It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Research shows eating breakfast is associated with better performance on math tests, vocabulary tests, demanding mental tasks and reaction to frustration. Life gets busy no matter who you are, and for many, whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic…
Childhood obesity is considered a growing and serious health issue in the United States. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising, but obesity is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. Being overweight can not only affect a child’s physical and emotional health, but it can have long-lasting effects into…
Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and parents are busy stocking up on school supplies, tech gear, new shoes and clothes as little kids and teens prepare for the classroom. But don’t forget to come up with some fresh ideas and line your pantry with some grocery staples for the most exciting time of the day for lots of…
According to Smithsonian Magazine, 50% of America eats a sandwich each day. Sandwiches are convenient snacks for outings or meals for a lunch bag. So how can we keep it healthy? The key is to pay attention to the bread, condiments and toppings. Bread is an essential part of a sandwich and can offer important fueling nutrients. But it is best…
August is here, and that means perfectly sweet and juicy peaches in Michigan. This fuzzy stone fruit may be found in cobblers and other sweets, but offers a few health benefits on its own. One peach provides 17 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, and a bit of potassium,…
Children and teens have undergone considerable change and turmoil during the past two years. While student mental health was an existing concern, the pandemic exacerbated the problem and youth mental health has worsened, according to experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic; and…
A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness to dishes in cultures around the world. Whether the curly or flat-leaf variety, parsley offers an impressive nutrient profile. Its bright green color points to its vitamin K content – offering a whopping 547 percent of the daily recommended intake to support blood coagulation and bone health. It also features quite a few antioxidants…
Michigan was the first state to have a roadside picnic table in the U.S. This hidden gem, located in West Michigan’s Ionia County, appeared in 1929. But the term ‘picnic’ dates back much further. The French-derived word originally stems back to 1794, 100 years after ‘pique-nique’ first appeared in the French language. Whether you’re visiting a roadside table for a road trip…
More than 1 in 3 families in the US owns a dog, and most people consider their dogs as part of their family. Some people share their beds with their furry friends, while others let them have table scraps. Some dogs even find their favorite spot in the house during dinner time is under the table, just in case something falls. However,…
With long daylight hours and easy access to lakes, rivers and beaches, summer is a great time to be outside in Michigan. But it’s also the time when people’s skin and eyes are most vulnerable to the sun’s rays, which can make prolonged sun exposure dangerous. However, with a few safety precautions and a little planning, people can safely enjoy…
Nothing is more quintessentially American than firing up the grill for a big summer backyard barbecue or fixing a family dinner on the deck. Grill safety is important to keep in mind from properly using a hot grill to cooking meat in a way that prevents health risks. Here are some grilling mistakes to avoid to stay healthy and safe.…
Eggplant, also known as aubergines, is a nutritional powerhouse. Its dark thick skin offers plenty of antioxidants to aid in warding off disease and fiber for healthy gut maintenance. When prepared, the veggie offers a meaty texture that combines well with flavors like garlic, tomatoes, chili, fresh herbs and more. Despite the meaty texture, it’s low in calories (20 calories…
Father’s Day is the unofficial kick-off to summer, synonymous with grilling and enjoying the outdoors. However, summer barbecue celebrations aren’t known for offering a ton of healthy options. From grilled fatty steaks, chips of all flavors, potato salads and sweets, those aiming to fill their plates with healthy options may find it challenging to do so. Many wing sauces are…
Seasonal farmer’s markets are springing to life in towns across Michigan. While some cities enjoy year-round markets, smaller seasonal ones open in May as the early growing season kicks into gear. Markets serve as community gathering spots, but more than that, they offer a way for people to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and other items while keeping their food footprint…
From the ballpark to outdoor get-togethers, hot dogs are a quintessential American summer staple. Hot dogs are a food the whole family can enjoy, leaving shoppers wondering how to pick the healthiest choice. Choosing the healthiest hot dog Hot dog ingredients may seem like a mystery, and that’s partly because ingredients come from a cocktail of meat trimmings, fillers and…
