Rapid inflation and a historic pandemic have been hard on everyone's bank account, but if there's one thing that stays constant no matter what your financial situation, it's that we all need to eat well! Luckily, lentils are a great option for those of us in search of budget-friendly meals that will still fill our…
Whether you are newer to scratch cooking, a lentil newbie, or just have more time on your hands lately to explore new recipes for yourself and your family, we have pulled together our list of back-to-basics lentil recipes. Think simple, easy, a short list of common ingredients, and basic techniques all resulting in delicious, healthful,…
Snacking is a regular meal period nowadays - to get us through our work days, fuel our workouts, and spark brain power. We have rounded up our favourite mindful snacking ideas to keep your snack routine healthful and, of course, delicious. Lentil & Roasted Pepper DipLentil, Corn & Black Bean SalsaLentil Energy BitesSmoky Eggplant DipPumpkin…
Delight your mom this May with a beautiful and fresh Mother’s Day feast all while enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather by taking your celebration outdoors. Embrace the season and enjoy these light and bright recipes al fresco in the crisp Spring air and sun on the back deck or patio. Mom will appreciate not only…
After a long day of work, school, or errands the last thing you have time for is a complicated recipe with lots of ingredients. We all love an exciting new recipe but there is a time and place for that sort of experimentation. You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients or a ton of…
Get organized and set yourself up for success when it's time for a meal or snack. We have three tips that will organize your life and simplify your weeks - PLUS a free printable fridge guide. Prep your pantry Lentils are your pantry’s new best friend. Dry lentils should be stored in airtight containers in your…
When the cold weather hits we tend to reach for hearty, comforting, bone-warming dishes. From robust soups, meaty stews, chilis, and more, we have pulled together our top recipes that keep us warm and soothed all season long. Grab a blanket, your slippers, and curl up with a bowl of one of these great comfort…
There is a chill in the air, leaves are turning, and our thoughts turn to warming dishes of soups, stews, and curries. This time of year also brings on busy days of school, work, and activities. Hearty dishes that can be prepped ahead and frozen for days with no prep time are super time savers…
September is here and that means back-to-school and packing or planning lunches is back to being top of mind. The school year is already stressful, but meals don’t have to be part of that. These simple recipes make for nutritious lunches, healthy snacks, quick or on-the-go breakfasts, and easy family meals that will take the…
Summer is officially here which means the arrival of backyard potluck season! Whether a pool party, friends’ barbecue, neighborhood block party, or family reunion it seems like every weekend is an opportunity for someone to play host. This also means you likely have been tasked with bringing some sort of side dish to complement the…
The warm weather is finally here to stay which means it is time to start hosting and attending backyard parties and embracing grilling season. Summer is a time for colourful dishes and socializing with friends over great food. This summer, embrace light and fresh recipes incorporating seasonal produce and try out how plant-based proteins like…
For most, meal prep and getting organized in the kitchen is usually focused around lunch and dinner meals and breakfast is often overlooked. The most important meal of the day, breakfast shouldn’t be an afterthought, but it also doesn’t need to be difficult. Whether you are trying to feed a hungry family during the morning…
Meals served in bowls are trending across the food world, and we are loving the craze! Not only do bowls present an easier way to eat and combine ingredients and flavours, but they also pack in a ton of healthy elements. Protein-packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients – customizable to your liking! Bowls are a healthy…
As we welcome in a New Year, many look to make healthful eating resolutions. We may also be digging out from a holiday season that rewarded us with new kitchen tools or equipment. Whatever the situation, most are eager to find new and time-saving ways to eat delicious and healthy food and prepare quick and…
Is your calendar filled with holiday parties and get-togethers? Or are you just scrambling for last-minute gifts and goodies for friends, family, or the office? We love the idea of giving the gift of delicious food. Bundled up with a bow – ingredients, food, and baking can make thoughtful and beautiful gifts for anyone on…
‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry! Get ready for the holiday party and entertaining season with easy, time-saving, and make-ahead recipes that will solve your meal planning dilemmas. Whether you are hosting friends and family, attending a cocktail party, or the office potluck – we have simple recipe solutions for your next…
It is that time of year – time to come together with family and friends around the dinner table to share meals. Thanksgiving and the holidays can be a stressful time, preparing food for large and diverse groups of people. Lentils pair wonderfully with the flavours of the season like sage, thyme, and maple, and…
