Michigan winters mean snow, ice, freezing temperatures and darker days. Even though staying active during these conditions may not seem ideal, there are many health benefits, both physical and mental, to working out during the winter months. Of course, adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Running is one of the simplest and most popular forms of exercise. It doesn’t require expensive equipment or a gym membership to start. It’s a full-body workout that can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help manage weight. Here are eight…
Looking for a sweet treat to celebrate the summer? Look no further! This yummy parfait tastes just like a lighter cheesecake with healthier benefits. The mousse is made with Greek yogurt, which is packed with protein, and lemon juice, which contains vitamin C. Cheesecake is never not in season, so you can enjoy this treat all year round. Ingredients Strawberries,…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan A home garden can be more than meets the eye. It can be a decorative space that adds color, fragrance and years to a person’s life. Maintaining flowers, fruits or vegetables provides health benefits to people of all ages. It’s a…
This recipe, as the name suggests, is loaded with flavors and nutrition. On their own, sweet potatoes provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that also eases inflammation. Greek yogurt provides protein while the onions help to reduce cholesterol levels. Enjoy! Loaded Sweet Potato Bites Recipe Ingredients • 3-4 pounds sweet potatoes• 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil• 2 tsp. garlic…
How often do you reflect on and give thanks for everything that is good in your life? Turns out, taking the time to practice gratitude not only feels great, but it’s also actually beneficial to your overall health. Research shows people who have a grateful outlook experience a wide range of health benefits, including better physical and mental health, improved sleep,…
You’re likely familiar with the symptoms of stress — a pounding heart, increased perspiration, tight neck and shoulder muscles, anxiety and even fear. But you may not know how to prevent or relieve these symptoms. We’re here to help! Stress can be triggered by events, ideas, memories, emotions or failed expectations. Different seasons may be especially fraught with challenges to…
Do you ever think about what you were doing when you were kid? When there were no smart phones, tablets, or computers? What did you do during the summer when you were kid? You played! Years ago kids didn’t have the opportunity to dabble in technology and download a game within seconds, they had to come up with games. Thankfully…
When living apart, it can be difficult to maintain or even build relationships. So, how do you stay connected? With technology, most communication can be handled via a personal computer or mobile device. If you have basic internet access, there are multiple ways to reach out and check in on your loved ones. Here are five ways to socially connect…
If you’re like us, you always want to maximize your trips to the grocery store by buying food items that are versatile, healthy and have a long shelf life. Of course, there are many foods that are great to have in your house at any point, but we’ve compiled a list of our top six food staples and the recipes…
As the stresses of instating a routine for your children are typically always ongoing, it’s easy to reach for pre-prepared, processed foods instead of cooking. However, convenient foods can often pack your child’s diet with unnecessary calories, carbohydrates, and refined sugars. A proper diet at any age consists of a balance of protein, vegetables, grains, fruits and dairy with the right…
Folic acid helps humans form new cells. From hair to skin to nails, your body is in a constant state of growth – and internally, in a constant state of maintenance. Men and women need folic acid in their diets – but once a woman becomes pregnant, folic acid becomes especially critical as it plays a key role as the…
Omelet in a Mug This recipe is perfect for starting your day off with a solid source of protein and nutrients. You can modify it to include any vegetables or frozen vegetables you would like. Eggs help raise your good cholesterol, HDL, improve your eye health, and provide many vitamins and minerals. They also help you feel full longer, which decreases…
Craving a bag of popcorn or in a pinch to reheat last night’s leftovers? Microwaves are probably your go-to appliance in these situations but are there times when you shouldn’t use the convenient appliance? While they may seem magical by rapidly cooking food and having meals ready in minutes, you should be cautious of cooking certain foods in microwaves. The…
Want to make healthier food choices? Start by revamping your kitchen. Create an environment for success in the New Year and beyond. Identify your goal:Â What do you want to achieve? You must have a clear understanding of what your goal is and why. Nothing happens overnight, but with consistency comes progress. Take inventory:Â The first step in making a change is…
