Diet and Nutrition

Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

This salad in a jar recipe showcases fall flavors from Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin seeds. The layered nature of the salad ensures freshness and makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this seasonal salad as a nutritious lunch on-the-go or a light, easy dinner.

This recipe reimagines indulgent caramel apples as a lighter, more wholesome option. Apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with a light coat of caramel and topped with walnuts. These skewered treats offer the classic caramel apple flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.

In this twist on a familiar favorite, Honeycrisp apples and celery add sweetness and crunch to a sweet and spicy tuna melt. Whole wheat bread provides a hearty and fiber-rich base for melty Swiss cheese, juicy Campari tomatoes and crisp iceberg lettuce.

You are probably aware that eating more fruits and veggies is good for your health. When it comes time to prepare a meal, it can be difficult to know the best way to include and serve the proper amount of fresh fruits and vegetables or to break long-standing habits tied to food.

Developing a routine in college that works for you is a significant task on its own, but having to weave in time for healthy meals can be intimidating. For college students, newfound independence can feel exciting and refreshing but sometimes daunting.

Chartreuse was ahead of the "farm to table" curve when it opened in 2015. Clean, quality food, innovative dishes and an emphasis on hospitality have made it one of the most successful "new" restaurants to open in Detroit in the past decade.

Activated charcoal has been showing up all over in recent years, from toothpaste to hamburger buns to supplements. The substance has a history of medical use as an antitoxin for ingested poisons, but more recently it’s become a social phenomenon for “detoxing.”

FODMAPS, an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, are a group of carbohydrates in fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy. Foods high in FODMAPs ferment as you digest them, causing gas, abdominal cramps, constipation and diarrhea for some.

Low-calorie prebiotic sodas have burst onto the scene in recent years. They claim to promote good gut health, but how credible are those claims?

August is Kids Eat Right Month, and it appropriately falls during a time when kids across the country are packing their backpacks and lunch bags. This month brings attention to the importance of fueling kids with healthy foods and establishing nourishing snacking and mealtime habits ahead of the school year.

This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings.

Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of fiber, serving up 8 grams in just a 1-cup serving.

This breakfast dish could double for dessert with its creamy and sweet essence. Simply let the raspberries take a ride in the blender with some milk, honey and vanilla extract. Then, add chia seeds and let them work their magic transforming the texture into a pudding over just four hours.

These single servings of raspberry crumble serve two and are perfect for those evenings when you want a little something sweet without overdoing it. If making a serving for one person, simply cut the ingredients in half.

These little frozen bites are a perfect, moderately sweet treat to enjoy after a weeknight dinner. The 60% dark chocolate in this recipe allows the chocolate to melt while still offering the antioxidant and fiber benefits of dark chocolate.

Frozen bananas keep excellent in the freezer for up to a year. In this recipe, they act as both ice and a sweetener to make a creamy smoothie.

Converting to a vegan diet was a gamechanger for Quiana Rice's health. The lifestyle change set her on a career path and mission to help others choose cleaner ingredients and develop healthier cooking and eating habits.

In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. If you’re looking to refresh your picnic basket ideas, try one of these fresh recipes:

Though traditional fried spring rolls in a sweet and sour sauce serve up a delicious treat, these fresh and nutrient-packed Vietnamese spring rolls are perfect for a healthy appetizer or part of a meal.

Watermelon tastes great on a hot day - it’s crunchy and thirst-quenching. These watermelon fries are served with a lime protein-packed yogurt sauce.

This corn salsa is packed in veggies like creamy avocado and colorful Roma tomatoes and bell peppers. Easy to make, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes.

Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Breadless uses super-green vegetables like Swiss chard and kale to conceal savory, chef-inspired sandwich recipes. The fast casual restaurant has become a much-needed health food option in Detroit.

Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes for entertaining or bringing to a cookout.

The red, white and blue salad provides a fresh and light option, showcasing seasonal produce with the sweetness of blueberries complementing the savory mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.

These skewers are packed with protein and feature a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick. Lightly marinated and grilled instead of fried, these are lighter than their traditional “bang bang shrimp” counterpart.

While the word “smoothie” is synonymous with “healthy,” many smoothies may be packed in added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. However, smoothies can be a great vehicle to pack in nutrient-dense ingredients into a snack or meal replacement if made right.

Lack of structure in the summer can lead to mindless snacking. Try these swaps to help kids eat right this summer.

Does it matter if the fish on your plate was pulled fresh from a local lake or flown in from a fish farm?

During the summer months, Michigan supplies many local produce options including hot-weather crops such as strawberries, cherries, beans, blackberries, squash, and more. Summer fruits and veggies can be included in dishes to add nutritional quality and flavor. Try one of these summer-inspired recipes to make the most of the season.

