A cormorant rookery and trompe l’œil mural make Duck Lake in Denver’s City Park a destination for birders and art lovers.… Read More

The post City Park’s Duck Lake a haven for cormorants and Haven mural appeared first on Digging.

On a late afternoon walk at Denver’s City Park, I found myself at Duck Lake, which backs up to the zoo. The setting sun was illuminating a trompe l’œil mural that really does fool the eye into seeing a crumbling wall and half-revealed Roman ruin.

Haven is the work of Oregon muralist and illusion painter John Pugh, who transformed one of the zoo’s concrete walls — the back of an animal enclosure, presumably — into a fantasy of post-civilization ruins where wild animals co-exist in Edenic harmony.

Bring your binoculars to discover all the different animals painted in.

Duck Lake is also home to a large cormorant rookery. As evening fell, they lake-swooped and settled atop snags and manmade roosting platforms.

You can imagine the chattering.

Coming in for a landing

Duck Lake is a peaceful place — even with cormorant chittering — to stroll or just sit and observe.

And after all, it is called Duck Lake, so no surprise to see a few fuzzy ducklings here too.

I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox!

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Digging Deeper

My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.

All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

The post City Park’s Duck Lake a haven for cormorants and Haven mural appeared first on Digging.

These crispy pastry pockets are stuffed with mushrooms, spinach and feta, just like your favorite Greek restaurants

The post Mushroom and Spinach Phyllo Triangles appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

These fun, dairy-free pudding pops consist of layers of homemade chocolate, strawberry and vanilla “nice cream.”

The post Neapolitan Nice Cream Pops appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

When you’re craving a lobster roll and you have frozen shrimp on hand, this recipe comes in handy.

The post New England-Inspired Shrimp Rolls appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This lighter, dairy-free cheesecake uses a base of cashews instead of cream cheese. A delicious dessert whether you’re vegan or not!

The post No-Bake Vegan Lemon Cheesecake appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

No-cook and ready in 30 minutes are two great selling points for this refreshing summer pasta laced with ribbons of zucchini.

The post No-Cook Tomato Sauce With Zucchini Ribbons appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

A seafood trio comes together to create a protein packed patty wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and a bright squeeze of lemon.

The post Norwegian Seafood Burgers appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

A few pantry staples come together to create this delicious nutty granola. It is bound to become a staple in your house.

The post Nutty Granola appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction… this version swaps rice for quick-cook oats.

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Arroz caldo is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine — a rich, gingery chicken and rice porridge topped with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time you need something warm and restorative. This version swaps the traditional glutinous rice for quick-cook oats, adding a hearty dose of fiber and whole-grain goodness without sacrificing any of the dish’s signature warmth and depth of flavor. If you have never tried arroz caldo before, consider this your introduction — and if you already love it, consider this your new weeknight shortcut.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Oatmeal Chicken Caldo

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (56g) coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (6g) minced ginger
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup (80g) Quick Cook Oats
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 boiled eggs, halved
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of one lemon or calamansi

Directions

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the coconut oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes — watch carefully as the garlic can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

In a medium pot, heat the remaining 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, and remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside, about 3–4 minutes.

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the oats, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency — about 3 minutes for a looser texture or up to 5 minutes for a thicker, more porridge-like result. To confirm the chicken is fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into a piece of chicken — it should register 165°F (74°C). Season with the fish sauce and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle the caldo into four bowls and top each with the crispy toasted garlic and chopped green onion. Arrange two egg halves alongside each bowl and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 14g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 247mg; Sodium: 159mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 22g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 5%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 389mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 12%

Originally published: November 7, 2018; Updated June 2026

The post Oatmeal Chicken Caldo appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

When a pizza craving strikes, these mini flatbread pizzas are the answer. Built on mini pita bread, they deliver big pizza flavor.

The post Mini Flatbread Pizzas appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Welcome to Grocery Shopping Tips, where we break down how to align your nutrition goals with your grocery budget. This time, we’re focusing on low sodium options.

We asked MyFitnessPal registered dietitians to share the staples they rely on, and how they make lower-sodium cooking feel realistic and sustainable.

6 Steps For Navigating the Aisles with Sodium in Mind

Step 1: Know Your Sodium Baseline

Before you change your pantry, it helps to understand your starting point.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day for most adults (1). For people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, the American Heart Association often recommends lower targets under medical supervision (3).

If you’re not sure where you fall, tracking your meals for a few days in MyFitnessPal can give you a clearer picture of how quickly sodium adds up, especially from packaged or restaurant foods.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Foundation Staples with Lower-Sodium Ingredients

Instead of starting with specialty products, begin with the ingredients you use most often. Here are a few examples from our registered dietitians:

1. Beans 

Brookell White, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian always chooses lower-sodium or no-salt-added canned options.

They’re affordable, shelf-stable, and provide 9 grams of fiber per ½ cup serving (4). And because most Americans fall short on fiber intake, beans pull double duty, supporting both heart health and digestive health (1,5,6).

