So there I was lying on my back on the asphalt and staring at the sky. When the vultures began to circle overhead, I knew this was it. Some journalists put themselves in harm’s way covering war zones; I had only made it as far as boot camp.

“The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start”

“The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start”

All these ingredients are available at Vallerga’s Market at Redwood Plaza in Napa.

“The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start”

All these ingredients are available at Vallerga’s Market at Redwood Plaza in Napa.

I have to confess to a new food-related obsession. It all began late one night a few weeks ago when I couldn’t sleep. I finally gave up trying, and started channel surfing. On the BBC channel I came across a strangely addictive show called “You Are What You Eat.”

We’re smack dab in the middle of cold season, and if you’re lucky, you haven’t yet succumbed to a cough, sneeze or sniffle. But if the winter woes of a cold already haunt you, don’t call on antibiotics for help. The common cold is caused by a virus, and antibiotics treat bacteria.

Chocolate is the ultimate taste of love. In addition to its incomparable flavor, chocolate delivers a delicious boost to our health. And what better way to say “I love you” than with a mouth-watering gift that just happens to be healthy too? Here’s how chocolate and a few other star ingredients make for doubly scrumptious treats:

Good-quality balsamic vinegar is the key to this frozen version of a classic Italian dish. Perfect served as dessert or as a between-course intermezzo, it’s loaded with vitamin C.

1 1/4 cups lightly toasted* chopped walnuts, divided