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
Better Nutrition Quality this Summer and 3 Meals to Try
Summer is a great time to focus on healthy, tasty food. So, here's a 'how to' on boosting the nutrition quality of what you choose this season. With each new season come opportunities to eat well. Summer is in the spotlight here as an example of a time for identifying favorite foods and then raising the bar on their nutrition quality. Better nutrition may involve re-making a recipe by substituting healthier ingredients. Or, re-making the sides for a meal can have a positive impact on its nutrition quality, too. Summer Favorites ... Made into Healthier Meals with a Nutrition … [Read more...] about Better Nutrition Quality this Summer and 3 Meals to Try
Delicious Hydration with a Recipe for Refreshing Orange and Mint Spritzer
If you think that hydration is boring, then it's time to think again because flavors come alive when you get creative! When it comes to proper hydration, the best place to start is by considering the human body. Normally, even children understand that since a body is >80% water in composition, it's super important to keep the water flowing in everyday. What children and most adults fail to realize is that hydration can come from many kinds of creative beverages and water isn't the only one. Also, this blog focuses on beverages for hydration but please remember that we get … [Read more...] about Delicious Hydration with a Recipe for Refreshing Orange and Mint Spritzer