snack

Pomegranate Chia Pudding

12/27/202312/19/2023 Carroll

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.

No Sugar Added Watermelon Ice Pops

08/16/202308/14/2023 Carroll

We all love an icy-sweet treat in the end-of-summer heat, but balancing our sugar intake with healthy foods can be a challenge. Here is your answer: fruits! There’s been a rumor going around that we need to limit our fruit intake because of the all the sugar found in fruit. This is not true.

Although fruits have naturally occurring sugars, they also contain a ton of other things that are beneficial to our health, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant phytochemicals. Added sugar is the real culprit we want to watch out for, as it comes with the same energy punch, but lacks all the other nutritional benefits that fruit has—and it’s more likely to cause a spike in blood sugar.

Added sugars are also sneaky; they aren’t just in sweets. You can find them in savory things like salad dressing, soups, pasta sauces, breads and crackers. So always check your food label. The daily limit for added sugar is a about 6 teaspoons (24g) for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men, while children 2 years of age and older should stay below 6 teaspoons of added sugar, and children under two should avoid it as much as possible (excluding infant formula.)

Strawberry Fruit Rolls

06/07/202306/05/2023 Carroll

It’s strawberry season! Strawberries are a great little package of nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium, along with many other phytochemicals that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. There is nothing quite like a summer-ripe strawberry. Give this fruit leather recipe a try and enjoy those sweet berries for up to two weeks past peak season.