Diet and Nutrition

Diet and Nutrition

How Does Caffeine Affect the Body?

Caffeine is a stimulant that has wide-ranging effects on the body. You have to consider its impact on digestion, whether it dehydrates you and how it affects your heart before consuming unhealthy amounts of it.

Person Holding Coffee Cup Having Headache
Diet and Nutrition

The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce

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

Diet and Nutrition

3 Flavor-Packed Easter Brunch Ideas

Here are three fresh, better-for-you spring brunch ideas that deliver on both flavor and nutrition.

Diet and Nutrition

Street Corn Avocado Toast

Think toasted corn, a sprinkle of cheese, a squeeze of lime and a touch of spice layered over creamy avocado and bread.

Diet and Nutrition

What Meal Should be the Biggest of the Day?

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, which meal should be the heaviest? If you are trying to lose weight, what you eat and the amount is important, in addition to the timing.

Diet and Nutrition

What is Intuitive Eating?

When you eat intuitively, you listen to your body. You trust it to let you know when you are full and satisfied. You also reject the new fad diet of the month. Here are the benefits and risks.

Diet and Nutrition

Sugar Linked to Increased Risk of Anxiety in Children and Teens

A new study sheds light on the association between high sugar intake and increased risk of anxiety in adolescents. Here are some things to know.

Diet and Nutrition

Crunchy Spring Vegetable Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing

Finished with fresh herbs, briny capers and a generous shower of parmesan, this salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and savory.

Diet and Nutrition

Which Produce Stays Freshest the Longest?

It can be helpful to know how long produce lasts when you are writing your grocery list and planning your meals. Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that last longer, along with a few tips on extending their freshness.

Diet and Nutrition

When Should Kids Have Caffeine and How Much?

About half of teens consume energy drinks and one-third of teens report drinking coffee regularly. But caffeine, something most adults have daily, isn’t as benign for kids.

Diet and Nutrition

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Ultra-processed Meats and Colorectal Cancer

Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, sausages and deli meats are considered Group 1 carcinogens, a classification that links these foods to cancer.

Diet and Nutrition

Teaching Kids to Eat with Intention, Not Distraction

Teaching children how to eat intentionally can help provide them with a lifetime of healthy habits when it comes to food, giving them physical and mental health benefits.

Diet and Nutrition

The Nutritional Value of Egg Whites Versus Egg Yolks

Eggs are a great source of complete high-quality protein with few calories. But which is better: the egg white or egg yolk?

Raw organic farm eggs on the old background.
Diet and Nutrition

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese

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.

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
Diet and Nutrition

How to Cook Orzo Pasta

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be used in several dishes including soups, grain bowls and pasta salad. You can cook orzo like many other pasta types on a stovetop.

Diet and Nutrition

High Fiber Fruits to Keep in Rotation

Adding fiber-rich foods to your diet is one way to improve your health. Here are fruits high in fiber to eat regularly.

Diet and Nutrition

How Food Can Impact Mental Health

Eating a healthy and well-rounded diet can improve mental health and make mental health obstacles easier to deal with. On the other hand, a poor diet can be a catalyst for poor mental health and can make it more difficult to manage mental health struggles.

Diet and Nutrition

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. 

Diet and Nutrition

What is Millet?

If you've wondered what millet is and what millet looks like, you've come to the right place. Millet is a high-fiber food that's part of the cereal grain family. Jump on the millet bandwagon.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Make Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil

You don’t have to rely on expensive store-bought jars to get that crunch and heat. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can make your own chili garlic crunch oil at home.

Diet and Nutrition

Shredded Chicken Recipes

Affordable, protein-packed and endlessly adaptable, shredded chicken works just as well in quick weeknight meals as it does in make-ahead lunches or family-friendly dinners.

Diet and Nutrition

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been believed to have health benefits for thousands of years. But does it? Let’s take a look.

Diet and Nutrition

When Healthy Becomes Harmful: How to Identify Unhealthy Eating and Exercise Habits

Eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly are important elements of a balanced lifestyle, but when the pursuit of health becomes rigid or extreme, those same habits can quietly start doing harm.

Diet and Nutrition

How Can I Boost My Immune System?

Good sleep, proper nutrition, stress management and these other tips should help keep your immune system performing optimally, especially as the winter wears on.

immune system
Diet and Nutrition

Game Day Healthy Appetizers

Try a few lighter and nutrient-dense swaps for classic Big Game favorites without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Diet and Nutrition

What is the Difference Between Vegans and Vegetarians?

There are differences and nuances to both diets. Here are the main points in separating veganism from vegetarianism, including nutritional obstacles people who adopt these diets may encounter.

