Do you struggle to plan and pack a healthier picnic basket? A quick grocery store trip could be your new, best solution. A picnic in the fresh air is fun in the summer. Or, if it rains, an indoor picnic is fun, too. No matter if you picnic in a park, at the beach, in the mountains, in your backyard, or in your kitchen on a rainy day... there's help for packing up your picnic basket with healthier nutrition. For a more elaborate picnic feast, head over to the deli department with sides from the fruit & veggie department. For a simpler picnic, stroll through the aisles of your … [Read more...] about A Healthier Picnic from the Grocery Store
Grab and Go Healthier Snacks from the Grocery Store
A snack attack calls for a quick solution -- like the grocery store. When you need a healthier snack then take a quick dash into the closest grocery store. It's efficient and it can work beautifully in your home town or on a road trip out of town. Here are lots of options to choose from as you fill a hunger-gap between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dash to the Produce Department for these single serving choices: Bananas Apples Clementines or tangerines Baby carrots Cut-up melon, mango, or pineapple Cut-up carrots and celery Dash to the Deli for these creative … [Read more...] about Grab and Go Healthier Snacks from the Grocery Store
3 Nutrition Labels Kids Can Learn to Read
When the kids come along on a grocery trip there is so much to learn, including how to choose a healthy boxed food. In the fall, children need good nutrition more than ever because they are fueling their brains along with their bodies for success in school. My earlier blog about back-to-school and healthier eating is here. The age of a child matters as far as how much she/he is ready to learn. From about 6-8 years old, depending on reading level, it can be a perfect time to work on food and nutrition label skills. With a wide variety of food products in every grocery store, here are 3 … [Read more...] about 3 Nutrition Labels Kids Can Learn to Read
Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
Most of us have meals or recipes that we consider traditions, but what we forget is that they don't have to be difficult and time consuming. The best sprinkled-with-good-nutrition traditions are ones that can be repeated and enjoyed. So, please keep it simple. Making time to cook isn't always easy so do your best to choose a tradition that's meaningful and also quick to fix. Will something below be your 'spark' to a delicious, new food tradition? I hope so. Quick-to-Fix Breakfast Traditions The morning meal is wide open for creative and satisfying nibbles. Here are a few new ideas … [Read more...] about Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Pumpkin has a lot going for it -- a bright orange color, a healthy nutrition resume, and a flavor that is truly delicious. Most people that I know, including nutrition professionals, are enthusiastic about eating pumpkin during the fall. Here is a short list of why? Pumpkin is a Top Choice - Nutrition The big nutrient in pumpkin is vitamin A which we know by its color. The exact name for what makes it orange is beta-carotene which readily converts to vitamin A. This healthy vitamin is also found in carrots and many other yellow-orange colored vegetables. Along with vitamin C, vitamin A is a … [Read more...] about Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Lentils are a Plant Protein that’s Easy to Cook and Delicious
More and more people ask me about plant proteins these days and lentils are a great choice. Lentils are new to some people so it's time to take away the mystery of this delicious food. Lentils are a meatless alternative to meat, poultry, egg, or dairy protein. They are in the category of pulses which are plant foods that include dry beans, dry peas, and chickpeas. Pulses are grown and harvested for their edible, dry seeds and each 1/2 cup of cooked pulse gives us 8-9 grams protein and 8-9 grams fiber. They truly fit a modern lifestyle because they are quick and easy to prepare and easy on … [Read more...] about Lentils are a Plant Protein that’s Easy to Cook and Delicious