Combining the strategies of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the MIND diet revolves around healthy combinations of foods that may help reduce inflammation, hypertension and high blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular and neurological diseases and signs of aging.

While many sushi chefs spend upwards of 10 years studying their craft, it’s possible to make delicious beginner rolls at home. If you’re new to making sushi at home, try one of these easy rolls using approachable seafood and ingredients.

Don't sleep on homemade roasted pumpkin seeds this fall! Here is a basic recipe for this crispy, crunchy and delicious snack, plus two fun variations.

Strawberry season is here, and it’s a fruitful time for Michiganders. According to Michigan Grown, our state generates $6.6 million from strawberry production, including more than 43,000 tons of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are not just a staple to the local economy, but also to health.

The freezer aisle of your favorite grocery stores is filled with different flavored popsicles sure to make you cool off a bit. However, in those freezers full of popsicles there are a lot of added sugars, colors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives. Learn some healthy fresh-fruit popsicle recipe to make at home.

It can be a hassle finding healthy snacks your kids will eat and enjoy. These quick, easy, and nutritious snack options are perfect for your active kids this summer.

Beef from Stoney Grove Farm in Rodney. Whitefish caught in Lake Erie. Fresh tomatoes from Good Stead Farm in Hope. Michigan's incredible farming community is highlighted in every dish at Aster.

Making something for mom is special - you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special dishes for mom is a great way to celebrate her.

These savory roll-ups are easy to make and are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini slices are grilled until grill marks appear and softened for rolling. They’re then filled with a mixture of ricotta, sundried tomato, fresh basil and lemon

It can feel like a constant effort to keep your kids eating healthy meals. Kids can also be notoriously picky, for a variety of reasons. Read on for some ideas for creating healthy meals for your kids and tips on getting kids to eat healthier.

Most commercially available and mass marketed ginger beers are simply ginger drinks or fermented ginger drinks without alcohol. Ginger beers that contain alcohol are labeled as alcoholic ginger beers.

The Food Focus series is coming to AHM this spring. Each month we'll chat with different restaurant owners in Michigan who prioritizes clean ingredients, sustainability or just general healthy eating. Let's dig in!

Did you know that more than one-third of families in the U.S. have a dog, and most people consider their dogs as family members? As our furry friends are part of our family, it's essential to take care of their health. Making your own healthy dog treats can be easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.

These no-bake bites are made from healthy and delicious ingredients for your furry friend. The recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and is ready to serve within an hour.

Dogs go crazy over this recipe and it requires no visit to the drive-through. Simply add a few staple household ingredients to a blender, scoop and serve.

The link between stress and nutrition is bi-directional, meaning they both affect each other. Stress can affect our eating habits, especially the chances of unhealthy choices or overeating. Additionally, poor nutrition and diet choices can exacerbate or increase levels of stress.

Grilled cheese sandwiches have long held a cherished spot in the hearts and stomachs of many, not just kids. In fact, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, grilled cheese reigns as the most popular sandwich among Americans.

In this recipe, melty fresh mozzarella alongside your favorite pasta sauce and Italian herbs come together for pizza flavors without the effort. In general, mozzarella is lower in sodium and calories than other cheeses, making it a heart healthier option.

This recipe puts a sense of class into a grilled cheese. The bitterness of the Brie cheese is perfectly accompanied by the fig jam. If you don’t have fig jam, any other type of jam will provide a hint of sweetness to cut the bitterness.

This recipe has that kick of buffalo everyone loves – the tang from the vinegar and the kick of heat from cayenne. Both the avocado and jack cheese adds a creamy component that literally makes this a melt-in-your-mouth meal.

What you eat can have a significant effect on your stress levels and risk of chronic stress. Proper nutrition is an important element to handling stress and anxiety. Learn more about foods that can help manage stress and anxiety.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which sheds light on the role of alcoholic beverages in our lives. Alcohol is a central component of social gatherings, celebrations and moments of relaxation. As spring arrives, and the opportunities for celebration increase, consider trying one of these refreshing mocktail options.

Ginger and lemon are ideal flavor combinations for a refreshing beverage. In this balanced mocktail, citrus provides a refreshing acid profile, honey balances it with sweetness while the ginger adds a hint of spice.

This refreshing mocktail recipe is citrusy with light hints of woodsy and savory elements from the thyme. The grapefruit’s bitterness mocks the taste of alcohol, while its tartness is balanced with honey.

Microplastics are a concern to the environment and for human health. Americans on average consume between 75,000 and 120,000 microplastic particles a year. Read on for some suggestions on how to reduce your microplastic exposures through some lifestyle and consumption changes.

