 | Simple steps to help your heart stay healthy Americans know what they need to do to keep their hearts healthy. But is their heart really in the effort? A new survey seems to indicate many of us aren't as diligent about making heart healthy choices as we know we should be. |
 | Rediscovering the joys of shared meals Having a family meal isn't easily accomplished these days. Busy schedules, long work hours and even technology make it feel easier to simply grab a meal and go, rather than take the time to sit everyone down together around the table. But American families really do miss coming together around the table. Americans who eat with others more frequently are more satisfied with every aspect of their own lives, including their relationships, their physical and mental health and their level of achievement in life. |
 | How to make your New Year's resolution last Failed New Year's resolutions are a dime a dozen. That promise to go to the gym every day dwindles to three days a week, then two days a week, before falling into "whenever I can make it" territory. Diet and weight loss resolutions are among the most common, year after year, which says a lot about what kind of results people are getting from the promises they make to themselves. |
 | Convenient comfort foods warm the winter months When old man winter just won't seem to go away soon enough, one of the best ways to fight off the chill is with savory, hearty meals that can warm the body and soul. Known as classic comfort foods, these homemade favorites can satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. |
 | Food safety: Protect your family's health this year Every January people make New Year's resolutions that focus on exercise, diet or other ways to stay healthy. But the best resolution to keep the entire family healthy is food safety in the kitchen. |
| Comfort food season has arrived When temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, you know that comfort food season has arrived. And nothing is more heartwarming than bringing family and friends together for a traditional winter meal, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. |
 | Salt central to a healthy Mediterranean diet In the diet craze that has captured our attention over the last four decades, the one plan that stands out from the rest is the Mediterranean Diet. Since the Mediterranean embraces more than 20 countries, each with its own cuisine, the diet is really a fusion of the many foods consumed by the nations bordering the sea. |
| Quick and easy meals that will have your family asking for more Most families are busy these days juggling school and work schedules, chores and social events. But that doesn't mean your meals have to suffer. There are plenty of recipes you can make that are quick and easy, and will have all family members asking for more. |
 | The lean protein that can help you fulfill forgotten resolutions to eat better The new year is well under way - do you remember your resolution to live a balanced lifestyle in 2010? Are you making progress toward that goal? Or has the resolution drifted away as the calendar pages turned? It's not too late to get a fresh start at keeping that promise to yourself. |
 | Liven up cocktails with coffee Getting good friends together for some good food, good times and laughter is a lot of fun during the winter months. When it comes to celebrating with drinks, use your imagination in the kitchen and incorporate ingredients that your guests won't expect, like coffee. |
 | Surprising secrets of sea salt Does the word "sea" invoke romantic images of voyages to distant, foreign lands? If so, it's probably no surprise that Americans' renewed fascination with the glamour of exotic cuisine has vastly expanded the market for sea salt. |
 | Explore new flavors in recipes Winter is the perfect time to get into the kitchen and discover some new cooking flavors that will keep your taste buds happy and give your house a warm, yummy smell. |
 | Tips from a pro: Home baking for professional results It's pretty easy to fall into a baking rut. There's the classic chocolate chip cookie, or maybe your kids have a home-baked favorite that you've made a thousand times. Once you get a recipe down, it sometimes feels easier to just go with what you know. But many bakers find that getting creative in the kitchen can be rewarding - literally. |
 | Winter cooking: Don't give up the grill Winter is becoming the new grilling season, according to the NPD Group's 23rd annual Eating Patterns in America report. So if you find yourself looking wistfully at the patio and dreaming about grilling without having to stand in the cold, an indoor grill is your best bet. |
| Let your 5 senses be inspired by the best of Baton Rouge If you're planning a trip to the capital of Louisiana, you know there's plenty to see and do. Baton Rouge is the heart of the Deep South and offers something to inspire each and every one of your senses. |
