Did you know that nearly all of raisin crops are grown in the Central San Joaquin Valley in California?  Raisins are basically grapes that are typically dried by the sun on the vines or on paper trays.  They vary in size and color; some are very small like the Zante currant that are made from…

Did you know that almonds are actually grown on an orchard and are encased in a fruit-like shell? They are also a part of the rose family, making them close relatives to peaches and apricots!  Here’s another fun fact: there are eight different species of almonds, but they all have the same exact nutritional value!…

As you probably already know, Superbowl Sunday is this Sunday! While I’m not really a huge sports fan, I do love getting together with friends and family to watch the game (and halftime show)! What kind of food do you like to have at your get-together? While there is nothing wrong with “bar food”, I’m…

How much do you know about sweet potatoes, aside from how delicious it is?   You may not give it much thought except around Thanksgiving. However, they’re actually the perfect vegetable all year long.   February is National Sweet Potato Awareness Month, which makes right now the perfect time to tell you all about the…

Did you know that today, November 13th, is National Take a Hike Day? This celebration of hiking is an opportunity to get people up and get outside. There are hundreds of hiking trails open that are free of charge just waiting to be explored.   Hiking Benefits   Hiking is a fun way to get…

What comes to mind when you hear the word “snack”?  Do you think of unhealthy, salty or sugary foods?  Most people associate the word snack with an unhealthy food choice because foods marketed as “snack foods” are typically processed foods laden with excess calories, fat, and sodium.   According to Dictonary.com, the definition of snack…

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…

It’s that time of year again, back to 6 am wake ups, rushing to the bus, extracurricular activities, sports, and the dreaded homework. With all the hectic schedules, meals and snacks might be the last thing on your mind. However, proper nutrition can help your children succeed in and out of the classroom!   Breakfast…

These pops are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. They are the “easier version” of frozen yogurt pops, but just as tasty, if not more! Prepare different kinds of healthy toppings that your kids might like, and let them enjoy customizing their own pops.

This is a really fun and easy way to allow children to be creative and design their own animals that they can eat. There are endless options of designs. You can copy mine, or just let your imagination run wild!

These skewers are a really easy and fun snack to eat on the go. Have the older kids help cut up the vegetables, and let all ages design their own skewers.

This soup is a great appetizer or dessert for a spring or summer meal. The papaya makes for an extremely soft buttery consistency and sweet, but mellow taste. The small amount of ginger and lime add an extra dimension of flavor and freshness to the dish.

The month of October is synonymous with Halloween and spooky fall festivities. But along with trick-or-treating comes massive amounts of sugar. Whether you’re out and about tricking or home dishing out the treats, these tips will help you stay an intuitive eater amidst all of the chaos.   Eat Before You Treat Just before the…

Take a Bite into Healthy Snacks By Charna Sheinfeld and Samantha Baturin, Nutrition Interns Join us and the dietitians around the country as we celebrate National Nutrition Month®! The American Dietetic Association (ADA) annually sponsors nutrition education campaigns during the month of March to promote healthy eating and lifestyles. March is a fitting time for…

These bananas are dipped in a little bit of chocolate and then frozen on a Popsicle stick. They are great for when you feel a craving for ice cream because they end up with that wonderful creamy texture but without all the calories!

Since 1989, February has been considered National Snack Food Month as declared by the Snack Food Association and the National Potato Promotion Board. While this was initiated as a promotional tool to increase consumer consumption of snack foods during a month with low sales, it is no doubt that 26 years later, snacking is popular…

January 21st is Granola Bar Day!  Granola bars are the perfect grab and go snack food to fit into any busy schedule, and there are hundreds of varieties on the market to choose from.  Although granola bars were originally created to be a healthy snack bar to keep you energized throughout the day, many manufacturers…

Nuts come in all shapes and sizes and offer you protein, healthy fats and fiber.  Although some might be more favorable than others, a recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has discovered that almonds stand out among all the rest in terms of weight management.   The study found that participants eating…

Trail mix is the perfect healthy snack that will hold you over in between meals.  Unfortunately, many packaged trail mixes that you can find at the grocery store contain added salt and a lot of calories for a small serving.  Luckily, this is a fun snack that can easily be made at home and allows…

As summer vacation comes to a close and the school year approaches, get yourself back in the swing of healthy eating for the year.  By preparing your children ahead of time, and discussing nutrition with them, they are more likely to make healthier choices at school. Healthy eating habits at home are huge influences for…