Ever wonder why some restaurants have menus that change with the season? Even though customers might want to come back for their favorite strawberry dessert, their go-to restaurant may not offer it in the winter. The reason is that food grown in-season is picked at the perfect time after ripening on a vine or in the field, resulting in a…
Slow cookers are an excellent way to get children all ages involved in cooking. Combining ingredients, measuring out spices and chopping vegetables are some ways to spark your child’s interest in healthy food. One of the best ways to win the veggie war with kids is to empower them to like them in the first place. Allowing children to help…
While steaks and burgers are grill favorites, consider finishing off the meal with a healthy grilled fruit dessert. When fruit meets the flame, its sweet component allows for caramelization that develops complex flavors. Combined with Greek yogurt, grilled fruit desserts pack in fiber and antioxidants for a sweet and healthy treat. Fruits that are firm and not overripe taste great…
After a year of lock downs and restrictions, more Americans are looking to travel in 2021. In a recent poll, more than two-thirds of respondents indicated they did not feel comfortable traveling by plane – making road trips an increasingly popular option. With summer almost here and kids approaching the end of the school year – what better than to…
Many Americans are choosing to take car trips this summer, and Michigan offers great opportunities for camping. Even if a trip isn’t in the stars, families can make their backyard a campground on June 26, Great American Backyard Campout Day, or any day for that matter. Either way, being prepared is the key to a successful adventure. Camping and days of exploring are exciting but…
Most parents have seen television commercials that seem to poke fun at the fact that children don’t want to eat their vegetables. Picky eaters push peas around their plates – but don’t try them. Cooked spinach brings a grimace. Roasted beets are strange enough to make them raise their little eyebrows. These attitudes may seem funny, but when some parents…
After a year of lockdowns and restrictions, more Americans are looking to travel in 2021. In a recent poll, more than two-thirds of respondents indicated they did not yet feel comfortable traveling by plane, making road trips an increasingly popular option. With summer almost here and kids approaching the end of the school year, it’s the perfect time to explore this…
While mental health issues like depression and anxiety affect both men and women, studies have shown men are less likely to seek help or receive treatment. Research on this disparity often leads to the societal stigma of mental health. For example, a 2018 study from the World Health Organization found that the cultural stigma of mental illness affects men more…
Summer in Michigan provides an abundance of colorful produce to choose from and tons of farmers markets to find your favorites. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of to a well-balanced, nutrient dense diet. They are nature’s fast food and provide many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber for overall good health. The goal is at least five-a-day for better health, choosing…
There’s nothing like taking a summer neighborhood walk surrounded by the scents of barbecue and grilling. The leading reason grills are popular as a cooking technique is for the flavor and caramelization. There’s a reason complex flavors develop and that grilled foods are texturally pleasing. Marinades start the breakdown of food by including an acidic or enzymatic component, allowing for…
Trees leafing out and early flowers pushing their showy blooms out of the ground are true signs of spring in Michigan, and that’s all the invitation we need to gather our children or grandchildren and head outside to embrace some warmer weather. Getting some fresh air is great. But with a little planning, you can turn your family time into…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a key part of overall well-being, affecting how people think, feel and act. A person’s mental health also impacts how they handle the everyday stress in their lives. Just like a person’s physical health, a child’s or adult’s mental health can change by the day. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an…
As May is National Women’s Health Month, it’s a good time to be aware of autoimmune disorders and also how they can impact women.
We all know the feeling of waking up after a night of not enough sleep – a groggy morning, followed by a long, long day. But not getting enough sleep doesn’t just affect your day to day life. Sleep has a much bigger impact on your overall health; and most of us aren’t getting enough. More than one-third of Americans regularly…
Spring is full of new beginnings and a great time to reconnect with outdoor activities. Whether gardening, biking, walking or hiking, there are many benefits from spending time outdoors. Here are some ways to make the most of spring activities this year, and how they boost physical and mental health. Gardening Spring is the perfect time to begin an herb…