 | Blueberries add flavorful flair to salads A colorful side salad can round out a meal. A bountiful salad can be the meal! Any time of year, salads are a great way to get your fruits and vegetables and, with a little creativity, you can make great-tasting salads your family will enjoy every day. |
 | Eat healthy - even while on the go Busy schedules and holiday activities can keep you on the run, making it hard to eat healthy at this time of year. There are times when you miss a meal and over-indulge at a later hour, but with a little snack preparation, you can stay on schedule and on track with healthful eating habits. |
 | Family cookbooks keep cooking memories alive When Kathy Paul heard all the laughter coming from her kitchen during the Paul family reunion, she knew compiling a family cookbook was the perfect way to record such joyful moments. |
 | Spruce up your winter entertaining This winter isn't turning out the way Stephanie Andrews initially planned. The tight economy is forcing her to cancel her vacation to a sunny destination. But rather than get the winter blahs, she's going all out sprucing up her home to entertain family and friends, ultimately creating memories that she believes will end up being far more meaningful. |
 | Mood-boosting foods: Tips to jump-start your body and your brain If you're determined to eat right to lose weight or improve your health, the foods you choose could also make you happier. We've all heard the old adage "You are what you eat," and the importance of eating for physical health. But did you know that at the same time you could also be eating to improve your mental sharpness, energy and inner peace? |
 | Tips to make cookie baking go smoothly Winter is a great time to be making cookies. Whether they're for your family, treats for the office or a gift, cookies of all shapes, sizes, and flavors are always a hit. |
| Mood foods to beat the winter blues The holidays have come and gone, and the long haul to the first day of spring can certainly take a toll on mood and energy levels. Don't let the winter doldrums get you down. Lifting your spirits may be as easy as eating the right mood foods. |
 | 10 reasons to fall in love with potatoes Want to do something good for your heart? Find new ways to increase your intake of potassium. This nutrient may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and promote heart health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. |
 | You say you want a resolution . . . here's one for healthier food habits All the gravy has been ladled. The cookies have crumbled. The red and green candies are on the clearance rack. That can only mean one thing: people all over the country are resolving to eat better, if not less often. The start of the New Year - and with it, a new decade - means that consumers are focusing on their resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle for themselves, their loved ones, and, for that matter, the planet. |
 | Easy meals for under $10 get you back into fall routines With the departure of summer barbecues and the approach of the busy holiday season, more than one family will rethink that familiar question ... "What's for dinner?" |
 | Simply sensational homemade soups No matter what the season, people frequently turn to a comforting bowl of soup for lunch or dinner. What surprises many is how easy it can be to make sensational homemade soups. Whether serving soup as part of an entertaining menu or an easy weeknight meal, making soup from scratch does not have to require hours in the kitchen. |
| A foodie destination like no other: New York City Name a famous chef, and it's pretty likely that, if their restaurant empires aren't headquartered in New York, they have an outpost here. Whether you save up for one special night at a top-of-the-line restaurant or put your year's vacation budget toward trying multiple hotspots, dining at a top-flight restaurant is an essential part of any foodie's trip. |
 | Stop, look and listen your way into stress-free entertaining Don't look now, but your family is descending upon your house for a visit. Have no fear. Entertaining at home can be as easy as pie if you remember what your mother taught you when crossing the street: Stop. Look. And listen. The same lesson applies to entertaining. |
 | All about broth Cooler weather and warm coats - it's the season when heartier, warmth-building fare arrives on American dinner tables. And heartier fare cries out for the rich flavorful versatility of broth! |
 | Ladies who lunch with satisfaction Active and busy women may find it difficult to create and choose healthy, low calorie lunches that are convenient yet still taste delicious. Stay on track throughout the day, even well after the lunch hour. |
 | Buying from bulk bins saves cents, makes sense When you hear the term "bulk," do you envision 5 gallon containers and think, "I just don't need that much of anything?" Actually, one of the advantages of buying in bulk is that you can buy a pinch or a pound. A natural foods expert offers tips for your trip to the bulk aisle, where you'll find herbs and spices, gourmet nuts and granola, whole-leaf teas and even body-care items. |
