Hot weather can be a challenge when it comes to feeding kids. Children are more susceptible to dehydration in the summer, and it is essential to keep them well-hydrated and nourished. Here are four types of foods that you can give your kids in hot weather to keep them healthy and energetic:

1. Fresh fruits: Fruits are an excellent way to stay hydrated in hot weather. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and many fruits have high water content, making them cooling and refreshing. Watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits are some examples of fruits to give your kids in hot weather. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or make a fruit salad to make it more appealing to kids.
2. Vegetables: Vegetables are another source of water, vitamins, and minerals that can help keep kids hydrated and nourished. Cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, and celery are some examples of vegetables that are high in water content. You can serve them raw with a dip or make a salad.
3. Smoothies and juices: Smoothies and juices are a quick and easy way to provide kids with a variety of nutrients. They are refreshing and hydrating, and you can make them with a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Be careful not to add sugar since fruits tend to be naturally sweet, or try to use natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
4. Light meals and snacks: Heavy meals can make kids feel sluggish and uncomfortable in hot weather. Try to offer lighter options like sandwiches, wraps, salads, yogurt, or smoothie bowls. These are easy to digest and won't weigh kids down.

It is essential to keep kids well-nourished and hydrated in the hot summer months. Fresh fruits, vegetables, smoothies, and light meals are excellent options that can help keep kids healthy, energetic, and focused during the day. Make sure to offer these foods as part of a balanced and varied diet, and encourage kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

We think we found the one recipe that would provide breakfast, nourishment and a sweet-tooth solution in one 'bowl.'

Some of the ingredients and their benefits are listed here:

• Cinnamon is a great healthy ingredient! It's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Plus, it has a delicious flavor that adds an extra special touch to any meal or snack.
• Oats are another fantastic health food! They contain plenty of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which make them beneficial for your heart health as well as helping you feel fuller for longer throughout the day.
• Peanut butter is incredibly nutritious - it contains protein, healthy fats and other important nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium that support overall well-being. And don't forget about its amazing taste too!
• Chocolate may not seem like the most obvious choice when talking about healthy ingredients but dark chocolate in moderation can be part of a balanced diet due to its high levels of flavonoids which have antioxidant effects on our bodies.  
• Vanilla extract is rich in B vitamins such as niacin (vitamin B3) which helps maintain energy levels throughout the day while providing essential minerals including calcium & iron for strong bones & teeth respectively.

We might need a day-off to recuperate from just one serving of this delight.

Wanting to make these a healthier experience?  Try these sugar substitutes:

• Honey
• Cane Sugar
• Agave Nectar
• Fruits
• Molasses
• Maple Syrup
• Coconut Palm Sugar

Check out this conversion graphic for quantities on a few.

Let us know how you feel about all this in the comments below.

Turnips are an incredibly versatile vegetable that offer a wealth of health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals, turnips provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and magnesium – all of which help to support the immune system. They also contain dietary fiber, which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer and can aid digestion by helping food move through your digestive tract more smoothly. Additionally, studies have shown that turnip consumption has been linked with lower risk of certain cancers due to their high antioxidant content – making them a great addition to any diet!

For those looking for easy recipes using this healthy vegetable:

Main Course - Turnip Gratin
Preheat oven 350°F (180°C)
Peel 2 large turnips then cut into thin slices; place in 9-inch baking dish or gratin pan lightly greased with butter or oil.
Sprinkle 1 cup (250 mL) shredded cheese over top; add salt & pepper if desired.
Bake uncovered about 30 minutes until golden brown on top & tender when pierced with knife tip; let stand 10 minutes before serving hot from oven accompanied by green salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing if desired.

Side Dish - Roasted Turnips
Preheat oven 400°F (200°C)
Wash 4 medium sized peeled turnip cubes then toss together in bowl with 3 tablespoons olive oil plus salt & pepper as desired; spread evenly on parchment paper lined baking sheet tray.
Roast 25–30 minutes turning once half way through cooking time until golden brown outside but still slightly firm inside when pierced; serve warm sprinkled fresh herbs such as parsley oregano thyme etc., along side main course meal.

