The Nutritionist Reviews

February 29, 2016

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a much healthier but still delicious version of your favorite chicken parm. The chicken is cooked in the slow cooker to make it easy! I am a huge fan of spaghetti squash. It is easy to make. In fact, it is quicker than boiling pasta to make. It is rich in fiber and vitamins and has a lot less calories and carbohydrates than regular pasta. My husband loves it and so do I so we make it quite often.

Continue Reading »

February 28, 2016

Ask the RD: Calcium

Calcium is such an important mineral. It helps promote healthy, strong bones. *It also helps  with muscle contractions and nerve impulses. *It is found naturally in many foods, especially dairy products. Having vitamin D3 in addition to calcium helps with the absorption of calcium while supporting a healthy immune system.

Continue Reading »

February 26, 2016

10 Pregnancy Nutrition Tips

Learn 10 pregnancy nutrition tips that are essential for a healthy pregnancy!  Nutrition during pregnancy is extremely important for the development of your growing baby and to help you feel your best. These 10 tips will help you understand which nutrients that you need during pregnancy and why.

Continue Reading »

February 25, 2016

MotorCity Casino Hotel and Dinner at Iridescence

For a luxurious and romantic date night, consider staying at MotorCity Casino Hotel and dine at Detroit's 4 star restaurant Iridescence! Since Adalyn was born, Troy and I have not had many date nights where we get to spend time just the two of us (outside of the house). I recently had the incredible opportunity to stay for a night at the MotorCity Casino Hotel and it made the perfect romantic date night with my husband. We got to spend quality time together and truly enjoy ourselves.

Continue Reading »

February 24, 2016

How to Get Your Toddler Involved in the Kitchen

As a registered dietitian and mom, it is so important to me for my daughter to learn how to eat healthfully. I want her to enjoy trying different foods and want her to make healthy choices. I thought about this topic since I found out that I was pregnant with her and have done everything that I can so far to make her a good eater.

Continue Reading »

February 23, 2016

Salted Caramel Baked Oatmeal

Salted Caramel Baked Oatmeal topped with bananas and toasted nuts makes the perfect cozy breakfast! It tastes indulgent but is nutritious and filling. Since Adalyn was born, life has been a little crazy! Becoming a parent is no joke and with a little one, you always have something going on. Between sleep deprivation, feedings all through the night, chasing after an energetic little one, life can be very full. Luckily, Troy and I love it and being a parent is one of the best things that have happened to us.

Continue Reading »

February 22, 2016

Mushroom Black Bean Burgers

These Mushroom Black Bean Burgers give store bought veggie burgers a run for their money! Simple to make and loaded with veggies and flavorful portobello mushrooms. I am a huge fan of veggie burgers and so is my husband. We usually just buy them but I knew that making them would be even more delicious. A couple of years ago, my husband made homemade mushroom burgers that were awesome. I have had black bean burgers on my "must make" list for forever and finally got the chance to make them.

Continue Reading »

February 19, 2016

Products I'm Loving in 2016 Part 7

1. Ozery Bakery Rounds I've written about it before how much I love Ozery Bakery products. They make mini rounds and larger rounds that are full of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. They come in several flavors including apple cinnamon, muesli, cranberry orange and date & chia. I like to either toast them or microwave them for 10 seconds and spread with nut butter.

Continue Reading »

February 18, 2016

Blueberry Pie Oatmeal

This Blueberry Pie Oatmeal is nutritious and takes 5 minutes to make! Tastes like your favorite dessert and is a great way to start your day. I love oatmeal and eat it 4-5 days per week. The night before I have to work in the morning, I add 1/2 cup of my homemade oat mix to a jar, add water and let it sit in the fridge overnight. When I get to work in the morning, I just heat it up and add a spoonful of peanut butter. I never get tired of this breakfast and look forward to eating it each day.

Continue Reading »

February 17, 2016

Products I'm Loving in 2016 Part 6

1. PeachDish - I love meal kit services where you subscribe and all of the ingredients for a meal are sent to your home. PeachDish is an awesome service that sells nutritious and outside-of-the-box recipe ideas. I always have fun making these with my husband and enjoy the time cooking together.  They have a new SuperFood series that is developed by a culinary director and a registered dietitian. Ingredients that are included are wheatberries, pepitas, kale, cranberries, edamame and more.

Continue Reading »

February 16, 2016

Sesame Shrimp Kebabs

These Sesame Shrimp Kababs are loaded with flavor and are easy to make! Customize them with your favorite vegetables for a quick dinner. When I tell you when this recipe is from, you are going to think I'm crazy! So back in the summer, when my husband Troy was off of work for the summer (lucky teachers!), he made these amazing kebabs. I never got around to writing about them until now but it was such an awesome recipe that I had to share.

