According to the National Peanut Board, the average American person will eat around 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they are 18 years old. If you are like me, then those delicious sandwiches are still a staple in your diet; but are they actually healthy for you? The answer is...

Growing hemp in Illinois? Currently some states, including Illinois, allow hemp to be grown for research purposes. This past summer, Pat Quinn signed a bill making this possible but there are no funds attached which may make it difficult for this research to take place. Illinois...

A hot trend in the grocery store these days, seeds are taking the "health food" section by storm. First there was flaxseed, then came chia seeds, now hemp seeds are all the rage. What's the deal with these crunchy, granola -like fare? But why are these seedlings are a good inclusion in your diet?...

It seems as though salsa has become a more popular condiment than ketchup, as I see it accompany so many dishes at restaurants. Is this contributed to Americans' growing love of hot and spicy foods and interest in ethnic foods? Or are we merely trying to make healthier choices when dining? My...

Americans gain one to two pounds between the Thanksgiving feast and the New Year countdown. Some do not lose those extra pounds and continually gain weight every year. Simple, smart selections can help avoid this annual obstacle and set up a positive start to 2015. The best...

Creamy alfredo sauce is almost a heart attack waiting to happen! Traditional sauces made with butter and heavy cream cram in 350 calories per 1/2 cup (and that's before the pasta)! Get your alfredo fix with my slimmed down sauce served over whole grain linguine, chicken, and broccoli. (...

These days, so-called natural sugar substitutes are all the rage. Some are good old-fashioned favorites: honey, molasses, maple syrup. Others are newer to the scene, like agave nectar, stevia, and monkfruit extract. But wait. What exactly is a sugar substitute? The terminology can be...

Healthy and cornbread are not two words that typically go together, but today they do! Traditional cornbread recipes typically include some combination of butter or bacon grease and buttermilk or sour cream along with cornmeal, flour, and other ingredients to make it rise. Sugar is also sometimes...

Labor Day marks the "end" of summer. Having just observed this holiday you might think the season is effectively over. Our yard's rampantly growing grass, my tan lines, and our 75 degree thermostat setting suggests other wise. As does my backyard garden, which is in FULL effect! One of the...

Corn dogs and cotton candy---what trip to the fair would be complete without them? Ask anyone what they enjoy most about the fair and many will say ---THE FOOD! The once a year treat can pack some big calories into your regular diet, so here are a few tips. Most of us know that the "Doughnut Burger...

It's December, and along with the possibility of snow, we can expect a flurry of holiday get-togethers. Naturally, I'll be tackling party favorites in the next several Recipe Rescue posts! I'm starting off with Buffalo Chicken Dip. Although this dip packs in satisfying protein, the fat and calories...

Dietitians don't always have the answers. We know what foods to eat and in what amounts for certain conditions, but it's not as cut-and-dried as just following the diet, especially when it comes to weight loss. Weight management is the first line of treatment for many chronic health conditions....

Carrot cake has vegetables, so it's healthy.. right? Not so much. Between the rich, nutty cake and over the top sweet cream cheese frosting, you've got a carrot catastrophe! Try my version with a secret ingredient for a carrot cake that's far more waistline-friendly and still...

I don't know about you, but I am fired up to fire up my grill after the brutal winter we had. Grilling is one of my favorite ways to prepare all types of foods — from the typical burgers, steaks and chicken to fish, vegetables and even fruit. It's a relatively low-fat preparation method, and...