This blog post is in partnership with The Quaker Oats Company. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

My favorite time of the year is here: bring on the holiday decorations and cozy sessions by the fireplace!

We look forward to many things during the holidays and while that may look different for each person, there’s no doubt that food is something we all share in connecting and reminding us of special moments.

Maybe it’s your grandmother’s special breakfast cinnamon rolls or your favorite holiday pastry— there’s bound to be plenty of treats during the season! The biggest question I get around this time of the year is how to maintain a healthy balance in choosing which foods to eat. It’s particularly important to remember that the holidays mean more than just food; spending time with loved ones, relaxing, and just enjoying having the time to stress less – those are important too!

However, one very easy and attainable way to bump up the nutrition around the holidays is to swap out some wholesome ingredients in traditional dishes. Just something small – just one ingredient, or maybe two.

December 14, 2017 TAGS: baking, holidays, oat flour, pomegranate pistachio scones, quaker oatmeal, Quaker Oats, quaker oats company, scones BY: May

Nutrition + Food

Kabocha Oatmeal Biscuits

This blog post is in partnership with the Quaker Oats Company. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

I can’t let the fall season pass right by without sharing a squash recipe, right?

Are you too pumpkined out? I know what you mean, I’ve definitely been there too. The amazing thing about fall harvest is the abundance in the variety of squashes. One of my favorite squashes is definitely the kabocha. Have you ever tried it before? I like to describe the texture and flavor as a cross between butternut squash and sweet potato. Naturally sweet and very hearty in texture!

As you know, I’ve partnered with Quaker to create nutritious recipes with oats that help reduce food waste as part of their More Taste, Less Waste campaign, in partnership with James Beard Foundation. You can eat kabocha squash skin, so roast with the skin right on – it will soften as it cooks. We’re not always aware of how much food waste comes from the vegetable peels. This is one of the instances where we can use up the entire squash to help reduce food waste. The skin is actually where some of the fiber is so that’s an extra bonus. I like to roast the leftover seeds as a snack for later. It’s amazing how being a little bit more mindful about how we use produce can help towards reducing our overall contribution to food waste.

November 28, 2017 TAGS: baking, biscuits, holidays, kabocha squash, oat flour, oatmeal, Quaker Oats, side dishes BY: May

Nutrition + Food

Quaker Oats Seed To Spoon Trip

This blog post is in partnership with Quaker Oats Company. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

Earlier this month, I went with the Quaker team to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to learn about oat harvesting and milling. The Quaker oat milling location in Cedar Rapids is the largest one in the world. One of my favorite things to learn about (besides nutrition, obviously) is where and how our food gets from farm to table. This was such a treat!

November 17, 2017 TAGS: cedar rapids, nutrition happens, oat milling, oatmeal, old fashioned oats, quaker, Quaker Oats, quaker oats company, seed to spoon, steel cut, whole grains BY: May

Life + Style Nutrition + Food

5 Tips to Making Nutrition Happen During a Busy Season

This blog post is in partnership with Farmer’s Fridge. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

It’s here: the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Temperatures have dropped (well, at least here in Chicago!) which means it’s the start of hibernation season.

I’m kidding, we’re not always in hibernation when it gets cold (although, you know there’s some truth to this!) but let’s be real here: it’s easy to have a “forget it!” mentality during the holiday season when it comes to mindful habits. I’m a fan of making goals, but part of having a healthy mindset is being able to accept when plans don’t go accordingly. The key is setting REALISTIC goals that you can meet, even after the busy holiday season.

Remember, small habits = big changes over time.

Here are five realistic ways to stay on track and make nutrition happen during any busy season:

November 15, 2017 TAGS: Chicago Eats, farmer's fridge, healthy, local, nutrition happens, organic, salads BY: May

Nutrition + Food Recipes

Warm Root Vegetable Salad (with a 6-minute egg)

This post is written in sponsorship by Handsome Brook Farms. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

It’s finally cooling down in Chicago (fall is my favorite season here!) so naturally I’m thinking about warm recipes (like hearty chilis and soups), turtleneck sweaters (I LIVE in turtleneck sweaters in the colder months), and hot beverages.

Just kidding about the hot beverages. I think I’ll still be drinking cold brew come January when it’s negative five outside. Honestly, though. Iced coffee forever! Warm and spicy recipes however….bring it all on.

I’ve been using a slow cooker weekly and it is an absolute lifesaver in the colder seasons. The recipes are easy (literally throw all ingredients in, go to work, come back, eat immediately) and clean-up is a BREEZE.

However, I still obviously like to throw in salads into my weekly menu to switch things up. Cold and raw salads probably don’t come to mind as often when it gets colder, but my favorite salads have always been ones the ones that are a bit heartier. Think lots of texture from a variety of roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, and fresh baked bread. It’s no secret we love roasted vegetables over here. It can totally take an otherwise bland salad to the next level by adding lots of texture, flavors, and warmth. You’ll never have to think about reaching for sad and cold iceberg lettuce – the kind with approximately five sprigs of carrot shreds again (I know you KNOW what I’m talking about).

October 26, 2017 TAGS: breakfast, eggs, handsome brook farms, nutrition happens, pasture raised BY: May

Life + Style Personal

Dessert Should Make You Feel Good

This blog post is in partnership with That’s It Fruit Co. Thanks for supporting projects that make Nutrition Happen!

POLL: What’s better than pairing fruit with chocolate?

(spoiler: nothing really – unless you said “and wine” because in that case, I’d have to give you a high-five and a YES my friend!)

Separately, fruit and chocolate already have different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our health, but together, it’s even better. For example, not only do apples give us a nice dose of fiber (hey, digestive health!) but the skin contains a flavonoid called quercetin (a type of antioxidant) which helps reduce inflammation. The cacao in chocolate contain high amounts of catechin (another antioxidant) that is beneficial in maintaining heart health by reducing the risk for plaque buildup in the heart. When combined as a part of a healthy diet, it could help with reducing overall inflammation in the body. Think less inflammation = improved skin and heart health.

October 25, 2017 TAGS: chocolate, chocolate truffles, fruit, healthy desserts, indulge in bites, no added sugar, nutrition happens, thats it, thats it fruit BY: May

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