One of the most common New Year resolutions is losing weight, especially since December involves so many family dinners, celebrations and parties. I'm not a fan of diets because I believe that changing habits permanently is the best way to lose weight and keep it off (not an easy task). However, there's a new trend in diets that I'd like to write about: the Dukan Diet.

One of the great things about living in Venezuela is the fact that you get fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. This is especially true when your mom has a big garden and a passion for farming. Among the many fruit and vegetable plants in her garden, the biggest one is her avocado tree. The season is beginning and we're already eating avocadoes every day. Soon it'll be an avocado overdose.

As some of you remember, I promised I would start answering your questions here in my blog, and I'm going to begin with this one:

"I've seen quite a few changes on how to control weight and it's starting to get confusing to me. First it was calories intake, then it was carbs, and now I keep hearing about acidic food and balancing the PH. What is all that?" 

Well, this break took a bit longer than I expected, but I was really trying to figure out what to do with this blog. I've been researching about what makes a blog successful and there's a consensus: the website must provide UNIQUE and VALUABLE content for the readers. Piece of cake, right? Not for me.

Trying to figure out an appropriate diet snack, I came out with a great solution: oatmeal cookies. Full of fiber, they sounded like a satisfying option to curb my sugar cravings. Considering this, I logged on to Foodbuzz and scanned several recipes until I found something I liked. And the winners are: apple oatmeal and peanut butter-chocolate oatmeal.

Is losing weight among your New Year Resolutions? If so, you're not alone. Many of us like to begin the year with goals regarding our health and looks. In addition, many of us ate more than usual during the Holidays, which translates into extra weight in January. Is this also your case?

As you already know, I make my own granola, in order to customize it to my taste and budget. Yesterday, I made about 2 kilos (over 4 pounds) for me, my family and some friends. This time I added walnuts, almond flakes, sesame seeds, raisins and homemade dried apples. Drying your own apples is very easy and it was an interesting experience. Sadly, it's only a bit cheaper than buying them at the supermarket, but at least I can be sure that no sugar was added. 

Have you ever tried ceviche? If you love fish and seafood, this Latin American dish is a must for you. Popular along the coast of Central and South America, this dish is basically fresh raw fish, marinated in spices and cooked in lime juice. Yes, I did say raw fish cooked in lime juice. Before you raise an eyebrow and dismiss the idea of ever trying it, let me explain you a bit about the chemistry of cooking without fire.

It's widely known that the usual recommendation for fruits and vegetables is 5 portions a day. We also know that fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other wonderful nutrients. However, do you know how big those portions are? What vegetables don't count? Well, I didn't, so research was mandatory. I can't actually increase my vegetable intake without knowing my portions, right?

My nephews, as many small children, are picky eaters. They can identify a vegetable quickly enough to run away from it before their parents notice they're gone from the table. Myself, I eat my vegetables because I HAVE to, not because I WANT to, and I've admitted before that I don't eat enough greens. How can this situation be reversed? With a bit of imagination, of course. Veggies in disguise!

 

If you've tried pesto sauce, you've probably fallen in love with its wonderful flavor and vibrant green color. Fresh homemade pesto, with superb basil aroma, will undoubtedly sweep you off your feet. But did you know that pesto offers nutritional benefits too? Read on!