Katie Haarala is as much a part of Into the Soup as anyone, yet we have never actually met her face-to-face because she lives in the great white north (weird how the world works in the internet age). Katie is a key contributor to our Health & Wellness section giving us great advice on how food works to help us live a better life. Here is a soup from Katie that does just that.

by Katie Haarala

There is a lot of advice out there on eating healthy and it can be really confusing. But there some basic rules that apply. If you remember nothing else, these ABC's will set you on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

by Chef Larry Canepa

When chefs rediscovered the joy of roasted garlic, we explored all kinds of new combinations. We roasted garlic with olive oil and found the bitter taste and lingering acid was gone. Now, with black garlic we discover a new ingredient with an intense, savory sweetness, faintly reminiscent of truffles. These dark, rather ugly but super tasty bulbs with a syrupy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency are the latest “it” ingredient in chef's kitchens.

by Katie Haarala

Welcome to Food Science 101! The class where we will unveil the mystery that is fat, specifically in the form of oils. Gear up those super smart brains, locate your nearest writing utensil, prepare for fun, and how about consuming a teaspoon of olive oil, just for good health’s sake. It is, we will find, a fantastic source of monounsaturated fat!

Humans are 75% water. As a result, waters is an essential element to maintaining good health.  Here in Arizona summer is upon us so we think a lot about hydration but these tips are good for you no matter where you live.

by Katie Haarala

As you are sitting at the stoplight on your way home from work, you notice a new Italian restaurant to your right, wafting all of it’s basil, fresh tomato, and olive oil scents into your car window. Further down the road, the American style joint to your left stimulates your drool glands as you envision yourself diving into a meal of burger, french fries, and a strawberry shake.  Up ahead, a gauntlet of fast food chains line the road, each one beckoning you to stop for 44 oz. of a slurry frozen beverage (and hey, it’s only $0.89!), or a warm apple pie for $1.

by Katie Haarala

We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.  - Aristotle

Be excellent. 

Now, generally I write about specific foods that have health benefits, but this time, I have decided to delve into the idea of simply eating for health, for happiness, and for excellence. 

Kami Pastis is a certified personal trainer, life style educator, group fitness instructor and registered chiropractic assistant in the Phoenix area. From time to time, she enjoys sharing tips with you on eating well for life.

A celebration always calls for food and food is always a celebration.  The trick is finding dishes that are delicious but still keep those hips in check.  Your mom will thank you. Say, I love you, Mom by providing nutritious delicious dishes.  For some reason, greasy, heavy, and fatty breakfast food doesn’t seem to scream “I love you,” but rather “Here’s to purchasing Lipitor or any other cholesterol lowering drug!” cheers! Here's a menu that provides a healthy alternative.

Chef Nicholas Calias, CEC, has graciously provided us with some great tasting recipes for our Health & Wellness section.  This time it is a mouthwatering Hickory Smoked Lamb Loin, Truffle Heirloom Tomato Salad, Micro Arugula, Black Olive Oil & Fleur de Sel