November marks the beginning of the holiday season — that cozy, colorful stretch between gratitude and celebration. What’s meant to be joyful can sometimes be stressful, with juggling shopping lists, guests, decorating, menus, and endless errands. Here’s the happy news. A little preparation now can...
When it comes to Halloween, even the healthiest among us have a soft spot for something sweet. Whether it’s plain M&M’s (Mr. Non-Compliant’s favorite), peanut butter cups (Mr. NC’s second favorite), or those nostalgic candy corn triangles (love them or loathe them), there’s something about...
It’s almost that time again — when we fall back an hour and suddenly, the evenings feel longer and darker. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00am when clocks are set back one hour. While that extra hour of sleep sounds dreamy,...
Some people call it “girl time,” others call it “guy time.” You may even call it a party. Whatever you call it, spending time with friends does something magical for your mood — and maybe even your lifespan. Think about it: laughter, movement, and connection...
As the Midwest air turns crisp and daylight fades earlier, it’s natural to crave warmth — both in what we wear and what we eat. Fall invites us to shift from cool, refreshing foods to dishes that comfort, nourish, and ground us. (For those of...
In last week’s blog, I wrote about a variety of spices that add warmth to fall dishes. I had a question from a reader about how to use star anise. Since I’d not used it, I did some research. I bought a jar of whole...
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to scatter the sidewalks, many of us automatically think of pumpkin spice. It seems to be in everything from lattes to donuts. But fall’s spice cabinet holds much more than nutmeg and cinnamon. This season, consider exploring...
You exercise regularly. Your plate is full of colorful fruits and vegetables. You’ve swapped fried foods for lean protein, cut back on sugar, and even make sleep a priority. By all accounts, you’re doing “everything right.” So why do you still feel tired? Why is the...
Eating out doesn’t have to derail your health goals. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at your favorite local diner or trying a new international bistro, there are simple, effective strategies that can help you make more nourishing choices—without giving up the joy of eating out. Here’s...
Yesterday, my friend Lisa presented me with a zucchini that looked as though it had taken growth hormones. It was gigantic! She told me that she grated so much from one of them that she made a double batch of muffins, then proceeded to freeze the shreds...