Food and Nutrition

This Mother’s Day, why not flip the script? Give Mom a well-deserved break from kitchen duty and let the kids take over with a simple, heartfelt brunch.

High-protein diets have recently gained popularity for their ability to support the aging process. While often associated with fitness or muscle-building, protein plays a much bigger role in our overall health. And for older adults especially, it can be a key factor in preserving strength, independence and vitality.

Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Celebrate the occasion with these two creative and healthy recipes.

In a world filled with new diet trends and wellness hacks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Reducing the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding what “processed” really means and why it matters can help you make simple changes that leave you feeling more energized and nourished.

You may have seen functional water in health stores and grocery chains, boasting claims of antioxidant powers, extra hydrogen, alkaline qualities, protein and more. But what exactly is functional water and why is it gaining popularity?

Okra water is a drink made by soaking okra pods in water for up to 24 hours. The drink is trending for its thought to offer health benefits like reducing blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss and improving digestion. While some research supports the health benefits of the okra plant, research specifically on okra water is lacking.

It can be challenging to stay mindful of what you are eating on a regular basis. A food diary can be a useful tool because it can help you understand your eating habits and patterns.

While genetic factors play a role in heart health, lifestyle choices—especially diet—are critical in managing risk. Heart-healthy eating can improve cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure.

These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and antioxidants content.

Most of the differences between steel cut and rolled oats are more of preference details such as texture, flavor, time to cook and ease of use. You may prefer one over the other or use them interchangeably for different uses or recipes. There are some slight differences between the two and how they affect the body nutritionally.

This smoothie is naturally sweet and creamy from mango and banana. The oats add a subtle nutty flavor and contribute to a more filling and nourishing smoothie.

This pancake batter consists of only five ingredients and is easily made in a blender. Blueberries and lemon zest add refreshing elements and are a perfect flavor combination in this breakfast treat.

These oat bars are a perfect chewy and refreshing snack packed with antioxidants from the deep colored raspberries. Between the raspberries, chia seeds and oats, this recipe is packed with fiber that’ll help keep you full until your next meal.

Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

You need to make sure your produce is properly cleaned before you prepare it because it could harbor microbes that can make you ill. Let’s look at why we need to wash produce and how to wash different kinds.

The holiday season often brings an abundance of indulgent foods. While it’s OK to enjoy your favorite foods, it’s a good idea to mix in nutrient-dense and vegetable forward options with the traditional spread.

These seafood crab and dill bites are a perfect refreshing and protein-packed starter. Dill adds a burst of flavor while cucumber brings a crisp element to this dish.

These appetizer bites are earthy and savory. Sautéed mushrooms and a zesty horseradish cream filling make an elegant and flavorful appetizer.

This bite-sized appetizer brings balanced flavor with fat from avocado, acid from lime, salt from turkey bacon and a sweet-tart flavor from sundried tomatoes. These bites will bring color to your holiday table.

Keep the festive decorating tradition alive with these creative candy alternatives that allow you to maintain a healthier holiday for the whole family. These ideas will not only help you curb candy cravings, but they will also allow you to stand out in your next gingerbread decorating contest.

Thanksgiving may be a meat-centric celebration, but the seasonal flavors of this fall holiday lend themselves well to healthy, hearty and wholesome vegetarian – and gluten-free dishes. Ditch the tofurkey and plan a menu with comfort at the core.

When you have a picky eater in your family, this can cause stress leading up to and during the holiday meal. Here are some ideas and recipes that can help your picky eater join in on the Thanksgiving dinner.

While turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are often the stars of the table, Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to make twists on family favorites and share cultural dishes. Consider featuring dishes that offer a modern twist on classic sides.

Crispy rice salads are trending all over social media. This one is a fall-inspired take with nutrient-dense kale, sweet-tart cranberries and a thyme vinaigrette.

Dips and spreads often lean on heavy cream cheese or mayo-based ingredients. This whipped feta provides a creamy, tangy alternative with more health value.

Green beans are a classic vegetable side, but the fresh, sauteed versions often get overshadowed by heavier, richer dishes. This simple yet elevated recipe takes the humble green bean to the next level.

The AHA and USDA both recommend a daily sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon of salt, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg a day for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. However, many Americans get more than 2,000 mg of sodium in an average Thanksgiving dinner.

You may have seen viral social media posts on TikTok that claim, “seed oils are toxic,” or “seed oils are the root problem to your health issues,” but is it true?