A person prepares to eat a mixed veggie bowl.
Diet and Nutrition

How Safe is the OMAD Diet?

The routine consists of not eating for 23 hours and then consuming all daily calories in a single meal in one hour. Learn more about the potential benefits and risks of the OMAD diet.

Diet and Nutrition

Common Preservatives Linked to Higher Rates of Cancer, Study Finds

Several preservatives commonly found in processed foods are associated with a higher risk of cancer. Let’s take a look at this new study and how you can focus on a healthy diet.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Make Your Own High End Frozen Meals

Here are ways you can make your own healthy frozen meals, foods that don’t freeze well and a few tips on how to safely freeze and store meals.

Diet and Nutrition

Thai Salmon Curry Soup

This creamy, aromatic and deeply flavorful soup is made with ingredients that support overall health and satiety.

Diet and Nutrition

The Diet and Nutrition Trends Shaping 2026: Here's What to Expect

"Functional foods" are at the epicenter of the diet and nutrition world in 2026. Expect a continued emphasis on fiber fortification, gut health and "smart" food innovation, among other trends.

Diet and Nutrition

Winter Wellness Foods

You may exercise less, crave more comfort food and not drink enough water. Here are some tips to stay well in the winter months.

Diet and Nutrition

Is Creatine a Safe Supplement?

What is creatine and is it safe to take? Here are a few things to know.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Avoid Getting Sick from Homemade Foods

While enjoying nutritious homemade meals, it’s important to practice proper food handling practices to stay safe and healthy in the kitchen. Follow these helpful tips to avoid getting sick from homemade foods.

Diet and Nutrition

Tips for an Alcohol-Free Holiday Season

More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Diet and Nutrition

Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites

These bites capture that festive peppermint mocha flavor in a more balanced, bite-sized form that provides a bit of fuel.

Diet and Nutrition

Meal Planning for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

When choosing meals for kids with type 1 diabetes, aim for a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It’s also important to time meals and snacks in accordance with insulin doses.

Diet and Nutrition

Cold Lunch Ideas

Making a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be complicated or involve time in front of the stove. Cold lunches are quick, customizable and good for busy days on the go while still staying full and energized.

Diet and Nutrition

Are Acai Bowls Healthy?

Acai bowls have been rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their versatility, visual appeal and nutrient-packed ingredients. Here’s what you should know about this trendy dish before grabbing a spoon.

Diet and Nutrition

How Fermented Foods Can Support Your Gut Health

Fermented foods are becoming more popular for physical health and well-being. Here is what to know about fermented foods and gut health.

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Cookie Recipes

With just a few ingredient swaps, cookies can get a nutrition boost with fiber, protein and even healthy fats - all while satisfying a sweet tooth.

Diet and Nutrition

Is Beef Jerky Healthy?

Beef jerky is a popular snack option for road trips, long hikes and busy days on the go. While it’s convenient and packed with protein, you may wonder if it’s actually healthy.

Diet and Nutrition

Does Celtic Salt Have Benefits?

Celtic salt was a recent TikTok health "hack." It does contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, but does it contain enough of those minerals to make a difference?

Diet and Nutrition

How to Cook Buckwheat

Buckwheat is neither wheat nor grain, but a seed known for its nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. Despite its name, it’s naturally gluten-free and a popular addition to a variety of side and main dishes.

Diet and Nutrition

3 Budget-friendly Recipes to Elevate Canned Foods

With grocery prices high and holiday spending right around the corner, many are feeling the pinch at the checkout line. But eating well doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Diet and Nutrition

Could Eating Spicy Food Help You Eat Less?

A recent study examining spice levels in food in a short-term situation discovered eating spicy food may eat slower, chew more and chew more, give the body time to register fullness and prevent overeating.

Diet and Nutrition

Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Keep Blood Sugar in Check

For those managing diabetes, the traditional Thanksgiving spread can pose a challenge. However, it is possible to enjoy the feast without sending your blood sugar soaring.

Diet and Nutrition

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Feta and Herbs

Sweet potatoes, with their caramelized edges and buttery centers, become the perfect canvas for a crumble of tangy feta and a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or parsley.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Steam Broccoli

Steaming is one of the best cooking methods to retain broccoli’s vibrant green color, crunch and health benefits. Compared to methods like stir-frying and roasting, steaming uses gentle heat and minimal water, helping the florets retain both nutrition and flavor.

Diet and Nutrition

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Tossed with tender kale, fragrant sage and just enough butter to bring everything together, this dish features comfort without being overindulgent. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough to impress – especially when you tell everyone the gnocchi is made from scratch.

Diet and Nutrition

Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas

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.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Not Cry Cutting an Onion

When an onion “fights back,” it’s just defending itself with an eye irritant. This volatile molecule that reaches your eyes, reacts with the water in your tear film and produces the stinging sensation that triggers reflex tears.

