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,…
Flowers are a go-to when it comes to giving gifts and decorating your home, but they can also dress up your favorite recipes. Whether used in a salad, decorative drink or main dish, there are many flowers you can incorporate into your diet. With spring on the way, here are some flowers that will add a pop of color and…
A healthy take on campfire s’mores, try this simple recipe for a sweet snack. If you’re at the end of your camping trip, you can still use slightly ripe bananas for this recipe. The riper the banana, the better. Bananas are particularly high in Vitamin B, potassium, manganese and Vitamin C, all necessary daily nutrients. If you are backpacking, bananas…
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children under age 18. This equates to one in 13 children suffering from food allergies. Offices, classrooms and even restaurants often have signs that warn of food allergies. These signs, which were once isolated, are now commonplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence…
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…
Let the entire family sip on a fun (and sweet) drink that’ll definitely get the party started. Check out this Kid-Friendly 3-Ingredient St. Patrick’s Day Mocktail. Enjoy!
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…
Warm up this winter and celebrate National Soup Month with our healthier version of lasagna. This soup recipe will still satisfy your pasta cravings and leave you feeling full without over-indulging in carbs or heavy amounts of cheese. Bonus: your slow cooker will do all of the work for you so you can have a hassle-free meal ready for…
