I don't know about your family, but we've certainly been doing more baking since we're at home a whole lot more these days. I've always been a baker, it just comes naturally to me, but I've started to enjoy experimenting with different flours and healthier ingredients. Grains and gluten, in general, do not affect me too much; unless I happen to overindulge...then I think it's only natural to feel uncomfortable. The more I began to study about them through my nutrition schooling. the more I find it fascinating how grains have changed over the course of our history. With that said, I don't th ..read more

In the winter months our family likes to add elderberry syrup to our daily regimen. It's a fantastic way to boost to immune system because let's face it; there are a lot of germs and illnesses floating around. Now matter how healthy you eat, we don't get as much natural vitamin D in the winter months here in the Midwest especially, and a little boost never hurts. Most years I have purchased our syrup online or from a local natural foods store, but it's not exactly cheap. Plus I'm always leery about the added sugars in some brands and prefer not to have that included. Bad bacteria in our gut ..read more

Winter is quickly approaching here in Iowa, I'm afraid. We've got some pretty low temperatures forecasted this week with a little snow mixed in, and I'm not happy one bit. Hopefully that will change around though and we can continue to enjoy a little more fall like weather. In the meantime though, I'm diving right into the warmer dishes of the season. Our bodies crave warm foods this time of year. Although we want comfort, our meals don't have to be filled with empty calories. I made this for the family this past week and I'm quite pleased with not only how it turned out and tastes, but wit ..read more

This has been a post on my mind for several months now, and I think I'm just slightly qualified to write it. Especially since I just sent our daughter off to begin her second year of college a couple weeks ago. {Insert tears} No, but really, I have struggled with this new season a little more than I ever expected. But, it's also such a fun time in our lives. I've witnessed a complete transformation in her, in a good way, of course. She's growing up, maturing, figuring out her path and what she wants out of life and it's just a whole lot of fun to sit back and watch it all take place! So, th ..read more

If you're like myself and need to be careful with sweets or that inner sugar dragon comes out real quickly; then this recipe is for you! Do you use chia seeds in your house? Ever had a pudding made with them? This is something fairly new to our household. And, I really like it! I'm thinking of it as a dessert or treat, but I would totally let the kids eat this for breakfast if they wanted. I can only imagine how full and satisfied they would be all morning long in school. Most everyone doesn't geek out over nutrition and the science behind food, but I'm going to share a few health benefits ..read more

I might ruffle some feathers a little bit here, but I'm going to state it: Our kids do not need cereal every morning for breakfast. Or ever, honestly. Take a look down the food aisle, or in our pantry cupboards and I'm sorry, but these have become more like dessert and we're serving it every day in a rush to get out the door on time. I don't know about your kiddos, but many times mine are starving come lunch time. Cereal doesn't exactly keep them full and ready to take on a full morning of learning. Did you know that most cereals are 75% sugar? Therefore, causing our body's energy levels to ..read more

It seems like everyone I know these days is trying to follow a more low carb lifestyle, which makes my heart happy! Our bodies don't need all of these processed food products and grains. We can get enough carbs in our day just through wholesome foods like vegetables, for instance. I'm not saying you shouldn't ever turn down your favorite foods and treats, it's just that we don't need them in our lives as often as we probably are consuming them. Life would be pretty boring without some of our favorites like pizza. Pizza is good! We probably have it for dinner almost once a week. I came up wi ..read more

I've never been much of a milk drinker, not even growing up. Chocolate milk was something I remember drinking on occasion, but I really just never liked the taste of cow's milk. I even preferred my cereal dry because I hate soggy textures. I seriously would try to eat my bowl of cereal so fast, just to prevent any of it getting soggy! I have never forced my girls to drink cow's milk, although the majority of them enjoy it. But, they also have come to love other types of milk, such as almond. Up until a few months ago, almond milk was a huge staple in our house. I make a smoothie every sing ..read more

Chicken can be a hard sell in my house, especially with the kids. Do you have this problem as well? I can't really blame them, if you're not careful, chicken breasts are can be really bland and tasteless. I've spiced up these chicken tenders with a little bacon and pesto, because who doesn't love bacon?! If you're not sure about the pesto, go ahead and bake some without the sauce. Experiment with others if you'd like as well, buffalo is great, ranch might even be tasty! Add this main dish to your summer lineup, it will go perfect with all of the fresh veggies coming out of the garden. Brea ..read more

Food labels, do you pay attention to those when you're shopping? If you don't, then I'm going to encourage you to begin now. When we become more aware of what's in the food that we're eating, then we can start to make better choices. Not only for ourselves, but for our family members. I'm not talking about worrying about the calories or fat content. I'm specifically talking about the ingredients. It's no surprise that we should aim to be eating a whole foods based lifestyle, one with foods that are pure to the earth. One without a ton of processed food products and fast food. A lot of ti ..read more