Metro Detroit Mommy strives to have an overall balanced out-look on family and personal life; which we believe includes personal health, nutrition and fitness. Healthier, happier moms equates on healthier, happier families! As moms our personal free time is in short supply, but we hope we can share some of our tips for meal planning and easy healthy recipes the whole family will love. Along with quick & easy ways to fit in exercise for busy moms. We will share tips, tricks and motivation in order to educate & inspire our readers. Lastly, sharing our personal journeys and struggles on how to “fit it all in” and to find balance in your life which will lead to an overall healthy outlook on your life.
Putting the Spotlight on Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a family favorite. Composed of 96% water, they promote hydration and bring refreshing flavors to a hot summer day. Although it’s mostly made of water, this crispy, crunchy, low-calorie vegetable is…
Michigan In-Season Produce: Apples
As we head further into the Autumn, a fresh harvest of in-season produce is calling. In the fall, Michiganders can take advantage of grapes, green beans, corn zucchini, cabbage and…
Healthy Tailgating at Home – Taco Bar
Tailgating food is doesn’t have to be unhealthy, enter – taco bar. Hosting a taco bar for a tailgate can mean a mix of purchasing pre-prepared ingredients and making a…
Intergenerational Impact of Suicide on Children and Families (National Suicide Prevention Month)
Suicide is a complex topic and often results from multiple coinciding factors in a person’s life. When a parent takes their own life, the impact can reach across generations of…
Braised Beet and Orange Salad
This refreshing but earth appetizer or salad loads up on vitamin C and plenty of antioxidants. Pro tip: wear gloves and avoid white clothing when preparing beets as their bright…
Colorful Toasts and Lunchmeat Alternatives
Processed meats like deli sliced turkey and ham are sandwich staples and make for easy protein additions at breakfast and lunch. However, research continues to show that processed meats –…
Need help with brain health and memory? Check out Memory Health!
As moms, we have so much on our plate: Carpool, soccer practice, doctor’s appointments, work deadlines. It is easy to forget things now and then, but who hasn’t wondered if…
Fun Ideas for Packing More Activity into Everyday Life
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in four American adults sit for more than eight hours a day. This may not be surprising as our…
A Week of Healthy, Easy School Lunches
In the US, two-thirds of children’s calories come from ultra-processed foods. Too many cookies, crackers, snack cakes, pizzas, and ice cream are just a few items on the list of…
Grilled Tofu Skewers
The research continues to show that shifting towards a plant-based helps reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and can help in maintaining a healthy weight. Furthermore, eating plant-based protein sources…
Benefits of Family Meals
It’s no secret the pandemic has shifted family schedules – many parents are working from home, some children are attending virtual school and participating in fewer evening-time extracurricular activities and…
Black Bean Burgers
The health benefits of a plant-based diet have been proven by research. But what do you do if you can’t imagine going without some of your favorite foods — like…
Tips and Tricks to Get the Most out of Seasonal Produce
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…
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Veggies
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…
Reinvent the Grill with Fruit Desserts
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…
Planning a Healthy Road Trip
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…
Healthy Camping
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…
Backyard Water Play Safety
It’s going to be hot this week and we are planning on spending a ton of time outside cooling off with a variety of water toys and enjoying our pool. Today,…
How to Get Your Kids Excited About Produce
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 –…
Your Library Card: A Ticket to Michigan Adventure and Savings
Do you have a Michigan Library card? If so, then you can access hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, National Parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either free or…
Planning a Road Trip? Take Along Healthy Habits and Recipes
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…
Men and Mental Health: Stigma and the Hidden Signs
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…
In-Season Summer Fruits to Try
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,…
Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Michigan
June 5th is National Trails Day. Why not celebrate this year with a hike with your family through one of the amazing family-friendly trails in Michigan. Maybe you are working…
The ABCs of Marinades and Grilling
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…
Fun Family Activities
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…
Daily Habits for Improved Mental Health
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…
Driving Tips to Keep Your Family Safe
We all know how important it is to maintain safety on the roads, but there are tips that we often forget or completely ignore. The boss calls when we are…
5 Ways Sleep is Important for Good Health
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…
Autoimmune Disorders in Women
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.
Making the Most of Spring
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…
Virtual Ways to Help your Kids Go Green on Earth Day
Earth Day, which happens every year on April 22, is the perfect time to educate your little ones about the importance of respecting nature and keeping our environment healthy. There…
Tips for Discussing Mental Health with Children and Teens
April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress can directly affect children’s mental health. Here are some great insights and tips for parents to talk to their children about mental health. Mental…
The Benefits of Spring Cleaning and Your Mental Health
Believe it or not, a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Spring cleaning has the potential to increase productivity, save time and improve physical and mental health. Whether it’s at…
A Healthy Outlook on Easter 2021
The second biggest candy-consuming holiday is approaching and the National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend $21.6 billion on all things Easter this year. Alongside jelly beans and chocolate eggs,…
Spring Recipes
Roasted Carrot and Garlic Hummus In-season vegetables: carrots and parsley Recipe notes: Roasting carrots and garlic brings out the natural sweetness out of the vegetables. Boiling and peeling canned chickpeas…
3 Ways to Take Better Care of Your Child’s Hair
It’s no secret that hair care is important, but taking care of your child’s hair can feel like a whole different ball game from taking care of your own. The…
Jumping for Heart Health
To Mary Amsbury, a physical education teacher with Comstock Public Schools, February means one thing: time to jump rope. Jumping rope is a staple of the Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide…
Paczki-inspired Pancakes
Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world and whether the reason be religious, cultural or a tradition – it’s perfectly okay to indulge once in a while. However, having more…
Small Changes That Can Instantly Boost Your Family’s Health
Research shows that up to 50% of American adults make New Year’s resolutions, but over 90% drop them within just a few months. As we make our way through February,…
Cook a Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Instead of flowers and chocolates, why not make a heart-healthy meal for your significant other or family? The following recipes should give you some inspiration….
