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Holiday Favorites for Your Menu

I always enjoy hosting a get-together at some point during the winter holidays. I want to make it as low-stress as possible, especially for family members who have to go to more than one celebration. So, I try to be flexible with the time of day and menu. Some favorite menus from over the years have been brunch, taco bar, soups, and pizza. Below are some of my favorite Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipes that I have included in my holiday menus over the years.

Balance Your Holiday Plate

Warm Up with Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

When the weather cools down or you are feeling under the weather, nothing hits quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. But have you ever wondered whether that restaurant or takeout version stacks up to what you could make at home?

Breakfast on the Run

I am a busy student, trying to balance classes, work, and an internship, so I am often eating on the go. I was planning out my meals for the week and decided that breakfast sandwiches would be a great option. They’re portable and easily customizable with your choice of protein, toppings, and bun… and the best part? They freeze and reheat beautifully.

Thanksgiving Meal Plan on a Budget

Holidays in the fall and winter are my favorite because of the warm, comforting foods that are always served. The air is filled with spices and herbs, and the sweet smell of a pie or two.

Be Mindful of Holiday Debt This Season and Beyond

Holiday spending can sneak up on us—gifts, travel, meals, and more. If you followed Barb Wollan’s recent 4-step plan to map out your holiday budget, you are already ahead. Now, take it a step further by using resources from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Utah State Extension, to stay mindful and in control of your personal finances this holiday season and beyond!

Spend Smart for the Holidays

When there is not enough money for everything we want (and there never is!), we can get the most value for our dollar by carefully planning how we’ll use the money we have. As the holiday season approaches, it is a great time to think through what your spending will look like to avoid starting the new year with money stress.

Soup-er Birthday

My birthday is later this week, so I want to celebrate with you all by sharing three recipes this month! Soup recipes are my favorites to make and eat. I love making soups because they are flexible and I can usually put a soup together with ingredients I have on hand. I love eating soup because of the warm feeling it gives me. Below are my top three Spend Smart. Eat Smart. soup recipes.

Five Foods to Eat for Brain Health

We often connect what we eat to our physical health. Eating to reduce our risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Or eating to keep our bones and muscles strong as we age so we can keep doing the activities we enjoy. What we eat can also affect our brain health. No single food can guarantee a sharp mind as we age, but following a healthy eating pattern that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins, fish, and healthy fats can help your brain function at its best. The good news is that the best foods for your brain are also the ones that are good for your heart and blood vessels. Good blood flow is important to a healthy brain.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics – I cannot always remember which is which and I usually have to look it up when someone asks me a question about them. What I do know for sure is that they are important for a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is made up of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that live in our digestive tract, mainly the colon. Having a healthy gut microbiome may have positive impacts on the rest of our body such as a stronger immune system, better absorption of some nutrients, and cardiovascular health.

The Sleepy Side of Nutrition

When you think about nutrition, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, or lowering your risk of illness and disease. But have you ever considered how your food choices might affect your sleep?

Welcome Fall with Sweet Potatoes

Is the weather cooling down where you are? The fall vibes are beginning here in Iowa and that makes me want to use the produce that comes in season for us in the fall. For our October recipe of the month I would like to share three ways to use sweet potatoes. Even though we can get sweet potatoes at the grocery store year-round, I tend to be in the mood for them during cooler months. Whether you’re planning a nicer meal for guests or a quick weeknight meal, consider one of these tasty options!