Remember the old saying, “you are what you eat”? I hope you do, because it’s a great quote to live by and goes perfectly with National Eat Your Vegetables Day!  If you remember to eat your vegetables daily, then you’ll be one step closer to reaching your health goals. Vegetables are a vital part of…

This week, June 12-18 is National Men’s Health Week! Men’s Health Week is celebrated each year during the week leading up to Father’s Day. Men’s Health Week was created to help motivate men to take control of their health in an attempt to prevent some common diseases.   Too often, you may forgo taking care…

June is known for many things such as the beginning of summer, end of school, and warm weather.  It’s also National Dairy Month, so we can add building strong bones and teeth to the last of why June is so great!   Dairy Month began back in 1937 as National Milk Month, as a means…

Are you a fellow fish lover? Do you love trying new varieties, and exploring new and exciting ways of cooking fish? Are you aware of the seemingly endless health benefits fish has to offer?   Fish has been a staple in coastal communities’ diets for centuries and for good reason. The health benefits of fish…

Engaging in exercise is something you may struggle with daily, whether it’s because of the weather, driving to the gym, or time management.  For some, the summer brings increased opportunities for body movement. This is because exercise can finally be taken outdoors!  You can go for a long walk near your house or in a…

Memorial Day is one of my favorite days of the year. It’s known for great weather, reconnecting with family and friends and the unofficial start of summer! You may be running from BBQ to BBQ or you might be hosting your own this year. Either way, you are sure to be surrounded by more food…

Today starts one of the most anticipated holiday weekends… Memorial Day Weekend! It’s a national holiday in which we remember the brave men and women who have died while serving our country.  But, over the years it has also taken on a second meaning.  Memorial Day signifies the start of summer and warmer weather and…

The month of May is National Mediterranean Diet Month! The Mediterranean Diet, made famous by Ancel Keys, is thought of as being one of the healthiest diets in the world. This diet follows the diet of many of the countries along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and has a host of delicious and vibrant…

May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month! Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, ~10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis.   Even though the numbers may…

The month of May is National Asparagus Month! Although this may not be your favorite vegetable because of its slightly bitter and unique flavor, asparagus had been a cornerstone of many diets for thousands of years.   Asparagus is a member of the lily family. There are approximately 300 species of asparagus, but only 20…

May is National Salad Month and while this may not excite you, I’m a big fan of salads!  I love that salads are not restricted to iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and heavy dressing.  You can make your salad whatever you want it to be!  You can add fruit, beans, nuts, or whatever else makes you…

One of the most exciting parts of May is National Women’s Health Week! National Women’s Health Week starts on Mother’s Day, May 14th and is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health. This week strives to encourage women to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to their…

Have you skipped a meal because a “diet” told you to?  Have you replaced meals with shakes or avoided entire food groups?  Do you restrict your favorite foods or force yourself to eat foods you don’t like because your “diet” says you should?   You may have fallen prey to the many fad diets out…

Today is the start of National Herb Week!  This week was created in 1991 by the International Herb Association, with the purpose of drawing special attention to herbs.  It is the perfect time to celebrate all the wonderful herbs that can be used to turn your meals into flavorful and delicious creations.   Herbs can…

Did you know that raisins were discovered by accident?  As early as 2000 BC, grapes were found withered on their vine from the heat.  Since they didn’t want to waste food, they tried them and they quickly became a part of the diet of Mediterranean countries.  Raisin’s popularity then spread to the rest of Europe…

Did you know that the zucchini variety of summer squash is native to Italy?  The word zucchini comes from the Italian zucchino, meaning a small squash.  It was brought over to America in the 1920s, where it was often referred to as the “green Italian squash” and was not recognizable.   Boy have things changed!…

We’ve all been there. Struggling between the love of baking and the attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle. There are many flour options on the market today, each one providing a nutritional boost to your baked goods.   5 Flours to Try the Next Time You Bake 1.Quinoa Flour   Quinoa flour is growing in…

Did you know mushrooms are a part of the fungi family?  This may lead you to find mushrooms unappetizing, but it shouldn’t!  They are perfectly edible and are very nutritious.  Mushrooms are neither a fruit nor vegetable and offers benefits to your health outside the realm that produce does.   This Sunday, April 16th is…

It’s time to get your soil prepped and your seeds planted– it’s National Garden Week! During the second week of April we celebrate National Garden Week. That’s right, a whole entire week for planting your own garden. Gardening is a great outdoor activity that can be done with your friends and family.   Growing your…

I used to think that celery was the dullest of all of the vegetables. I used to resent its mild, watery flavor. Who knows, perhaps it was an immature palate that steered me away from celery. But boy things have changed. April is National Celery Month and is a great time to learn more about…