Metro Detroit Mommy strives to have an overall balanced out-look on family and personal life; which we believe includes personal health, nutrition and fitness. Healthier, happier moms equates on healthier, happier families! As moms our personal free time is in short supply, but we hope we can share some of our tips for meal planning and easy healthy recipes the whole family will love. Along with quick & easy ways to fit in exercise for busy moms. We will share tips, tricks and motivation in order to educate & inspire our readers. Lastly, sharing our personal journeys and struggles on how to “fit it all in” and to find balance in your life which will lead to an overall healthy outlook on your life.
How to Dress a Salad Like a Pro
A great salad isn’t just about fresh greens and tasty toppings ─ it’s about how you dress it. Too much dressing, uneven coating, soggy leaves or flavor pooling at the bottom can turn even the best ingredients into…
The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Ultra-processed Meats and Colon Cancer
Convenience is king in the modern food landscape. Though recent nutrition trends indicate an emphasis on healthy eating from consumers, ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and pre-sliced deli meats aren’t going anywhere – they still line supermarket aisles, promising speed and ease. But convenient foods and healthy foods aren’t always one in the same. In the case…
Teaching Kids to Eat with Intention, Not Distraction
Eating mindfully is associated with many different benefits, including satiation, weight management, better digestion and a healthy relationship with food. Teaching children how to eat intentionally can help provide them with a lifetime of healthy…
When Healthy Becomes Harmful: How to Identify Unhealthy Eating and Exercise Habits
We’re constantly told to eat clean, move more and be the healthiest version of ourselves. On the surface, these seem like positive messages — and they generally are, as a healthy diet and regular exercise are keys to unlocking a…
How to Make Chili Crunch Oil
Chili crunch has officially earned its place as a pantry staple. From eggs and noodles to roasted veggies and avocado toast, instantly upgrades just about anything it touches. You don’t have to rely on expensive store-bought…
From First Tooth to First Checkup: What You Should Know Before Your Child’s First Dental Visit
A child’s first dental visit is a big milestone — right up there with first haircuts and starting solid foods. For many parents, it also comes with questions, nerves and some uncertainty. Parents who prepare for…
Better-For-You Gameday Swaps
Game day food is part of the fun — but if you’ve set health goals for the new year, it doesn’t mean you have to sit out the snack table. The key isn’t “perfect” eating. It’s giving yourself options. When healthier choices are actually…
Lemongrass and Coconut Salmon Soup
When you’re craving something cozy and comforting but still want it to feel nourishing, this soup strikes the balance. It’s creamy, aromatic and deeply flavorful and built from ingredients that support overall health and satiety. Think…
Feeling Drained? Your Social Battery May Be Low. Here’s How to Manage It
While some people may thrive in a loud, busy party, others may drift toward the walls and find themselves growing weary. The second group of people may be dealing with…
Freezer-friendly Soups
These are cozy, warm and ready when you are. January has a way of asking us to slow down. The holidays have passed, the days are short and comfort suddenly feels like a necessity…
These Diet and Nutrition Trends Shaping 2026: Here’s What to Expect
It’s never been trendier to eat healthy. Building on 2025’s momentum, many of the diet and nutrition trends forecasted for 2026 are driven by “functional foods,” which are foods that contain substances or live microorganisms that may improve health by reducing…
Setting New Year’s Resolutions With and For Your Kids
People often think of adults when it comes to setting New Year’s Resolutions in January, but these goals can also help children build healthy habits. Working toward goals or taking responsibility with a chore can help…
Winter Wellness Toolkit
During the winter season, the shorter days, cold weather and more time indoors can make it easier to slack off on healthy habits. It’s tempting to snuggle up on the couch, eat comforting food and pause regular exercise. And, as individuals let their healthy habits lapse, another health…
Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites
There’s something about the first sip of a peppermint mocha that instantly feels like the holidays – cozy and indulgent. These bites capture that festive flavor in a more balanced, bite-sized…
3 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Still Feel Indulgent
The holiday season is officially here – aka the time of year when our calendars fill, ovens stay warm and appetizers become the unofficial love language of every gathering. Whether…
Healthy Cookie Recipes
Cookies are often thought of as indulgent treats, loaded with sugar, butter and refined flour. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a traditional cookie from time to time, many bakers…
Caring for Yourself as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often cared for by family members or close friends. In 2023, caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of care to someone with dementia. …
Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Keep Blood Sugar in Check
Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance – a spread full of golden turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, rich stuffing, family recipes and a lineup of pies. For those managing diabetes, this traditional spread can pose…
How Traumatic Childhood Events Affect Mental Health
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. Children who experience ACEs are at increased risk for mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance use and…
Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Serves: 2 Difficulty: Medium Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes If there’s one cozy fall dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s this sweet potato gnocchi. But unlike the heavy, butter-drenched versions at…
One-pan Spaghetti Squash Pasta Sauce
Serves: 2 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 55 minutes If you remember the viral “baked feta pasta” trend from a few years ago, you’ll love this nutritious…
Trick-or-Eat: Balanced Grub for Halloween Night
Halloween night is all about fun, costumes and, of course, candy. But with all the excitement (and sugar), it’s easy to forget about real food. Between getting dressed up and…
How Breast Cancer Impacts a Woman’s Body Image and Identity
Nearly 280,000 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. This can…
Yes, You Should Have Dessert – The Sweet Side of a Balanced Diet
When that sweet tooth hits, it’s easy to reach for cookies, candy or ice cream. But what if your dessert could satisfy cravings and offer nourishing qualities at the same…
The Difference Between Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation is difficult to define because it looks different for every person who experiences it. Generally, suicide ideation involves intrusive, fleeting thoughts of suicide and self-harm and a preoccupation…
Healthy Tailgate Food Ideas
It’s officially tailgating season, which means weekends filled with team spirit, lawn chairs and the aroma of food grilling in the lot. Tailgates are as much about food and fun…
Spiced Apple Rings
These cinnamon sugar apple rings are an easy breakfast addition or treat. Dipped in a batter and seared, they have a soft fluffy outside with a satisfying crunch inside. Apples…
The Importance of Practicing Self-Care in College
Approximately 35% of college students considered dropping out during their fall semester in 2024, according to a Gallup poll, with 54% of the 6,000 students surveyed citing emotional stress and…
How to Help Kids Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight
About 14.7 million, or 20%, of children in the United States are obese, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure has risen…
3 Healthy Peach Recipes
Peach season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to celebrate the juicy goodness of Michigan peaches. From mid-July through mid-September, farmers’ markets and grocery stores across the…
The Ultimate Syllabus for Healthy College Meals
As college students head back to campus in August, life quickly fills up with new classes, meeting roommates, navigating dorm life and adjusting to packed schedules. Amid all the change,…
How to Ease Kids into the New School Year
More than 50 million children will start going back to school in August through September. Summer break can throw off routines, including dietary and sleep habits. Children and teens may…
Your Holiday Budget Game Plan – 4 Practical Tips
Your Holiday Budget Game Plan Holiday spending in 2025 looks a little different. Between rising prices, online shipping backlogs, and the push for more meaningful gifts, many Metro Detroit families…
How Alcohol Affects the Gut
The end of the summer is a popular time for friends and family to gather for drinks, but it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. …
Lemon Garlic Salmon with Herb-whipped Feta
Serves. 4 Difficulty: Medium Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes This delicious summer appetizer strikes the balance between simplicity, nutrition and restaurant-quality flavor. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids,…
Water Safety 101: How to Enjoy the Water Safely
Roughly 4,000 people each year die from unintentional drowning in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. More children ages 1-4 will die from drowning than any other…
The Mind and Body Benefits of Eating Outside
One of the many ways to take advantage of Michigan’s beautiful summer weather is to eat outside. Whether that means dining on a restaurant patio, enjoying a family meal in…
Three Healthy Fourth of July Recipes
With Michigan’s farmers’ markets in peak season, there’s no better opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with ingredients grown close to home. Local markets are brimming with crisp vegetables,…
The Pressure of Social Media on Young Men
Beauty trends for young men are on the rise, and the social pressures that come along with these trends can create self-esteem issues and challenges that aren’t as widely discussed…
Mexican-inspired Grilled Romaine Salad
Grilled Caesar salads are popping up on fancy restaurant menus everywhere, but they’re not difficult to make at home. A light grilling enhances the flavor of the romaine lettuce while…
3 Healthy Father’s Day Recipes
Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a chance to celebrate the important men in our lives with good food and meaningful. While classic…
Milk Safety Overview: The Dangers of Raw Milk and the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives
Americans are consuming more dairy than ever, particularly cheese, yogurt and butter, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. June is National Dairy Month, a good time to look at…
The ABCs of Marinades and Grilling
There’s nothing like taking a summer neighborhood walk and taking in the scents of barbecue and grilling. Grilling is a popular cooking technique because of the flavor and caramelization it…
Grilled Swordfish with Caper Salsa Verde
Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes This swordfish is lightly marinated and grilled to perfection. Swordfish is a great selection of fish to grill…
How to Help Your Child Build Confidence
Children are constantly developing new skills as they age, beginning with crawling and walking to speaking, reading, writing and problem-solving. Building confidence and self-esteem is more complex than other life…
3 Easy Kid-created Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas
In many homes, Mom is the heart of the kitchen — juggling grocery lists, meal plans, dinner prep and clean-ups, often while managing countless other household tasks. Parents make sure…
