A Healthier Michigan

Fire Up the Fruit: Father’s Day Desserts Straight from the Grill

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Father’s Day celebrations are often centered around the grill — burgers, steaks, ribs and classic cookout sides usually take center stage. Furthermore, dessert tables can sometimes be overloaded and sugar-packed treats that leave everyone feeling sluggish by the end of the meal. This year, consider adding a lighter, fresher option to the Father’s Day spread: grilled fruit desserts. Grilling fruit caramelizes its natural sugars, creating rich flavor and…

Smashed Black Bean Tacos

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Busy weeknights call for meals that are comforting, flavorful and nourishing. These tacos check every box. Sautéed garlic and onion along with smoky adobo and tender smashed beans are tucked into crispy, melty tortillas. These lean on wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients you can feel good about serving. Black beans are the star of the show, providing plant-based protein, fiber and key minerals like iron and magnesium to…

Beyond Sunscreen: How Diet Plays a Role in Protecting Your Skin 

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

When the warm weather hits, most skin-protection advice starts and ends with sunscreen. But skin health isn’t just based on what’s applied topically – it’s also based on what we eat and drink. Research increasingly shows that nutrition can influence how the skin withstands sun exposure, inflammation, dryness and everyday wear and tear. Daily SPF remains one of the best ways to help protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage, but healthy skin habits do not stop there. The overlooked connection between nutrition and skin…

Fresh Off the Grill: 3 Better-for-You Memorial Day Recipes

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer — and grilling season is officially on. While classic cookout fare often leans heavy, don’t miss out on bringing fresh, flavorful and nutrition-forward options to the table. Try one of these three recipes: Balsamic Soy Grilled Mushrooms Mushrooms naturally deliver a savory, “meaty” texture while being low in calories and rich in nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants. Paired with…

The Subtle Surge of Women’s Health Concerns

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Women tend to be the coordinators and decisionmakers for their entire family’s healthcare. The United States Department of Labor found women make approximately 80% of the health care decisions for their families. And when someone in the family is ill, the women are usually the caregivers. The time, organization and stress of these responsibilities can be taxing, and women may put their own health needs on the back burner while taking care of everyone else. For example, a survey found that women…

Mother’s Day DIY Edible Bouquet

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending holidays of the year, with Americans expected to spend a record $38 billion in 2026. But expensive gifts don’t have to be the whole story. According to Drive Research, 81% of moms say thoughtfulness matters more than cost. A DIY edible bouquet becomes both an affordable gift and an activity families can create together. Here’s how to create a stunning…

Generation AI and the Real Consequences of Digital Comfort for Teens

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

A survey found that 72% of kids age 13 to 17 have engaged with generative artificial intelligence (AI) companions at least once, while more than half of those polled said they talk to chat bots at least a few times a month. Monitoring their child’s internet use can be difficult, and understanding how kids and teens interact with AI can feel overwhelming – but parents may have the right instinct to intervene, as…

Raise a Glass, Not the Proof: Mocktail Pantry Staples and Recipe Ideas

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Mocktails are no longer an afterthought. They’ve evolved into a creative category of their own. Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, hosting inclusive gatherings or exploring new flavors, having a well-stocked mocktail setup can unlock complex drinks. From liquor alternatives to alcohol-removed wines, here’s everything you need to elevate your zero-proof game: Essential mixers Every great mocktail starts with high-quality mixers. Stocking a range of these ensures versatility: Sweeteners and flavor enhancers …

Before You Blame IBS: Common Myths and Supporting Your Gut Safely

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

With the flood of information readily available online, it can be tempting for people to type their symptoms into a search engine and instantly receive dozens of potential causes. A 2023 study found that more than 58% of adults consulted the internet to research health and medical information. Social media feeds can magnify the self-diagnosis trend too, because once someone clicks on an ad, video or post about a particular…

Food for Calm: 5 Foods That Naturally Support Your Nervous System

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

About half of Americans experience significant levels of stress weekly. Diet is an essential part of mental health, and eating foods that support the nervous system can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here is a look at the gut-brain connection and foods to focus on for a healthy gut. The gut-brain connection The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The…

Energy Drink Surge Among Teens Comes with a Health Warning

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Energy drinks may seem harmless, and even helpful. After all, they are supposed to provide the body a boost to help power through a demanding schedule, study session or athletic event. Yet, for teenagers, those energy drinks can have some harmful effects. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against adolescents consuming energy drinks. Teenagers do not seem to be heeding that guidance, however. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease…

3 Flavor-Packed Easter Brunch Ideas

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

Spring has officially entered the chat, and with it comes one of the most delicious times of the year: brunch season. As the days grow longer and brighter, many of us feel inspired to hit refresh in all areas of life. We’re cleaning out closets, stepping outside more often and rethinking what’s on our plates. Here are three fresh, better-for-you spring brunch ideas that deliver on both flavor and nutrition. Sundried Tomato…

How to Dress a Salad Like a Pro

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 a disappointing bowl. The secret lies in understanding your dressing, your greens and how they interact. Once you know when to dress the bowl and when to dress the leaves, your salads instantly level up. Step 1:…

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Ultra-processed Meats and Colon Cancer

4 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 of the previously mentioned ultra-processed foods, some convenient meals can increase the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. What it means to be a group 1 carcinogen Through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the carcinogenic…

Teaching Kids to Eat with Intention, Not Distraction

3 min read
A Healthier Michigan

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 habits when it comes to food, giving them physical and mental health benefits. Here are tips for parents to instill mindful eating habits in their children. What is mindful eating? …