Diet and Nutrition

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

If you are looking for a few new ideas or making gluten-free dishes for a guest, we have you covered.

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

With a few tweaks and additional ingredients, you can make this humble cut of meat into flavorful, healthy dishes that keep mealtime exciting while supporting health goals.

Diet and Nutrition

Matcha on the Brink: Why We're Running Out and How to Drink Smart

Matcha tea is so popular, Japanese farmers who grow green tea for matcha cannot keep up with the demand. Here is what to know about matcha shortages, how to be smart about your matcha consumption and alternatives to consider.

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Halloween Recipes

Between getting dressed up and heading out for trick-or-treating, sitting down for a nutritious meal might not seem like a priority, but it can make a big difference.

Diet and Nutrition

Fibermaxxing: From Trend to Table

Fibermaxxing is a trend rooted in eating more fiber than you may be used to. It's a trend most dietitians can get behind, as more than 90% of American adults fail to reach the minimum fiber threshold.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Meal Prep for People Who Hate Cooking

For many people, cooking may seem like a burdensome chore, especially if you have a busy schedule. Preparing meals ahead of time allows you to enjoy nutritious, home-made dishes without the daily hassle of cooking.

Diet and Nutrition

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Sauce

Spaghetti squash is nutrient-dense – low in calories but high in fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. It helps support a healthy gut, eyesight and immune system.

Diet and Nutrition

Should I Try Seaweed Snacks?

For centuries, seaweed has been an integral part of coastal diets, known for its unique flavor and rich nutrient value. In recent years, it’s emerged as a popular snack option in stores around the world.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Poach an Egg in the Microwave

Want a healthy start to your day, but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these easy recipes for microwaved poached eggs, scrambled eggs and a few other egg variations for a protein-packed breakfast.

Diet and Nutrition

Easy High Protein Meals

Looking to up your protein intake? Here are four easy-to-make meals that contain at least 30 grams of protein apiece. Which recipe are you most likely to try?

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Dessert Recipes

When that sweet tooth hits, it’s easy to reach for cookies, candy or ice cream. These are great in moderation, but what if your dessert could satisfy cravings and offer nourishing qualities at the same time?

Diet and Nutrition

10 Fun Facts About Fall Foods

Did you know Michigan is one of the largest producers of apples in the U.S.? Here are 10 fun facts about our local fall harvest.

Fall Produce
Diet and Nutrition

10 Spice Substitutes to Use in a Pinch

Some spice combinations can come close to replicating the flavor of the spice you are missing. Here is how to replace 10 popular spices.

Diet and Nutrition

How Portion Size is Affecting Your Health

Many people struggle with portion control without even realizing it. But those extra bites can add up and have a real impact on your health over time.

Diet and Nutrition

5 Healthy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes to Try at Home

Buying store-bought dressing is convenient, but those products are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, it’s easier than you think.

Diet and Nutrition

Could the Way You're Preparing Potatoes Increase Your Diabetes Risk?

Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in the United States. Here is what to know about potatoes and their association with increased Type 2 diabetes risk.

Diet and Nutrition

Spiced Apple Rings

These cinnamon sugar apple rings are an easy breakfast addition or treat. Dipped in a batter and seared, they have a soft fluffy outside with a satisfying crunch inside.

Diet and Nutrition

Butternut Squash Deconstructed Lasagna

Deconstructed lasagna skips the most time-consuming and fussy parts of traditional lasagna while delivering similar flavors. This creamy pasta sauce relies on nutrient-rich butternut squash along with ricotta for creaminess and is balanced with pesto for a contrast in flavor.

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Tailgate Food Ideas

Tailgates are as much about food and fun as they are about the big game, but planning a dish that satisfies a hungry crowd can feel overwhelming. Wow your crew with fan favorites while adding in a little extra balance with these recipes.

Diet and Nutrition

Apple and Caramelized Onion Bites

Baguette or flatbread topped with sweet, caramelized onions and crisp apple slices offer a refreshing break from heavier fare. This dish strikes the balance of sweet, savory and crunchy.

Diet and Nutrition

Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a fan favorite at any tailgate — creamy, spicy and difficult to stop eating. This lighter version, made with cottage cheese and less cream cheese, keeps the flavor but dials back the heaviness

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Apple Crisp

When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crisp is made with just a few ingredients.

Apple Crumble For Two
Diet and Nutrition

Does Kombucha Have Health Benefits?

It’s important to know that rigorous research on Kombucha is limited, but let’s explore some of the most common health claims as well as a few risks worth knowing about before you grab your next bottle.