If you are like most people at this time of year, you are likely overflowing with root vegetables and summer squashes. Luckily, lentils pair wonderfully with the hearty vegetables that come into season in the late summer and early fall. We have compiled all of our favourite recipes using the vegetables of the season including…
August is known for its long summer days and scorching weather in Canada. It’s also a time when families go on road trips during the provincial holiday long weekend. But did you know that there are actually many national food days to celebrate in August? I have chosen a few interesting food days to share…
Vegetarian and grilling don’t need to be an oxymoron. Whether you wish to go meatless once in a while, or have vegetarian guests coming to your BBQ party, there are delicious ways of preparing meatless dishes that are tasty and wholesome. Main Dish Burgers A juicy burger is one of the summer’s favourites. Going meatless…
As the school year draws to an end, it’s important to keep kids focused so that they can finish the year strong. What you eat can influence your brain’s ability to stay sharp. In fact, not only to help you stay sharp and alert, some food may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease! Here are some…
In honour of Florence Nightingale, Canada has been celebrating her birthday on May 12 for more than 30 years. This year, why not join community health organizations and public health units in celebrating Canada Health Day by eating healthier at home! What Are Superfoods? How can we eat healthier at home? One very easy way…
April 22 is Earth Day. What better way to help celebrate Earth Day this year than to try and eat more local, sustainable and lower carbon foods! Here are some simple tips to do all of the above. Going Local for Grocery If you have never visited a farmer’s market before, then you have to…
March is Nutrition Month! And this year’s theme is Make Small Changes, One Meal at a Time. The theme is indeed timely! Many of us made healthy eating resolutions in January, and by February, some of us have already forgotten about them, or have given up all together. Overwhelming, drastic changes are hard to stick…
It’s time for the ultimate red month again, not just for Valentine’s Day, but also for Heart Month celebrations across the country. Not only can red foods decorate your dish with vibrancy, they also deliver impressive nutrients and antioxidants that you can’t find anywhere else. 6 Red Superfoods To Enjoy: Beets The unglamorous rough peel…
The New Year is a perfect time to reflect on the changes we need to make. And for most people, healthy eating often makes the top 3 resolutions. However, after a few weeks, most of us may not be able to stick with it. With all the best intentions for good health, our diet resolutions…
The holidays are meant to be a joyful time of celebration with family and friends. But often, all that celebrating – and the work it entails behind the scenes – can lead to some serious holiday stress. From house guests and parties to shopping and cooking, the holidays can serve up a jumbo portion of…
The month of November means the beginning of flu season. The cold and flu bugs are ready to tear their way through offices and schools, leaving you and your family sniffly, sick, grumpy, and achy all over. And good nutrition is particularly important during this time of the year. When it’s dark and cold, it…
It’s that time of year again when families celebrate Thanksgiving with a food fest. A traditional roasted turkey, along with seasonal pumpkin and cranberries are no doubt a party favourite. After a night of family reunion, a full-fridge of leftovers may need some creativity to shine yet one more time. Here are some healthy ideas…
As the summer holidays begin to fade away and the new school year is about to begin, what to pack for school lunches and after-school snacks is once again on our minds. A trip to the supermarket will be bombarded with snacks with colorful cartoon characters marketed to kids - and their parents. Most of…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD After a satisfying session of exercise, eating a post-workout snack makes sense. It helps replenish glycogen storage and blood sugar used up during your work. It also helps a strength training athlete to repair muscle damage, and an endurance athlete to improve stamina. However, does everyone need…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Now that kids are back in school, easy meal preparations are back on the table. Lentils are becoming the staple of many Canadian families over the past year. It just makes so much sense that we are welcoming this super food onto our dining tables. More and…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD It’s June, and that means summer produce is starting to come into season. In fact, it’s National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, so what better time to think about adding more fruits and vegetables to our diet? With the number of fresh, seasonal choices getting larger and…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD The holiday season is often the time when some people put on weight. It can mean 1 to 2 pounds or even more. This year, you can completely skip the weight gain portion and still choose to eat all the goodies that make the holiday season