Now that the heat of the summer is beginning to break, it has become the perfect time to get out and enjoy some local nature trails. A simple Google search will reveal wonderful state and local parks in your area that were previously undiscovered. Take time this September to explore new hiking trails in your…

Today is National Watermelon Dayand there’s no better time to celebrate this refreshing fruit than now! Watermelon is a great nutrient-packed summertime treat. It’s made up of 92% water so it helps keep you hydrated during those hot summer days, too.   Did you know that watermelons were first found in northeastern Africa, where they…

Monday April 30th is National Raisin Day.  When you think of raisins, I’m sure it brings you back to your childhood when you would have them as a snack at school. However, raisins aren’t just a snack for kids – people of all ages can enjoy them in either sweet or savory recipes.   The raisin…

As far back as the ancient Greeks, celery has been used as an ingredient in many dishes.  It is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can serve as the base of the dish or as an addition for more of a crunch. Since it’s available year-round at a reasonable cost, it’s an ingredient that won’t hurt…

March is one of my absolute favorite months. It brings the promise of warmer weather and flowers begin to bud. All throughout the month, the season slowly transitions into spring.   Want another reason to love March? It’s also National Peanut Month, which makes this truly a time for celebration!   Up until 1974, the…

Who doesn’t love a delicious Pistachio? Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they are one of the most fun foods too eat!  They may take some effort to eat, but they are absolutely worth it in the end. Luckily, next Monday, February 26th, is National Pistachio Day so I have you covered with…

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…

Did you know that one 12-ounce jar of peanut butter contains 540 peanuts? Did you also know that peanut butter’s modern history began in 1884 when a chemist wanted to create a soft food that would still provide nutrition to those who have trouble chewing?   Peanut butter is a classic and one of the…

Did you know that it takes 7 years after a macadamia tree is planted for it to produce fruit (the nut)? But, once they begin producing fruit, they remain productive for 100 years!!   You may know little about macadamia nuts, but they are actually one of the most sought-after nuts in the world. Along…

If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and healthy fat, there’s no better food than nuts. There are so many varieties to choose from as well as many ways to prepare meals and snacks using them as ingredients.   Nuts are actually a seed surrounded by a hard, inedible shell….

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…

Today is National Strawberry Day and I am very excited about it! Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits.  Truth be told, they are actually considered a “false fruit” because they are made up of dozens of tiny individual fruits coming together as one. These individual fruits are called achenes and are all surrounding the…

When you think of a smoothie, do you associate it with summertime?  Is it because it’s a cold drink?  That doesn’t have to be the case!  Smoothies can be enjoyed year round and are a perfect way for you to incorporate more fruits and vegetables throughout the day!   Smoothie Steps   Making your own…

This is a simple dish that’s a great alternative to rice. The powerful anti-inflammatory turmeric spice is great especially in the winter to help you fight against the ailments that come your way.

October is more than just a month to celebrate spooks and sweets.  It is also a month to celebrate treats that are good for you, like popcorn (which also makes a perfect treat for Halloween).  Luckily, October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month!   Did you know that Americans consume 14 billion quarts of popcorn annually? …

Did you know that October is National Cranberry Month? Cranberries add great color to your meals and offer a refreshing taste.  The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize cranberries as a nutrient-dense fruit!  They are a great source of antioxidants and have anti-cancer properties.   Cranberry Facts   According to a study conducted by the…

The gorgeous bright orange, green and red colors of this dish remind me of the beginning of fall. This dish works great as an appetizer or as a side dish. Its combination of the mildly sweet, soft squash, slightly bitter spinach and crunchy sweet but tart pomegranate makes each bite a perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Fall is just around the corner and with a new season comes new veggies you can celebrate.  Luckily, Wednesday is National Acorn Squash Day, and I’d like to use today to focus on this underrated vegetable.   Do you know where the acorn squash got its name?  That’s right, it’s named after the acorn!  When…

Wednesday is National Trail Mix Day! If you’re like me and my team here at BRG Health, then you must love trail mix! Trail Mix isn’t actually the technical term for the delicious treat, the word ‘gorp’ is. Gorp is often used by hikers for trail mix which stands for ‘good old raisins and peanuts’;…

Summer is coming up fast! It feels like just yesterday spring began and now we’re already in the middle of June. So many of the delicious summer fruits have begun to make appearances once again. One of the returning stars of the summer- apricots- has finally reappeared in the supermarkets. These little orange fruits are…