Using a Plant-Based Diet to Improve Heart Health
There are many reasons to consider shifting to a plant-based diet. A big one is heart health. Even people who have eaten poorly much of their life can dramatically reduce…
Fitness Trends for 2021
When the pandemic hit, gyms closed and — just like toilet paper — fitness equipment became scarce online and in stores. As COVID-19 disrupted people’s fitness routines of working out…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, become an advocate to help protect the women you love
Every year, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always preventable and when diagnosed early, it is nearly 100 percent curable. January is the perfect time…
Want to Learn How to Help Your Teen Cope with Braces?
It finally happened. Your oldest child had their braces put on. While you might be worried about how expensive those braces are, your teen needs your help in other ways….
Keep Kids Active All Winter Long
In the winter months, that task gets a bit harder and activity levels can drop off. Follow these five suggestions and your kids (and you!) will stay active on even the coldest of days.
Winter Water Safety Tips
It’s getting colder outside and outdoor swimming is probably not on your to-do list in the next few months. Water safety is still a concern in the winter months. Keep your family safe with these winter water safety tips.
3 Fun Projects to Keep Your Kids Busy
As the holidays wind down, your kids may be pretty wound up thanks to the time off of school. Instead of letting them zone out in front of the TV…
Resolutions for a New Year Amid COVID-19
One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been disrupted routines. As offices emptied, schools closed and gyms were shuttered to slow the spread of the virus, work-life balance fell…
After Divorce, How Do You Handle Your Child’s Medical Costs?
Divorce is something that is inherently disruptive. Not only are we used to being married to someone, but we’re also used to being in a routine with them. You live…
Managing Holiday Stress with Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the simple act of paying attention and being present in all our actions. Like meditation, mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing feelings of calm and…
4 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Health for Life
Everyone wants their child to grow up to be happy and healthy. Of course, your wishes won’t stop your little ones from putting things in their mouths that they shouldn’t….
Keep Kids Safe This Holiday: 6 Household Hazards to Avoid
If you’re celebrating this holiday season with babies, toddlers, or small children, you’ll want to take extra precautions to keep them safe. You already know to keep household cleaners and…
How to Indulge Without Guilt this Holiday Season
The holiday season is synonymous with family, fun, and of course, food. Between opulent dinners, professional gatherings and holiday parties it can feel difficult to achieve a healthy balance. But…
Ways to Keep Your Family Active This Winter – Without Freezing
Winter and cold temperatures are coming to Metro Detroit and it won’t be long before the kids get restless and start to drive you bonkers… well maybe that only happens…
Fight Childhood Obesity with Go, Glow and Grow Foods
Today, more than 12 million U.S. children are obese. Nationally, one out of every six kids is considered overweight or obese, while nearly one in three Michigan children face the same dilemma. These kids…
Diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving Ideas
Enjoying food-centered holidays can be challenging for people with diabetes. They might find themselves torn between wanting to enjoy traditional carbohydrate-heavy recipes and trying to eat healthy to keep their…
Healthy Thanksgiving Substitutions (No One Will Notice)
If you’re like most people, the stretch of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a free-for-all where you can guiltlessly indulge. But you don’t have to sabotage your…
Pregnant During COVID-19? Here’s How You Can Stay Safe
The COVID-19 is gaining traction throughout the globe once more. As the weather changes and the holidays come around again, it’s only natural to be concerned about your health at…
Give the Gift of Swimming
Experience gifts are all the rage right now. I know in my house we definitely do not need any more toys or “stuff” to add to the clutter. So when…
The Importance of Dads and Other Adults in Modeling Healthy Emotions for Boys
What does it mean to be masculine or manly? For many, it means conforming to stereotypes related to providing, protecting, procreating and not showing your feelings. But being strong all the time…
Eight Great Reasons to Give the Gift of Swimming
It’s that time again where we are clamoring to get the BEST gifts for our family members and friends. Grandparents, friends and family are always asking me “What should I get…
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Preschooler Healthy
We all know the signs too well: the runny nose, deep cough and warm forehead. Keeping your little one healthy can be one of the toughest aspects of having a…
Making Halloween Special, Spooky – and Safe!
It would take a 185-pound person an entire workday of non-stop cross country running to burn off the higher end of the 3500-7000 calories from Halloween candy consumed by the…
Goldfish Swim School’s COVID Precautions
Here are the safety protocols that Goldfish Swim School has in place at the Rochester location. Just one of the many reasons we love swimming with Goldfish.
Avoid Pumpkin Overload With These 6 Michigan Fall Fruits and Veggies
It’s fall and you know what that means…pumpkin-flavored everything! If you’re not a pumpkin fan, there’s a plentiful variety of fall produce that is also in season. Based on traditional Michigan…
Three Ways to Keep Kids Active Into Their Teens
As technology continues to advance, it has become more and more difficult for parents to unplug their children from the electronic world. With distractions like cell phones, laptops, television and…
Ten Benefits of Year Round Swimming Lessons
A majority of swimming programs in the Metro Detroit area offer classes with set start and end dates. Golfish Swim School is different in that they offer year-round swimming classes…
Tools to Help Nursing Moms
Did you know that in the first few weeks of life, a newborn baby can eat as often as every 45 minutes? Talk about fast food! If you have a…
Would You Know if Your Child Had Trouble Seeing?
As kids start a new year of learning, it might be a good time to check on their vision. Whether they’ll be in a classroom or learning virtually this year,…
Campfire Cooking: Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Aioli
You may have had them baked or steamed, but have you had Brussels sprouts grilled? If not, you need to try them. Put the Brussels sprouts on a wooden skewer…
5 of the Lower Peninsula’s Most Beautiful Bike Routes
Whether it’s via car, on foot or by boat, Michigan is ripe with stunning locales to be taken in at our disposal. During the summer, nothing beats seeing the state on two wheels. Did…
4 Ways to Boost Your Workout Routine
Working out is a great way to improve your health, but it can be frustrating when you’ve been working out for months and haven’t seen any significant changes in the…
Three Places To View Michigan’s Northern Lights
The Northern Lights have always been a mystical, magical wonder of the world. They appear, then disappear. You might see them, you might not. There is something about chasing down…
How to Stay Fit In Detroit In 2020
Staying fit in Detroit, or in any other major urban center, isn’t always such an easy task. With the appeals of technology, national news, entertainment, and other indoor activities, it’s…
Fun Ways to Boost Summer Learning
Research shows that without any educational activities over the summer, most kids will lose about two months of math skills. And kids in lower-income families will also lose an average of…
Grilled Fruit Recipes
You’re always grilling meat and vegetables, but have you ever thought about grilling your fruit? Fruit isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when firing up the grill….
Childhood Eczema: 4 Tips to Help Your Child Feel Better
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes patches of irritated skin that may be dry, itchy, bumpy, or red. About 15 million people in the U.S. experience eczema and…
5 Ways to Choose a Safer Sunscreen
The sun can damage unprotected skin in just 15 minutes – and sun damage can build up over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer. That means protecting your skin from the…
Michigan Water and Boating: Summer Safety
It’s all fun and games on the water until someone gets hurt. Or worse, a water accident proves to be fatal. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 76 percent of…
Taking Care of Your Health In Detroit
Detroit, Michigan is a wonderful place to live for many different reasons. But when you live in Detroit, you may find yourself up against some unique challenges that make it…
Preparing Children for a New School Year in a Pandemic
Children returning to school is always a special time of year. But due to COVID-19, this fall may be particularly challenging. The transition from in-school classes to online learning has…
How to Stay Physically Healthy If You’re Quarantining This Summer
Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your physical health if you are quarantining at home this summer.
Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Festivities
Every year more than 285 million pounds of fireworks are bought on the Fourth of July. While fireworks have become a Fourth of July tradition, for some, they may not make for…
DIY: How to Grow a Window Garden for Kids
Creating a window garden with kids can be a fun project to help get them involved in healthy eating habits. The joy of watching a seed grow into something delicious can also…
Tropical Island Yogurt Parfait
This recipe is great for children who do not like a traditional sandwich in their lunch. The sweet taste of pineapple and berries in this recipe pairs perfectly with the…
How To Help Your Elderly Parents Age in Place
Your parents spent their adult lives raising and caring for you, ensuring that you had a comfortable home and were provided for until you could provide for yourself. Now that…
8 Steps to Becoming a Runner
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…
Bug Themed Yoga Poses and Snack Idea!
Are you looking for something different and fun to do with your kids this summer? If so, check out this recipe and bug themed movement activities.
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Mousse Parfait
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…
Using Recycled Household Items for a Home Garden
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…
Simple Ways to Keep Your Family Active During COVID-19
With social distancing and stay-at-home orders in effect all across the country, it’s more important than ever to find ways to keep yourself and your family active while staying indoors….
Loaded Sweet Potato Bites
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…
How to Start a Gratitude Practice
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…
7 Smart Ways to Outsmart Stress
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…
Blast from the Past: Old Throwback Games
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…
5 Ways to Socially Connect with People You Can’t See in Person
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…
Pantry Stocking Staples
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…
COVID-19 and Car Cleaning: Auto Sanitization Tips for Detroit Drivers
The new year started with lots of pomp and enthusiasm as people all over the U.S. welcomed 2020 with open arms. What many hoped would be a decade of prosperity…
Tips for Healthy Breakfasts for Kids
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…