January 19th is National Popcorn Day! Did you know that the corn we eat and the corn we pop are two different varieties? They are! Only one variety of corn can become popcorn, Zea mays everta. This corn variety has small ears, and the kernels burst when exposed to dry heat. When popcorn… Continue reading Popcorn // A Healthy Snack
How many kinds of oats can you name? Different types of oats get their name based on the way they are roasted after being harvested and cleaned. Oat groats are the entire oat grain. The only part removed when harvested is the hard unpalatable outer hull. Groats are great for breakfast cereal and in stuffing.… Continue reading Cooking With Oatmeal // Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Increasing physical activity and exercise top the list of New Year’s resolutions. By now, many of us are losing some of our motivation to continue what we started in January. Getting back on track with good habits may seem impossible. Don’t “sweat it!” We’ve got you covered with some 10-minute mini workout ideas. According to… Continue reading Mini Workouts Count! // Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bars
Carve it, chop it, bake it, mash it. Roast it, blend it, stuff it, smash it. No, no, no, don’t smash it..eat it! There is more than one way to enjoy the robust flavor of one of our favorite winter squash varieties – the pumpkin. That’s right – pumpkins are a variety of squash harvested in… Continue reading Pumpkin To Talk About // Pumpkin Pecan Granola
Have you ever watched a child, moving here and there, dancing to and fro, and wondered where they get all their energy? When you are young, your body naturally wants to move more. Heath.gov shares a great fact sheet to encourage kids to move 60 minutes a day. You can check it out by clicking… Continue reading Create Fitness at Home // Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
During the holidays, it is easy to over indulge. With a few healthy swaps, you can enjoy all the fixin's and a still have a nutritious holiday season! Check out the food swaps below. They'll save you calories, reduce fat, and add make your meals more healthy. The best part is, they still taste great!… Continue reading Holiday Food Swaps // Maple Pecan Granola
It's that time of year again to start thinking about what you will pack in lunch boxes for you and your family. This can be especially challenging when packing for kids. Eat Well Utah and MyPlate are here to help! My advice is, don't over think it. Simply focus on picking one food item from… Continue reading Pack With Ease // School Lunch Box Ideas
Kids are like sponges. They soak up our words and our actions. Modeling positive behaviors can set them on a path to take care of their bodies as they mature into adulthood. MyPlate offers ten tips for becoming physically active as a family. Check them out below. The way I see it, it's two birds… Continue reading Two Birds With One Stone // Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
Time constraints and boredom are two of the biggest reasons people give up on a fitness routine. To keep exercise interesting, try circuit training. Circuit training is a high volume, low resistance workout with short rest intervals. In other words, you perform quick movements with little weight, moving quickly from one exercise to another. Exercises… Continue reading Workout Anywhere With Circuit Training // Spinach Artichoke Dip
It is the time of year when we set goals or resolutions. Have you thought about goals for exercise or to live a healthier life? The world of fitness and nutrition can be overwhelming, making getting started the hardest part. You don't need to be a fitness or nutrition guru in just a day! Rather,… Continue reading Fitness Refresh // Peanut Butter Granola
Do you have your costume ready? Halloween is less than two weeks away! You might have tricks and treats on your mind, but don't throw nutrition out the window. Take a minute now to plan some healthy halloween ideas. Planning ahead will help keep you on track once the big day comes. Here are some… Continue reading Tricks and Treats // Pumpkin Pie Dip
As we celebrate Utah Family Meals Month, it is a good time to think about being active as a family. Good nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle! The whole family can benefit from getting enough exercise. For parents, it can lead to stronger marriages and increased motivation. Couples who… Continue reading What Are You Waiting For? // Southwest Guacamole
Back to school season is a great time to review Food safety tips. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to food borne illness. Brush up on these food safety facts from foodsafety.gov. When you are finished, check out the No Bake Cinnamon Roll recipe below. Enjoy! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
The teenage years are a time of growth and changes. As we enter back to school season, it is important for both boys and girls to learn about health and nutrition. Check out these MyPlate tips for teen girls and teen boys. Find a recipe for Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites below. Enjoy! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
Healthy snacks are just as important as healthy meals during back to school season. Check out these MyPlate snack tips. Find a yummy Cottage Cheese Dip recipe below. Enjoy! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
Did you know that snacks are an important part of a healthy diet? Use snacks to supplement or catch up on the food groups you missed throughout the day. Eating too few fruits? Add an orange between breakfast and lunch. Is there a void on vegetables? Try carrots as an afternoon pick me up. Dry… Continue reading Snack With Success // Homemade Granola Bars
It's National Popcorn Day! As a popcorn lover myself, I'm happy to celebrate. Popcorn is considered a whole grain, and is a great way to fill the grains portion of MyPlate. Three cups of popcorn equals one serving from the grain group. The trick to keeping popcorn healthy is the method you use to prepare… Continue reading National Popcorn Day // Apple Pie Popcorn
According to U.S. News, 80% of New Years resolutions fail. Are you surprised? Oftentimes, the New Year is started with the best of intentions and some pretty lofty goals. Smaller and more realistic goals, that can be achieved slowly over time are much more likely to be attained. At the beginning of this New Year, consider… Continue reading Resolutions. Who Needs ’em? // Crispy Granola
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, oh my! Thanksgiving dinner often leaves lots of leftovers. In fact, I cook a little extra just so I can enjoy the leftovers! After a day or two, the novelty has usually worn off and I'm ready for something new. To prevent food waste, it's a good idea to have some… Continue reading Leftoverpallooza // Mashed Potato Turkey Bites and More!
We are savoring the last bit of summer left and enjoying all the fresh produce available this time of year. My family has really been on a cucumber kick! Which led us to these cucumber cream cheese bites. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also a perfect nutritious snack! This post has… Continue reading Quick and Easy Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites
