These recipes are a healthier take on Valentine’s Day treats and are easy to make at home. They’re especially great for kids’ classroom parties! Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan Black Bean Brownie Hearts with Powdered Sugar and Cherry Topping Ingredients 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained 2 eggs 3 tbsp. coconut oil, melted 3/4 cup cocoa…
Halloween is creeping up, which means that soon your little ones will be running around your neighborhood, decked out in costumes and collecting as much candy as possible! While you probably don’t need to cook anything super sweet this week—trick-or-treating will keep your little ones stocked with sugary goodies—you may want something a little healthier to enjoy that’s still in…
This recipe is a great way to take advantage of abundant fall produce. It’s packed with healthy ingredients such as Brussels sprouts, pears, butternut squash, bell peppers, mushrooms and more. Brussels sprouts contain more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and are surprisingly high in protein. Pears are considered one of the highest-fiber fruits, with an average…
School cafeterias give children the opportunity to become independent eaters at an early age. While it’s a great way to try new foods, it also means parents are unable to control what and how much a child consumes. Thankfully, USDA’s regulations assist children in making better decisions by requiring cafeterias to offer more fruit, vegetables and whole grains while limiting sodium,…
Looking for a patriotic dessert or side dish to bring to your next summer get-together? Look no further because we have five unique recipes that will wow your family and friends. Not only are these recipes kid-friendly and fun but many of them contain antioxidant-packed blueberries and calcium-filled cheese. Here are some of our favorite recipes to add some red,…
August is Kids Eat Right Month, founded by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to emphasize ways to help kids eat right and be more active. It’s no surprise that attention is being placed on children’s eating habits after the news has been filled with headlines about the current childhood obesity trends. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 17%…
Food labels are confusing. I hear it all the time. The key to nutrition label reading is to ensure you are aware of the serving size and servings per container. From there, once you know how much you plan to consume, you can read the label appropriately. Try reading this sample label for macaroni and cheese. Note: The serving size is 1 cup…
Butternut squash and sweet potatoes aren’t the only produce that grow when temperatures drop, try these uncommon fruits and veggies during this chilly winter season to keep you warm and healthy. Artichokes: This savory vegetable can be found fresh twice a year, during the spring and winter seasons. Loaded with folate and fiber, artichokes are a great addition to a winter…
By: Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan If diets worked, why do so many people try a new one every year? A crash diet, or a restrictive meal plan focused on fast-turn weight loss, can be dangerous to a person’s physical and mental health. Regardless of short-term results, a deprivation-driven meal plan may lead to more serious, long-term health issues down the…
In honor of National Kids Takeover the Kitchen day on Sept. 13, what better way to spark your kid’s interest in healthy eating than to get them involved in the kitchen? Starting them cooking young can develop their passion for watching what they eat and creating healthy meals while teaching them skills they can take into adulthood (plus you’ll get an extra…
