Diet and Nutrition

The Food Focus series is coming to AHM this spring. Each month we'll chat with different restaurant owners in metro Detroit 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?

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

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

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.

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.

Is reaching for a granola bar a healthier choice than a couple cookies? Here’s how reading a label can help.

Ready to find a tastier option for your sandwich spread? Here are some flavorful alternatives to mayonnaise.

A sweet fruit of summer, blueberries have lots of health benefits.

While peaches taste great on their own, they are also delicious when incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes.

Trying to keep your sodium intake in check? Beware of the Salty 6.

It’s time for a healthy comparison. Which is better for you: broccoli or asparagus?

Iron is an important mineral to keep your body working properly. Here’s how to make sure you are getting enough.

Millions of people have food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Here are some ways to communicate these with others.

Grilling is a summer pastime in Michigan, and baking is known to be a healthy way to prepare foods. Which is better?

Sweet or tart, cherries are packed with what’s good for you. Here are the health benefits of cherries.

The ‘90s were a decade of juice boxes, fruit snacks and low-fat everything. Our nutrition has evolved for the better.

Just because something is sold from a stall doesn’t mean it’s necessarily organic, hormone-free or even local. That’s why it’s important to ask questions.

If you’d like to fire up the grill this spring and enjoy some hearty barbecue dishes without compromising your diet, we’ve got you covered.

Offices, classrooms and even restaurants often have signs that warn of food allergies. Here’s how parents can stay ahead of them.

A pinch or more of these spices can make your meals more flavorful and even improve your health.

In addition to its culinary uses, garlic has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Drinking tea is linked to health benefits including preventing cancer, heart disease and diabetes; aiding in weight loss and boosting mental alertness.

It’s never too early to think about your brain health. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, these tips can help keep your mind young.

Breakfast is important every morning, partly because of its metabolism-boosting properties. Don’t have time? These grab-and-go ideas should help.

Swapping out your morning caffeine source and afternoon snack for healthier options are two of the many tweaks you can make to your diet.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect the body against external factors. This valuable vitamin is found in these foods and supplements.

Are you drinking enough water? Find out why staying hydrated goes far in keeping you healthy.

Are protein bars right for you? Read our tips for what to look for on the label.

Knowing how to talk to a child about their health is key to empowering them to make smart choices. Here are tips on how to start a dialogue.

Think intermittent fasting sounds too good to be true? You’re probably right. If you are convinced this is the diet for you, read this first.

A healthy lifestyle starts at home. If your kitchen is in need of a makeover, these seven steps can help you revamp it.

Whether you’re pregnant, don’t drink alcohol, or just want a break from the booze, these 3 delicious recipes can give you a fun beverage without the hangover.

Whether you’ve got occasional heartburn or GERD, following a GERD diet can help control acid reflux. 

The typical American diet favors convenience foods over health. The “go, glow and grow foods” concept can help kids make healthier choices.