dotting the railing Continue reading →

Don’t forget your pears!

Lynsey By on

We’re cleaning house around here, and this “vintage” poster from Mexico that I came across is a great reminder: don’t forget your pears!  The produce department at this time of year is full of summer fruits like peaches, cherries, and berries.  But you can still enjoy sweet, juicy USA Green Anjou pears, too – great things go great together!  Nothing says summer like a simple fruit salad: my personal favorite combination is Green Anjou Pears, bananas, grapes, white peaches, and raspberries.  Yum! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

The Pearfect Refreshment

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

My favorite meal of the week is undoubtedly Sunday brunch on the patio with dear friends and a delightful summer breeze. After a hard week of work and before the next one begins, who doesn’t like to indulge in a scrumptious meal and a brunch cocktail? So, I’m always on the lookout for a way to indulge without going overboard on calories. Recently, I had the pleasure to try a Pearllini at a friend’s house – a fresh take on the traditional Bellini. And it was simple! He peeled a fresh, ripe Anjou pear, blended it into a delightfully smooth consistency, gently poured in Prosecco, and garnished with a pear slice. Not only was it lovely, but I liked mine with a good dose of pear puree, cutting down on the alcohol calories while adding a refreshing dose of fruit! Continue reading →

Summer Sneakers

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

I used to weigh 75 pounds more than I now weigh. This weight loss was no easy feat, sometimes involving less than healthful behaviors, and indeed, I bounced up and down in pounds many times before settling at a healthy weight for me. I understand the struggles of weight loss and the sometimes even greater hurdles of weight maintenance; I still have days when I overindulge or skip the gym to watch TV. The difference is that most of the time, I feel too great to give up eating well and exercising! A mountain of personal and professional stress snuck up on me at the end of this school year. In the past, I would have blown off the gym and eaten whatever I wanted to satiate my anxiety – feeling worse than when the stress started! But instead of Continue reading →

Happy Birthday, MyPlate!

Brittany By on

It’s already been a year since Michelle Obama and the USDA revealed the MyPlate logo, which has helped thousands of Americans make healthier choices when grocery shopping, preparing meals, and eating. Thankfully, we went from the confusing, complicated MyPyramid (where’s the nutrition?) to the streamlined, easy-to-understand MyPlate. And just in time, too – statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show that more than 1/3 of American adults are obese, as well as 17% of all U.S. children and teens. It’s time we make healthier choices, for ourselves and future generations! So as MyPlate celebrates its first birthday, I thought I’d share some timely tips for keeping your party plates fresh, colorful, and healthy! See things in a new light! Even simple ingredients can be re-imagined in exciting new ways. Take my recent example: I had delicious roasted radishes in Continue reading →

Fire up the Grill with USA Pears

Brittany By on

That’s right, it’s National Barbecue Month! Here in the recently sunny Pacific Northwest, we’re pulling out all the stops to take advantage of the weather while we can. May feels like the start of summer around here this year—it’s a pear-fect time to fire up the grill! Remember, grilling doesn’t have to stop with sausages and shish kabobs. Like many other firm-fleshed fruits, pears are delicious when grilled, especially when topped with sweet or savory accompaniments like ice cream or cheese! Here’s a quick roundup of our delicious recipes for the barbecue (I recommend Anjou or Bosc pears): Grilled Pears with Currants Grilled Pears with Gorgonzola Brie, Walnuts, and Spicy Mustard Vinaigrette Grilled Pears Stuffed with Mascarpone and Bacon Get to grillin’! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn