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: 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: The first step in making a change is…
Sometimes even the slightest action can make someone happy. Here are some of the ways members of the A Healthier Michigan team participate in random acts of kindness during the holidays: Alyssa: As someone who is always in a rush to get from one place to another, I find solace in my favorite random act of kindness: picking up trash I…
Think heart-healthy recipes can’t taste good? You need to try this yummy breakfast dish. The recipe is courtesy of Graceland Fruit, one of the largest single providers of infused dried fruits in the world, with operations located in northern Michigan. Here’s what they had to say about what makes this recipe tasty and good for you: “Graceland dried cherries boast more…
This year marks the 50-year anniversary for one of Michigan’s treasured natural destinations, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is known for its dunes towering 400 feet above Lake Michigan. You can marvel at its beauty in the summer by taking a nice hike along the trails or going for a canoe ride in the…
The most popular New Year’s resolutions are often related to health and finance. This includes plans to eat better, exercise more and save money. Yet, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by February. To increase one’s chance of success, avoid overly ambitious goals and embrace a realistic approach. Here are seven healthy habits to implement throughout the year: Create a Budget: Proper budgeting can support both…
