Are you in a menu planning rut? It is time to make menu planning fun again! Menu planning simply means choosing ahead of time what you will cook for each meal. To make it more exciting, try answering the question what's for dinner by using theme nights. Dinner is a time for the family to… Continue reading Make Menu Planning Fun Again! // Family Theme Nights and Mozzarella Chicken
Have you thought about the relationship between TV and your nutrition? Did you know that kids are easily swayed to choose foods they see advertised on TV? A little TV watching now and then is okay, but it is important to be aware of the impacts it may be having on your child's food choices.… Continue reading Turn Off the Tube // Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli
Why are asparagus stalks never lonely? Because they come in bunches! All jokes aside, now is a great time to add asparagus to your menu plan. It is considered a spring vegetable and may be available at your local grocery store or farmers market. Asparagus is known as a nutrient powerhouse. It is low in… Continue reading A Nutrient Powerhouse // Top Ten Ways to Enjoy Asparagus
One of the best parts of spring is the return of fresh, local produce. There is nothing quite like fruits and veggies picked at peak ripeness and ready to eat. Farmers Markets are a great way to enjoy the season and meet your daily fruit target. You can begin by adding berries to your meal plan.… Continue reading Berries Five Ways // Broccoli Strawberry Orzo Salad
With so many options available at the grocery store, determining which products are healthy can be tricky. In an effort to help consumers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is redefining the word "healthy" and how it is used on food labels. The Nutrition Facts Label was designed over 20 years ago to help consumers… Continue reading Defining Healthy // Asparagus and Tomato Pasta
January has been named National Soup Month. Cold temperatures and a warm bowl of soup are the perfect combination. Making a healthy soup is quick and easy. Follow these Create a Soup steps to come up with your own recipe to meet your family's needs. One of my favorite soup recipes is quick and spicy,… Continue reading That’s Souper! // Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup
September is Family Mealtime Month. It is a great time of year to reflect on your family mealtime routine. You might remember this post from last year. Give it a read. It is a great reminder of all the benefits family mealtime can bring. It is also a great motivator to get you on board… Continue reading Ready…Set…DINNER! // Family Mealtime Month
Back to school season isn't just for the youngsters! College students need to arm themselves with healthy choices, too. Check out these MyPlate mini-fridge makeover tips. Be sure to impress your roommates with the Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe below. Enjoy! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
Spring is in full swing! Although I love the cool spring air and hint of carefree summer nights to come, spring has a dark side. With spring often comes busier schedules and the rush of finishing deadlines and projects before the summer months hit. This can lead to family mealtime falling to pieces. Because family… Continue reading Slow Cooker Saves Dinner // Paprika Chicken
During the past 20 years, obesity among U.S. adults has risen significantly. According to the American Heart Association, about 35% of adult Americans are considered obese. It is estimated that another 30-35% of adult Americans are overweight. That means that nearly 70% of the population falls in a health danger zone. Obesity can lead to problems like… Continue reading Portion Distortion // Veggie, Chicken, & Pasta Bowls
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!
Let's face it - family mealtime can be stressful! Often times, the responsibility of getting dinner on the table falls on the shoulders of one person in the family. Having the stress fall all one person can lead to fewer and fewer family mealtimes. To prevent this from happening, try getting the whole family… Continue reading Get the Whole Family Involved // Spinach and Parmesan Orzo
Friday, August 29, 2016 is National Lasagna Day. Mark you calendar and celebrate! The right lasagna recipe can make for a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are a five ways to boost the nutrition of any lasagna recipe: Use Whole-Wheat Noodles - MyPlate recommends you make half your grains whole grains. Using whole-wheat noodles in your… Continue reading National Lasagna Day // Favorite Recipes
