Central Jersey Health & Life

Mangia Verde

It was clear soon after we settled into our seats at Del Posto that we were in for a memorable experience.

Time for tempeh?

We understand your reluctance, really we do. Fermented soybeans? Formed into brick-like cakes? With a chunky, chewy texture? With all these strikes against it, why oh why should you give tempeh a chance?

3 glorious gardens

"Nothing is more the child of art than a garden," said Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. With a hefty assist from Mother Nature, each garden possesses a unique, ethereal beauty.

Backyard Bliss

Sure, Stonehenge and the Garden of Versailles are wows, but you're only there temporarily. The paradise you create on your own property is yours to enjoy whenever.

Be sushi-savvy

It’s got to be healthy, right? A little bit of fish, a tiny smattering of rice, all rolled up in some seaweed—what could go wrong? In fact, sushi can be one of the healthiest dining-out options there is, nonfattening yet rich in heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids.

This Spud's For You

They're the culinary equivalent of great jeans, a "humble" pleasure that offers instant comfort, goes with almost everything and on occasion can be dressed up to dazzlingly chic effect.

Down-Home Delights

Live jazz music, low lights, white linens ... and baby-back ribs that prompt a furtive finger-licking?

Iberian Escape

If you're familiar with the cuisine in Newark’s famed Ironbound section, you’ll recognize much of the fare at Ria-Mar, a South River satellite of that neighborhood’s Portuguese eateries.

Tired of being tired?

After eight hours in bed, you still dread the morning alarm clock. You’re sleeping long enough, but not well enough, and you’re ready to nod off at quiet moments during the day. If this sounds all too familiar, you may have a sleep disorder.

The power of polenta

This versatile cornmeal treat brings a touch of Italy to many a delicious dish is polenta one of those foods you've heard about but don't really know? Have no fear; it's not mysterious.

Garden glory

“It contains indoor and outdoor pools, a koi pond, a greenhouse and expansive views of an adjacent golf course, but what I enjoy most are the mature plants and trees."

Tiles that beguile

Taken together, these tiny treasures add up to big-time style for walls and floors

Pregnancy ‘rules’: fact or fiction

What's a mom-to-be to do? Myths abound about what’s safe and what’s unsafe when you’re pregnant, and yesterday’s conventional wisdom is sometimes debunked by today’s science.

Pinpointing cancer cells

Its name sounds like a science-fiction movie, but it’s real. One of the latest weapons in the battle against cancer, the CyberKnife combines sci-fi–like radiation technology with computer-guided imagery to destroy tumors without surgery.

4 ways to eat greener

From a climate change perspective, focusing on regional and seasonal produce packs a bigger punch than organics, because the latter can travel great distances to get to you. Still, organic produce has environmental benefits

My week of green living

I'm green ... At going green, that is. That's not to say I'm eco-oblivious. After all, I don't drive an SUV. I buy only cage-free eggs. I turn off lights when I leave a room.

The right place for same-day procedures

These days, an ever-growing number of operations are performed on a same-day basis, with no overnight hospital stay. And many Americans are choosing to have these procedures not in hospitals, but in outpatient facilities known as ambulatory surgery centers, or ASCs.

Sky's the limit

Sometimes, when our dream at last comes knocking, we have to ask questions and make sure it's practical.

Stop schoolyard bullying

Don't think of bullying as a benign, "boys will be boys" situation. Bullies come in both sexes, and there's nothing harmless about true bullying. The regular targeting of a youngster for abuse is a form of emotional violence that can have serious consequences. Fortunately, parents can take some concrete steps to help children deal with bullying:

On-the-clock workouts

In a time crunch? Star trainer Jessie Pavelka suggests 10-,20-, 30- and 60-minute routines.

Shake up your exercise routine

Have you fallen into an exercise rut? If so, you may benefit from “surprising” your muscles with a change in your workout routine.

Fad or fact?

These 5 Ballyhooed remedies are all the rage, but do they really live up to their claims?