Herb Infused Water Kefir

Written by Liz, Contributing Writer Do you know what water kefir is? Maybe you've seen, bought, or even made the "milk" kind of kefir. But did you know there's another kind made with water? Water kefir is, essentially, soda that's good for you! Enough said, right? Okay, maybe, but you probably want more information. Water kefir is made by culturing sugar water with water kefir grains (that aren't actually grains) and then flavoring that cultured sugar water with fruit or flavor extracts to … [Read more...]

Toasted Quinoa Porridge (Importance of a Healthy Breakfast)

Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer As summer wraps up and we prepare to head our kids back to school, we want to be sure to give them their best start. One very simple and important way to do that is by giving them a power packed breakfast each and every morning! In the rush to get everyone out the door, breakfast can easily be overlooked. But missing this very important meal of the day can set our children and ourselves up for failure. We are unable to concentrate and lack the … [Read more...]

How to Make a Green Smoothie

Written by Liz, Contributing Writer Leafy greens are an important part of a balanced diet. They are a strong source of vital nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. They are especially important for women, because we are more susceptible to anemia and osteoporosis - diseases resulting from iron deficiency and calcium deficiency, respectively. The USDA recommends we all get at least 3 cups of leafy greens per week...and I don't know about you, but they … [Read more...]

Baby Steps towards Better Health (plus salad tips!)

Written by Kim, Contributing Writer You may have in mind a whole list of wonderful healthful habits you’d like to incorporate into your lifestyle. We all know, however, that the steps between good intentions and practical application can seem arduously uphill. I always encourage folks to start with small, “do-able” goals. For instance, if you’re new to healthy eating, you might simply strive to choose a fruit over an otherwise poor snack selection. Or maybe you want to eat salads regularly. … [Read more...]

Healthy Swaps With Avocados

Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer Summertime affords so many delicious fresh fruits and veggies!  Avocados are absolutely one of my favorites!  Sliced, diced, creamed, pureed...avocados are so versatile and contain monosaturated fatty acids.  The right kind of fats!  One medium avocado has over 12 grams of fiber and more potassium than a banana.  They are packed with vitamins and have numerous health benefits and fat burning power!  When choosing an avocado, look for more tear dropped … [Read more...]

Healthy & Delicious 4th of July Recipes

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer I LOVE summer food! Anything tastes better on the grill and our family can't get enough of the in-season fruits and fresh veggies! If you're planning a 4th of July get together and want something other than hotdogs and chips, here are some great ideas for Independence Day recipes that are both delicious and healthy! And really, you could make them anytime during the summer! Just click on each link to find the full … [Read more...]

Having the Right Attitude about Healthy Eating { And Healthy BBQ Options}

photo credit Written by Kim, Contributing Writer   Summer Barbecues- a much-anticipated American tradition. Particularly around Memorial Day and July 4th.  But what about for those of us trying to eat a healthier diet? A barbecue might seem like an event to be avoided totally. But there is no need, as you will see.   But before I get on to sharing the wonderful wholesome alternatives to common barbecue fare, let me share a bit about how we may be tempted to alter … [Read more...]

Healthy Food Planning for Your Camping Trip {With 10+ Recipes}

It's Memorial Day so that means hundreds of thousands of Americans went camping this weekend, including us. And today just marks the start of the busy camping season over the next few months. We pack all our camping gear, food, and chairs up each year and head to Yogi Bear's Jellystone campground while we soak up the gorgeous nature views by day and relax by the fire each night.One of the hassles of camping is planning the food... I'm not gonna lie, in the past, we have gave in and just bought … [Read more...]

The Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer Before you pick up the limp head of lettuce in the produce aisle, consider this: “fresh” fruits and vegetables aren’t always fresh. Depending on the time of year, the head of lettuce you are consuming may have been grown south of the border, traveling hundreds or thousands of miles before making it to your grocer’s shelves. By this time, the nutritional value of this lettuce has greatly diminished or disappeared. Instead of eating tasteless long-traveled … [Read more...]

5 Ways to get more Fruits & Veggies in your Diet

Join me at Keeper of the Home, where earlier this week I shared how to get more fruits & veggies into your family's diet. We all want a healthy family, right? Some of us deal with picky eaters, and when it comes to getting little ones (and sometimes big ones like our husbands or older children) to eat their fruits and veggies, it's like pulling teeth. Now, I don't suggest you overly push or force them, but I do think you should offer healthy veggie and fruit options. My husband, a … [Read more...]