Salt, also known as sodium, tends to get a bad rap in the nutrition world. Your body actually needs salt. The problem is that most people get much more than they need. When this happens, it is time to halt the salt! Too much sodium puts you at risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease,… Continue reading Halt the Salt // Greek Pasta Salad
February is Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. In fact, 1 in 4 deaths each year are caused by heart disease. Although you may find this alarming, there is some good news! Heart disease can often be prevented. It's all about making healthy… Continue reading Heart Health Month // Mexistrone Soup
Have you tasted a tomato fresh off the vine? What about a cucumber picked straight from the garden, or a peach plucked from a tree? Little compares to the taste of homegrown produce. Having access to a garden lets you eat local, know where your food is coming from, and helps you save money. Eatright.org tells… Continue reading Grow Your Own // Farmers Market Quesadillas
It is important for both adults and kids to each their veggies. MyPlate tells us if you make vegetables part of an overall healthy diet, you are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Veggies also provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body. You can find out even more… Continue reading Kids Create // Can You Guess the Veggie?
You may notice fresh cherries at your local grocery store or farmers market this time of year. Because of their short growing season, now is a great time to add them to your menu plan. When it comes to fresh cherries, the plumper the better! Plump, dark red cherries with smooth glossy skin will taste… Continue reading The Plumper, The Better // Chocolate Cherry Muffins
It is no surprise to read that fruits and vegetables are good for you, but have you ever wondered which fruits and veggies you should eat for optimal nutrition? Rather than focusing on specific fruits and vegetables, focus on eating a variety of colors. The color of a fruit or vegetable can indicate of the… Continue reading Where’s The Health? // Garlic Vegetable Sauté
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
We are in the final stretch! It's the last quarter of our journey to create better health in 2017. Just a few things left to do on our 52 weeks to better health challenge. If you have been following along all year, or are just joining us, great job! You have taken a step toward… Continue reading It’s The Final Count Down // Zucchini Enchiladas
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
Physical activity is equally as important as nutritious food when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Getting started in a physical activity routine is often the hardest part. Just like you add healthy food to your diet little by little, until it becomes a normal part of your life, you can add physical activity to your… Continue reading Create An Active Lifestyle with Resistance Training // Chipotle Roasted Summer Vegetables
One of my favorite childhood memories is going over to my Grandma and Grandpa's house and picking peas from their garden. There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh green peas. I can eat them by the handful! Peas are considered to be in season during the spring months and soon you can plant them… Continue reading Peas Please // Spring Pea Salad and More!
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
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
You might have heard about using applesauce or yogurt in baked goods to reduce the amount of fat, but have you ever heard of using dry beans? Beans are know as a super food, packed with many nutrients. Legumes, like dry beans, are high in fiber, low in fat, and a good source of many other… Continue reading Did You Say Beans? // Black Bean Brownies and More!
Whole grains are an important part of any diet. To understand the term "whole grain", you need to understand the anatomy of a grain. The Whole Grains Council tells us that a grain kernel consists of three parts, the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. A whole grain has all three parts of the kernel… Continue reading Going Grain // A Guide to Cooking Whole Grains
Earlier this month, I shared a post all about summer squash. Click here to check it out and see my favorite summer squash and zucchini recipes. I made it my mission this month to find a recipe using raw zucchini to add to my list of favorites. Fresh Zucchini Salad is light, easy, and only… Continue reading Let’s Create! // Fresh Zucchini Salad
It's the time of year in Utah when gardeners are starting to clear out their gardens. Many have an over abundance of summer squash. Summer squash are very prolific, meaning they are easy to grow. So easy in fact, many of those with this tasty veggie in their garden are looking to give some of… Continue reading Cooking in Season // Summer Squash
One of the best ways to save money on your grocery bill is to utilize current grocery store ads. Start by comparing ads from different grocery stores in your area, making a list of sale items. Next, take an inventory of your pantry, refrigerator and freezer and make a list of what you already have on… Continue reading Weekly Menu Plan // What’s on Your List?
It's hot outside! When it's hot out it can be hard to find the motivation to fire up your oven and cook a hot meal. To keep it cool in the kitchen try this Greek Veggie Salad. It's fresh and tangy and can be served in many was as part of a MyPlate meal. First,… Continue reading Let’s Create! // Greek Veggie Salad
It's summer! Summer often brings picnics, barbecues, and packing food to take on the go. It is important to take proper food safety steps when transporting food and cooking outdoors. The FDA offers the following tips: Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Cold food should be stored… Continue reading Summer Food Safety // Grilled Beef and Veggies
