Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? I apologize for starting on such a somber note, but heart disease is no laughing matter, and deserves every bit of attention that it is getting. Luckily, heart disease is preventable in most cases, and diet and exercise can…

Nothing is more fun to do during the cold winter months than baking with your family. February has been designated as National Bake for Family Fun Month and that’s reason to celebrate! Baking is a great way to spend valuable time with your family, from selecting and shopping for ingredients to baking and enjoying the…

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, February 4th, which is right around the corner! Whether you’re staying in or going out, it’s a great time to be enjoyed with friends and family. The Super Bowl is the most televised event of the year and, regardless of which team you are rooting for, it’s always an…

Is there anything better than warming up with a hot drink on a cold winter day? From hot chocolate to coffee to tea, there is an endless supply of warm drinks to cozy up with during these cold winter months. You can add twists to old favorites or keep it simple and stick with the…

What comes to your mind when you think of pancakes? Does your mouth start to water at the thought? Does your stomach start to growl in anticipation? Or, do you just not like pancakes?   Now, how about blueberry pancakes… What comes to mind? Maybe a dash of sweetness that turns an already delicious breakfast…

Did you know January is National Soup Month? With the winter weather in full blast, it’s certainly good news if you’re looking for a way to warm up. Soup is an incredibly versatile food and can be part of a meal as either an appetizer or entree.   Soup Basics   In traditional French cuisine,…

Are you someone that is always on the go, but still wants to make healthful food choices for yourself and your family? If so, granola bars may be just the snack you are looking for! They are an excellent grab-and-go option for a busy schedule, and their possibilities are endless!   Luckily, January 21st is…

Ah, folic acid. I’m sure you’ve seen it mentioned on your cereal or pasta boxes, bread, and other grains, but do you really know what it is?   Last week was National Folic Acid Awareness Week and I meant to post this blog then, but, as I’m sure you all know the feeling, sometimes the…

Do you feel that you are often too busy to properly plan out and cook meals for yourself or your family? Unfortunately, when you are constantly in a rush your food choices may not be what you’d hope for. However, I have good news! There is an easy solution to this, which saves time and…

Your grandma probably told you ages ago, “You are what you eat!” It’s long been suspected that eating fresh, unprocessed foods could lead to an elevated mood and an overall better outlook on life. Eating well-balanced diets has mostly been advocated for adults, by adults… But does food have the same effect on children?  …

What better way to start off 2018 than with National Fiber Focus Month! Fiber is an essential part of any diet and provides a seemingly endless array of health benefits. But, are you getting enough?   The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend that men get ~38 grams per day and women consume ~25 grams…

Although the colder months do make it difficult to stay motivated, there are still many ways to stay on track with your fitness goals this winter. January is National Family Fit Lifestyle Month, which makes now the best time to create healthy habits together as a family.   Studies show that regular exercise decreases stress…

Can you believe it’s 2018 already?! As you know, the New Year typically means you’re going to begrudgingly set up some New Year’s resolutions, swearing to yourself that THIS year is going to be different and you’re going to stick to each and every one of them!   Time for change   The thing is,…

The holiday season is a joyous time, but can also be a very stressful time as you may need to plan, cook, clean and entertain many guests. This stress can start to affect how you listen to your body, which is why it’s important you take the time to take care for yourself!   You…

The cold weather doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Did you know that there is actually some produce that is in season during these chilly months? Buying in season produce not only ensures that you are eating foods at their ripest, but it saves money as well.   Here are 6…

It’s December and the final holiday festivities of the year are in full swing. It’s the time of year best spent with loved ones, enjoying spending time together. This is also a great time of the year to reflect on how the last year went and to envision how you’d like next year to start….

The winter months are coming and, unfortunately, so many of our fruit and vegetable staples are out of season. But, fear not! The humble and delicious Pear is in season basically all year round. December is National Pear Month, and is the perfect time to learn all about this delectable fruit!   Pear Facts  …

Do you find yourself feeling sluggish at times, or perhaps your thinking just feels clouded? If this sounds all too familiar, did you know that there are several things you can do each day to combat these feelings?   It’s no news that what you eat impacts how you feel, which is why it’s so…

Did you know that there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating cookies? The delicious and delectable dessert is celebrated today, December 4th, which is National Cookie Day!   Just in case you’re unfamiliar with the wonderful cookie, Wikipedia defines it as “a baked or cooked good that is small, flat, and sweet.” Cookies, which…

Did you know that National Parfait Day was November 25th? Parfait means “perfect” in French and there is no better way to celebrate the day than with a perfect parfait.   A French parfait is actually a way to make ice cream without using an ice cream machine. A base of sugar syrup, egg, cream…