Everyone is feeling excited for the warmer weather to arrive. This also means increased access to seasonal produce. You may be wondering how to use some fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs that are available in April and May. Check out the meal and snack ideas below. Rhubarb: Finely chop and add to baked goods like muffins, scones, or pancakes. Cook with sugar to turn into a jam for cheesecakes, poultry, or toast. Mint: Finely chop and add to plain Greek yogurt and crumbled feta for a delicious dip for crackers or veggies. Puree with mango and coconut for a tropical refreshing drink. Mix ..read more

Seasonal eating is the practice of choosing fresh fruits and vegetables at the time of year when they are locally harvested. For example, eating apples and pumpkins in the fall or berries and watermelon in the summer. Below are some of the benefits to seasonal eating. Better Taste: Less time from farm to table means fruits and vegetables will have a richer flavor. Nutrition Boost: In-season produce tends to have more nutrients like vitamins and minerals that support our health, including our immune system. Save Money: Eating seasonally tends to be cheaper and items are more likely to go on s ..read more

Bean sprouts are native to Asia, specifically Japan, and used as part of traditional Asian cuisine. To produce bean sprouts, beans are placed in a controlled environment and in complete darkness. They require frequent watering over just 9 days. The end product is a source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They also add a satisfying texture to dishes! Nutritional Benefits of Bean Sprouts: Year-round source of vitamin C. Source of fiber to support digestion and increased fullness. Provide a small amount of protein. Provide B-vitamins. Examples of Dishes that Use Bean Sprouts: Noodles Stir ..read more

It can be challenging to stay active over the winter. Whether you are interested in outdoor or indoor activities, here are some ideas to keep you moving through the winter months. Outdoor: Skiing or snowboarding. Sledding. Snowshoeing. Hiking. Treasure hunting with Geocaching or Pokemon Go apps. Indoors: Strength training, aerobic or yoga classes at a local gym or streaming. Check out Fitness Blender or YouTube for free classes. Or ask your Dietitian for other streaming options. Running alternatives including climbing stairs, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, burpees, jumping rope, or high ..read more

Valentine’s Day is near! Are you wondering what to give your Valentine? They may enjoy a personalized, homemade candy. Add delicious toppings such as pretzels, Oreo’s, or melted chocolate to their favorite candy or dessert. Some ideas are listed below to help you create a sweet treat. Unique Toppings Crushed Oreos Peanut butter cups (crushed or melted) Melted chocolate (milk, dark, white) Caramel drizzle M&Ms Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles Melted Rolos Pretzels (crushed or whole) Crushed candy canes Fluff or melted marshmallow Information gathered & adapted from: https://www.foodolo ..read more

The holidays are a time of year when there are many delicious foods around. It may feel overwhelming to think about how to use so many options. Keep those leftovers and read below about ways to continue enjoying your favorite holiday foods! Egg scramble: Toss leftover ham, turkey, or tenderloin into a sauté pan. Add in vegetables and eggs to make a yummy egg scramble for a quick breakfast. Shephard pie: Layer leftover mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meat into a baking dish. Pop in the oven for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Power bowl: Toss almost any leftover ingredients together t ..read more

Do you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Many people struggle with getting the ideal 7-9 hours of sleep each night, which can lead to us feeling tired or sluggish the next day. Here are some quick tips that can help you get a better night’s sleep to conquer the day!   Choose certain foods/drinks: kiwi, tart cherries, milk, salmon, nuts, eggs, turkey, bananas, pumpkin seeds, chamomile tea. Decrease blue light at least 30 mins before bed: blue light is the light that comes from all of our electronics. Try swapping your phone or lat ..read more

Store shelves are stocked with vitamins and supplements from A to Z. However, eating foods rich in certain nutrients is also beneficial! For example, vitamin E prevents damage to cells in the body. Choosing more foods with vitamin E can be simple. Get started by learning more about vitamin E with the tips below. Vitamin E lowers the risk of chronic illness. It attacks harmful substances in the body. This action prevents damage to the body’s cells. There are quite a few foods that contain vitamin E. They range from wheatgerm, nuts and seeds, to fruits and vegetables. Here are some ways to a ..read more

As is the fall tradition, New Englanders have been stopping by their local farm to pick fresh apples. But this leads to the question, what can we do with all these apples? Check out the suggestions below for ways to turn your fresh picked apples into tasty snacks. Raw: Eating an apple whole or slicing the apple is a quick snack. Dipping those apple slices in peanut butter is delicious too. Paired with sharp cheddar cheese: Slicing the apples and placing cheddar cheese on top. This provides a sweet and savory flavor and a good crunch. Vinaigrette, walnuts, and apples: Slice apples into ti ..read more

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. However, many people do not feel hungry in the morning. Despite not feeling hungry, your body still needs food. Here are some tips. Wait. You do not need to eat as soon as you get up in the morning. Try to eat within 3 hours of waking up. Drink ginger tea. If you have nausea in the morning, this can help reduce it. Move your body. Movement that lasts at least 5-10 minutes can stimulate appetite. Some ideas include going for a walk, doing some housework, or yoga. Delay your first cup of coffee. Try ..read more