Nutritious choices made simple®
‘Tis the season. For roast turkeys, spiral-cut ham, nice juicy tenderloin, and a cup of holiday eggnog. Or not. Whether you (or your sister, cousin, or daughter)have been vegan since 15, or you’re curious about the health benefits associated with a mostly plant-based diet, everyone can benefit from an extra serving or two of vegetables during the holidays.
Maybe your teen has “graduated” from the kids’ table to the adult table at holiday mealtime, but that doesn’t mean his tastebuds have matured much. Teens are just as tempted by holiday treats as young children, but there is a big difference with older kids—they frequently have the means to obtain what they want (many have money of their own) when they want it (lots of teens can drive to go get what they want). How do you help your teen enjoy the holidays without throwing healthful eating out the window? Here are a few ways to help, just in time for the holiday rush!
Planning for Thanksgiving…something that has been on my mind A LOT as the calendar gets closer to this wonderful holiday that celebrates food and family. Speaking of family, I have 35 family members that will be joining me this year (and many staying for brunch the next day)…yes, you are reading this correctly.
For holidays like this, we need a strategy. After all, similar to a storm you know is coming (not that I’m likening my family to a storm or anything), what you do ahead is key to a successful outcome.
From office parties to traditional family celebrations, starting in November, tables become laden with holiday specialties and treats that people with diabetes may typically try to minimize or avoid. November is also American Diabetes Month, and it’s no accident that November 14th, World Diabetes Day, is the birthday of Canadian doctor Sir Frederick Banting, one of the men who discovered insulin. It’s a day to increase awareness of diabetes as a serious disease that strikes one person every 17 seconds here in the U.S., and impacts the nearly 26 million Americans with diagnosed diabetes.
Schools are looking for creative ways to celebrate special occasions that emphasize healthier options and make the celebration less about food. As the holiday season gets underway, I have some ideas to share with you that are all about fun and excitement with creative activities and “better-for-you” food options. (Many of these suggestions also help with allergies are some are gluten free and dairy free, all are nut free.)
We’ve all been there. It’s the night before your kid’s classroom V-Day party and you forgot you “volunteered” to bring in a treat for the class. It’s now 8 pm and you’re tired, but the grocery store is open until 9, so if you hurry you can put together something cute and healthy for the little cherubs to enjoy tomorrow. Here are two easy, tasty and Valentine-appropriate snacks that any kid would be proud to bring to the school soiree and a few completely store-bought ideas if you have NO time to prep anything—no guilt necessary!
Advertising certainly does its job this time of year when it comes to selling chocolate. It’s okay to hold out for a more nutritious treat–instead of munching on candy, satisfy your chocolate cravings as part of a more balance eating plan. Here are just a few Guiding Stars-earning suggestions to bring more chocolate to your day.
