We as humans are eating sugar in everything from smoothies to breads to even salads. Why not try to control your sugar as much as possible with one little fruit?
Over the past two yrs I have been working frequently with dates, date sugar and date nectur. This amazing fruit works very well in my baking, sweeten oatmeals, savory dishes like BBQ, Asian, even in Paleo ketchup and steak sauces. 
Making your date nectur syrup is simple. Just simmer dates in a water, cool, blend in your Vitamix and strain. As easy as that. Have no time, try: D'Vash necturs They make incredible natural organic  sweetners guaranteed to fit into your diet. See attached link address: 
For baking purposes, granulated date sugar has a 1:1 ratio to regular sugar.
Why dates? The sugar content is 1/3 less than honey. The higher fiber aids in blocking sugar content from absorption a huge benefit for people who suffer from blood sugar issues. Also not made by bees so falls into a Vegan as well as Paleo and the Whole30 diet. As well as, ounce by ounce more potassium than bananas!!!

According to Dr. Axe, yes it is!  So let’s take a look at why. What are the 7 benefits of eating Feta cheese?
 
It protects against cancer…It’s a rich source of Calcium and combined with vitamin D this helps protect the body against various types of cancer.  The protein 
alpha-lactalbumin can be found in Feta and when it binds to calcium and zinc ions, it has been suggested to have antibacterial and antitumor properties.
 
Supports bone health…We all know that calcium supports your bones but milk can hurt your bones.  Instead, find other high-calcium foods, like feta.
 
Boosts your immune system…Histidine, is another protein found in feta cheese.  When Histidine is combined with vitamin B6 (also in feta) it becomes a molecular process to become histamine.  That compound is part of the inflammatory process.  A small degree of inflammation is what allows your immune system to fight disease.
 

​Touch your tongue to the top of your mouth. What you're touching is your palate.  We are born with more than 10,000 taste buds that send receptors to the brain that detect when you are eating.  Most taste receptors are on the tongue.  Your sense of taste can range anywhere from the simplest foods to the most intense flavors such as Caviar.  My favorite is Caviar and Champagne!  Caviar is Roe from Wild Sturgeon which are Beluga and Ossetra.  I top my Lobster Rolls with it.  Delicious!
I consider myself having a sophisticated palate.  I love a variety of foods with intense flavors.  Pleasing my palate satisfies my soul and I tend to find it hard to lose weight at times because I want more.  The key here is moderation and it only takes a little bit to satisfy your craving if you take the time to chew and taste your food.  Cleansing your Palate with sorbet before the next course can really make flavors more intense also.  Try adding in beverages such as wine, beer and spirits to the menu.  They enhance the flavors on your palate.  I often do food tastings that are not only eye pleasing but also pleasing to the Palate.  It is very important to carefully choose ingredients of high quality and taste.  Some of these high quality priced items are Truffles, Foie Gras, Kobe Beef, Caviar & various healthy oils.  In France “Amuse Bouche” which refers to “a single bite sized hors d’oeuvre” are just enough the palate.  As a Chef it is my job to create something beautiful to the eye yet pleasing to the Palate!

I recently read an article about how good hemp seeds are for you and how they’ve gotten a bad rap because of their botanical relationship to medicinal varieties of cannabis. Hemp contains a small amount of TETRAHYDROCANNABINOIDS (THC)  It has been researched extensively and science shows when it’s not smoked it can have substantial health benefits with almost no side effects.
The 7 benefits of Hemp seeds:
 
Rich in GLA-researchers have discovered that GLA supplementation is necessary for proper hormone health and can help greatly with PMS symptoms.
Arthritis and Joint Pain-researchers have concluded that hemp seed oil has anti-arthritic effects, which can help patients suffering from its symptoms.
Weight Loss-Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant and can help you feel full longer and reduce sugar cravings.  It’s recommended that adding 4 TB to your breakfast will help curb excess hunger the entire day.  This is because of all the fiber they have.
Digestive Health-High in insoluble and soluble fiber, hemp seeds provide more than enough bulk to keep your gastrointestinal system regular and feeds the probiotics in your gut to help secure a robust immune system. This means it can relieve constipation naturally.
Hair, Skin and Nails-the Oil in hemp seeds penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell growth.  Since hemp seed oil is also good for skin disorders, such as psoriasis, and eczema, it’s a good ida to eat at least a couple tablespoons everyday to maximize these benefits.
Cancer-Because of its perfect fatty acid profile of omega-3 fats and GLA, hemp seed helps naturally balance inflammation levels and strengthen the immune system.
HEART HEALTH-Some of the key ingredients in building a healthy heart include fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats and eating less sugar. Hemp seeds help in doing all of those things. 
 
