(Family Features) Nothing makes family time special quite like a homemade meal, especially one made with locally sourced ingredients that are as fresh and flavorful as they are thoughtfully prepared.

Whether your gatherings with loved ones take place in the family kitchen, on the patio or at a picnic area, this Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad makes for a perfect brunch or appetizer that leans on local ingredients like Michigan asparagus, which takes just about three days to get from the field to your table. Grown by more than 100 family farmers, it can be found in your local store at 1-4 days old, compared to 10-20 days old for imported asparagus.

Local means fresh, which makes for an especially delicious meal, but it also means sustainability. Because the Michigan asparagus season relies on the weather and uses rainwater instead of irrigation, it makes for a sustainable product that’s environmentally friendly.

As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium, it’s also easy to prepare – just don’t overcook it. Look for thicker spears at the store, as they tend to have greater texture and more flavor and tenderness because the fiber is less concentrated.

Visit michiganasparagus.org to find more flavorful recipes to share with your nearest and dearest.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad

Recipe courtesy of Ashley from “Cheesecurd in Paradise” on behalf of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

• 6          bacon slices
• 1          pound fresh Michigan asparagus, ends trimmed
• 1/3       cup olive oil
• 2          tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 4          hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 2/3       cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4       cup sliced green onion

1. In skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan. Set aside.
2. Cut asparagus into four pieces. Add asparagus to same skillet used to cook bacon. Cook until fork tender, about 4 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagus.
3. While asparagus cooks, prepare dressing. Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Chop bacon.
5. Remove asparagus from pan and place on platter. Top with chopped bacon, eggs, tomatoes and green onion. Pour dressing over top.

Source: Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

(Family Features) As you plan your summer fun, think also about adopting healthy habits that can help keep your blood pressure under control. When your blood pressure is consistently high – a condition called hypertension – blood flows through arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. This can cause serious health problems not just for your heart, but also for your blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and brain.

Hypertension affects women and men of all ages but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way toward prevention. Start with updating your summer menu with delicious, heart-healthy recipes, like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.  

Following a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy and healthy oils, can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Developed through research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH focuses on reducing sodium and limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy and tropical oils.

Along with adding healthy recipes to your summer menu, NHLBI’s The Heart Truth program encourages these healthy habits that can help you control blood pressure:

Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of physical activity each week. Try keeping yourself on pace each week by shooting for 30 daily minutes of activity over five days.

Aim for a healthy weight: Research shows adults with overweight and obesity can lower their blood pressure by losing just 3-5% of their weight. Ask a friend or family member to join a weight loss program with you; social support can help you both stay motivated.

Manage stress: Reduce stress – which can increase blood pressure – with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group.

Quit smoking: Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or find other resources available online.

Get your summer off to a heart-healthy start by talking to your health care provider about your blood pressure numbers and what they mean. To learn more about heart health and blood pressure, visit hearttruth.gov and find DASH-friendly recipes at healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Sauce:

• 2          tablespoons ketchup
• 2          tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2          tablespoons honey
• 2          teaspoons orange juice
• 1          teaspoon garlic (about 1 clove), minced
• 1          teaspoon ginger, minced

• 12        ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)
• 1          cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces)
• 8          wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water

1. To make sauce: Combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic and ginger; mix well. Separate into two bowls and set aside.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350 F.
3. Alternately thread three chicken cubes and three pineapple chunks on each skewer.
4. Grill skewers 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon sauce from one bowl onto chicken and pineapple every other minute. Discard remaining sauce from first bowl.
5. To prevent chicken from drying out, finish cooking to minimum internal temperature of 165 F in oven. Using clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from remaining bowl before serving.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

(Family Features) The next time a healthy conscience keeps you from enjoying that sweet treat you’re craving, remember that making healthy swaps is all it takes to make those favorite desserts a little better for you.

These Vegan Brownies, for example, are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a sweet they can enjoy without ditching healthy eating habits. By using versatile California Prunes as a natural sweetener, you can replace processed sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes. Plus, prunes also add nutrients important for bone and gut health to your everyday diet.

With copper that aids in bone structure along with boron and polyphenols that help with the regulation of bone building and bone breakdown, you can feel good enjoying your family’s favorites while staying on track with health goals. Prunes are also known as a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (4-5 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome. High in vitamin K, they can also help improve calcium balance and promote bone mineralization.

Visit californiaprunes.org to find more delicious, better-for-you desserts.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

• 16        ounces pitted California prunes
• 1/2       cup hot water

Brownies:

• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4       cup cocoa powder
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 10        ounces California prune puree
• 2          cups light brown sugar
• 1/2       cup California extra-virgin olive oil
• 6          ounces unsweetened chocolate
• nonstick cooking spray
• flaky sea salt, for garnish

1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
3. To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
5. Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
6. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
7. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Source: California Prunes

(Family Features) Gathering for the big game is a source of annual excitement for fans across the country, but the moment is as much about connecting with family and friends as it is the action on the field. The superstar of the celebrations is often the food, from snacks and appetizers to full-blown meals and tasty sweets.