Dessert - Caramelized Baked Apple Turnip
Preheat oven 375 ° F(190 ° C)
Peel and core equal amounts of apples and turnips (2-3 each)
Cut into wedges and place into a baking dish
Mix together

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• plus pinch nutmeg

Pour mixture over apple and turnip wedges
Bake covered 20–25minutes
Uncover, sprinkle sugar over surface and bake 15–20minutes further
Stir occasionally to caramelize all surfaces nicely
Serve warm
Top with ice cream

There are a few ways a young person newly on their own, or just out of college, could prepare food for themselves. One option is to plan meals for the week ahead of time and make a grocery list based on those meals. This helps ensure the necessary ingredients are purchased and reduces the frequency of trips to the grocery store. Consider meal prepping, or preparing several servings of a dish at once and storing them for easy reheating throughout the week. Simple meals like salads, stir fries, and pasta dishes are also relatively easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients to keep things interesting. If you are unsure of how to cook certain dishes or techniques, there are many online resources and tutorials available to help learn and improve skills.

Eating fish is an excellent way to incorporate lean protein and healthy fats into your diet. However, some fish recipes can be high in calories and saturated fat due to added ingredients like cream sauces or deep-frying methods. Fortunately, there are many ways to make fish recipes healthier without sacrificing flavor.

• Consider using cooking methods that require little or no added fat, such as broiling, grilling, or baking. For a simple yet delicious baked fish recipe, try seasoning a fillet with salt, pepper, and lemon juice and baking it in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without adding calories.
  
• Swap out creamy dressings or sauces for more nutritious options. Instead of tartar sauce, try serving grilled fish with a fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro. Or, make a simple marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, which can be used to coat the fish before cooking.
  
• Incorporate fish into other healthy recipes, such as salads or stir-fries. Try adding cooked and flaked salmon to a spinach salad for a nutritious and filling meal. Alternatively, use shrimp in a vegetable stir-fry for a low-calorie yet high-protein dish.
  

By making these simple swaps and substitutions, you can enjoy the health benefits of fish while still enjoying delicious meals.

Eating healthier is important for several reasons.

• A balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers.
  
• It can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall mood, leading to increased productivity and a better quality of life.
• Eating healthy can aid in weight management, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.
• Can also improve your mental health, as studies have shown a link between diet and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Making healthier food choices and adopting a balanced diet can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Prunes, also known as dried plums, are a nutrient-dense food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. This makes prunes a great food to consume to help boost overall health and well-being.
Prunes are also an excellent source of fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health and regularity. They help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve immunity and overall health. Additionally, consuming prunes can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
One specific benefit of prunes is their potential to support bone health. They are a particularly rich source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and helps to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, they are high in other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can also aid in bone health.

In addition to their nutritional benefits, prunes have also been found to have potential health benefits for cardiovascular health. Research suggests that consuming prunes can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which is important for reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, prunes are also high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure levels and is another key factor in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Overall, prunes are an incredibly nutritious food that can offer many potential health benefits. They are easy to incorporate into diets and can be eaten as a snack or added to recipes. For those interested in maintaining or improving their overall health and well-being, prunes are a great food to consider incorporating into their diet.

Ultra-processed foods, as the name suggests, are foods that have undergone a high degree of processing and contain a large number of added ingredients. They are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium. Several studies have shown that a diet high in ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

One of the reasons for this is that ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels and contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, many ultra-processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Another issue with ultra-processed foods is that they tend to be low in fiber and nutrients. Consumption of these foods can lead to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. This is a significant problem, as a large proportion of the population relies on ultra-processed foods as a major source of their daily caloric intake.

Some studies suggest that the processing itself may contribute to the negative health effects of ultra-processed foods. For example, the use of high heat and pressure in the manufacturing process can lead to the development of harmful by-products such as acrylamide, which can increase the risk of cancer.

