Friday, February 13, 2026

9 Candy-Free Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Searching for Valentine’s Day treats doesn’t have to mean an overload of sugar and novelty sweets. With a little creativity, the holiday can be an opportunity to focus on balanced, appealing snacks that are both festive and nutritious. 

These Valentine’s Day party ideas emphasize ingredients from low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, many of which are simple to prepare and easy to serve in group settings. 

  • Send a Message 

  • - Write playful notes directly on clementine peels or banana skins using a food-safe felt marker for a lighthearted, personal touch. 

  • Strawberries on Cloud Nine 

  • - Naturally rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, strawberries pair well with a small spoonful of whipped cream or yogurt for an elegant, lightly sweet option. 

  • Red Salsa Snack Plates 

  • - Offer a build-your-own plate with sliced vegetables, whole-grain pita chips or crackers, low-fat cheese cubes, and tomato salsa for dipping. 

  • Banana Split “Love Boats” 

  • - Slice a banana lengthwise and top with low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt and heart-shaped fruit for a protein-rich twist on a classic dessert. 

  • Pink Milk 

  • - Blend strawberries with low-fat milk to create a naturally sweet, protein-forward drink with a festive color. 

  • Heart-Shaped Sandwiches 

  • - Use a cookie cutter to shape whole-wheat nut butter and jelly sandwiches into hearts for a simple, familiar favorite. 

  • Red Fruit with Yogurt Dip 

  • - Highlight red produce—such as apples, blood oranges, grape tomatoes, red grapes, and red peppers—and serve with a lightly sweetened dip made from cinnamon and low-fat vanilla yogurt. 

  • Cupid’s Smoothie 

  • - Combine cranberry or pomegranate juice with low-fat milk, bananas, and canned pineapple for a naturally pink, refreshing smoothie. 

  • XOXO Trail Mix 

  • - Mix O-shaped cereal and pretzel sticks with dried cranberries and strawberries for a festive, crunchy snack that balances sweet and salty flavors. 

 

Friday, February 6, 2026

Hydrating Right

Proper hydration is essential for normal body function, physical activity, and athletic performance. The goal of hydration is to prevent dehydration without over-drinking, which varies by individual. Hydration status can be monitored through urine color (light indicates good hydration) and changes in body weight before and after exercise to estimate sweat loss. 

Dehydration can occur in any environment or activity, even in cold weather or while swimming, and performance declines when fluid loss exceeds 2% of body weight. Factors that increase fluid loss include high temperatures, exercise intensity and duration, body size, gender, and fitness level. Well-trained athletes often sweat more and therefore need more fluids. 

Common signs of dehydration include intense thirst, fatigue, increased body temperature, rapid breathing and heart rate, confusion, and fainting. To maintain hydration, athletes should drink fluids before, during, and after exercise. Water is generally sufficient, but sports drinks are recommended for moderate- to high-intensity exercise lasting longer than an hour to help replace fluids lost through sweat. 


Friday, January 30, 2026

Pumpkin Cheesecake Smoothie Recipe

The vanilla yogurt gives this smoothie a rich, dessert-like flavor that’s reminiscent of pumpkin cheesecake— you might even forget it’s not served in a pie crust! 

Ingredients: 
 • 1 cup canned pumpkin 
 • 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt 
 • 1 cup fat-free milk 
 • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
 • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 
 • 2 teaspoons sugar 
 • Pinch of nutmeg 

Directions: 
1. Before starting, wash your hands. 

2. Add all ingredients except the nutmeg to a blender or food processor. 

3. Blend until creamy and smooth. 

4. Pour into glasses and finish with a light dusting of nutmeg. 

5. For a richer, nutty flavor and added nutrients, blend in ¼ cup toasted wheat germ. (This increases calories to 270 per serving and adds 1 gram of fiber.) 

Nutrition Information: 
Serving size: 1.5 cups 
This recipe yields 2 servings. 

Calories: 210 
Total Fat: 1 g 
Saturated Fat: 0 g 
Cholesterol: 5 mg 
Sodium: 150 mg 
Total Carbohydrates: 41 g 
Dietary Fiber: 4 g 
Protein: 12 g