Continue Reading »

February 15, 2016

Roasted Chickpeas

These simple and easy Roasted Chickpeas make the perfect healthy and filling snack! They are protein-rich, fiber packed and irresistible!  The first time that I remember making roasted chickpeas was when Troy and I were first married and living in our mobile home in Fennville, MI. I saw the idea online somewhere and was intrigued. I love chickpeas and the idea of eating them as a snack. I love these simple Roasted Chickpeas as well as my Salt and Vinegar Roasted Chickpeas .

Continue Reading »

February 12, 2016

8 Superfoods You Should Eat

As a dietitian, people often ask me what they should eat. Which foods are the healthiest? Should they eat sugar or artificial sweeteners? Is fat bad for you? I get these kinds of questions all of the time. I do not diet. Ever. Instead, I focus on eating an overall balanced, nutritious diet packed with superfoods.

Continue Reading »

February 11, 2016

Fattoush Salad

This Fattoush Salad recipe is a must try! An easy Middle Eastern chopped salad with loads of vegetables, a homemade lemon vinaigrette and toasted flatbread pieces. I absolutely love Mediterranean food. In fact, it is my favorite nationality of food and I could eat it daily. When I go to a restaurant and see fattoush salad on a menu, 9 times out 10, I am going to order it. Something about the mix of vegetables, toasted pita and tangy dressing is so delicious to me.

Continue Reading »

February 10, 2016

2016 Wellness Goals

This post was sponsored by Nature Made ® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. This year, my wellness goals are simple and lead to one major goal: to feel my best. I feel my best when I take care of myself which includes eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and keeping stress to a minimum. My goals do not involve any crazy diets, losing weight, exercising like crazy or anything like that. I believe that the best way to feel your best is to focus on long-term goals and overall living healthfully.

Continue Reading »

February 09, 2016

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Frozen Yogurt Bark is easy, healthy and customizable- use your favorite yogurt, fruit, chocolate and other toppings! Valentine's Day is not only a time to celebrate with your significant other but is also a great time to show others who are close to you that you love them. I made this frozen yogurt bark with my daughter in mind. As she grows older, I want to do fun things for the holidays, no matter how big or small.

Continue Reading »

February 08, 2016

Fully Loaded Ham Sandwich

This Fully Loaded Ham Sandwich is packed full of fresh vegetables and a tasty Greek yogurt spinach dip! My husband is the Sandwich King. He loves sandwiches so much and makes the best ones. He is one of those people who makes a 5 inch tall sandwich and is able to fit the whole thing in his mouth. When we don't know what to make, we often make sandwiches.

Continue Reading »

February 05, 2016

Products I'm Loving in 2016 Part 5

1. Fit Snack Monthly Box January - I love trying subscription services and the Fit Snack box is a good one. It is for people who love healthy snacks. My favorite item in this month's box is the Fruit Bliss mini apricots . My daughter likes the Veggie-Go's fruit and veggie strip .

Continue Reading »

February 04, 2016

Banana Split Smoothie Bowl

This Banana Split Smoothie Bowl tastes like your favorite dessert but is much healthier! It includes the traditional flavors including banana, strawberries and chocolate. I have become quite the fan of smoothie bowls lately. They are a great way to get fiber and protein in your diet and can be eaten for breakfast, snack or dessert. I love banana splits so why not create a healthy banana split that can be eaten any time of day?

Continue Reading »

February 03, 2016

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup tastes just like your favorite burger loaded with toppings! It is a lightened up version yet tastes rich and creamy.  This winter, I have enjoyed making a variety of soups. I try to choose a different soup just about every week and make a big pot of it for my family. Some soups we have had this year are my husband's Slow Cooker BBQ Chili , Apple Butternut Squash Soup , 20 Minute Hearty Vegetable Soup and Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup .

Continue Reading »

February 02, 2016

Strawberry and Chocolate Parfaits

These Strawberry and Chocolate Parfaits only take 10 minutes to make and is healthier than many desserts made with yogurt, strawberries and chocolate! One of my biggest passions is taking a recipe that is not healthy and making it healthier. If I could do that for a living, I would (oh wait, I kind of do!). For these strawberry and chocolate parfaits, I wanted to make a romantic dessert for Valentine's day that tasted great but was not too indulgent.

Continue Reading »

February 01, 2016

Veggie Artichoke Flatbread

This Veggie Artichoke Flatbread makes the perfect appetizer with tons of flavor, nutritious vegetables and a creamy jalapeno artichoke sauce!   When it comes to making an appetizer, I like to keep it fairly healthy but I want it to taste great. This veggie artichoke flatbread is a take on traditional crescent roll veggie pizza that you find at many parties. This uses a whole grain flatbread and a bunch of veggies to make it a fun party option.

Continue Reading »