Looking for a holiday treat to snack on that’s not cookies? Here it is: a whole food-based sweet that is full of fiber, healthy fats and flavor. The variety of nuts in this recipe provide an array of heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Roasting the nuts will bring out their warm toasty taste, and with the natural caramel-like flavor of dates and a hint of cardamom, these treats are sure to satisfy a sweet tooth while providing your body with rich nutrition. You can also roll the “dough” into balls, and coat in a blend of cocoa powder and cinnamon for a more truffle-like treat. —Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN, community nutrition educator, Tevis Center for Wellness
Tag: nutrition
Dijon Chicken
Mustard is an underrated spice! We are used to a squeeze on a July Fourth bratwurst or spread on a classic turkey sandwich. But when was the last time you cooked with it? Whole mustard seed is used often in dishes across the Mediterranean to the Middle East and into India, often using the whole seeds toasted in oil to bring out their aromatic flavors. Dijon mustard is used quite a bit in French cooking as well. Try this mustard chicken recipe as a new way to use up that jar. If you’re feeling extra spicy, pair it with some sauteed mustard greens. —Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN, community nutrition educator, Tevis Center for Wellness
Read More
National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us
There has never been a time in human history where food wasn’t a medium that connected us to our environments and communities. It is through food that we not only nourish our physical bodies, but also our relationship with family and friends, culture, history, economy, policy, agriculture and more.
In 2025, National Nutrition Month invites us all to take the time to find out how food connects us in our daily lives.
Tuscan Saucy Beans
It’s time to embrace our heart health! Show your heart the love it deserves by staying active and eating a healthy, balanced diet. This includes plenty of plant-based foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes; lean proteins like fish, skinless poultry and low-fat dairy; and heart-healthy fats, which include olive oil, avocado oil, and whole nuts and seeds. The American Heart Association has an excellent example of what a healthy plate could include: The Deliciously Balanced Plate (heart.org) If you want to include more heart-healthy foods on your plate, this recipe comes together in 10 minutes and makes an excellent lunch or dinner. Serve with some veggies or crusty bread. –Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN, CIEC, Tevis Center for Wellness community nutrition educator
National Nutrition Month 2024: Beyond the Table
Many things come to mind when thinking about nutrition “beyond the table.” Perhaps your mind wanders to dreams of a romantic homestead full of rich produce and a laughing family. It might be that your heart is pulled toward the injustices and inequities faced by migrant farmers. Or maybe the memory of your grandmother cooking a traditional meal from your heritage plays in your mind.
Read More
Mediterranean Salad
It’s a new year, and we’re all looking for a fresh (and refreshing) start! Nothing is quite as refreshing as a crispy crunchy cold wedge salad with a healthy twist. Blue cheese dressing is tasty, but it’s typically made with heavy cream and mayonnaise, making it high in saturated fat and not the most physically nourishing choice. This recipe has a Mediterranean alternative, made with heart-healthy olive oil and tahini.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its many health benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory qualities and positive effects regarding heart health and even cognitive well-being. If you’re looking for some easy nutrition guidelines to start 2024, Mediterranean is a good place to go.
Pomegranate Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition! They are packed with fiber—with 1g of fiber for every teaspoon—and a good source of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. However, an interesting fact about omega-3 fatty acids is that they come in various forms. AHA, alpha-linolenic acid, is the form found in plant oils and is converted in the body into DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is then used by the body. Unfortunately, our bodies are not very good at this conversion process, and we must still directly consume foods high in EPA and DHA, such as cold-water fish, fortified foods or certain types of algae. Despite this, chia seeds are still a great addition to your diet; their healthy fats and fiber help you feel full and satisfied. Chia seeds are also high in protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B3 and zinc.
Refreshing Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
It is HOT out, and all the hefty meats and sides that come with barbecue season can leave us feeling sluggish and tired. This recipe is a great break from that feeling. It’s light and refreshing, giving you the energy to move through the heat of summer.
Spring rolls are a great way to get in a ton of nutrition-dense veggies and include some antioxidant rich herbs like mint, cilantro or basil as well. This dish also packs in the plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats between the tofu and the peanut sauce—plus it’s so easy and fun to make!
Meet Dana Mealing, NEW Community Nutrition Educator
Dana Mealing, R.D.N., L.D.N., is the new community nutrition educator in the Tevis Center for Wellness. Get to know Dana and her plans for upcoming nutrition programs.
Caring for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects about 10% of the U.S. population, but if it’s you or a family member, you know that each diagnosis comes with a world of questions and concerns. Read More