Since satsumas are in season, add some orange slices to your favorite fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese for a healthy snack rich in calcium, vitamin C and fiber.
Note that a serving of fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese is 1/4 cup, which is equivalent to one very lean meat allowance.   A 4-oz satsuma is equivalent to one fruit allowance, which contains 60 calories.

One of the sweetest citrus varieties, satsumas are best from October to December.

Satsumas belong to the mandarin orange family, which also includes tangerines and clementines.  They are a Japanese variety that were first introduced to the United States in Florida.  Today most American satsumas are grown in California and some in coastal Louisiana and Alabama.
Fresh satsumas are those with firm and tight peels, with no dented spots, and with bright green twigs and leaves still attached.   They will keep at room temperature for several days and a week or more …

Butternut squash is in season!

Being low in fat and high in fiber makes butternut squash exceptionally heart-healthy. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin A and vitamin B6 and a very good source of potassium, manganese as well as vitamin C.
Its deep orange color indicates that it is rich in nutrients known as carotenoids, shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.  It is particularly rich in beta-carotene, which the body quickly converts to vitamin A.  Because of its high antioxidant content, butternut squash has anti-inflammatory properties that …

We frequently recommend a high fiber cereal to start the day off right.  There are many selections in markets today but don’t be confused by all of the “marketing claims.”  Just because a box or label says “made with whole grain” or “healthy” doesn’t make it so.  Of course whole grains are recommended, but many cereals marketed as healthy fail to meet these three goals for a healthy high fiber cereal.
Look for the following in each serving as a good guide:

Total Fat : less than 2g per serving
Fiber : more …