Shanthi Appelo

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Happy woman with Down Syndrome ready to planting flowers. Gardening.
Community

Planning for a Healthy, Sustainable Spring  

Make spring your healthiest, most sustainable season yet with these easy tips for your home and outdoor areas.

St Paddy Day drinks
Food and Recipes

Three Non-Alcoholic St. Paddy’s Day Drinks

Here are three delicious and easy-to-make non-alcoholic St. Paddy's Day drinks that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.

cabbage
Food and Recipes

Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes

Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.

Home and Family

Signs of Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children

Feeding and eating disorders are considered mental health disorders and medical illnesses. Understanding the types, signs and symptoms is important, regardless of an individual’s age and gender. 

Paczki-inspired pancake with raspberries
Food and Recipes

Paczki-Inspired Pancakes

Skip the line for Paczkis this year, head out to the grocery store, and come home and make these Swedish-style pancakes with a raspberry sauce instead.

Food and Recipes

Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies

Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.

Food and Recipes

Air Fried Breaded Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American staple and an ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a lighter option to the deep-fried dish, this air fried version skips the heavy fat and crisps up similar to the real deal.

Food and Recipes

Bruschetta with Garlic Baguette Slices

While bruschetta involves simple ingredients and a few simple steps, this appetizer is full of flavor. The bruschetta topping is prepared a traditional Italian way, leaning on the simplicity of the herbs and tomatoes to deliver mouthwatering bites.

Food and Recipes

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered fruit is a delectable treat that leans on fruit for natural sweetness. To get a perfectly coated strawberry, it’s important to first wash and dry the fruit to allow for a stable surface for the chocolate to adhere to.

Food and Recipes

3 Easy Appetizers for the Big Game

Watching a football game makes it easy to mindlessly snack and forget about portions. It’s a good idea to mix in some lighter appetizers for nutrients and balance. Here are three easy appetizers to enjoy during the next big game.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Nacho Cheese Sauce for Loaded Nachos

This healthy nacho cheese sauce recipe features a cottage cheese-based cheese sauce that packs in filling protein and gut-healthy probiotics while reducing the overall saturated fat of the dish. Use it for loaded nachos during the big game.

Food and Recipes

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are tossed in flour, covered with beaten egg and then drenched with an Italian herb-seasoned parmesan cheese panko breading. Rather than the traditional deep-frying, these are lightly coated in olive oil then baked until crispy.

Food and Recipes

Sesame Seared Green Beans

These sesame seared green beans are bursting with flavor and have the perfect level of crunch. In this recipe, the green beans are seared first to ensure the other ingredients don’t burn.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Paczki Recipe: Battered Banana Paczki Bites

In this healthier paczki recipe, banana slices are dipped in a fluffy batter, seared to golden perfection, then served on a platter with drizzles of raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy as breakfast or dessert.

Food and Recipes

30+ Healthier Big Game Recipes to Try

Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests. We’ve got you covered with these nutrient-rich options, many of which are plant-forward, packed with antioxidants and high in protein.

Food and Recipes

2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With

There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment during cozy season. Creating your own soups at home provides a canvas for creativity and ensures control over the ingredients.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Garlic, Pepper and Tomato Tortellini Soup

The bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic that provide a base for this soup are first roasted, then blended to creamy perfection. Roasting the vegetables allow complex flavors to develop and brings sweetness out of the garlic. The soup base serves as a nutritious base for the Italian tortellini.

Food and Recipes

Creamy Curry and Veggie Soup

This flavorful creamy curry and veggie soup packs in a healthy dose of nutrients from onions, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. The curry paste is lightly sauteed to bring out the variety of flavors, then combined with creamy coconut milk.

Health and Wellness

Benefits of Owning a Dog

Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship has lots of perks for the owners, too. Four-legged friends bring their owners both mental and physical benefits as part of their relationships.

Food

Dry January Mocktails and DIY Garnishes

Ready to take part in Dry January? Here are some recipes for mocktails and DIY garnishes.

Food

Spicy Pineapple Mocktail

This spicy tropical drink offers a balance of sweet and spicy with a kick of acid. Because pineapple juice is naturally sweet, add honey as needed to suit your sweetness preference.

Mocktails
Food and Recipes

9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try

Mocktails are getting more popular by the month. Good ones are fun, flavorful, refreshing, and they don't leave you hungover the next day. Keep these easy-to-make recipes on your radar.

Food and Recipes

Cranberry Mule Mocktail with Dried Citrus Garnish

This cozy drink features a balance of tart and sweet, with a hint of gingery spice. Allow frozen cranberries to double as ice and decorate with a dried citrus wheel.

Health and Wellness

Healthy New Year: Take Baby Steps to Improve Your Health

This year, trade your big New Year's resolutions for small goals that will make you healthier.

Food and Recipes

Sparkling Pear Mocktail with Rosemary Sprig

The rosemary sprig brings woodsy and peppery notes to this otherwise refreshing drink – making it perfect for the holidays.

Food and Recipes

Enjoy These Festive - and Healthier – Holiday Mocktails

Mocktails are a good alternative to add balance to a holiday event. Here are recipes for two healthier versions of the popular drinks.

Health and Wellness

Social Media Can Put a Damper on Your Holiday Spirit

If scrolling and swiping makes you feel less than festive, don’t let social media put a damper on your holiday celebrations.

Food and Recipes

Cucumber Shrimp Bites

These crunchy, sweet and savory delights offer healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the shrimp – adding a satisfying element.

shanthieats

Holiday Hummus Wreath

This hummus dip is filled with healthy fats and protein to add a satisfying element.

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Pear Salad Skewers

Skewers are an easy crowd-pleaser – convenient to grab and eat.

Food and Recipes

3 Healthy Holiday Appetizers for Potlucks and Parties

If you are looking for a tasty dish to bring to a holiday party, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-make appetizers.

shanthieats

Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes

This recipe for Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes is free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.

shanthieats

Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe for Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies that are free of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.

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