She points out that in many stores, no salt added beans cost about the same as regular versions. When time allows, dried beans are even cheaper, and can be batch-cooked and frozen. And even as they are, these dried beans have a shelf life of 1-2 years (7).

If you do buy regular canned beans, rinsing them can help reduce some sodium (2).

2. Tomatoes

Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian keeps no salt added diced tomatoes stocked year-round.

Instead of thinking of them as just a canned good, she treats them as a flavor base, adding bulk and brightness to soups, sauces, and casseroles across cuisines.

She also recommends comparing price per ounce when shopping for fresh, frozen, or canned produce. Frozen vegetables are often comparable in cost and reduce spoilage (8).

3. Broth

For Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian, low sodium chicken broth is a must-have for building flavor at home.

Rather than cooking rice or quinoa in water, she uses low sodium broth for added flavor—without the high sodium content of traditional broths.

This is a good example of a swap that doesn’t feel restrictive. It simply makes lower-sodium cooking easier.

Step 3: Build a Flavor Pantry So Meals Stay Low in Sodium

One of the biggest fears around low-sodium eating is that food will taste bland.

Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian says that assumption misses something important.

Low-sodium cooking isn’t about removing flavor (or sodium entirely) but about building flavor differently.

That’s why she recommends keeping apple cider vinegar, or any vinegar you enjoy, stocked in your pantry. It “can elevate the flavor profile of many dishes without the use of salt.”

She also recommends affordable flavor builders like:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Italian seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Fresh garlic and onions

Slow-cooked aromatics create depth. A splash of vinegar brightens flavors. Even a bit of pickle brine can add tang.

The key is starting with versatile basics and expanding slowly, not buying every specialty spice at once.

Step 4: Read Beyond the Label Claims

Katherine Basbaum, RD, says one of the biggest mistakes she sees is shoppers relying on front-of-package claims without checking the Nutrition Facts panel.

“If you see ‘lower sodium’ or ‘reduced sodium’ advertised on the front, before you drop it in your cart, take a minute to check the Nutrition Facts panel on the back. These foods may still be quite high in sodium despite being lower than the original.”

The FDA defines “reduced sodium” as at least 25% less than the original product (2). But if the original was very high, the reduced version may still be high.

The same goes for foods marketed as healthy for other reasons, like bread labeled “made with whole grains” or cottage cheese promoted as “high in protein.” 

One positive nutrition claim doesn’t automatically make the whole product a smart choice, especially when it comes to sodium.

Before adding something to your cart, flip the package over and check the milligrams per serving.

That’s what really counts.

Step 5: Expect a Flavor Adjustment Period

If you’re used to dining out frequently, home-cooked lower-sodium meals may taste different at first. 

Restaurant foods are often higher in sodium, which can shape taste expectations (9).

Sullivan suggests focusing on recipes you genuinely enjoy and giving your palate time to adjust. Over time, heavily salted foods may start to taste overly intense.

Step 6: Build a Budget-Friendly Low Sodium Shopping List

Low-sodium eating doesn’t require specialty health foods.

White recommends:

• Stocking up on shelf-stable low-sodium staples when they’re on sale
• Buying dried beans in bulk
• Comparing unit price per ounce
• Freezing leftovers to reduce waste

Sometimes the lower-sodium version is similar in price, and other times it may cost slightly more, checking the label helps you decide what works for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How much sodium should the average adult consume per day?
  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day for most adults (1). Individuals with high blood pressure or certain heart conditions are often advised to aim lower, around 1,500 mg per day, under medical supervision (3).
• What does “reduced sodium” actually mean?
  According to the FDA, “reduced sodium” means a product contains at least 25% less sodium than the original version (2). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s low in sodium overall. Always check the milligrams per serving on the Nutrition Facts panel.
• Is “no salt added” the same as “low sodium”?
  Not exactly. “No salt added” means no salt was added during processing, but the food may still contain naturally occurring sodium. “Low sodium” has a specific regulatory definition, which is 140 mg of sodium or less per serving (2).
• Does rinsing canned beans really reduce sodium?
  Yes. Rinsing canned beans under running water can help remove some of the sodium from the packing liquid (2). It’s a simple step that can make a difference if lower-sodium versions aren’t available.

Bottom Line

A low-sodium pantry isn’t about restriction. It’s about intention.

Choose no salt added versions when possible.
Build flavor with herbs, acids, and aromatics.
Read labels instead of relying on marketing claims.

Over time, those small decisions add up, and make cooking heart-healthy meals feel natural instead of complicated.

And if you want a clearer picture of your sodium intake, tracking meals in MyFitnessPal can help you monitor your daily totals.

You can then compare your intake to your personal goal—whether that’s 2,300 mg per day or a lower target recommended by your healthcare provider.

The post Grocery Shopping Tips: Low Sodium Options That Don’t Blow Your Budget appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.