Healthy eating should never be complicated, but the huge numbers of “diets” that are available through various media suggest otherwise. Some diets suggest that if you are not eating according to your blood type you are not eating well. Others tell you that you have to eliminate all intakes of various food groups while even […]

So, you have been on the scale, tried on your skinny jeans, had your body fat and BMI measured and know that you need to lose weight.  As you surf the internet, you are confused as to which meal plan you really should be following. Some diets claim that carbs are bad, while others tout […]

I get many (many, many, many) questions regarding the nutritional content of various African foods and dishes. Fortunatley, the research on African nutrition is emerging and I am excited to share with you the nutritional content of some of the foods you may enjoy eating. I hope this helps. Cereals and Grains  (per 100g edible […]

The African continent boasts a wide variety dishes and tastes. Some dishes are the same amongst regions, some have variations while others are simply limited to single countries and areas. I asked a few of my favorite African food bloggers to share their favorite recipes and they delivered.  In today’s posting, I introduce you to 8 dishes you have […]

Next to the plate is a glass of milk to serve as a reminder to make sure that you include dairy products in your meal. Given the high rates of lactose intolerance (abdominal discomfort after eating some dairy products) amongst people of African descent, and the evidence suggesting that too much dairy intake may increase […]

The Recommendation: Make 1/4 of your plate from the protein group. When most people think of protein, they see visions of a nice piece of sizzling nyama choma (fire roasted meat). However, there is more to protein foods than our beloved Nyama Choma.  Some plant foods as well as other animal flesh and animal products all contribute […]

The Recommendation:  Make a quarter ( 1/4)  of your plate from the grain group. Grains are truly the staple of the African diet. From maize and sorghum to rice and teff, the continent boasts one of the world’s largest varieties of grains and it is not uncommon to hear people complain that they are not satisfied […]

Whenever my mother served us “dessert” this was one of the options she loved to make. Pawpaw (papaya) is the star of this salad and in addition to providing wonderful taste, it’s  rich yellow color indicates a high in carotene- antioxidants that help the body fight diseases.  In addition, pawpaw boasts high vitamin C, folate, magnesium and fiber content.  These […]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading of various food blogs and magazines lately. As the year comes to a close there is so much talk about “the best” of everything.  The best “ethnic” dishes, the healthiest cuisines, the tastiest foods ….you get the drift. As much as I have read, I have been quite […]

 The New Year is a few days away and before you embark on your resolutions I highly encourage you to watch one of my favorite motivational videos from http://www.ted.com, “Try Something New for 30 days” by Matt Cutts. It generally promotes what I, as a dietitian encourage my clients to do….JUST  START!  Habits are rarely formed overnight. So, as […]