joyous…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Barbecue season is here! If you’re like me, you can’t wait to open up the barbecue and start cooking outside. You probably know that it’s important to ensure your barbecue and propane tank are operating safely, but did you know that it’s also important to implement some…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD In most homes, there’s one person in charge of the barbecue. Truthfully, it’s usually a man. Whether you’re a woman who’s always left the outdoor cooking to the man of the house, or you’re just someone who’s new to the art of cooking with fire, the five…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD November is here. With shorter daylight hours and more rain in many parts of the country, our mood can be affected. In addition to trying to get outside more and be active, some simple diet changes can help you curb Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Diet Strategies to…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Have you ever noticed that there’s a new product every time you shop for sugar at the grocery store? With kids out of school and summer time days off, many of us are cooking and baking more at home. Why not explore various sugar this summer with…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Best Snacks for a Good Night's Sleep Spring is upon us and now is the perfect time to think about the quantity and quality of your sleep. Odds are, you're not getting enough. Most Canadians get far less than the recommended 7-9 hours a night, and that…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD 8 Foods to Lower Blood Pressure This Heart Month February is Heart Month and is a great time to lower your blood pressure. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that 22% of Canadian adults are living with high blood pressure. Given that 17% of these individuals…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Eating well at work can be challenging, say 45% of Canadians according to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos Reid. Often times, we do prepare a lunch box to bring to the workplace and ensure it’s healthy and wholesome. However, the afternoon snack time is when we…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD Planning a Father's Day barbecue party? But what if your dad needs a gluten-free way to enjoy his burger? Here are some simple ideas that do not require being a gluten-free expert. Simple Gluten-Free Burger Ideas for Dad 1. Make a gluten-free burger patty from scratch Store-bought…
Just like any meal, a well-balanced snack should also contain some protein-rich food. Most of us pay attention to cooking a well-balanced meal. But we don't pay as much attention when it comes to preparing snacks. Just like any meal, a well-balanced snack should also contain some protein-rich food. Why is protein so important? Not…
You probably don’t think of lentils as being a regular breakfast food. But you might want to start! A new study from researchers at Carleton University, published online in advance of the January 2013 issue of a scientific journal LWT – Food Science and Technology, found that the antioxidant properties of lentils may enhance the…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD With January rolling in, New Year resolutions are once again everyone’s hot topic. The good news is, eating healthy is often in the top 3 resolutions. The bad news is, by February, most people have forgotten about it, or couldn’t stick to it and hence have given…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition of wearing pink, eat these foods that help promote good breast health. Top 5 Foods For Good Breast Health: 1. Cruciferous Veggies Broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens all belong to this group. In addition to being high in…
May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Whether it’s a necessity or by choice, going gluten-free can be an adventure for you and your family! For many, finding tasty gluten-free snacks is a challenge. Many commercial snacks are high in carbs or sugar but low in nutritional values. So ignite your inner foodie by exploring gluten-free…
November is Diabetes Month in Canada, and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. That means it’s a great time to talk about how a diet rich in legumes – including lentils – can help regulate blood sugar and improve glycemic control, both important factors in managing type 2 diabetes. It’s been known for some time…
For those with celiac disease, gluten-free eating is a requirement. But many others are exploring the gluten-free lifestyle these days, for various health and diet reasons. When you first make the switch to a gluten-free diet, it can be a bit tricky to know how to stock and set up your kitchen. Here are five…
Because they are so wonderful in warm, hearty dishes, we sometimes forget about lentils in the warm summer months. But lentils are an excellent way of adding protein to the wide variety of summer produce currently available in grocery stores and at farmers’ markets. When choosing your produce, it’s important to aim for a wide…
Written by Canadian Lentils Dietitian Gloria Tsang, RD August is here! That means one more month of family time before the kids go back to school. It also means many families are running out of ideas for activities to keep the kids entertained. One great way to keep the kids occupied – while also teaching…
