As days grow shorter and nights colder, winter is on the way! Now is the perfect time to prepare your immune system for the season ahead. What you eat plays a big role in how well your body functions and fights off infections. By including immune-supporting nutrients in your diet, you can help your body…

The fall is around the corner which means that soon there will be a new cornucopia of delicious produce to choose from. A great thing about this time of year is that many farms allow you to pick your own crops. From earthy root vegetables to juicy fruit from the orchards, there is something for…

The air is heating up and so is the grill. From backyard parties with the family to hosting friends and neighbors, you can’t go wrong with barbecued food and fresh produce!   There is nothing better than eating a meal hot off the barbeque during these summer months. However, foodborne illness can put a damper…

Did you know that just 1 in 10 adults meet the federal fruit or vegetable recommendations? Many adults don’t realize the importance of eating the recommended 1½ to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. That is why celebrating Fruits & Vegetables More Matters Month throughout the month of September…

Did you know that people who consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes? A recent study found that eating ample fruits or vegetables can lower your risk of developing diabetes by 25%.   Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are not only delicious, they are power-packed with…

Did you know you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease by making lifestyle modifications? Eating a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity may lower risk by 60%!   Numerous risk factors have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Unfortunately, some risk factors, such as age and gender, you cannot control. However, there are…

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…

Did you know there’s an entire week dedicated to farmer’s markets? This year, National Farmer’s Market Week started yesterday (August 5th) and runs through August 11th! It’s a week in which we show recognition to the value these markets bring to our communities.   Farmer’s markets are the perfect gathering place where you can buy…

With the warmer weather and the sun being out longer during the day, it gives you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!  It is no wonder why July is National Picnic Month!  Picnics are the perfect time to enjoy a laid back and relaxing social gathering in the park.   A picnic gives you the…

Although it may still feel like winter outside, spring is finally here! With the change of season, comes the promise of warmer weather and the start of flowers sprouting outside. This is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. Not only is new life sprouting every which way you turn, but spring is…

Did you know that your skin health is a reflection of your diet? If you are lacking nutrients or have a high fat and salt diet, your skin will not look its best. On the other hand, if you are well hydrated, eat well, and take care of your skin based on dermatologist’s recommendations, your…

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…

As you know, having fruits and vegetables as a part of your daily meal pattern can contribute to your health and overall well-being.  There are numerous fruits and vegetables you can eat and many different ways to cook them, so you should be able to switch it up on a regular basis.   But, do…

January is National Fiber Focus Month.  What better way to start the New Year than to learn about the benefits of fiber and how you can eat more fiber!   Fiber is a form of carbohydrate, also known as roughage or bulk.  It comes from starch from plant and your body cannot break it down…

Did you know that Pears rank second to the apple as the most popular fruit eaten in the United States? They are also one of the world’s oldest fruits; pears were known to both the Greeks and the Romans!   We celebrate National Pear Month every December, to honor this amazing fruit.   Some Pear…

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I encourage you to use this month to spread awareness and get your yearly check-up. It is important to take time out of your day to actively participate in learning ways to prevent, plan and detect the disease.   Did you know that approximately 1 in 8…

World Heart Day is celebrated all around the nation on September 29th! World Heart Day, created by the World Heart Federation, is one of the biggest platforms to raise awareness of Cardiovascular Disease. Heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death. Every year about 17.3 million people die from heart disease and…

With school in full swing across the country, the topic of teenage obesity resurfaces as kids are outside less and inside more in school and doing homework.  According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, around 20% of adolescents, age 12-19 years, are obese in the United States, which puts them at risk for a…

September is Fruits & Veggies- More Matters Month® and we are so excited. This month is perfect to help you focus on adding MORE fruits and veggies to your plates. Fruits & Veggies – More Matters® is a non-profit organization focusing on helping you eat more fruits and vegetables to better your health.   Did…

September 2016 marks the 6th anniversary of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Did you know that obesity now affects 1 in 6 children and adolescents in the United States? That means more than 30 percent of our children are overweight or obese.  However, the good news is that the numbers of childhood obesity have been…