What you eat certainly is directly tied to your health and wellness, but so is the time of day you eat. This is true especially when it comes to timing the largest meal of your day. How food affects your body can depend on the time of day it’s digested.

Leftover hardboiled eggs can be used for a range of things like snacks, salads and sandwiches. Check out these sandwich ideas to make the most of the Easter leftovers.

This nutrient-dense sandwich features garlicky pesto and sautéed spinach for a rich base. Tomatoes and mozzarella add additional Italian elements for this filling egg sandwich.

This toast features Scandinavian influence of flavors including rye bread, smoked salmon with lemon, peppery arugula, crisp English cucumber and mustard.

This protein-rich avocado toast features heart-healthy fats from the avocado, protein from the eggs and a host of health benefits from the seasonal sprouts.

Certain fruits and veggies are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.

During March and April, Michigan experiences a bounty of spring produce including cool-weather crops. Try one of these spring-inspired recipes to make the most of the season’s produce.

This recipe showcases the famous Korean spicy-sweet paste, gochujang, heart-healthy olive oil, a hint of honey and plenty of garlic. The result is a delicious sauce that coats fettuccine noodles.

This vibrant recipe is perfect for spring entertaining. Greek yogurt, which is rich in calcium, vitamin D, probiotics and protein, serves as a creamy base for this dip. Beets add a bright pink color as well as antioxidants.

This is a simple and heart-healthy recipe perfect for family weeknight dinners. The dish features salmon brushed with a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey that sticks the rich breading of panko breadcrumbs and pistachios.

These healthy pregnancy snacks incorporate many key nutrients and are also easy to prepare, transport and eat whether at home, work or on-the-go.

White strawberries are sweeter than red ones and can even smell tropical. Here’s what you need to know about this cream-colored fruit.

Want to make some heart-healthy changes to your diet? It’s easier than you might think and it starts with some basic meal-planning tips.

A new diet and healthy lifestyle program being rolled out by the well-known Mayo Clinic is creating a buzz.

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. 

Grocery aisles are filled with choices. All oils are a type of fat, so they should be used sparingly compared to other ingredients in your diet. But there are some easy ways to tell which oils are better for your health.

If you're lactose intolerant but still crave cheese, there are several kinds that won't upset your stomach and can still satisfy your taste buds.

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.

Peanut butter lovers may be aware of some of the pros and cons associated with their rich, creamy snack of choice. Let's dive into those, as well as some of the lesser-known peanut butter health facts.

From soy to almond milks, let’s look at the pros and cons of milk alternatives when it comes to your health and the environment.

How can you help kids make healthy choices when they buy lunch? It’s important to educate children on nutrition and how to make healthy decisions on their own.

In the colder months especially, using whole foods to create nourishing and satisfying meals is one way to give ourselves a delicious health boost. 

Trying Dry January? The month-long challenge can be mentally trying. Some of the people at the forefront of Detroit’s "sober curious" movement have some advice.

The foods we eat, even our history with food, can impact our daily digestion.

Call it a mocktail, a virgin version or a non-alcoholic drink. They’re the hottest things on the beverage menu right now.

Enjoying food-centered holidays can be a real challenge for people with diabetes but there are ways to make these traditional gatherings more diabetes-friendly.

It’s time to push aside the gravy boats and heavy sauces for healthier holiday options.

Can the foods you eat make urinary tract infections worse? 

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

Free-range. Cage-free. Organic. What do all these words on your egg cartons really mean?

Worried about not getting enough protein as a vegetarian? There’s actually lots to choose from.

The brain is a highly active organ that requires a healthy supply of energy and micronutrients to function at its best.

Ready to find your freshest locally-caught fish? We’ll show you how.

Ready to go vegetarian? Here are some tips to make that first month easier.

Leaning toward a vegetarian diet and want to know if you can include eggs? Read on for more details.

Want a healthy start to your day but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these easy recipes for cooking eggs in a microwave for a protein-packed breakfast.

From popular coffee drinks to cups of low-fat yogurt, do you know where the extra sugar is hiding in your breakfast foods?

Full of fiber and other perks, apples come with lots of health benefits.

Malnutrition doesn’t just mean undernutrition, when you’re not eating enough nutrient-rich food. It can also mean overnutrition.

Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?

The last thing you want to do after leaning on a microwave for its convenience is spend a half hour or more cleaning up the mess you made inside of it.

Looking for a new high-fiber food to add to your diet? Jump on the millet bandwagon.

Want to sharpen your child’s cooking skills early? These easy, creative tips can make for a fun family experience in the kitchen.