Healthy habits

Nutrition, exercise and good health is more than just a trend. It’s a new way of life for more and more families. Here are some ideas to encourage healthy eating habits for your whole family.

Healthy Eating = Healthy Weight Loss

Convenient, nutritious, delicious! Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating can help you lose weight, or simply provide a way to enjoy healthy foods without planning and cooking. Each week you get 21 freshly-prepared, portion- and calorie-controlled meals delivered to your door, such as spiced apple pancakes, southwest chopped salad and Florentine-stuffed pasta shells. Unlike other prepared food plans, meals include fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, foods are provided on a five-week menu rotation to spice up mealtime with new, delicious choices. To learn more, visit www.seattlesutton.com or call (800-442-3438).

Nourishing and Wholesome Goodness

A versatile and nutritious addition to any meal, Minute® Multi-Grain Medley is a delicious blend of four gluten-free 100 percent whole grains: brown rice, Thai red rice, wild rice and quinoa. Packed in four pre-portioned bags and ready in just 10 minutes, this blend can be served during any meal of the day. For an easy breakfast, try cooking the medley in apple juice or other fruit juices then add your favorite fresh/dried fruit and nuts. Want a complete dinnertime idea? Stir fry Minute® Multi-Grain Medley cooked in vegetable broth, with sesame oil, rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, onion, garlic and eggs for a simple Asian twist. Visit www.minuterice.com for a variety of recipe ideas.

Antioxidant-Rich Blueberries

Blueberries are grown mostly in inland Florida counties. The blueberry is available from March until May, with peak-production in April. Blueberries, like all dark purple and blue fruits, are high in antioxidants, which help with the aging process. When buying, they should be firm and brightly colored. Store blueberries with a damp paper towel in the package to keep them moist. They can also be stored frozen for up to six months. Visit http://bit.ly/flblueberries for more information.

Wholesome Mealtime Swaps

Need a better-for-you ingredient to swap out calorie-laden mayonnaise, dressings and other spreads? Go with the deliciously creamy option of Wholly Guacamole instead. Made from the freshest avocados and other all-natural ingredients, this tasty spread is low-calorie, with the basic recipe containing only 120 calories per quarter cup. Wholly Guacamole is nutrient-dense too, boasting about 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, it’s naturally sodium and cholesterol free. Visit www.eatwholly.com for more recipes and information.