Did you know that people with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels? This is becausehigh cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.   September is National Cholesterol Education Month which makes now the…

Before we say a final farewell to summer, it’s time to celebrate National Guacamole Day! Guacamole gets its green color from its main ingredient, avocado. Did you know that the avocado is native to Mexico and that guacamole was made all the way back to the 1500s by the Aztecs? Guacamole is great because it’s…

“Take me out to the ballgame…. you can buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks.”   You may remember hearing this classic baseball song during the warmer months of the year. The song or snack may bring back pleasant memories. As mentioned in the song, peanuts are often served at events like baseball games. You may…

Did you know that the second week of September is National Vegetarian Awareness Week? That makes this week the perfect time to learn more about vegetarianism!   Let’s start with what you may think being a vegetarian means? Do you think all vegetarians just avoid meat, but eat everything else? Well, I’m here to tell…

As we enter into September, we enter the beginning of many new things… one of them being fall.  What kinds of vegetables come to mind with this season change? For me, I often think of acorn squash – I feel like it has such a fallfeeling to it! I must not be alone in that…

How familiar are you with macadamias? Did you know that although Macadamia nuts are mostly grown in Hawaii, they actually originate from Australia?  At first, they were only grown to be used as décor, but later it was discovered that it was much more that!  Their husks have been used as fertilizers, the oil from…

It’s the end of August and today is National Trail Mix day! Trail mix is typically a healthful combination of mixed nuts, dried fruits, grains and occasionally small amounts of chocolate. Trail mix is simple to make, easy to store, light to carry, and fun to eat. There are many reasons to get excited about…

You go to a department store and spot the section filled with notebooks, loose-leaf paper, folders, crayons, pencils and an endless amount of supplies.  You know what that means – its about that time to prepare for the back to school season!  August, which is also known as National Back to School Month, marks the…

Did you know that today is National Kiwi Day? Kiwis are native to China and were bought to New Zealand by missionaries in early 20th century. They were then brought over to the U.S. in early 1960s by an American produce distributor and she changed their name from “Chinese gooseberries” to “kiwifruit” in honor of…

Who would have ever thought two slices of bread around various fillings could be so beloved?  Sandwiches have become a staple in our day-to-day life, morning to night. Perhaps you start your day with an egg sandwich or end it with a grilled cheese. Maybe you find them to be a source of comfort on…

Keep it sweet this August for National Peach Month! Peaches ripen throughout the summer, which is why August is the perfect time to celebrate them.  This juicy fruit is a great on-the-go snack that is filled with many nutrients. Peaches are a great source of fiber as well asa good source of vitamins A and C….

  How often do you sit down and share a meal with your family? Everyday? Once a week?  Or, maybe not as often…  We’ve all been there – everyone has a different routine, making it hard to sit down and enjoy a home-cooked meal together.  However, family mealtimesshouldn’t be neglected!   Aside from spending some…

Did you know that the first week in August is National Farmer’s Market Week? Farmer’s markets are not only a great way to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, but it is a way to support the local farms in your community. They also bring members of the community together for a way to get to know…

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day and what better time to celebrate watermelon than in the summer! Watermelon is made up of 92% water, so not only is it a delicious treat, but it will keep you hydrated in the summer heat! No wonder it isthe most consumed melon in the United States according to the…

Did you know that lasagna’s roots trace all the way back to Ancient Rome? It was also a staple dish in the classic 1970s cartoon Garfield. Through this all, lasagna was made almost the same – a particular type of pasta with alternating layers of different ingredients and sauces. It can be made with meats,…

What comes to mind when you think of a burger?   How about athick and juicy beef patty with a slice of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, a squeeze of ketchup and mustard, all on a fluffy bun.  Sound good? Yes, it does- however, the beauty of a burger is that you can go beyond its classic…

Today kicks off National Salad Week! Some people think salads can get boring, but they don’t have to be!  I love salads because the combinations are endless – you can cover all the food groups by eating a complete salad. There are also so many different ways you can prepare a salad.  Salads can be…

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Who doesn’t love celebrating the warm weather of summer with a refreshing cup or cone of ice cream? I know I do!   Did you also know there are more choices to ice cream than the traditional ice cream flavors, brands and toppings? Luckily, I’m…

Since the 1970s vitamin supplementation has gone through various surges of popularity. In today’s world, you cannot log onto instagram or listen to a podcast without seeing an advertisement for customized vitamins. While history has taught us that megadoses of vitamins can be dangerous, the science on whether minimal doses had health protective qualities was…

Are you ready for the hot weather?  Using sunscreen may help protect your skin in the sun and drinking plenty of water can keep you hydrated, but are you following the proper grilling and food safety protocols?   With all the barbecues and outdoor gatherings that you are engaging in these next few months, it…