The holidays come with get-togethers, sparkly outfits and festive drinks. However, those pretty beverages often come with alcohol in the mix – sometimes leaving non-drinkers to miss out on the festive nature of the cocktails. Mocktails are a great spruced up drink option perfect for kids or those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. We’ve got you covered with two holiday…
Holiday festivities often mean pulling out recipes we only eat once a year. But seasonal dishes don’t have to be complicated – or lacking nutrition. In this post we have three seasonal dishes that can help elevate your holiday gathering. These recipes make use of antioxidant-rich ingredients prepared in festive, unique ways, using minimal ingredients and relying on whole foods.…
Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many families. While this nut spread may be best known for its use in sandwiches with a layer of jam, it is also an excellent baking ingredient thanks to its healthy fats. Here’s a heart-healthy version of a holiday cookie: peanut butter oat bran cookies sweetened with maple syrup. For some extra holiday…
So much of holiday celebrations revolve around family, friends and sharing time together, but they also revolve around food. From big family dinners and drinks with friends to office potlucks and neighborhood parties, food is the gathering point. Holidays are often seen as the season of overindulgence. For people with health goals, managing health conditions or trying to maintain their…
Spreads and dips aren’t typically known for their health benefits, but this recipe adds filling protein and calcium by whipping goat cheese with Greek yogurt. A low-temperature sauté of garlic in olive oil brings out its nutty, sweet flavors, while herbs of cool weather, like thyme and chives, add additional flavor. Ingredients 8 ounces goat cheese 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 Tbsp.…
This no-bake pumpkin cheesecake recipe takes on less sugar than many traditional versions. And while this recipe contains a fair share of heavy whipping cream, it is served in small containers to keep portion sizes in mind. The light and fluffy aftermath is a delightful finish to a heavy meal. Ingredients For the Cinnamon Graham Crust 1 cup reduced-fat cinnamon graham…
November 15 is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day – and while you should deep clean your fridge more than annually, this day is perfectly timed ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when many families struggle to find refrigerator space to store side dishes and casseroles. The refrigerator is one of the most essential household appliances, and often experiences its fair…
Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing among women of all racial and ethnic subgroups in the U.S. Gestational diabetes is relatively common and affects 2% to 10% of pregnancies – but can be connected to short- and long-term risks for women and their babies. The good news is for most pregnant women gestational diabetes is transient and can be safely managed under the care…
The National Pasta Association reports the average American consumes about 20 pounds of pasta each year. In recent years, consumers have been increasingly looking for low-carb alternatives to their favorite side dishes. Deciphering the marketing for these products can be challenging, making it difficult to choose the best option. For example, green colored spinach pasta does not necessarily translate to the nutrient value of…
Char-boo-terie, char-spook-erie…or scare-cuterie? A charcuterie board is a crowd-pleasing hostess offering, as it is customizable based on party size and offers a variety of options to please various taste buds. It also makes for a festive treat to bring to a Halloween get-together – because walking into a party empty-handed is frightening. Whatever you decide to call it, here are…
Autumn has arrived. Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and with the season comes a fall harvest full of hearty crops. Butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash are only a few on the list of fall squashes offering plenty of nutrients including vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. A versatile crop, squashes make their way into savory soups, cozy drinks and spiced desserts.…
October normally marks the start of the influenza season, when cases of the virus increase significantly and remain high until the spring. However, over the past two years there has been a lower number of flu cases than usual. This reduction is partially due to increased social distancing, mask-wearing and other measures in place to slow the spread of COVID.…
A whopping 98 percent of Americans eat pizza, and according to the Washington Post, approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold each year. It’s that go-to Friday night meal bound to satisfy a crowd with the various toppings, sauces and cheeses there are to offer. But after topping additions, delivery fees and tips – this can lead to a hefty bill. Next time you find…
The first month of life is the most vulnerable period for a child’s survival. Globally, 2.4 million newborns died in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Most neonatal deaths, approximately 75%, occur during the first week of life. When newborns die it is usually because they suffered from conditions and diseases associated with a lack of quality care during birth…
Sometimes known as nature’s toothbrush, apples offer an impressive list of health benefits. Apples offer prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fiber and polyphenol content may reduce the risk for chronic conditions including heart disease, some cancers, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Apples are the most valuable crop in Michigan. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, our state…
