Let’s look at the nutrient benefits of eating chocolate, what makes chocolate unhealthy, and how to include chocolate in our diets in a healthy way.
Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
In this post I share my healthy chicken noodle soup recipe with you. This is my go to soup recipe when someone in my family is sick, or when we need a warming meal during cold winter days. This soup can be made in an Instant Pot or regular pressure cooker, and is full of healing ingredients and comforting flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Muffins
In this post I share how to make strawberry muffins. Strawberries are in season and are at their best flavor! If you grab some from the store or if you have an abundance of strawberries from going strawberry picking, try this recipe out. These muffins are packed with great nutrition and a lovely strawberry flavor.
A Healthy Salad and “1 Big Salad”
Let’s prepare a healthy salad together and look at the children’s picture book, “1 Big Salad.” I talk about how to make a salad healthy as we explore different vegetables. I also talk about ways to encourage children to try new veggies and fruits.
The Plate Method
The plate method is a tool we can use to plan balanced meals. Let’s take a close look at the plate method and how to use it. I also show you examples of what balanced meals look like.
Julia Child and “My Life in France”
Let’s discuss the inspirational book “My Life in France” written by Alex Prud’homme and Julia Child. I also cook two recipes from the first volume of, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
Are Eggs Healthy for You?
If you are health conscious and like to eat eggs you may be wondering if chicken eggs are healthy for you. In this post I discuss this common question and also talk about whether eggs raise blood cholesterol or not. Lastly, I provide ideas on how to incorporate eggs into your diet in a healthy way.
Chicken Vegetable Soup and “Our Little Kitchen”
Join me as I cook chicken vegetable soup and discuss the book Our Little Kitchen. The author Jillian Tamaki includes an open ended recipe in the book that inspired me to cook my own soup at home. I also include a challenge for you in this post, continue reading to find out what the challenge is!
Our Trip to St Louis + Tips on Eating Healthy While Traveling
Traveling can bring about some unique challenges to eating healthy. In this post I provide tips on eating healthy while traveling, and I share bits of our trip to St. Louis Missouri!
Summer Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie
Make this summer fruit & yogurt smoothie for a refreshing snack or have it alongside your breakfast or lunch. You can also opt to freeze it in popsicle molds for a frozen summer treat!
Foods That are in Season During Summer
When you think of foods that are in season during the summer what comes to mind? Since I live in Illinois, I explore some of the foods that are in season by me in this post. Below I also outline how to look up which foods are in season by you.
Baby Chicks and Their First few Weeks
Over the past three weeks we have been having a lot of fun caring for our new baby chicks. Come alongside us to read all about the baby chicks and their first few weeks.
Berry Cobbler
With summer starting soon and with berries being in season, give this berry cobbler a try. This special dessert will satisfy your desire for something sweet and will compliment your summertime BBQ’s and picnics.
Grilled Salmon With Lemon and Dill
This grilled salmon with lemon and dill will be a fast favorite for anyone looking to cook a simple yet delicious meal.
Backyard Chickens and Loss
We recently lost our four beloved backyard chickens. In this article I talk about backyard chickens and loss. I share what happened, grief (the kind of grief that comes with losing pets), and what our plans are for our next flock.
Black Bean Tostadas With Guacamole
Black bean tostadas with guacamole is one of my favorite weeknight meals to make for my family. These tostadas have a lot of flavor and leave you feeling satisfied.
5 Tips for Reading Nutrition Facts Labels
We can use nutrition facts labels in a way that supports our healthy eating goals. I go over 5 tips for reading nutrition facts labels.
Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing
This lemon salad dressing is both easy to make and healthy. There is no added salt or sugar in this dressing and it is still full of bright flavor.
How to eat More Vegetables
Vegetables offer so much good nutrition for our bodies. Lets look at ways we can eat more vegetables and actually enjoy them!
