Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Recipes, Weight Loss, Wellness

Take the 28-Day Meal Plan Challenge with TOPS!

January is winding down and, at the risk of wishing time away, we’re one month closer to warmer temps here in Wisconsin. I’m still dealing with the extra pounds that started creeping up last fall and seem to have gotten a little too comfortable. While January is usually the month for new beginnings and fresh starts, mine was filled with…

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Nutrition, Recipes

Hanging With Jicama

To celebrate National Healthy Eating Day, why not try a new fruit or veggie? My new favorite veggie at the moment is *jicama (pronounced “HIK-ah-mah”), which is also known as a Mexican turnip or yam bean. I first learned about jicama when I found it sold as pre-sliced strips at my favorite grocery store. You can find whole jicama in…

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Nutrition, Recipes, Weight Loss

Healthy Thanksgiving Leftovers Part 2

When it comes to healthy eating, I’m always searching for new ways to keep it fun and enjoyable. With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I’m thinking ahead to one of the tastiest parts of this holiday … the leftovers! You may have already seen last year’s suggestions for “healthifying” leftovers, but there are countless ways to enjoy Thanksgiving treats all the way through…

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Health, Nutrition, Recipes

Fall in Love with Fall Vegetables

There’s so much I love about fall. The cool but not-too-cold weather. The leaves changing color and crunching under your feet. And, of course, the abundance of delicious fall fare. Fortunately, fall foods aren’t limited to pumpkin-spiced treats. There are plenty of autumn veggies ready to liven up your plate and fill you up without leaving you feeling stuffed. If…

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Nutrition, Recipes

Incredible Edible Bowls

One-bowl meals are becoming more and more popular and are a fun, healthy way to fuel up without feeling weighed down. You can take this tasty trend one step further by making your own edible bowl. Veggies like squash can serve as the perfect holder for your favorite fall dishes. And, as a bonus, using edible bowls makes for fewer…

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Nutrition, Recipes, Wellness

3 Veggie Alternatives to Hamburger Buns

I’ve come to accept that zucchini noodles will never really be pasta, and cauliflower “rice” will never really be rice. For me, it’s not about pretending that vegetables can completely replace carb-heavy favorites like pasta or rice. Instead, it’s about getting out of a food rut by trying new things and switching up your old standbys. If you’re looking for…

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Health, Nutrition, Recipes, Weight Loss, Wellness

Tips for a Lighter Cookout

Since I’ve started consistently tracking my food, I’m constantly amazed by how quickly calories can add up, particularly in social situations. Take your average cookout, for example. One 4-ounce cheeseburger with a bun can be around 500 calories. Add dessert, a beer or cocktail, and a few handfuls of chips while chatting with friends and you’re easily over 1,000 calories!…

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