Health & Fitness

These Diet and Nutrition Trends Shaping 2026: Here’s What to Expect

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 chronic disease risk. The broader health and wellness food market is projected to grow by roughly $180 billion between 2024 and 2026. Here are the trends predicted to lead the way. The fibermaxxing trend started circulating social media platforms like TikTok in…

Freezer-friendly Soups

6 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 rather than a luxury. Americans eat more than 10 billion bowls of soup each year, according to the Associated Press . Soup is affordable, endlessly adaptable and uniquely comforting. Beyond nostalgia, soup can also be smart tool in a winter routine ─ nourishing, hydrating and perfect for…

Setting New Year’s Resolutions With and For Your Kids

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 children with their self-esteem, resilience and work ethic. Here are ways parents can help their children set and keep realistic goals. How to help children set realistic goals Parents can start by working with their children…

Winter Wellness Toolkit

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 threat rises during the winter months – viruses and respiratory illnesses. Viruses spread more easily in the dry winter air, and as people spend more time together indoors. This double whammy contributes to the increased incidence of illness during the…

Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites

2 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 form that provides a bit of fuel. Made with creamy cashews, dates for natural sweetness, hearty oats and rich dark chocolate, these no-bake bites deliver a satisfying mix of fiber…

3 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Still Feel Indulgent

5 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 you’re hosting a dinner party or contributing to a festive potluck, having a couple of elegant, nutrient-forward bites in your back pocket makes entertaining feel less complicated. Cucumber Bites with…

Healthy Cookie Recipes

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 look for ways to give this classic dessert a healthy twist. With just a few ingredient swaps, cookies can get a nutrition boost with fiber, protein and even healthy fats…

3 min read
Health & Fitness, A Healthier Michigan, Christmas

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 find themselves more stretched than ever during the season. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can holiday budget, plan ahead, spend wisely, support your community, and still…

Caring for Yourself as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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. More than 11 million adults in the United States provide unpaid care for someone with a form of dementia. In fact, Alzheimer’s caregivers often provide care longer than those caring…

Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Keep Blood Sugar in Check

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 a challenge. However, it is possible to enjoy the feast without sending your blood sugar soaring. The foundation of a diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving starts with building a balanced plate. Aim for half your plate…

How Traumatic Childhood Events Affect Mental Health

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 chronic diseases. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three in four high school students reported one or more ACEs, and one in five experienced four…

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 many restaurants, this one keeps things light without losing any of the comfort. The gnocchi themselves are wonderfully simple – just two ingredients plus a pinch of salt – letting the natural…

One-pan Spaghetti Squash Pasta Sauce

2 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 spin that swaps traditional paste for roasted spaghetti squash. This recipe is wholesome, veggie packed and baked right inside the squash itself – making for minimal cleanup. The result is…

Trick-or-Eat: Balanced Grub for Halloween Night

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 heading out for trick-or-treating, sitting down for a nutritious meal might not seem like a priority, but it can make a big difference. A balanced dinner before the candy fest…