For a better-for-you way to grub out at gametime, this Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip from Milk Means More features essential nutrients provided by yogurt so you can enjoy a football favorite that nourishes both the body and soul.

Find more game day recipes at MilkMeansMore.org.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1          can (15 ounces) fat-free, refried beans
• 1          cup salsa
• 2          cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1          tablespoon cumin
• 1          tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1          teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 2          avocados
• 1/2       cup cilantro, minced, divided
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          lime, juice only
• 1/2       cup scallions, minced
• 2          Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/4       cup black olives, sliced
• tortilla chips

1. In small bowl, mix refried beans and salsa. Spread mixture in thin layer on bottom of large platter.
2. In separate small bowl, whisk yogurt, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne, if desired. Spread mixture on top of bean layer.
3. In third bowl, mash avocados with 1/4 cup cilantro, garlic powder, lime juice and remaining salt. Spread guacamole on top of yogurt layer.
4. Sprinkle dip with minced scallions, diced tomatoes, black olives and remaining cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) Your next snack or office lunch can get a boost of flavor from this Smashed Cucumber and Grape Salad, perfect for making ahead of time to pack along for whatever the day might bring your way.

As an easy, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, grapes offer delicious taste, texture and color – plus a healthy boost – that make them an appealing addition to snacks and meals.

To find more good-for-you recipe inspiration, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Smashed Cucumber and Grape Salad

Servings: 6

• 1 1/4    pounds English or Persian cucumbers, ends trimmed
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 2          tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1          tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2          teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1-2       teaspoons chili oil
• 1          teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1          cup halved Grapes from California
• 2          scallions, thinly sliced
• 2          teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

1. Using rolling pin, lightly smash whole cucumbers to break open. Tear or cut cucumbers into 1 1/2-inch pieces and season with salt. Transfer to sieve and drain 10 minutes.
2. In large bowl, whisk vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chili oil and sesame oil; stir in grapes and scallions.
3. When cucumbers are done draining, add to bowl with grape mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 70 calories; 1 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 2.5 g fat (32% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 170 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Family Features) Heading to the classroom means opening doors to opportunities for educational and social growth, but to keep students at school day after day, it’s important to keep health top of mind. When close proximity to other children exposes them to illnesses like common colds, strong immune systems can be the difference between perfect attendance and a few days of absences.

To help boost your children’s immunity, consider these tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project.

Eat Healthy Foods
Focusing on foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help boost immunity by protecting the body from free radicals that cause inflammation and damage cells. For example, vitamin C boosts the function of immune cells and foods high in fiber help keep the digestive system healthy.

Broccoli provides a good source of vitamin C, but if your kids aren’t big fans of the green veggie, turn to these Broccoli Tater Tots for an easy way to sneak some greens onto the family table. Due to their high vitamin C content, mandarins are another perfect addition to family diets. Their small size makes them easy to pack in lunches, toss in a bag or enjoy in a sweet treat like Frozen Creamsicle Yogurt Bites.

Get Plenty of Sleep
The Sleep Foundation recommends 9-11 hours of sleep each night for kids ages 6-13. Proper sleep helps regulate the body’s biological rhythms, helping people stay healthy.  

Exercise Regularly
Whether your children participate in sports or just enjoy playtime, encourage exercise to help boost the immune response, particularly during colder months when they may spend more time indoors.

Reduce Stress
Adults aren’t the only ones who experience stress. Talk to your children about anxiety, stress and mental health, as stress can leave them feeling run down while weakening the immune system, leading to less energy for fighting illnesses.

Drink Water
Hydration plays a major role in keeping immune systems functioning properly by aiding the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infection.

Find more immunity-boosting recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Frozen Creamsicle Yogurt Bites

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

• 1 mandarin
• vanilla Greek yogurt
• sprinkles

1. Place one piece of parchment paper on baking sheet that fits in freezer.
2. Peel mandarin and separate into individual slices. Place one big scoop yogurt in small bowl.
3. Dip each mandarin slice in yogurt, covering about half of each slice. Place individual mandarin slices on parchment paper. Add sprinkles.
4. Freeze at least 1 hour or overnight if adding to lunchboxes.

