Those of you who are familiar with My Optimum Health Plan will know that one of the initial dietary changes I ask you to make is to start eating fish — particularly oily, cold-water fish. Of the varieties that fall into this category (mackerel, kippers, sardines and wild Alaskan salmon) my favorite is salmon. It’s a leading source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that contribute to brain growth and development and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Salmon is often available fresh, and it also scores points as a food that’s easy to cook but looks and tastes like the elegant work of a gourmet chef. Try this and my other salmon recipes; they’re easy enough for everyday dining, fine enough for a special occasion, and guaranteed to set
you on the road to good health. Enjoy.

This is a good brunch or lunch dish. Look for a brand of canned, low fat and low sodium all natural refried beans. (Or, make your own.) Most of the fat in this dish is “good fat” from the avocado; if you’re trying to lose weight, you might skip the avocado or substitute apple or pear.

Red winter wheat berries join with brown rice as the base for this crunchy salad packed with nutritional value and great taste. Herb-roasted carrots, turnips. butternut squash and mushrooms add sweet and savory diversity, while a light mustard-based vinaigrette adds a touch of zest. Great as a stand alone dinner or served alongside roasted chicken, fish or tofu.

Per 3/4 cup serving: 143 calories, 3 g protein, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 31 g carbohydrates, 0 mg cholesterol, 8 mg sodium.

Parsley and walnuts add extra health benefits to this version of aglio e olio, the Italian classic of spaghetti with garlic and oil. I like using whole-grain pasta made from farro, an ancient form of Italian wheat that tastes mild and nutty. Specialty stores and natural foods markets have this pasta di farro, made by Manicaretti or Latini, while supermarkets, usually sell whole-wheat spaghetti. (Those from DeCecco and Delverde are especially good.)
Fast Fact: Walnuts are the only nut containing ellagic acid, an important antioxidant.
Quick Tip: Roasting the nuts at 350º F. for 5 minutes improves their flavor.

Tabbouleh originated in the mountains of Lebanon, where it was a succulent salad of greens with a handful of bulgur added to give the dish body. Today, most versions of tabbouleh use lots of bulgur and a modest amount of parsley and tomatoes, but I stick to the Lebanese way, using a lavish amount of vegetables in proportion to the cracked wheat.
Fast Fact: Bulgur is made from wheat berries that are steamed, dried, and cut up.
Quick Tip: Bulgur comes in three textures. Be sure to get the fine one for this recipe.

This healthy version of an American classic is good with sandwiches. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable providing indoles which may be related to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

This recipe comes from Augusta Stein, my stepson’s grandmother. She was known for her baking, especially this honey cake. The recipe is classic in its use of coffee, citrus zest, and nuts. I have made one change, substituting apple sauce for oil, which makes the cake less sticky. This cake keeps at room temperature for several weeks, so you can always have a homemade treat on hand.
Fast Fact: Buckwheat honey comes from the same plant as the grain also called kasha. It has a unique, robust flavor that is also less sweet than other kinds of honey. Natural food stores like Wild Oats Market are likely to have it.
Quick Tip: If you like, use lemon in place of orange zest, and blanched almonds rather than walnuts.

Kugel (KUH-ghel), a savory baked pudding, is another dish traditional among Jews from Eastern Europe. There are many kinds of kugel, including potato, sweet potato, carrot or noodle. Some are so sweet I would serve them only for dessert. This one includes white and sweet potatoes, carrots, and raisins for a touch of natural sweetness.
Fast Fact: Botanically speaking, most of the tubers we call yams are actually sweet potatoes.
Quick Tip: Soaking the raisins in some extra orange juice brings out their sweetness