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many Americans find comfort in seasonal beverages. While these drinks can be a treat, they often come with excess ingredients that can negatively affect your health if consumed frequently.

A chai latte is a spiced beverage that combines warm, creamy milk with a robust blend of black tea and aromatic spices that provides a balance of sweetness and warmth. Simply steep tea bags in oat milk heated in a pot and add spices.

This cozy fall drink features the creamy, nutty and earthy flavor of pistachio. The pistachio syrup is incorporated with the espresso shot, to allow the flavors to melt together. By adding the pistachio syrup to the espresso rather than the milk, it helps prevent the milk from burning and provides a smoother taste.

Energy drinks are everywhere these days, promising to relieve fatigue and help you power through your day. Energy drinks can also lead to jitters, crashes and dependence. Luckily, there are plenty of natural alternatives that can give you the boost you need without the negative side effects.

Whether going door-to-door or attending a party, candy is synonymous with Halloween. Between the sweets, it can be a good idea to add in nutrient-dense recipes and talk to children about healthy behaviors around candy.

This layered taco dip is bound to be a Halloween party crowd-pleaser from flavor to presentation. The dip is made up of protein-rich lean turkey, seared with vegetables and taco seasoning for a fragrant base.

Making these spooky treats is a great crafty family activity with a delicious aftermath. Naturally sweet Honeycrisp apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate to form a festive webbed pattern.

These ghostly bites feature classic Italian fresh flavors of tomato, oregano, basil and mozzarella cheese.

In 2023, the average American consumed 279 eggs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With this many eggs, daily recipes are bound to get boring. Check out these different ways to change up your egg recipes.

Apple cider is a beloved fall beverage, but is it healthy? Learn more about its pasteurization process and nutrition value, here.

Malnutrition is often associated with being severely underweight. However, anyone whose body is deprived of the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function is malnourished.

Diet culture has made many reluctant to consume pasta. However, a 2020 study found that in general, pasta eaters had better diet quality compared to those who avoided it.

Making vegetarian choices throughout the week is much easier if you’ve been able to meal prep ahead of time. Here are some ideas for flavorful, healthy vegetarian meals and snacks that you can prepare, portion and store to eat later.

While meat does contain high levels of protein, it is also often high in saturated fat and cholesterol. There are many plant-based sources of protein that Americans don’t use at nearly the rate of meat consumption. Learn how to start your day off with a healthy high-protein breakfast without relying on meat.

With only about 50 calories per cup, pumpkin is a great low-calorie addition to add nutrients to a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are three recipes featuring pumpkin to start your morning.

If there is an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs and the nutrients you are able to eat and absorb it can cause malnutrition. Undernutrition is most common condition associated with malnutrition but there can be other causes as well. Malnutrition includes undernutrition as well as overnutrition, or an imbalance of nutrients

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.

Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer and a chance to enjoy outdoor grilling before the cool temperatures set in. This Labor Day, elevate your menu with these vibrant and nutrient-dense recipes featuring seasonal produce like corn and jalapeños.

This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the zesty kick of jalapeño. The pineapple juice adds natural sweetness, and its enzymes help tenderize the chicken. To make this a full meal, serve with our grilled corn and avocado pasta salad.

This dish combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with creamy avocado and pasta for a satisfying side. Tossed in creamy and zesty cilantro lime dressing, this salad offers a balance of textures and flavors. Corn packs in a healthy dose of fiber that helps boost satiety while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats.

This healthier twist on a classic dip is rich in protein and lower in saturated fat compared to traditional recipes. The cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds a creamy texture without the need for excess cream or cheese. Spinach, artichokes and chestnuts contribute to a variety of textures in each bite and bring essential vitamins and minerals to the mix.

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and guardians are tasked with the job of packing nutritious lunches for their children. Students who consume a balanced lunch perform better academically and have more energy throughout the day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 refreshing shrimp bites combine a balance of sweet from the crisp watermelon and spicy from the jalapeño. Simply prepare a sauce, marinate the shrimp and cook for a short time before assembly.

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

If you love a thick-cut slice of sourdough bread, you’ll like the health benefits that come with it.

Ready for some flash-fried crickets in a cup? How about a serving of steamed silkworms? Insects might be the protein of the future.

Feeling a little tired or run-down after your last workout? Here’s what you should be eating afterward to speed your recovery.

It’s meat in between bread. Does that make it a sandwich? And can it shorten your life?