Purple Carrot Cake
This purple carrot cake is made with purple carrots instead of the traditional orange carrots and is topped with purple cream cheese frosting.
Sautéed Asparagus With Mushrooms & Red Onion
Sautéed asparagus with mushrooms & red onion is a bright dish of vegetables that is both healthy and full of flavor.
Foods That are in Season During Spring
Now that it’s officially spring let’s take a look at some of the foods that are in season during spring time. I talk about different ways to enjoy broccoli, spinach, asparagus, cherries, rhubarb and berries. I also discuss the different nutrients they offer.
Healthier Shamrock Milkshake
I have a recipe for a healthier shamrock milkshake for you so that you can make it at home and love every ingredient that is in it. This milkshake is minty, sweet, creamy and every bit of fun as it looks.
Backyard Chickens & a Life Lesson
In this post I will share with you one of the most valuable life lessons I have learned while venturing into owning chickens. Hence the title, Backyard Chickens & a Life Lesson.
Nutrition When you are Sick
In this article I talk about nutrition during illness. I cover three nutrients that are commonly supplemented, including vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D. I also discuss the use of honey when sick.
Vegetarian Bean Burritos
If you enjoy bean burritos give this recipe a try. These flavorful burritos are filled with healthy pinto beans, vegetables, green chiles, and quesadilla cheese.
Heart Healthy Eating
Heart healthy eating is a matter of choosing healthy fats, lower sodium foods, eating foods with more fiber and less added sugars.
Quick & Healthy Chili Recipe
This quick and healthy chili recipe that I created is both mild and full of savory flavor. It takes less than an hour to make and I often make it with a side of corn bread for my family on school nights.
Chocolate Cake With Raspberry Sauce
Valentine’s Day is coming up and this chocolate cake with raspberry sauce will not disappoint! This cake is made with healthier ingredients than your typical cake recipe.
Our Journey With Backyard Chickens
Almost two years ago we dove into the adventure of owning backyard chickens. In this post I share about our journey of raising chickens.
Arroz Con Pollo Recipe With Brown Rice
I really enjoy this one pot meal with chicken thighs, flavorful brown rice and vegetables. This recipe is based on a traditional Latin American dish. It is both delicious and healthy. I hope you enjoy it too!
Exercise for Children
Our bodies are meant to move, and children naturally seek physical activity in their play and free time. Encouraging this free play will help kids meet their exercise needs. In this post I talk about exercise for children, what their physical activity needs are and fun ways for kids to exercise.
Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe
I created this rich, dark hot chocolate for those who love really love chocolate. This recipe uses two different kinds of chocolate and less sugar than traditional hot cocoa recipes and packages.
Why is it Important to Exercise?
Let’s look at why exercise is important and what the exercise guidelines are for Americans. I also discuss how we can make exercise a regular part of our lives and how to keep it fun!
Dark Chocolates Contain Lead and Cadmium: Nutrition in the News
You may have heard that researchers recently found that some dark chocolates contain lead and cadmium. In this article I summarize the findings and what this means for consumers, i.e. anyone who loves to eat chocolate!
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker recipe makes for an easy yet delicious dinner. Chicken thighs are paired with carrots, parsnips and flavorful seasonings.
Are Supplements Good for You?
With so many different supplement options at the stores do you wonder if you should be taking supplements? Are they necessary? Are supplements good for you? Let’s look at this topic closer.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
In this post I share my recipe for my favorite chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie. I love to make this smoothie as a healthy snack for myself and also for my kids. It may taste like a treat but it offers a lot of good nutrition too!
New Year’s Resolution Ideas
With 2023 around the corner, let’s talk about some New Year’s resolution ideas. It is common to create resolutions that are centered around health and wellness. In this post I give you 10 ideas for resolutions that are focused on health and well being, but not on weight loss.
Foods That are in Season During the Winter
The snow and the cold are officially here! Let’s look at the foods that are in season in the winter and the health benefits that they provide.