Jump on board with a healthier lifestyle for you and your family! Please LIKE my facebook page and read my weekly blog for everyday solutions to a healthier meal plan, grocery list and home kitchen. And, be sure to bookmark my website as a trusted destination for tasty and sensible nutrition and wellness support. Please note that I am an in-network provider of nutritional counseling for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina*. I am accepting new clients and will be delighted to help you achieve your health and nutrition goals. Contact Cindy to find out more or to set up your first … [Read more...] about Turkey and Fresh Holiday Ideas
Thanksgiving Means Light & Healthy Appetizers
Tasty Meal Starters Appetizers are a fun start to any holiday meal. Tasty and light are the best choices because they whet the appetite without going overboard in calories that fill you up. The simplest appetizer is a colorful, crunchy and fresh platter of veggies or fruits that satisfies everyone's hunger as the turkey finishes cooking. Dip Away! Kids of all ages love to dip and opting for easy and homemade dips is a smart strategy. This is because dips that are pre-made typically are fatty and loaded down with calories. Here is a cucumber-yogurt dip, a guacamole dip and a creamy … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Means Light & Healthy Appetizers
Salad Adds Color, Crunch and Flavor to Meals
Salad Begins with Crispy Greens...or Does It? The color green comes to mind when I think about salad. What about you? Do you start a salad with Romaine, spinach or leaf lettuce? Do you use shredded green cabbage? Typically, crispy greens are at the center of my tossed salad, so I was surprised by this All American Salad recipe. Who knew there could be such an interesting variety of colors, textures and flavors? Exploring the Possibilities Salads are easy to put together in the kitchen. Kids, teens and adults can put their own 'spin' on their salad creations. And, if eaten the next … [Read more...] about Salad Adds Color, Crunch and Flavor to Meals
This Christmas, Hannukah, New Years – Try a Pomegranate!
History of the Pomegranate Believe it or not, the pomegranate's history began 4,000 years ago. In North America, it's hard to imagine that a fruit growing currently in southern California began in various countries of the Middle East, then the Mediterranean Basin, then Asia and Europe. Pomegranate Nutrition The pomegranate's popularity over more than 4 centuries is likely based on its tangy-sweet flavor as well as its health benefits. A powerful antioxidant, pomegranates are also felt to be anti-inflammatory and, as such, may help protect all organs and systems of the body. The … [Read more...] about This Christmas, Hannukah, New Years – Try a Pomegranate!
Meals & Snacks with Soup!
Warming Up with Soup! When I want to warm up, my 'go to' is soup. What about you? There are childhood favorites like chicken-noodle or beef and barley. There are more adult flavors like lentil soup or mushroom soup. But, no matter what meal or snack, soup can be your healthy and delicious solution! January is Soup Month! January is Soup Month and that means it's time to get out your pot and ladle. Soup can come in a can, but it can also be made easily with a few basic staple foods on hand. It's a great time to step out, armed with your soup staples and reap the tasty, warm … [Read more...] about Meals & Snacks with Soup!
Planning is Key to Quick, Cheap & Nutritious Meals
Step 1: Meal Planning There's no way around it - planning is the first step to a quick, balanced and nutritious meal, or an entire week of meals, that are easy on the wallet. So, take about 20 minutes to plan and jot down notes, if it helps you remember. Draw pictures of meals with the kids, if that helps. Step 2: Grocery Store Planning Once your meal planning is clear, turn your attention to a grocery shopping plan. For example, turn your meal ideas into a detailed list, and pull out coupons that will save you cash on healthy purchases. Step 3: Sticking With Your … [Read more...] about Planning is Key to Quick, Cheap & Nutritious Meals