Here at Weeknight Dinners, it's not only my mission to bring you nutritious, quick, and easy recipes, but I also really aim to make your life a little easier.

We've all been cautious the past few years. Immune-boosting foods and supplements have been at the center of the nutrition and wellness world, and for good reason — we’ve been in a global pandemic. Though no diet or single food can keep you from catching covid or getting the flu, you can increase your overall health by taking care of your mind and body.

One of the biggest food myths in the world revolves around nutrient absorption. Most assume the foods we put into the body are entirely digested, absorbed, and stored, however, this isn’t the case. As food is eaten, the body immediately starts breaking it down into smaller molecules that we can use and store. Due to the complexity of the human body, these molecules must travel through various pathways to reach their final destination. The utilization rate of each molecule depends on the path used, but 100% of the vitamin or mineral is generally not absorbed or stored.

What we eat, when we eat, how we eat, and why we eat are often very personal and individualized. Though, ultimately an individual's choice, many factors beyond our control can influence our daily intake.

The Mediterranean diet is a phrase that’s been a part of the wellness world for years. We know it’s healthy. In fact, studies tell us it’s one of the healthiest and most sustainable diets out there. But what is it really? Let’s take a look …

These packaged smoothies are super convenient and a great starting point. Let’s take a look at how you can make them better.

While extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a staple in salad dressings and pesto, this nutrient-packed healthy fat can and should be used in many other ways. Not only does EVOO uplift any dish with its delightful fresh taste and exquisite aroma, but it’s also a versatile ingredient that can be used in anything from cakes to marinades to pasta. It’s also an item that you likely always have on hand, making it an easy addition to everyday meals.

Although there is no magic pill to preserve brain function, it’s clear — food and nutrition play a large role. When discussing preventative measures, the Mediterranean diet and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) continue to lead the way in promoting cognitive health!

Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Atkins, low-fat, Paleo, Whole30 — you’ve probably heard of one or more of these common weight loss diets. Although you can lose weight on these diets, they are, in fact, unsustainable for weight loss or weight management in the long run.

The Mediterranean diet is known for promoting longevity by lowering the risk for several diseases, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Due to a combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the foods of a Mediterranean diet make it a great diet to follow for preventative health measures. Whether a Registered Dietitian recommended you follow the Mediterranean diet, or you are choosing to follow it based on its amazing long-term health benefits, here are 10 foods to eat (and drink) on a Mediterranean Diet.

Been on Instagram in the past year? I bet you’ve seen 100’s of them — likely 1,000’s. Smoothies. Or smoothie bowls if you’re current on trends. Why have these colorful, gram-worthy beverages taken the digital world by storm? Well, if you’ve seen any of the posts, you know — they’re beautiful. They’re also a vessel for endless combinations of flavors and nutrients — high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. When done right, they’re satiating and delicious.

Your body’s ability to digest and metabolize food goes well beyond the nutritional breakdown of the food itself. Factors in your control, like the rhythm and frequency at which you eat throughout the day, your relaxation or stress level, the quality of your food, and the pleasure you find in meals all play a large role in your health.

Eating throughout the day is crucial, and it begins within an hour of waking. Then every 3-4 hours. That’s where snacks come in. Depending on the number of hours you’re awake, an ideal day may include breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. If your days are long, you may find a post-dinner snack to be helpful. Read on to see how snacks can help you reach your health goals.

The two most popular types of persimmon are Hachiya and Fuyu. Hachiya persimmons look elongated and need some time to ripen and become soft before they are edible. Contrarily, Fuyu persimmons have a squat shape and are more rounded (like a tomato or a mini pumpkin). When ripened and ready to eat, the texture of Fuyu persimmons is more firm than Hachiya persimmons.

You may have heard or read the term “mindful eating”. But, what does it really mean? Well, I’ll tell you one thing – it isn’t another restrictive diet. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Mindful eating allows you to have a peaceful relationship with what’s on your plate. It’s a liberating and empowering way to listen to your body and individual needs. Dive into this post to learn more and feel free to try the mindful eating activity at the end!

The Mediterranean diet is known for providing preventative health properties like lowering cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. It also reduces blood pressure, improves brain health, and promotes longevity! This post will provide you with ideas for how to build a healthy Mediterranean plate.

They pair so nicely with many other foods I enjoy, like cheese, prosciutto, chocolate, and chia pudding. They’re also great on a snack board and served with wine or eaten alone. In my opinion, you really can’t go wrong with a juicy and sweet fresh, in-season fig. And, best of all, they’re a nutrient powerhouse!

I often write about how you eat. But today’s post is a bit different – it’s going to focus on what you eat. It’s the start of the What You Eat series; a collection of posts to show you healthy eating can be practical, simple, and delicious. Today, we’ll kick off the series with breakfast – the most important meal of the day.