Navigating Tough Teenage Conversations About Alcohol
Teenagers who drink are more likely to die in a car crash, be a victim of a violent crime and more likely to have problems at school and work than…
Spring into Warmer Weather with Fresh, Seasonal Produce Recipes
As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Michigan’s fields and farmers markets begin to awaken with the first vibrant signs of spring. April and May bring an abundance…
Hop Into Easter with These Healthy Brunch Dishes Without Eggs
Eggs are a staple food for decorating and eating during the Easter holiday. But this year, consumers may take a different approach to set their holiday table. Egg prices are…
Diet Tweaks to Improve Sleep Quality
Diet and exercise share a well-known relationship, but the connection between diet and sleep can be understated. Nutrition and sleep share a two-way street – poor sleep can promote overeating,…
Chocolate-drizzled Coconut Date Cookies
Serves: 4 Difficulty: Medium Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 2 hours These three-ingredient cookies’ natural sweetness comes from fiber-rich dates. Dates are placed in a blender with coconut flakes…
Signs of Self-Harm in Teens: Self-Injury Awareness
Between seven percent and 24% of teens engage in acts of self-harm. Self-injury is intentionally causing harm to one’s skin or body to alleviate feelings of overwhelming emotional distress. Teens…
Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles with Tofu and Veggies
These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and…
Healthy, Kid-approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats
St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, fun and – of course – green. While the day known for parades, shamrocks and leprechauns, it’s also an opportunity to get…
How Caffeine Affects the Body
Coffee is more than just a drink for most Americans – it’s a daily ritual. It’s part of our morning or afternoon routines and serves as the centerpiece of social…
What to Know About the Different Types of Heart Failure
The term, “heart failure” can be confusing to many people and cast an air of immediate doom. Yet, depending on the type, heart failure can be a chronic condition lasting…
5 Ways to Make Your Meals Heart Healthier
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 15% of the U.S. population will have developed cardiovascular disease by 2050, up from 11.3% in 2020. While genetic factors play a…
FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 From Food: Here’s What to Know
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned Red Dye. No 3 from food, drink and medications, the agency announced Jan. 15. The ban was based on the Delaney Clause, which allows…
3 Healthy Big Game Recipes
The Big Game is a time for football, friends, family and, of course, food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Big Game day is America’s second largest food…
Identifying Different Thyroid Issues and Disorders
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that converts iodine into various hormones which control the body’s metabolism, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Metabolism…
The Nutrient Power and Versatility of Oat Recipes
Oats were once thought to be weeds. Now, they’re used from all things from common morning oatmeal to skincare routines. Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason….
Is Social Media Influencing Your Health Decisions?
A search or a single “like” of a health-related post on social media can turn an individual’s feed into a waiting room of targeted content, some of which may be…
2025 Nutrition and Health Trends and Predictions
The new year serves as a diet and fitness reset for many people. A recent poll found that 79% of New Year’s goals revolved around improving health, with 32% of…
How to Discuss Unsafe Driving with Older Adults
Drivers age 65 and older made up 20% of all fatal crashes in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fatal crash rates increase considerably in drivers…
Focusing on the Joys of the Holiday Season
Expectations to host the perfect holiday party and purchase the perfect holiday gifts can cloud what the holiday season should truly be about. The holidays should be a time for…
What Unsafe Gifts Look Like for Different Ages
When buying gifts during the holiday season or any time of year, it is important to keep a child’s safety top of mind. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission…
Three Healthy Holiday Appetizers That Sleigh
According to a YouGov survey of more than 1,100 Americans, roast potatoes take the No. 1 spot for the most popular holiday dish, followed by mashed potatoes and turkey. The…
Crafting Joy – 3 Money-Saving DIY Gift Ideas
Pressure to find the perfect gifts can contribute to a lot of stress around the holidays. Shopping can get expensive in a hurry, and store-bought gifts lead to waste created…
An Age-Appropriate Guide to Skin Care
The skin care market in the United States is about $24 billion a year and continues to grow. From masks to retinol to eye creams to serums, there are many…
3 Healthy Recipes for Your Friendsgiving Feast
Since its introduction to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary in 2007, the pre-Thanksgiving party with chosen family known as “Friendsgiving” has gained popularity. Friendsgiving has become an annual tradition for many, a time…
How Covid Infection May Increase Diabetes Risk, Worsen Symptoms in People with Diabetes
In the early days of the pandemic, physicians recognized that people living with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, might be more susceptible to severe illness from Covid. Now that…
Comfort in a Cup – 3 Healthy Fall Beverages
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many Americans find comfort in seasonal beverages. While these drinks can be a treat, they often come with excess ingredients that…
Halloween Eats That Won’t Haunt You to Make
