We are celebrating National Fig Week on the first week of November. Fresh figs are usually in season from late summer through early fall, although dried figs are available all year round. Figs are sweet, succulent, and packed with fiber, calcium, potassium, iron and disease-fighting antioxidants. Four popular varieties of figs are grown here, in…

Foreword by Callie Brust, Nutrition & Wellness Educator for the San Diego Food Bank: The San Diego community is wonderfully diverse and the San Diego Food Bank is proud to serve many of these varying culture groups. With all these international influences, we get to learn and share amazing recipes! The San Diego Food Bank’s…

Bananas are always popular and can be found year round. This sweet, tropical fruit is packed with potassium, fiber and vitamin C. Bananas provide instant energy and are like whole food ‘cereal bars’ that are delicious, nutritious, economical and widely available. Here is a recipe for a quick, and easy banana bread. Recipe: Eggless Banana…

An apple a day may indeed keep the doctor away! Apples are packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Pectin in the fiber helps lower bad cholesterol levels and helps feel full longer. Antioxidants in apples help fight against certain cancers and may increase immunity. Apples do not contain sodium, fat or cholesterol, and are…

The food we eat is our fuel, our sustenance. Food can get spoiled, which makes it unappetizing, not as nutritious and even dangerous to our health. Consuming spoiled food can cause food-borne illnesses including food poisoning and botulism, which can be fatal. Older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with kidney disease, cancer, diabetes or…

It’s fall and school is in full swing. Growing children have additional nutritional needs to meet for growth, development apart from regular wear and tear and maintenance of body organs. It is important to send a variety of healthy, substantial and appetizing foods to school as kids spend at least half their waking time at…

September is Whole Grains Month! Whole grains are the entire seed of plants that contain three parts – the germ, bran and endosperm; whereas refined grains may not have 1 or more parts. For example, refined wheat flour is mostly made up of the endosperm. Whole grains are important dietary sources of fiber, B vitamins,…

We all need food as a source of nourishment to grow and stay healthy. Food also gives us energy to perform and play; and helps rebuild and repair injured tissue. So think about our Olympic Athletes. What do you think they’re eating? Nutritional needs can vary based on the type of sport being played and…

Recently, coconut oil has been hailed as a “wonder-oil” with many health benefits. It has been touted as a cure for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders, aiding weight loss, increasing immunity and fighting infections. Coconut oil contains about 44% lauric acid, which has been known to have some antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal…

The 2016 Olympic Games are about to begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And we are celebrating too – with feijoada, which is considered Brazil’s national dish. Feijoada is a delicious stew made with pork and black beans, served with rice and orange slices. This stew is traditionally served on Saturdays and is meant to…