Nutrition Spotlight

mother and daughter sitting at the kitchen table scrolling through nutrition information on the phone

From Clickbait to Plate: Tips for Spotting the Best Nutrition Advice

June 20, 2025
Health and nutrition information is everywhere. From social media posts and news headlines to TV commercials and pop-up ads – there are all kinds of claims telling you what you should and shouldn’t eat. Sadly, there is a high chance the information could be misleading or even flat out wrong. Knowing how to spot when advice is harmful or helpful is a very powerful tool! When you see or hear nutrition information, use these questions to decide if it’s good advice:
Read the post
huevos rancheros is a balanced breakfast featuring at least 3 different My Plate food groups.

Rise and Shine: The Importance of a Balanced Breakfast

April 25, 2025
Have you ever heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, we think all meals are important and breakfast is definitely one of them. Unfortunately, lots of people skip breakfast. It’s usually because they don’t have time or they’re not hungry. Here are some reasons and tips to start every day with breakfast. 
Read the post
Spices

Spice It Up!

April 11, 2025
Add Flavors from Around the World in the Comfort of Your KitchenHave you ever wanted to taste certain flavors from around the world? Well, you can from the comfort of your own home! Herbs and spices are an easy and affordable way to add different flavors to your foods. You can turn ordinary dishes into something extra yummy and flavorful. The secret is to make homemade seasoning blends. No fancy equipment, cooking skills, or plane ticket needed! 
Read the post
cooked fish with dill seasoning, side of coleslaw and lemon slices on white plate

Vary Your Protein Routine with Fish and Seafood

January 10, 2025
According to MyPlate, it’s important to “vary your protein routine.” Eating different foods from the protein group helps you get a variety of nutrients. One type of food from this group is fish and seafood. Even though fish and seafood might not be the most popular protein choices for a lot of Americans, there are so many different types of fish and seafood out there. Chances are you can find some that fit your tastes and budget! 
Read the post
Cars in a fast-food drive through

Following MyPlate in the Fast-Food Lane

November 21, 2024
It’s usually more budget-friendly to eat most meals from home, but let’s face it – fast-food restaurants are part of many people’s routines. In general, these foods provide more calories, sodium and saturated fat and cost more money than meals you make at home. While we encourage you to limit fast-food to special occasions, with a little planning, it is possible to find items or full meals from fast-food restaurants that can fit into your MyPlate plan.  
Read the post
squash, apple, and cranberry casserole

Ingredient Highlight: Winter Squash

October 31, 2024
One of our favorite foods this fall is winter squash! Winter squash is a vegetable that is easy to find (and easy to cook) and it is usually on sale in the fall. Common types you might see are butternut, acorn, spaghetti, delicata, and even pumpkin. They can be cooked many ways, from a roasted squash medley, to hearty and comforting soups, and even mashed like potatoes or diced in a salad. Here are some tips and tricks for adding this delicious vegetable to your next meal. 
Read the post
pumpkin seeds

Ingredient Highlight: Pumpkin Seeds

October 31, 2023
As Halloween celebrations wrap up this week, you might be wondering what to do with your leftover pumpkins. While uncarved pumpkins can last for a while as décor, you can also remove the seeds for a delicious and nutritious snack! Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients. Use our recipe below, and add your favorite seasonings for a delicious fall snack.Roasted Pumpkin SeedsServings per recipe: 8
Read the post
Spoons full of red and green lentils, next to a bowl of yellow lentils

Ingredient Highlight: Lentils

August 30, 2023
Today’s blog will focus on one of the most nutritious plant-based protein and carbohydrate sources: lentils! One cup of cooked lentils is only 230 calories and provides 40 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of protein, and 16 grams of fiber.  Lentils may protect against certain types of cancers, heart disease and other health conditions.
Read the post
glass of milk and bowl of raw spinach

Calcium: The Backbone of Healthy Development

December 18, 2017
We know that childhood is a very important time for growth. Kids are exploring their environments and making sense of the world around them. What they experience can have a big impact on their future choices. This is true for nutrition, too! Children are learning what foods they like and what ones they would rather avoid. Parents are tasked with providing nutritious meals that will help their children’s minds and bodies grow strong. Calcium is important for all of us, but it is especially beneficial for children and young adults.
Read the post
bowl of tic tac taco mix

Enjoy Whole Grains for a Burst of Flavor (and Nutrition!) at Meals and Snacks

February 7, 2017
There are two types of grains in our diet: whole grains and refined grains. A whole grain contains the entire grain kernel and contains a much richer flavor and nutrition. Refined grains have outer layers of the grain removed during processing. Many of us eat plenty of grains (think pasta, bread, cereal, crackers, and tortillas) but are low in intake of whole grains. A great goal is to consume at least half of your grains from whole grain sources, and it can be easy to do!Whole Grain Needs:
Read the post
Subscribe to Nutrition Spotlight