Diet and Nutrition

What to Know About the Michigan Pasty, an Upper Peninsula Staple

Michiganians are known for loving their pasties, but how many of us know the story behind them? Discover the history here.

Pasties cooling
Diet and Nutrition

5 Michigan Superfoods We Love

High in nutritional value, there are many delicious Michigan-based foods that provide amazing health benefits. Here are five of our favorites.

Asparagus
Diet and Nutrition

Elote Seasoning Ideas

Love corn? We've come up with two unique seasoning of elote to explore new flavors.

Diet and Nutrition

What is Red Yeast Rice? Are There Health Benefits?

What is red yeast rice, and is this a safe substitute for medications? Let’s look at this supplement and safe ways to manage and lower cholesterol.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Stop Eating at Night

Making a habit of eating at night can affect your health over time. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can help you make choices that better support your overall well-being.

Diet and Nutrition

Does Plant Protein Lower Heart Disease Risk?

A new study found eating a higher ratio of plant to animal protein was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Interested in incorporating more plant-based protein into your diet? Here's what you need to do.

Diet and Nutrition

Best Protein Sources for Kids 

Kids are constantly growing, staying active and burning energy, so they need steady sources of protein to fuel their bodies and brains. Learn more about adding different kinds of protein sources to your child's diet.

Diet and Nutrition

Low Sodium Condiments

Consuming high amounts of sodium can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Here are a few low condiments, lower sodium alternatives and tips to find healthier options.

Diet and Nutrition

How to Understand Misleading Food Labels

Let’s look at common claims manufacturers make on food labels, what they mean and don’t mean and how to find helpful nutritional information on food labels.

Diet and Nutrition

The Importance of Breakfast for Kids

A good breakfast can set you up for a successful, productive day. The morning meal is especially important for children who need fuel and nutrients to play, learn and grow.

Diet and Nutrition

Why You May Want to Skip This Common Sugar Alternative

A common artificial sweetener called erythritol is associated with a variety of negative health effects. Here is a look at the non-nutritive sweetener, the health effects and how to navigate food packaging.

Diet and Nutrition

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Health

Inflammation is a regular part of the body’s response to injuries and invaders, such as when germs enter the body, triggering an immediate inflammatory reaction.

Diet and Nutrition

Easy Meals for College Students

Amid all the change, figuring out how to eat healthy can feel like another challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.

Diet and Nutrition

One-pot Coconut Curry Gyoza with Frozen Veggies

This is a comfort food upgrade packed with nutrients and flavor - and it only requires cleaning one pot and no chopping.

Diet and Nutrition

Don’t Throw Your Fruit Scraps Away! The Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon Rinds, Orange Peels and More

Since we were kids we discarded the pits, peels and seeds from our fruit while eating the tasty flesh. But did you know the parts of the fruit we usually scrap can have health benefits, too?

Diet and Nutrition

3 Healthy Peach Recipes

Peaches are more than just a summer treat - they're a nutrient-rich fruit offering a variety of health benefits. They can add a burst of flavor to salads, complement proteins when grilled and can shine at the breakfast table.

Diet and Nutrition

Health Benefits of Watermelon Juice

Recently, watermelon juice has become more popular as a refreshing beverage. Here is a look at the health benefits of watermelon and its juice and whether it’s a healthy option to add to your diet.

Diet and Nutrition

Is Cooking with an Air Fryer Healthy?

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years. They are commonly used for their convenience and ability to deliver crispy meals with less oil. But is cooking with an air fryer a healthier option?

Diet and Nutrition

What to Know about Stone Fruit

Stone fruits are one of the most popular summer fruits on the market. Tart and sweet, these fruits, also called drupes, are versatile and have many important nutrients.

Diet and Nutrition

Sodium: How Much Is Too Much?

Most Americans eat too much sodium. But what is “too much?"

Diet and Nutrition

How Vitamin D Can Help with Healthy Aging

Taking a Vitamin D supplement is associated with better aging, according to a new study. Let’s take a look at the results of this new study, the risks of taking supplements and ways to get more vitamin D into your diet.

Diet and Nutrition

What’s the Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt?

Americans are consuming more yogurt than ever. Let’s look at kefir, yogurt and how these dairy products compare.

Diet and Nutrition

Rating the Health Value of Trendy Sauces and Condiments

From hot honey to Korean gochujang, the sweet and spicy combination is en vogue. But do these sauces and condiments provide any nutritional benefits?

Diet and Nutrition

Should You Try Protein Coffee?

Putting protein in coffee is yet another social media trend. Let’s look at “proffee” and whether it’s worth a try.

Diet and Nutrition

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit: The Many Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are packed full of antioxidants, protein, complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. It's no wonder that popular kids jingle suggested to eat them with every meal.

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