 | Got kids bored by winter? Get them cooking What can you do to keep kids entertained indoors this winter? Cook with them. Engaging kids in planning and making family meals has a host of benefits - including having someone to help with the dishes. |
 | Favorite foods without the extra calories During the colder season, our hunger instincts can emerge causing us to seek out the cozy foods we knew and loved as children. These days those same foods impact our waistlines, rack up thousands of calories and are high in fat. You can still nestle up with your favorite foods this winter without sacrificing flavor and compromising diet by making a few easy modifications. |
 | Wine is a gift of flavor, knowledge Is there a person on your Valentine's Day gift list who has always wanted to become a little more cultured about wine? Perhaps he or she has attended several wine tasting events to sample different styles - just to pique his or her interest even more. |
 | Keep it simple on Valentine's Day: Host a fun dinner with friends or family Valentine's Day is no longer just a romantic day that is reserved only for lovers - it has grown to include friends and family with widespread celebrations. Try a role reversal with either friends or family members and give the usual cook a well-deserved break. Small and thoughtful acts can have a large impact this holiday. |
 | Fun, tasty ways to get fit in 2010 If you resolved to get healthier this year, you've probably started evaluating exercise programs and healthy foods to eat. But don't forget to include fun and enjoyment in your resolution, because that is the best way to keep it going all year long. |
 | Wholesome cooking at home We all want to eat a nutritious diet that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and manage cholesterol levels. The same holds true for diabetics; in fact, many of the guidelines for a balanced diabetic diet are useful for anyone who wants to stick to a healthful diet. |
| Break through the top weight loss myths of 2010 For all the good information out there on how to improve your health, there are a lot of weight loss myths that continue to circulate. Debunking those myths can help you live a healthier lifestyle in 2010. |
 | New Year's resolution: Change the world a forkful at a time Do you have high ambitions for 2010 to get healthier, eat better and, oh yes, change the world, all at the same time? It's actually possible - if you resolve to eat Fair Trade certified foods at every opportunity. By choosing Fair Trade foods, you can help improve the lot of workers in developing countries ... one forkful at a time. |
 | Be party smart - simple rules to avoid calories With the abundance of parties this time of year - from the holidays to Mardi Gras - it can be easy to over-indulge and see the result in your waistline. Even so, it's possible to enjoy party favorites with the right approach. |
 | Need a bridal shower gift? Make it personal Looking for an affordable bridal shower gift with a personal touch? A spice gift basket can fit any budget and makes an ideal personal gift for every cook. With just a little thought and a few supplies, you can assemble a personalized basket. With Internet and mail-order shopping, it's possible to buy everything you need without leaving the house. |
 | Planning a bridal shower? Relax and enjoy it with these food shortcuts Your dear friend or sister announces she's engaged. She wants you to be her maid of honor. It goes without saying, you're thrilled for her. If the bridal shower causes you anxiety, help is on the way. Cut down on stress with these time-saving tips to host a simple but sensational shower for the bride. |
 | Beyond the basics: How to create a one-of-a-kind wedding Summer is right around the corner, and that means one thing - wedding season. Spring is crunch time for millions of couples planning their summer wedding, but what many couples don't know is that there are easy ways to avoid stress while planning their big day. |
 | Tips to reduce the sodium in your diet without losing the taste Heart failure, high blood pressure and many other common health conditions all have one thing in common - reducing the amount of sodium in your diet. But the problem is that salt is everywhere in foods, even if you personally don't add it to anything served. There are ways to reduce this ingredient so you can follow your doctor's orders. |
 | Beat the 'winter bulge' by making smart nutritional decisions The winter temptations of hot chocolate, mashed potatoes, warm pumpkin pie and other enticing treats can launch you into a comfort zone. But they can also make your New Year's getting-in-shape resolutions harder to achieve. This year, get ahead of the "winter bulge" by making smart, healthy and nutritional decisions. |