I am often asked about the fat content of various foods and about the difference between the fat derived from calories and the total fat. It is really so valuable to be able to understand the information in the nutrition facts panel on food labels and how to avoid being fooled by them.

Determining the significance of the fat grams versus the calories from fat is not terribly complicated, if you know where to look. It’s important to pay attention to the serving size usually listed at the top of the nutrition facts and to keep that in mind when looking at the numbers.

You cannot compare foods without understanding the label and knowing the difference between calories from fat and total fat.  This key information will help you to determine whether a food is low fat or not. …read more of Finding The Hidden Fat on Food Labels here

It’s fun to watch ‘Extreme Couponing’ on The Learning Channel, but how many of us have the time, space or desire to create stockpiles of discounted groceries and thousands of coupons.

Maybe you would like to have some extra cash to do something fun. Certainly spending less would free up funds to pay some bills and you don’t have to look far for reasons to save money.

The key? Get organized and it will only take a little extra time to master saving at least half the amount you spend on groceries.

If you spend $600 a month on food, you could be a saving $3,600 a year!  And that is after-tax money.  That means you would have had to make about $5,000 before taxes to pay the $3,600 extra that you are unwittingly spending now. …read more of Frugal Pantry 101: Getting Started with Coupons here

It’s been a long day at work and the kids need so much help and love and you just want . . . some comfort food for dinner … something quick, but really satisfying.

There is a way to cook comforting, inexpensive, plant-based chowder – from scratch faster than it would take to have a pizza or Chinese food delivered.

Keep frozen veggies, shelf stable boxes of almond, soy, hemp or flax milk, onions, garlic and olive oil, you will always have the ingredients on hand.

Did you know that frozen vegetables are fully cooked?  Precooked and flash frozen, there is no need to steam or cook them to death.

To preserve optimal nutrition, take a bag of dinner veggies from the freezer in the morning and place it in the refrigerator to preserve nutritive value, while saving time and energy. …read more of Quick and Creamy Chowder, Plant-Based Comfort on a Cold Night here

Whether you are a longtime vegan, part-time vegetarian or health conscious cook accommodating guests, these plant-based dishes will fetch rave reviews. These dishes are low in fat, rich in antioxidants, entirely dairy and cholesterol free and can be made in advance.

Appetizers:

Great Pumpkin Soup

Artichoke Stuffed Portobellos

Chilled Asparagus Creamy Dill Dressing

Cold Sesame Noodles Schzewan

Entrees:

Enlightened Thanksgiving Roast

Shepherd’s Pie Caribbean

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing

Side Dishes:

Quinoa Paella

Kale, Portobellos Mushrooms and Slivered Almonds

Enlightened Hawaiian Baked Beans

Dessert:

Luscious Chocolate Pudding

Crispy Rice Treats

Marie Oser is a best-selling author, writer/producer and host of VegTV, Follow Marie on Facebook and Twitter

Photo Credit: Juan Carlo

Southwest Cookery is a zesty blend of Native American, Mexican and Spanish culinary styles with complex flavors that have been evolving for centuries. Often referred to as “Tex Mex” this home-style cuisine is evolving still to accommodate a more health conscious eater.

Fajitas originated on the Texas trails as a cowboy snack of grilled meat and vegetables wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Fajitas are a popular innovation for what is essentially a “make it yourself burrito” and our Fajitas have been enlightened for the health conscious cook.

These Zesty Fajitas are made hearty and healthy with chunks of seitan and potatoes Portobello mushrooms and fresh vegetables. …read more of Heart Healthy Zesty Fajitas here