As Halloween approaches, spooky décor fills neighborhood lawns and children eagerly anticipate the thrill of trick-or-treating. Whether going door-to-door or attending a party, candy is synonymous with Halloween. Between the…
3 Pasta-tively Healthy Sauces to Make at Home
Diet culture has made many reluctant to consume pasta. However, a 2020 study found that in general, pasta eaters had better diet quality compared to those who avoided it. Most pasta is…
3 Seasonal Pumpkin Recipes to Pump Up Your Morning
Pumpkins are in season for eating and decorating in October, drawing many families to Michigan’s many pumpkin patches. In 2022, Michigan generated $16.4 million from 93.1 million pounds of pumpkins,…
How Food Can Impact Mental Health
More than 20 million Americans, which is more than 8% of American adults, have dealt with at least one major depressive episode. There are connections between diet and mental health. The relationship…
Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death for Michiganders: Here’s How Everyone Can Spread Awareness
Nearly 1,500 people in Michigan died by suicide in 2022, resulting in a suicide death rate of 14.4 deaths per 1,000 in the state. Of these deaths, 78% were men…
Common Food Safety Issues
There are more than 30 million cases of foodborne illness annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of these cases are preventable with proper…
Fresh Picks for Fall : 3 Creative and Healthy Apple Recipes
Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year, according to Michigan State University Extension. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated…
4 Healthier Back-to-school Snack Swaps
Kids across the country are packing their backpacks and lunch bags. It’s a great time to bring attention to the importance of fueling kids with healthy foods and establishing nourishing…
The Importance of Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Kids
Healthy foods are advertised less than 3% of the time in comparison to their junk food counterparts, and food and beverage companies spend about $2 billion per year on marketing that targets…
The Ultimate Guide to Kids Dance Classes Near Me: Dance Studios and Lessons
Discover the top youth dance classes near you where children can express themselves, learn new dance styles, and build confidence. From ballet to hip-hop, these programs offer personalized attention and fun in a supportive environment, ensuring every young dancer shines.
3 Healthy Recipes to Liven Up Your Labor Day
Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer and a chance to enjoy outdoor grilling before the cool temperatures set in. It’s a perfect time to gather with friends…
Thai Rice Noodle Summer Salad
This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in…
Berry Blast – 3 Healthy In-season Raspberry Recipes
Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of…
Benefits of Sharing Meals
Sharing meals is a great way to spend more time with family and friends. There are multiple health benefits associated with sharing meals. These benefits include improved eating habits, reduced…
Safely Preparing for Fall Sports During the Summer
Going back to school in the fall means getting back to sports for many children and teens. More than 3.5 million childrenages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or…
3 Ideas to Think Outside the Picnic Basket
In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. Potato salad and…
Sizzling Summer Eats – Tips for Grilling Perfect Vegetables
Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories…
Foot Safety Tips for Adults and Children
The average American takes more than 5,000 steps a day. Feet must withstand wear from carrying body weight and standing or moving on hard surfaces. Feet put up with even more…
Spark up Your 4th of July Table with 2 Festive Recipes
Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023, 65% of Americans were expected to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic. Some of…
Sip Outside the Box – 3 New Smoothie Recipes
While the word “smoothie” is synonymous with “healthy,” many smoothies may be packed in added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. However, smoothies can be a great vehicle to pack in…
Sushi Simplified – Easy Steps to Perfecting Homemade Rolls
While many sushi chefs spend upwards of 10 years studying their craft, it’s possible to make delicious beginner rolls at home. Tools like a sushi roller and a rice cooker…
3 Seasonal Dishes with Strawberries
Strawberry season is here, and it’s a fruitful time for Michiganders. According to Michigan Grown, our state generates $6.6 million from strawberry production, including more than 43,000 tons of fresh strawberries. Strawberries…
The MIND Diet Slows Aging and Reduces Dementia Risk
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 6 million Americans are living with either dementia or Alzheimer’s. These rates could more…
Proven Health Benefits or Wishful Thinking? A Dive into the Science Behind Red Wine
We all desire to lead healthier lives. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a delicious drink served in an elegant glass could help us along the way? Red wine has long…
Precocious Puberty in Children and How it Impacts the Mental Health of Young Girls
Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, refers to the premature onset of puberty in children. The stages of puberty include body and hormone changes that allow the body to reproduce. These changes…
Differences in Sleep Needs Between Men and Women
A recent survey showed women are nearly twice as likely (31%) as men (17%) to say they rarely or never wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested. Sex and gender contribute…
2 Bite-sized Tapas Recipes to Spoil Mom for Mother’s Day
A 2024 National Retail Federation survey revealed Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year. This is the second highest projection to be released to date behind last year’s…
Health Disparities in Minority Children
Dr. Angela Seabright, D.O., care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Comprehensive studies over the past five years found that Black and Hispanic children in the U.S….