Did you know that strawberries are one of the most popular fruits eaten in the United States? They are extremely popular because they are so versatile, nutritious, and delicious! It’s no wonder then that this well-liked fruit has its own day. On February 27th, we get to celebrate National Strawberry Day!   You may be…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Ficus carica, also known as the common fig, may not be so common to everyone. Figs are delectable little fruits that are not only delicious, but also offer a number of health benefits. National Fig Week is November 1st through 7th and is the perfect time to learn more about figs.   Shopping for Figs…

Did you know yesterday was National Oatmeal Day? Did you eat any oatmeal to celebrate? Don’t worry if you didn’t, there’s still time!   Not only is oatmeal delicious, it’s full of health benefits. Since only the outer hull is removed, the germ and bran remain intact, making it a whole grain product. It’s high…

Is there anything better than a fresh, juicy apple? The kind that has a crisp crunch and leaves juice running down your arm. YUM.   Fall brings us cooler air, shorter days and the changing colors of the leaves, but it always gives us some of the freshest and most delicious apples you can find…

It’s that time of the year again! October means fall is officially here and it’s time for pumpkin flavored everything! It’s also time for jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating, but pumpkins can be so much more than simply decoration.   Pumpkins are a cultivar of squash and are planted in the summer to be available in the…

Did you know that last week, October 9th-13th, was National School Lunch Week? President John F. Kennedy created this week in 1962 in order to celebrate the school lunch program in America.   This year’s theme was “School Lunch: Recipes for Success”. The theme was centered around sharing tips on what makes your child’s school…

Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America. However, you may only think of cranberries around Thanksgiving.   If that’s the case, you are missing out! Cranberries are a nutrient-dense fruit that should be incorporated into your diet all year round. They can add color and texture to an already great meal, add…

Many people have decided to forgo meat and live a vegetarian lifestyle. The reasons people choose to make this change vary from person to person but there are plenty of plant-based food options available for anyone considering vegetarianism.   October is National Vegetarian Awareness Month and the fall is the perfect time to try out…

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…

Lightweight, nutritious, energy boosting… trail mix is the ideal snack! This Thursday, August 31st is National Trail Mix Day, and it is one of my favorites!   Trail mix comes in a variety of ways, but the most common combination is a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate. Traditionally, as the name implies,…

As summer winds down and the season begins to change, it’s a great time to look ahead and prepare for the upcoming school year. A large part of feeling great and sticking to foods your body loves is being prepared when hunger hits. Whether you are sending your children off to school, or attending classes…

Picture this: You are at the beach, it is a beautiful day, and the only thing that is wrong is the salty air making you dehydrated. You try to avoid reaching for soda, but the water just doesn’t cut it. So what do you do?   This is where you can use your imagination to…