Broccoli Tater Tots

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• cold water
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In large stockpot, cover potatoes with cold water. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 3 minutes. Add broccoli; don't stir. Cover and cook 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
3. In large bowl, mix egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and garlic powder until just combined.
4. In food processor, pulse potatoes and broccoli 8-10 times until finely grated. Add to breadcrumb mixture and stir to combine.
5. Use tablespoon to scoop potato mixture into 40 mounds. Shape each into oval and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake 10 minutes; flip and bake 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Source: Healthy Family Project

(Family Features) Healthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult or require you to take favorite meals off your family’s menu. In fact, making smart choices when cooking at home can give you more control over the types of tasty, heart-healthy dishes you put on the table.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. These cooking tips can help you prepare heart-healthy meals that could help improve cholesterol levels by reducing excess saturated fat and trans fat.

Cook Fresh Vegetables the Heart-Healthy Way
Roasting, steaming, grilling or baking can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Adding herbs and spices can also help make veggies tastier, including combinations like basil with tomatoes, oregano with zucchini, dill with green beans or rosemary with peas and cauliflower.

Reduce Saturated Fat in Meat and Poultry
The amount of saturated fat in meats can vary widely, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. Opt for poultry and fish over red meat and look for lean cuts of meat with minimal visible fat, which should be trimmed away before cooking. Also limit processed meats such as sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs, which are often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Use Liquid Vegetable Oils in Place of Solid Fats
Some fats are better for you than others. Liquid vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean and olive oil can often be used instead of solid fats, such as butter, lard or shortening. If you must use margarine, try the soft or liquid kind.

Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol.

Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken with Grilled Asparagus

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4

• 1/4 cup tequila or white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat discarded
• nonstick cooking spray
• 3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or corn oil

1. In small bowl, stir tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Pour into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag tightly; turn bag to coat. Refrigerate 2-12 hours.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray grates with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In large dish, sprinkle asparagus with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with oil. Turn asparagus over to coat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard marinade and wipe most of it off chicken. Sprinkle chicken with remaining pepper.
5. Grill 8-12 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Place asparagus on grill, facing opposite direction of grates. Grill 7 minutes, or until tender crisp.
7. Serve asparagus with chicken.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 8

• 1 1/2 cups 2% low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chopped, unsalted almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped mango
• 1/4 cup blackberries or raspberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries

1. In medium bowl, mix yogurt and honey.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife to spread yogurt over entire bottom of dish.
3. Pour chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt. Top yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt.
4. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight.
5. To serve: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Use hands to break bark into pieces.

Source: American Heart Association

(Family Features) The arrival of summer means favorites like fresh seafood are back on the menu for many families. This year, as you explore new and inventive ways to add variety to weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues, consider including lobster as a versatile, indulgent ingredient.

Throughout the summer months, lobstermen up and down the Maine coast set off before dawn in pursuit of one of the most beloved crustaceans in the world. As one of the oldest fisheries in the country, the industry boasts a rich history with an unparalleled commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship that has allowed it to thrive for generations.

In addition to its distinctly sweet flavor, consider these reasons to add Maine lobster to your menu this summer:

Sustainability
To help protect the lobster population and the livelihood of those in the fishery, the lobstermen pioneered sustainability and traceability practices before it was fashionable. The sustainability measures developed and adapted over generations, such as protecting egg-bearing females and releasing juvenile lobsters, have preserved the fishery and produced abundant lobster stocks.

Small Business Support
Unlike many commercial fisheries, the Maine Lobster industry consists of more than 5,000 independent lobstermen who own and operate small day boats. Many lobstermen are from multi-generational lobstering families, which, along with a mandatory apprenticeship program, ensure its continued survival.

Front Lines of Science
Mother Nature and science guide the fishery, meaning ongoing collaboration between scientists and fishermen to research the health of the lobster population and adapt to the effects of climate change to help protect the oceans.

Protection of Endangered Species
Sustainability for the industry means taking care of the larger marine environment and the species that rely on it. Since the 1990s, Maine lobstermen have taken proactive steps to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales by eliminating surface float rope, incorporating weak links to allow whales to break free in the event they encounter gear and marking rope to ensure traceability.

Community Engagement
The lobster industry goes well beyond the fishermen on the water; including the dealers, processors, restaurant owners, trap and boat builders and more. The fishery is part of the identity of Maine, which means enjoying lobster rolls, grilled tails or steamed lobsters this summer directly supports the community and the lobstermen who call it home.

To find more ways to support the industry and recipes to enjoy this summer, visit lobsterfrommaine.com.

Chilled Lobster with Orange and Basil Vinaigrette

Recipe courtesy of Erin Lynch on behalf of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Servings: 4

Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• pepper, to taste
• 1 pound cooked Maine Lobster meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 head butter lettuce, torn
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

1. To make dressing: In medium bowl, whisk shallots, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, basil, parsley, salt and Dijon mustard. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Add lobster to bowl; toss to coat. Chill at least 1 hour, or up to one day.
3. To serve: Arrange lettuce on serving plate and place lobster on top. Sprinkle with avocado, radishes, kosher salt and ground black pepper.

