Menu for Great Health – Chef Tom Castrigno

Shoppers in the grocery aisles are questioning more and more where the food they are purchasing is coming from, how it was grown or produced, and in some cases, were the animals used raised healthfully and compassionately.  They’re asking what it means if something is labeled organic?  Why is some milk marketed as hormone free?  Farmers, who produce the food, … Read more about this episode...

Four ingredients or less that is! Are you tired of recipes that call for ingredients you don’t have on hand or worse don’t even know where to get? Maybe it’s just a matter of time it takes to dig everything out and get it all prepped and measured. So how tasty can a dish be that only calls for four … Read more about this episode...

Do you really need to have your own Guru? We have all thrown the term around. Typically we take it to mean an “expert”. Well, if we consider a Guru as someone with certain experience to share, then that definition is pretty much on the mark. After all the root of the two words is the same. So what can … Read more about this episode...

If you ever felt you would like to have more positive experiences in your life and stimulate your own creativity, you can start by focusing on feeling happier. Haven’t you noticed how good things happen to you when you are feeling happy? Ever notice how when you start complaining you turn into a “crap magnet” and end up with more … Read more about this episode...

For some people, having a work schedule that dominates their life is a badge of honor. Our culture praises over-working. Too often, we pay with our health. Many of us want to embrace healthy habits but feel so overwhelmed that we just fall back into old patterns. When life becomes fast paced, it can seem daunting to do anything but … Read more about this episode...

The Huffington Post says 47% of us experience some type of chronic pain. From fibromyalgia to back pain, IBS, or migraines, recurring symptoms can make life, well, painful! It doesn’t have to be that way and you can get rid of chronic pain in as fast as 90 days. Most chronic pain is caused by inflammation. Certain substances in food … Read more about this episode...

Ready to make those lifestyle changes you’ve been talking about? Maybe take a little more time for yourself with Yoga, perhaps? You’ve heard so much about it, but not so sure you’re flexible enough? If you have ever thought you couldn’t “do” Yoga, think again. More important than how far into a yoga pose you can go, is using proper … Read more about this episode...

Where did your eating habits come from? Your parents? The food you were served in school? Do you let restaurants influence what you think is a reasonable meal? Often we have habits we wish to change, but the obstacles of everyday life jump in the way. You’re sitting down to a great meal with friends, connecting with a great conversaton, … Read more about this episode...

Of course we all understand how a stressful experience can put us in anxious mood. A tough day at work or an argument with a spouse are typical examples. But what about the daily life stresses that we might take for granted? How do they impact our bodies electrical system and what affect does that have on long term health?… Read more about this episode...

If Homeopathy could be summed up in one phrase, it would be “Like Cures Like”. Rather than battle a symptom or health issue, Homeopathic remedies work in harmony with it to bring relief. The goal is to balance the body from within. There are a range of remedies that can treat both acute and chronic disease. Many of us are … Read more about this episode...

When our thyroid is weakened, it can set off a whole series of imbalances. Aside from leading to weight gain, other symptoms can include foggy brain or memory, feeling down for no reason, or chronic fatigue. The thyroid produces hormones that are responsible for our metabolic processes. This means it is the root of many different chemical reactions that need … Read more about this episode...

If you are pressed for time and still want to prepare wholesome, satisfying, and healthy meals then listen up! Today’s pressure cookers are easy and safe to use. The best part is you can cook fabulous tasting food in only 1/3 of the time of traditional cooking methods. Meet the second generation of pressure cookers. Save time, save energy, and … Read more about this episode...

Sometimes, no matter how carefully we choose the foods we eat, there are still some nutritional gaps. These can lead to poor sleep, dry skin or hair, or cracking nails. You might notice your body being slow to recover from injury. These subtle signals are signs that we are missing a few key nutrients. Magnesium and gaba are two nutrients … Read more about this episode...

I don’t know about you, but when my blood sugar drops I go from Mr. Nice Guy to Mr. Mean Man in a matter of minutes. I sometimes say things I regret or have trouble seeing things clearly enough to make sound decisions. Fluctuations in blood sugar level can have far greater consequences than just getting cranky or feeling tired. … Read more about this episode...

