For those looking to manage their weight, calories are a piece of the strategy. Calories are the energy we get from food, and some foods have more calories than others. Picking or substituting lower-calorie options in our daily food choices can help us get to our weight loss or management goals....

Who's going to a potluck this summer and needs to bring a dish? Whether going out on the lake, sitting beachside, or having a house party in someone's backyard, try these tips for being a contributor to the food fun. 1. Bring the unexpected Variety is the spice of life, in food...

Anyone else surprised by these high temperatures outside so early in summer? Phew, it's time to get into summer cooking mode. For me, that means using my oven less and adding in more cold temperature recipes. There are a variety of recipes you can make in summer to keep cool. I like these recipes...

In a follow-up to the roasted veggies post, I started thinking about ways I make meals easy and quick, but still flavorful. What occurred to me were sauces I use in recipes. Sauces add another level to otherwise plain recipes. Lately, sauces I use in cooking have been pesto, tomato salsa, salsa...

I enjoy cooking at home and feel good about it, since research shows these meals tend to have more nutrients and fiber and less fat and sodium.  Plus I get to control what goes into my meals. However, the lazy cook in me has shown up lately, and it has been a struggle to want to follow a recipe or...

Let's all celebrate Whole Grain Month this September and put our gluten-free concerns aside. People with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies CAN enjoy whole grains, too! The list below outlines those that contain gluten and those without (...

Eat more veggies! Eat more fruits! Isn't that what we've been told? We usually hear the adjective "fresh" in front of those words, as in "fresh fruits and vegetables". But it's winter in central Illinois and fresh is a relative term. Just how fresh is that bunch of broccoli from California or the...

Sausage, eggs, and cheese as part of a balanced diet? You better believe it! Try my breakfast casserole recipe with a heart-healthy twist. Just 240 calories per serving with 13 g of protein, 2 g fiber, and 70% of your daily vitamin C!(Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable PDF...

Quick Spinach, Sausage, and White Bean Stew (Printable PDF Version) Makes 8 cups Ingredients<

February is American Heart Month, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a heart-healthy meal! The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice weekly to reap the benefits of this leaner protein option. Cold-water fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, lake trout, mackerel,...

Are you ready for spring? Try these delicious sweet dip recipes to lighten up your springtime get-togethers. Cookie Dough, Chocolate Hazelnut, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie -- serve with graham crackers, cubes of angel food cake, and fresh cut up fruit! Healthier Chocolate...

Brighten up your table with colorful and nutritious Stuffed Peppers! These are sure to fill you up, with 19g of protein and 3g of dietary fiber for only 250 calories. Plus, 270% of your daily vitamin C and 60% of your vitamin A!...

On a snowy, blowy Midwest evening, nothing sounds better after a long day's work than a warm, hearty meal. But after a full day of working, parenting, running errands the like, most Americans struggle to put together a meal to sit down to, thus the ever thriving "to go" food industry. Low and...

We eat to nourish and fuel the body, but how often do you think about feeding your mind? More and more studies are demonstrating the importance of certain nutrients for brain health. Food influences energy levels, mood, memory, and more. In this first article of two on brain health, we'll cover...

Now that the holidays are behind us, several people have asked if I've made any New Year's health resolutions. The answer – of course – is of course I have. I'm no different from anyone else; I, the dietitian, put on a few pounds in the past month. Unfortunately, knowledge by itself is not...

Olive oil, peanut butter and avocado are just a few foods that have gone from feared to revered over the last few years for their status as sources of "heart healthy fats." With February being heart month, I thought we should shine some light on this "hot topic" and get down to the nitty gritty...

Lemon bars are one of my all-time favorite springtime desserts. They're bright in both color and flavor and are a great way to end a meal on an uplifting note. But lemon bars aren't usually as light in calories as they are in appearance. I've tweaked this treat to be just as satisfying, with the...

Zuppa Toscana is one of my favorite soups at Olive Garden but when looking at the nutrition information I decided to make my own version to avoid all of the sodium, fat and calories that come from just 1 serving. By making a few simple changes to the ingredient list, I was able to save 130 calories...

It's Valentines weekend…we all know what that means: Chocolate galore! And while we should partake in treating ourselves in moderation, we can tend to get carried away. I mean who really eats only ONE chocolate out of the ten pound assorted box? We should most definitely indulge in these items...

Last week, John L. (a producer at WCIA-3, our local CBS station) asked if it was possible to make a healthier version of the Chocolate Stout Brownies he made to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The stout beer used in the batter and glaze lends a rich, complex flavor. But 2 sticks of butter and a cup...