It is important to limit intake of ultra-processed foods in order to maintain optimal health. A diet that is high in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and should be prioritized. Education and awareness campaigns around the negative impacts of ultra-processed foods could assist in reducing consumption of these products and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Jacquelyn Cafasso writes for Healthline Nutrition to help us understand how honey wins out:
But both honey and agave nectar are caloric sweeteners and offer little added nutritional value. Honey is better than agave nectar because it is:

• higher in antioxidants
• lower in fructose-content
• less processed
• has other health benefits

Agave nectar is marketed for its low glycemic index, but its high fructose content cancels out its potential upsides. If you don’t like the taste of honey, or you’re a strict vegan who doesn’t eat honey, the differences between the two aren’t significant enough to warrant making the change.

Read Cafasso's article, in its entirety, on Healthline's website.

The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a bit to say about vitamin A too.  Check out their Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Consumers.

• Aid in growth and development: Snacks that are rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron help with the growth and development of children. For example, yogurt, cheese, and hummus are all healthy snacks that provide protein and calcium.
  
• Help maintain a healthy weight: Eating healthy snacks can help maintain a healthy weight in children. Kids who snack on healthy foods are less likely to consume too much sugar and fat, which can lead to obesity.
  
• Boost brainpower: Healthy snacks can help keep kids sharp and focused. Foods like nuts, seeds, and avocados contain healthy fats that can improve cognitive function.
• Promote healthy habits: Encouraging healthy snacking habits in kids can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Children who snack on healthier foods are more likely to continue making healthy choices as they grow older.

Check out 28 healthy snacks your kids will love by clicking the button below.

Vitamins have different jobs to help keep the body working properly. Some vitamins help you resist infections and keep your nerves healthy, while others may help your body get energy from food or help your blood clot properly. Most older adults can get all the nutrients they need from foods. Here are a few examples of important vitamins and their food sources:

• Vitamin D: Eat fatty fish, fish liver oils, fortified milk and milk products, and fortified cereals.
• Vitamin B6: The richest sources of vitamin B6 include fish, potatoes and other starchy vegetables, and fruit (other than citrus).
• Calcium: Eat milk and other dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, soybeans, canned sardines and salmon with bones, and calcium-fortified foods.

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Visit AND’s website for more information, including this year's theme, 50 Ideas to Get Involved and campaign resources available in multiple languages.
Join us in congratulating the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on their 50th Anniversary of National Nutrition Month®!

Overall there is no denying how wonderful pancakes are - especially during colder months when we need some extra warmth (and yumminess!). And since so many cultures from all over the globe have their own versions of this classic dish it really shows how versatile these little treats really are - perfect for anyone who loves good food on chilly days.
Grace Linden's recent article A Brief History of Pancakes, published on Smithsonian Magazine online, might just be enough to get some ideas going for a diversion from the ordinary.  Click below to check out a collection of 18 pancake recipes from around the world.

Regularly under-eating can lead to a number of mental, physical, and emotional health issues. Healthline's Franziska Spritzler gives these nine signs to help you know if you may need to eat more.

Sucrose, glucose, and fructose are three common types of sugar that are absorbed differently and have slightly different effects on the body. Whether they occur naturally in foods or are added to them also makes a big difference in how they affect your health.

Save money when food shopping! View the U.S. Department of Agriculture's resources and tips for eating healthy on a budget.

Here's an article we had a hard time opening.  But we did.  And because we all want to be healthy, we know you will want to open and read it too.

This article explains why commercially fried foods are bad for you and provides some healthier alternatives to consider (thankfully).

Preliminary findings from an NIA-funded study found that a daily multivitamin might improve cognition in older adults or protect cognitive health with age.

Check out Kaitlyn Berkheiser's article on the health benefits of vitamin B12, based on science.  She starts by writing that Vitamin B12 plays a key role in many aspects of health and may support bone health, red blood cell formation, energy levels, and mood.

Then read Melissa Grove's article on Vitamin B12 dosage.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, free help is immediately available.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, via phone, text and online chat, offering people compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors for individuals, families or their loved ones. One does not have to be suicidal to call 988 but can reach out when experiencing any behavioral health crisis. 988 call services are available in English and Spanish, along with interpretation services in more than 150 languages. Texting 988 and online chat are currently available only in English. Veterans and military service members can call 988 and press “1” to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.