Oatmeal is a Smart Waker-Upper! Starting the day with a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal is an awesome nutrition decision and easy on the food budget. If you think oatmeal is boring, though, think again. Your toppings can turn boring into wow! Toppings Add a 'Wow' Factor! If you have a favorite topping then chances are it will work on top of oatmeal. I like bananas, raisins and walnuts. By using all 3, I add a healthy dose of potassium, iron and omega-3 fat to my bowl. In the summer I prefer fresh blueberries which are awesome. Other more exotic oatmeal toppings work, too. Or, create a … [Read more...] about Oatmeal Month Means Great Meal & Snack Options
Good Nutrition is All About Balance!
Think Choices! Do you grab an apple or a cookie late in the afternoon? Do your kids choose a cola drink or low fat milk, when given the choice? Is a boiled egg part of your family's breakfast in addition to sweetened cereal? Good nutrition balance means opting for really healthy food choices along with those that are not quite so healthy. Read on for everyday examples. Think Balance! Breakfast Balance: Boiled egg + apple + donut + 1% milk or coffee Lunch Balance: Cheeseburger + tossed salad, light dressing + orange + water Dinner Balance: Baked skinless chicken + whole grain … [Read more...] about Good Nutrition is All About Balance!
Pump-Up the Good Nutrition in Your Recipes!
Tinkering with Recipes! I love to tinker with recipes, or recipe mixes, that I make. By that, I mean I like to add something or substitute something to kick up the good nutrition a notch. A few days ago I made a chili con carne recipe and substituted 1/2 of the lean ground beef with ground turkey breast, for example. Yesterday, I made sliced cucumbers in a sweet vinaigrette dressing with onions and then I added a big handful of fresh chopped parsley. This morning, I added about 1/2 cup canned pumpkin to sweet potato pancake mix (in the photo at the left) -- and a few semi-sweet, mini … [Read more...] about Pump-Up the Good Nutrition in Your Recipes!
Bite Size Foods are Fun & Easy!
Bite Size is the Right Size! When I was a kid, I loved bite size foods. Naturally, they were the same size as my hands and my appetite. Now that I'm an adult, my hands are larger but I still love bite size. Watch for trendy food options these days that are bite size, and take it from a nutritionist -- the small portion is a big plus! Bite Size Options! Muffins: To make bite size, spoon out your extra batter in a mini muffin pan like I did and just fill the empty spaces with some water so the pan won't burn. Or, up your output and use a recipe for 12 regular size muffins … [Read more...] about Bite Size Foods are Fun & Easy!
Healthify Your Dinner!
This guest blog is by Kaylie Teague. To read Kaylie’s earlier blog, Healthify Your Breakfast, click here. To read Kaylie's blog, Healthify Your Lunch, click here. Healthify Your Dinner Dinner is often difficult to plan or thrown together last minute after a long day at work or school. Here are some ways you can healthify your meal and become re-inspired for dinnertime! Spaghetti and marinara sauce →spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and veggies Side of mashed potatoes with butter →side of baked sweet potato with almond butter Stir fry with white rice →stir fry with brown rice … [Read more...] about Healthify Your Dinner!
8 Great Reasons to Visit a Farmer’s Market this Summer!
Visit a Farmer's Market this Summer! If you like taking kid-friendly outings, love the fresh air, and adore fresh and local foods, then the Farmer’s Market is a perfect destination this summer. There are many great reasons to visit a Farmer’s Market and here are just a few. 8 Great Reasons to Visit a Farmer's Market this Summer! Tasting wonderful flavors fresh from the farm Supporting family farmers who work hard day-after-day to grow nutritious fruits, vegetables, and more Protecting the environment by buying food that was grown nearby and was packaged & traveled less … [Read more...] about 8 Great Reasons to Visit a Farmer’s Market this Summer!