Do you feel stiff or sore every time the weather changes? Maybe you experience joint pain or “tennis elbow”? An even far more serious concern might be developing rheumatoid arthritis or perhaps heart disease. Each of these conditions can be the result of inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation itself may not be especially noticeable. But the effects of it can … Read more about this episode...

Everyone has days when their belly is just little bit “off”, right? Must have just been something you ate… It doesn’t have to be that way. After all, you’re eating a balanced diet of whole foods, getting exercise each week, and doing all the right things. If you are experiencing symptoms such as bloating or gas, acid reflux, or even … Read more about this episode...

Are you puzzled about just how to add more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet? Do you find it a challenge to get the five servings of fruits and vegetables each day that US RDA recommends?  Brightly colored vegetables are packed with the nutrients and minerals that keep us full of energy, healthy and strong. Eating more vegetables can … Read more about this episode...

It’s late afternoon, your feeling a slump in energy and decide a little snack will help pick you up.  That hummus and crackers you packed this morning be a big help about now. But those Oreo cookies in the vending machine are pulling you down the hall. Sometimes we know the better choice for ourselves but we just can’t seem … Read more about this episode...

When it comes to a holistic approaches to wellness, it can be said that all of them stem from one. Ayuervedic philosophy originated over 3500 years ago in India. What can such ancient wisdom teach us in today’s world? In a word, Ayuerveda can teach us balance. By understanding our predominate type, or Dosha, we can begin to recognize when … Read more about this episode...

Yoga is very popular as a fitness program here in the west; classes are filled with perky young women bending themselves into pretzels. If you have ever thought you couldn’t “do” Yoga, think again. More important than how far into a yoga pose you can go, is using proper form. It really doesn’t matter what the person next to you … Read more about this episode...

Symptoms are our body’s way of getting our attention. From feeling bloated to having a headache to a full blown fever, there is a bigger underlying message. It’s easy to dismiss these symptoms as having eaten too much or loud noises. But the fact is there is always an underlying cause for theses things. Does your stomach go into knots … Read more about this episode...

Life on a country farm conjures up a romantic image; quaint red barn, peaceful animals in the yard, fields of crops in the sun, right? Close, but not quite. Add in lots of hard work an long days and you’ll have a more accurate description. One thing is for sure, there is an abundance of fresh, wholesome food. Stop to … Read more about this episode...

How would it be if you could listen to your own intuition and follow your inner guidance when making food choices? Ask yourself, what is your frame of mind towards food? Do you worship food or are you afraid of it? Are you feeling restricted by what others say you are supposed to eat? Maybe even shameful if you find … Read more about this episode...

Meal time comes and you think, “I am so tired and this is going to take so long.” How would it feel to know you have everything you need to make time in the kitchen go smoothly and relaxing? The skills, the supplies, and even a plan! Basic skills like handling a chef knife comfortably can be a huge time … Read more about this episode...

Where did your eating habits come from? Your parents? The food you were served in school? Do you let restaurants influence what you think is a reasonable meal? Often we have habits we wish to change, but the obstacles of everyday life jump in the way. You’re sitting down to a great meal with friends, connecting with a great conversaton, … Read more about this episode...

You are eating a healthy balanced diet with lots of green vegetables and colorful fruits. Even choosing organics where it matters most. Avoiding processed foods and fast foods. Do you really need to spend money on supplements? In today’s world, our soils are worn out, meaning even whole food lacks the nutrition it once had. Our lifestyles are more stressful … Read more about this episode...

It seems like something from a science fiction movie. A sealed chamber, hissing and steaming … then surprise! Out comes fabulous tasting food in only 1/3 of the time of  traditional cooking methods. Meet the second generation of pressure cookers.   Save time, save energy, and prepare healthy, vibrant meals in minutes. Pressure cooking is ideal for soups, risotto dishes, meat … Read more about this episode...

So you want to be physically active AND be a vegetarian? No problem! These two healthy lifestyles can go hand in hand. Finding alternative sources of protein to support your body is one thing. Finding delicious, creative ways to get them into your diet can be another. From beans to grains to nuts, there are a surprising number of great … Read more about this episode...

