I love Super Bowl Sunday for two reasons – commercials and FOOD! At my house we don’t cook a traditional dinner. Instead we (I) make a bunch of fun finger foods and the family picks at those all day. It’s the perfect time to relax, have fun and enjoy the game. Here’s a collection of [...]

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Even though Black Friday was a few weeks ago, let’s be honest – your holiday shopping is not finished yet. If you’re like me, you’ve barely begun. But once I begin shopping, I typically don’t stop until my checklist is complete (this typically takes place in one day)! Since my list of recipients expands each [...]

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Shopping on Black Friday is an informal tradition in my family.  My mother would not dare compete with the crowds, but my sister and I were always up to the excitement. I do not mind the crowded parking lots and am fairly patient in line for the bathroom.  However, I do not do well if [...]

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Imagine: You receive an email from one of the nation’s best parks and they tell you: “Congrats – we want you to come stay at our park for one week in the next 30 days. You will enjoy nothing but a stress free, relaxing vacation with your choice of a daily walk or run and [...]

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Sometimes I fall into a summer’s gone rut… the warm weather, the beach, the fresh produce from my garden. There’s something energetic and vibrant about the summer months. I take my kids to local parks, farm stands, and nightly walks around the neighborhood. Then falls sneaks in. It gets breezy and chilly. Instead of heading [...]

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Fall, like every other season, is filled with goodies galore.  You might happen drink one too many pumpkin spice lattes or eat one too many sides of carrot cake with cream cheese icing.  But unlike summer, where we all know the “perfect” fitness activities to combat those calories, fall can present more of a challenge.  [...]

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Touchdown Vikings! Wait – don’t leave! Even if you’re not a Minnesota Viking’s fan, surely you can still appreciate a great party and cheering for your favorite team on game day. Why is it fun hosting a game-day party? Because you get to provide the fun of easy, delicious foods and entertainment for your guests! [...]

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This week we had the chance to sit down with Keri Gans, MS,  RD, author of  The Small Change Diet, to discuss her thoughts on healthy eating habits. Q: Can you explain the premise behind your book? A: The whole idea behind the ten tips is really for the reader to choose one, tackle it, [...]

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Snacking is crucial to maintaining a well-balanced diet. Many dietitians and nutritionists recommend 5 meals a day: breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner. So, this week we’re featuring a few quick, tasty and waistline-friendly snack recipes to jazz up your meals.   Lean Bean Tostada Add some spice to your snack [...]

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One of the ten Master Strategies in my book, Eat Right When Time is Tight, is to Energize in 3-5 by eating something (ideally with protein and fiber) every three to five hours to ward off hunger and keep you going.   But the reality is that isn’t always possible.   Whether it’s a delayed flight, late [...]

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Is it just me or is everyone crazy busy? Sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of a long, hard day is cook dinner, but what’s the alternative? Drive-Thru? Pizza delivery? No, no, NO! I don’t mind it now and then, but eating out or ordering in can get expensive in [...]

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What is your favorite fall treat? Think on it a second. It’s an honest question that I had to ask you all, as I’m genuinely curious. Fall holds the key to many of my most favorite treats. Anything that is pumpkin or apple based makes my mouth water. You name it, I probably love it [...]

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It’s almost FALL (as of September 22nd)! You know what that means? Cool sweatshirt wearing nights, changing leaves, college football, and a whole new harvest of fruits and vegetables!  Fall brings a lot of fun and a welcomed change (for me) in the food department. We are coming off the berry, zucchini, tomato and melon season [...]

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Fall is upon us, and with it the challenge of feeding growing bodies on busy schedules!  Avoiding questionable cafeteria fare by packing a healthy lunch is a sound nutritional goal, but a certain amount of planning is required.  Here are some tips and tricks to keep everybody happy and healthy, without missing the morning bell! [...]

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I can hardly believe it myself, but this month the kids are going back to school! I’m looking forward to a more consistent family schedule, but fear the return of packing a school lunch. Getting something healthy in my 6-year-old is the bane of my existence, and it gets even more difficult during the school [...]

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A summer BBQ is a surefire way to have family and friends knocking down your door.  Get creative beyond hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and pie with these ideas to keep your dishes light and delicious: “Veggie” Burger: Pack in the produce with a double hit of veggies on (and in!) your burger.  Take a [...]

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Beyond barbeques and beach parties, summer is also prime time for fairs and festivals.  Whether you go for the thrill rides, arts and crafts, balloon animals or face paint, festivals offer a happy and affordable weekend activity for the whole family.  As far as food fare goes, if you’re looking for a deep fried candy [...]

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If you have ever read and/or made any of the recipes on my website, then you know I’m all about good-for-you, delightful meals and snacks that are simple to make. Simple for me means that I am more likely to enjoy and stick with something. I’d gather the same is true for most of you [...]

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Summer is the perfect season for salads. The days are hot and the produce abundant, so a light, crisp salad can be counted on to hit the spot. Even the most dedicated of salad eaters can get bored with old standbys, though. If you feel like you’re in a dressing rut, or can’t stomach another [...]

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I am ecstatic about the new White Cheddar Mini Babybel flavor! White Cheddar has always been one of my favorite cheeses. It’s slightly sharp and creamy, and goes fantastic with some of my favorite snack foods–apples, cucumbers, dried fruits, bell peppers, and of course, pepperoni. Growing up I was known as the “Pepperoni Queen!” I [...]

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Just the word “picnic” can put a smile on your face. It conjures up festive thoughts of fresh air, friends, frisbees, flowers and, of course… food! Next time you’re packing the basket for your summer outing, lighten up by adding some fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies to the mix. Berries, melon, peaches, tomatoes, peas, cherries, [...]

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Ah, summer! The long winter has led to a highly anticipated summer. Gone are the days of cold and dreary, and present are the days of warmth and barefoot in the sands! Back in January you without-a-doubt committed to your Reshape Goals. I know by now you are well on your way to feeling even [...]

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How do you dress up fruit and veggies? Add cheese! This quick and easy recipe will pop your taste buds and it’s fun to make. The cherries pack antioxidants and the cheese adds protein for a nutrient-rich snack with staying power. Red Ants on a Log: Celery sticks topped with: 1 whole Wedge Of The [...]

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Quick snack or appetizer? Lunch side? This simple, cheesy recipe is tasty and versatile, not to mention super light and simply fabulous! 2 wedges of The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese About 1/3 of a large cucumber cut into small cubes 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp dried oregano Pinch of kosher salt and [...]

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Using the recipe uploader (new users will need to sign-up first) upload your favorite (and original) snacks featuring Mini Babybel to win a $250 gift card! Once you’ve uploaded your favorite cheesy snack, make sure your friends start voting for it! You can use the share buttons to email or post it on Facebook and [...]

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