Traditional Lobster Rolls

Recipe courtesy of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Yield: 4 rolls

• 1 pound cooked Maine lobster meat
• mayonnaise, to taste, for binding
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• salt, to taste
• fresh lemon juice, to taste
• 4 buttered, toasted rolls or preferred bread
• sliced chives, for garnish

1. In bowl, combine lobster meat; mayonnaise, to taste; pepper, to taste; salt, to taste; and lemon juice, to taste.
2. Place 3-4 ounces lobster salad on each roll.
3. Garnish with chives and serve.

Source: Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative

(Family Features) Helping members of your community can be easy when you donate plasma, which is the fluid component of human blood that supports essential bodily functions like red blood cells and white blood cells.

Since plasma is replaced in the body within about 24 hours, it can be donated twice per week. With a donation that takes 1-3 hours, you can make a lasting impact by providing lifesaving medicine for people affected by a variety of conditions.

Iron-rich foods can be helpful to eat before and after donating plasma, which is why chef Nate Appleman created recipes like Pistachio Crisps with Sumac and Black Pepper. After his son Oliver’s diagnosis with Kawasaki Disease – an inflammation of the blood vessels that causes large vessels to form on coronary arteries – Appleman made it his mission to create awareness of Kawasaki Disease and for the critical need for plasma donations that many people with the disease rely on for treatment.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious shortage of plasma donors, which is why Appleman partnered with Abbott to bring awareness to the need for plasma.

Find more information about donating plasma at bethe1donor.abbott.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Pistachio Crisps with Sumac and Black Pepper

Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott
Yield: 60 crisps

• 1 1/2    cups flour
• 1          cup sugar, plus additional for pressing crisps, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup soft butter
• 1          egg, separated
• 3          tablespoons milk
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 1          cup pistachios, finely chopped
• sumac
• black pepper

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. Sift flour, sugar and salt into bowl. Using fork, thoroughly mix in butter, egg yolk, milk and vanilla.
3. Form into walnut-sized balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet.
4. Using bottom of greased glass dipped in sugar, press balls to 1/16-inch thick. Brush with slightly beaten egg white. Sprinkle with pistachios, sumac and black pepper.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes.

Source: Abbott

(Family Features) As bright and joyful as the holidays can be, the hustle and bustle of the season can also leave people feeling overwhelmed. Remembering to slow down and find ways to maintain self-care between festivities can make the holidays more enjoyable.

Supporting a healthy lifestyle can be as easy as taking small actions when life gets hectic. Chakra Earthsong, founder of KeVita – makers of prebiotic and probiotic drinks – recommends these tips for integrating self-care during the season. Visit kevita.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

1. Get the Family Involved – In the midst of the busyness, activities that include the entire family – like scavenger hunts, crafts, making placemats and table decor for holiday meals and cooking – can create special moments that get the feel-good emotions flowing. It’s also a good idea to get fresh air, whether it’s a walk, bike ride or hike to look at decorations.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

2. Take Time for Yourself – Togetherness is one of the best aspects of the winter holidays but making time for favorite personal activities can help keep stress levels low. Whether it’s keeping up with hobbies, meditating, exercising or “me time” moments such as wrapping holiday gifts with music playing, these breaks can positively boost your mood and overall productivity.

3. Practice Healthy Habits – Enjoying delicious holiday foods and treats are highlights of the season. One way to balance those indulgences with wellness goals is adding probiotics to daily routines. Probiotics are the live micro-organisms referred to as “good” bacteria that, when consumed in the correct amounts, may provide health benefits, such as improving digestion. Another option to keep your goals on track is adding prebiotic fiber – the fiber that contributes to the good bacteria in the gut. Try an option like KeVita’s Prebiotic Shots, a convenient way to support your digestive health and wellness routines on the go.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

4. Enjoy Holiday Treats in Moderation – Parties often involve enjoying holiday baked goods, snacking and chatting but can sometimes lead to overindulgence. Practicing mindful or intuitive eating and making smart swaps, such as mocktails over cocktails, are two ways to find balance and enjoy events.

5. Experiment with New Recipes – Most hosts have their own holiday go-to’s and traditions, and adding fun beverages is one of the easiest ways to try something new while also squeezing in functional benefits. One idea is to mix up light and bubbly drinks that offer a festive feel. Earthsong recommends this Lemon Ginger Merry Mocktail, made with KeVita’s Sparkling Probiotic Drinks, which contain billions of live probiotics.

Lemon Ginger Merry Mocktail

Prep time: 3 minutes

Yield: 16 ounces

• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons molasses
• 5 small mint leaves
• 1 cup KeVita Lemon Ginger Sparkling Probiotic Drink
• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 3/4 cup ice
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In glass, muddle 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, molasses and mint leaves.
2. Add probiotic drink, pomegranate juice and ice.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and mint sprig.

Source: KeVita