One way to avoid GMO’s is to grow your own food! Homegrown vegetables taste fantastic, are easy to grow, and put you in control of what goes on your table. How cool would it be to walk into your yard and harvest food every day? From a few simple containers to turning a corner of your yard into a garden, … Read more about this episode...

Many of us remember crockpot meals as heavy concoctions of canned vegetables. Runny food that all tastes the same. Well not any more! Dust off your crockpot and get ready to explore today’s style of using fresh whole foods to create fantastic dishes from soups to desserts. Wouldn’t it be great to come home to healthy, delicious meal that’s been … Read more about this episode...

How many times have you looked for help with a health issue and been told to go buy a medication of some sort? You stare at the label, cringing at the list of possible side effects, not to mention the price tag. What if issues such as digestion and bone health could be supported by the foods we eat on … Read more about this episode...

Your walking through the bulk aisle looking at bins full of grains with names like Amaranth, Millet, or Quinoa. Surely if the store sells these things, somebody is eating them. But what are these grains and how do you cook them? Whole grains are a healthy addition to a balanced diet. They taste delicious, offer lots of nutrition, and are … Read more about this episode...

After a long day, you head for bed eager to go to sleep. But you just can’t seem to turn your mind off. Maybe your anxious about tomorrow or replaying what you should have done or said today. The longer you lie awake, the more anxious you get. Over 25% of us have difficulty getting the sleep we need. As … Read more about this episode...

Today’s fast pace of life can be a big obstacle to having healthy choices available. Wether it’s another day at the job or traveling for work, advance planning is the key. Do you fall into the “eat what I can, whenever I can” category? Does your digestion suffer because of stress? How would it be to fall in to the … Read more about this episode...

What does nutritious eating mean to the new generation? Are they living on energy drinks and mall food? Do health issues like heart disease and diabeties even show up on their radar? We were all young and infallible once, remember? Were you as concerned then about long term health issues as you are now? Did you simply tune out when … Read more about this episode...

Life is what we make it, right? Why not choose to make it a fun and happy experience? Maybe you know someone who is upbeat and bubbly all the time. What gives? Are they really that happy or is it just a front? You don’t have to be “falsely cheerful” to live the life you want. Happiness is a choice … Read more about this episode...

So now your cooking terrific healthy meals each week and you are ready to make them really shine. Maybe you have heard about some other techniques for cooking or special ingredients that might give your meals a gourmet flair. You don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or visit some fancy boutique food shop. With just … Read more about this episode...

Abundance is a state of mind. Ask yourself, what is your frame of mind towards food? Do you worship food or are you afraid of it? Are you feeling restricted by what others say you are supposed to eat? Maybe even shameful if you find it difficult to follow that advice? How would it be if you could listen to … Read more about this episode...

We all do it. Whether we’re feeling sad or feeling glad, we reach for certain foods based on our mood. From anger to boredom, to sadness, emotional eating stems from unexpressed emotions. Unfortunately these episodes often leave us feeling worse than before. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a more effective way to handle these situations? This week we … Read more about this episode...

Tired of energy bars filled with soy protein and other highly processed ingredients? Have trouble finding bars free from allergens like wheat, dairy, or nuts? It’s about time for snacks made from sophisticated foods like quinoa and chia. The wait is over! They say necessity is the mother of invention. In this case it took a real Mom to invent … Read more about this episode...

Can you handle the truth about our nations industrial scale GMO farming? Ready to hear about the dark side of personal care products? Do you want to speak out but feel “that’s just the way it is?” Find out how we can easily make our voices heard by decision makers at those multi-national corporations. You don’t have to chain yourself … Read more about this episode...

Have you ever wondered why some foods like salty or sweet ones are so hard to resist? Do you wish you could “Just Say No” to foods that you know are poor choices? And what about all this talk about food intolerances and allergies? Is it true that we crave foods we are allergic to? Is going Gluten Free really … Read more about this episode...

So now your cooking terrific healthy meals each week and you are ready to make them really shine. Maybe you have heard about some other techniques for cooking or special ingredients that might give your meals a gourmet flair. You don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or visit some fancy boutique food shop. With just … Read more about this episode...