My Favorite December Foods! You probably have favorite December foods and so do I. Here are a few of mine, from a seasoned registered dietitian (RD) who loves to eat: spiced nuts, dried figs, roast turkey, cranberry bread, pumpkin pancakes, spiced apple cider, warm mulled red wine and candy canes! Really, December holidays are not so much about over-indulging, but they are about taking a sensible approach to flavor and good nutrition. 3 Steps to Making Tasty & Healthy Choices in December! Ask yourself these 3 questions as a way to choose this month: 1. Is this food/beverage … [Read more...] about December Foods that are Tasty & Healthy!
Pizza Makes a Healthy & Colorful Meal!
Pizza is a Teen-Pleaser! If you have teens, then I bet pizza is high on your list of family-pleasing meals. My teen loves it and so my approach is to offer healthier pizza and side options. When we met friends at the swimming pool last week for supper, 4 adults and 3 teens enjoyed a colorful & healthy meal. In addition to what's pictured at the left, there was cheese pizza, juice-packed fruits and a drink. Ordering Healthier Pizza! On a long work day, my perfect meal solution was to drop by the local Italian restaurant and order take-out pizza. I asked for 'light on the cheese' … [Read more...] about Pizza Makes a Healthy & Colorful Meal!
New Year’s Resolution Options ~ The Realistic Kind
So Many Resolutions... You might be surprised to find out that about 80% of all New Year's Resolutions are about food, nutrition and dieting to lose weight. Though it's easy to make a resolution, it's really hard to stick with it. So Simple to Make... Do you typically keep your New Year's Resolutions? Adopting proven strategies to help you stick with a resolution include websites for tracking food intake and physical activity, buddying-up with friends and family and credible group programs. These behaviors are proven to work so, for your own good health, now is a great time … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolution Options ~ The Realistic Kind
Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Game Rules: 1. Look at what I bought at my local Farmer's Market yesterday. 2. Try to name everything. 3. Try to work each fruit/veggie into a healthy meal or snack. Hints: 1. Fresh fruits can be a part of breakfast, lunch or dinner...or, a snack. One easy way to prepare them is to wash in cold tap water, peel (depending on the fruit) and eat. 2. Fresh veggies can be eaten raw, in most cases, or cooked. One easy way to cook them is to wash in cold tap water, cut and microwave. Solution to the Game (left to right): 1. Santa Rosa Plums - Very sweet and a tiny bit tart. … [Read more...] about Name that Fruit/Veggie: A Game of Healthy Choices!
Summer’s Healthy Choices – Now What?
Summer Fruits & Veggies are Here! It is an awesome time of year to go shopping for local, seasonal fruits and veggies. You can find them at your local farm market, roadside stand or supermarket. Stock up now while the summer harvest is 'rolling in' and you'll be glad you did. What to Do with Summer's Bounty! Shopping for healthy summer produce is one thing and figuring out what to do with it once you get home is another. Buy too much? Lacking inspiration to get into the kitchen and cook? Confused how to use it all up? Here's some help. Summer Ideas for Your Healthy … [Read more...] about Summer’s Healthy Choices – Now What?
Fresh + Local = A Smart, Cheap Eat!
Fresh Food Supports Your Community's Farmers & Stocks Your Healthy Pantry If you are looking for a fun way to spend 30-60 minutes and come away with some very tasty fare, try your local Farmer's Market. Summer is here and locally grown fruits and veggies don't get any better. They're tasty, cheap and smart choices for good health. What's in Season Now? In North Carolina, there are awesome varieties of fresh fruits and veggies coming into local Farmer's Markets this month. To name a few, we have broccoli, lots of greens, yellow squash, onions, basil, parsley, peaches and … [Read more...] about Fresh + Local = A Smart, Cheap Eat!