Remember that old Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet commercial? I can totally hear that jingle playing in my mind each time I sprinkle those seeds into my smoothies or on my salad. As you can imagine, I am always browsing grocery aisles in search of new products and healthy food ideas. I recall the first time I saw chia seeds and thought, for real — You can eat the chia pet?!? The answer is a qualified and resounding yes. In fact, you really need to be eating these seeds.

French Meadow Bakery makes the most delicious Healthy Hemp Bagels. Instead of the typical doughy white doughnut like excuse for a bagel that is full of modified ingredients, sugar, corn syrup and devoid of nutrients, start your morning with organic whole and sprouted grains, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, wheat berries, quinoa, amaranth and flax. Even more important than what they put in is what they leave out; you won’t find any nasty artificial ingredients or gross preservatives…

People always ask me about the types of snacks that I feed my family. I am all about making food fun and celebrating special occasions with special treats, BUT I am all about doing it the right way. I often joke that I can find a great tasting alternative to any junk food. Love lollipops or other snacks on a stick? You’ve got to try my Watermelon Pops!!  

So it’s birthday time in the Bentson house, and the question on everyone’s mind is how to make fun party treats without all of the typical ingredients. YouAnewers are always asking me what to bake, make and serve for special occasions. Here a few fabulously delicious dessert ideas that you will love! 

You can change your life by changing your meals! Let me show you how to live and look your best. This week, I want you to throw these super food favorites into your cart and onto your plate.  Let’s check out the health benefits of blueberries, sprouted pumpkin seeds, oranges, eggs and cucumber. 

If you’re like us, this month’s calendar is totally jammed with weddings and weekend trips, birthdays and baptisms, play dates and projects, business and busyness! It’s so important to pack your  bag with a few healthy on-the-go snacks (especially when you’re like me toting around a two year old!). Don’t get caught hungry and at a hot dog stand. If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. You have to know before you go. I thought you might enjoy a few fun suggestions of foods you can eat while in transit.

While the best of the best foods aren’t found in boxes, bags and cans, the convenience of packaged goods can’t be beat. There are plenty of options that taste great and are great for you.  Avoid the sugar, chemicals, and modified ingredients by trying a few of our family favorites.

Eating Gluten Free can be great when you find the right foods! While minimally processed gluten free foods are totally healthy, a lot of the gluten free boxed, bagged and canned alternatives are packed with more calories, sugar and salt than their gluten full counterparts. Here are a few of my gluten-free go-to foods.

Hi Everyone! My Go-To Foods List is also an On-the-Go Foods list! It seems like I am always on the go from one place to another, and  I need to have foods in my kitchen that are either quick to make or can easily be taken with me. 

I love how the nutrients in whole foods trump swallowing supplements. While taking a pill may be a quick way to load up on vitamins and minerals, the best way to nourish your body and prevent disease is by eating a variety of nutrient dense foods each and every day.  Brazil Nuts are a great example. I keep this little bowl of nuts on my counter and eat just one a morning. One nut contains all the selenium needed for the day. Selenium is thought to reduce cancer risk, improve immunity and support thyroid function.  Brazil Nuts are also a good source of B and E vitamins, calcium, magnesium and copper.