I’m sure looking forward to implementing hemp seeds into my morning routine after reading about how healthy they are.  I know I could use all of these benefits!
 
 More ways to enjoy hemp seeds:

• Cut an avocado in half, sprinkle hemp seeds and pink salt - enjoy!
• Add hemp seeds to your morning smoothie and give your smooth some "chew"
• Mix hemp seeds into raw cacao+date+nut butter balls
• Sprinkle hemp seeds on top of muffins

I love reading about food, health and wellness on line and came across this great article on one my favorite websites.  Our Whole Health Everyday logo is front and center for the #1 produce item to buy in October!   It is the season of WHE!  

Seasonal Produce Guide: What to Buy in October -  Martha StewartFrom hardy greens to all kinds of squash, here's what we’re relying on in the kitchen this month.
Read more

There are so many choices on the market for alternative milk these days. Soy, almond, coconut, hemp, rice… I have tried them all, with varying degrees of success. Recently, I started a diet that is heavier in healthy fats and low in carbs, so I was looking for a milk substitute that fit macronutrient profile. I discovered one that I had not seen before at my local Gilson’s, a product called Milkadamia. Milkadamia, as the name suggests is made from the fat –rich macadamia nut. It is made in Australia from raw, sustainably harvested macadamia nuts. It has 50% more calcium than regular cow’s milk, is carrageenan free, at 5 grams fat, 1 gram carbs and 1 gram fiber per 8 oz. serving, is perfect for all my low carbs breakfast smoothies. Surprisingly, as whole macadamia nuts are often very pricy, Milkadamia is fairly un expensive, around the same price or less as some brands of almond milk. So, if you are ready to switch up your milk or nut milk game, give Milkadamia a try! If you want my smoothie recipe please comment below! 

Fall is here and with the weather getting colder!
Foods I incorporate into my meals so I stay healthy all season long are pumpkins, squash, and zucchini.
Adding foods like pumpkin, squash, and zucchini can also help the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and promote a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and overall lower weight!
There are many creative ways pumpkin and squash can be incorporated into meals and even as a substitute for butter.  Comment below and ask for a special recipe from Chef Kristen!
So to reduce heart disease, gut issues, inflammation, bloat, and sugar cravings, eating one of these sources is essential to keep up when the sun isn’t out to give you your daily dose of sunshine. 

I'm obsessed!
Kampachi Vs. Kanpachi:
(AKA Hamachi) Fresh in season, sustain-ably farmed in Hawaii ocean- NO hormones, Antibiotics - perfect for Sashimi, Poke, Ceviche, or lightly seared served w/ a citrus Vinaigrette, maybe sesame.
little buttery-not as buttery as sea bass, black Cod/Butter fish. Very Mild.
They are basically the same fish...yellowtail. Kampachi has taken fashion as yellowtail from Hawaii. Japanese yellowtail is often referred to as Kanpachi, and local yellowtail can be referred to as Amberjack. Confusing!
Kampachi = Hawaiian yellowtail
Kanpachi = yellowtail (variations for region & age)
Amberjack = variation of yellowtail
Bottom line: It's all pretty tasty at your favorite sushi place!
Now Hamachi is Extremely OVER fished from Japan-Amazing tasting fish but best to do your part to keep what we have in ocean to build it back up.
Fresh Kanpachi at Pavilions and Santa Monica Seafood Counter.
Stand back Ahi, Cuz Kanpachi is Seriously one of the best tasting Pokes' Ive had in a long time.

I recently met Davide , The Balsamic Guy and he shared his amazing real balsamic.  
There are many balsamic vinegars on the market but only ones made in Modena Italy are the real deal!  Take a moment to listen to this video and view the website. Once you try a real balsamic you will never buy the imitation stuff again! 
​
http://www.thebalsamicguy.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycdkhO-QEUU&t=1s