Eat Play Thrive Nutrition Blog
4 Strategies for Encouraging Picky Eaters to Tr...
Do you have a picky eater at home? Picky eating, also known as selective eating, is very common in younger kids. In fact, up to a quarter of two year...
4 Strategies for Encouraging Picky Eaters to Tr...
Do you have a picky eater at home? Picky eating, also known as selective eating, is very common in younger kids. In fact, up to a quarter of two year...
Lean Green Pasta Dinner
Did you know seasonal produce is tastier and more nutritious than food grown out of season? Out of season produce must be harvested early in order to arrive at your market...
Lean Green Pasta Dinner
Did you know seasonal produce is tastier and more nutritious than food grown out of season? Out of season produce must be harvested early in order to arrive at your market...
From Farm to Fork: The Power of Eating Local
Spring has sprung, and for me living in a place with seasons, it means it’s almost time for local produce. I love wandering my local farmers market, chatting with farmers...
From Farm to Fork: The Power of Eating Local
Spring has sprung, and for me living in a place with seasons, it means it’s almost time for local produce. I love wandering my local farmers market, chatting with farmers...
Dying Easter Eggs with Whipped Cream
Family culture is a popular topic of discussion right now. I love the idea of living with intentionality! When my boys look back on their childhood, I hope they remember...
Dying Easter Eggs with Whipped Cream
Family culture is a popular topic of discussion right now. I love the idea of living with intentionality! When my boys look back on their childhood, I hope they remember...
Building Balanced Plates: A Parent's Guide to N...
As a dietitian, I work with a lot of families. There is so much focus on “good” and “bad” foods or stress about avoiding sugar, or asking me...
Building Balanced Plates: A Parent's Guide to N...
As a dietitian, I work with a lot of families. There is so much focus on “good” and “bad” foods or stress about avoiding sugar, or asking me...
Irish Stew
Now that I’m a parent, I love finding meals that incorporate holidays and heritages we can discuss around the dinner table. We use ingredients that are traditionally found in that...
Irish Stew
Now that I’m a parent, I love finding meals that incorporate holidays and heritages we can discuss around the dinner table. We use ingredients that are traditionally found in that...
Hearty Turkey Meatloaf
It's Heart Health Month February is the month of love, cupid, flowers and all things hearts so it’s only fitting that it has been declared Heart Health Month by the...
Hearty Turkey Meatloaf
It's Heart Health Month February is the month of love, cupid, flowers and all things hearts so it’s only fitting that it has been declared Heart Health Month by the...
Banana Beet Pancakes
Pancakes are a favorite weekend breakfast in our house. They are fun, versatile and nutritious. I love to mix it up, either by adding different items mixed in like chocolate...
Banana Beet Pancakes
Pancakes are a favorite weekend breakfast in our house. They are fun, versatile and nutritious. I love to mix it up, either by adding different items mixed in like chocolate...
How Vitamin D Supports Kid-Friendly Immune Systems
In our quest to improve our children’s health, one essential nutrient stands to me - vitamin D. It’s known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and while often thought of most for...
How Vitamin D Supports Kid-Friendly Immune Systems
In our quest to improve our children’s health, one essential nutrient stands to me - vitamin D. It’s known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and while often thought of most for...
Easy Crockpot Chicken Pho
It seems like everyone I know has experienced an exceptionally cold January! This arctic blast is making me want to stay inside with a warm blanket and my favorite comfort...
Easy Crockpot Chicken Pho
It seems like everyone I know has experienced an exceptionally cold January! This arctic blast is making me want to stay inside with a warm blanket and my favorite comfort...
Zinc and Kids' Immunity: Unveiling the Connecti...
Are you one of the many people who use over the counter zinc to fight the common cold? Do you also give it to your kids? And wonder...
Zinc and Kids' Immunity: Unveiling the Connecti...
Are you one of the many people who use over the counter zinc to fight the common cold? Do you also give it to your kids? And wonder...
My Favorite Meal Kits
Dinners should first and foremost be about feeding your family, decompressing from the day and a time to communicate and enjoy being together. I realize this is the ideal and...
My Favorite Meal Kits
Dinners should first and foremost be about feeding your family, decompressing from the day and a time to communicate and enjoy being together. I realize this is the ideal and...
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This time of year, many adults have set health goals for January and are doing their best to stay on track. Maybe you’re trying The Whole 30, paleo, or a...
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This time of year, many adults have set health goals for January and are doing their best to stay on track. Maybe you’re trying The Whole 30, paleo, or a...
4 Healthy New Years Resolutions for the Whole F...
As we enter into a new year many set New Year's Resolutions for themselves. There’s something magical and inspiring about starting a new year that encourages changing habits and setting...
4 Healthy New Years Resolutions for the Whole F...
As we enter into a new year many set New Year's Resolutions for themselves. There’s something magical and inspiring about starting a new year that encourages changing habits and setting...
Fun and Healthy Winter Holiday Traditions
As the holiday season approaches, our homes are adorned with twinkling lights, the aroma of festive treats wafts through the air, and the joy of celebration fills our hearts. While...
Fun and Healthy Winter Holiday Traditions
As the holiday season approaches, our homes are adorned with twinkling lights, the aroma of festive treats wafts through the air, and the joy of celebration fills our hearts. While...
A Fun, Festive, and Balanced Holiday Dish: Seve...
Tis the season for Christmas parties! White elephant, cookie exchange, or a feliz navidad fiesta… so many ways to celebrate the holiday season and they almost always revolve around food. ...
A Fun, Festive, and Balanced Holiday Dish: Seve...
Tis the season for Christmas parties! White elephant, cookie exchange, or a feliz navidad fiesta… so many ways to celebrate the holiday season and they almost always revolve around food. ...
Lemon Ginger Infused Honey
Raw local honey contains pollen from your area and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Infusing your honey with lemon and ginger adds antioxidants that help with coughs, fevers, and...
Lemon Ginger Infused Honey
Raw local honey contains pollen from your area and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Infusing your honey with lemon and ginger adds antioxidants that help with coughs, fevers, and...
Can Vitamin C Prevent Colds?
Often hailed as a super nutrient, vitamin C stands as a versatile powerhouse in promoting overall health. Functioning as a potent antioxidant, it plays a vital role in shielding our...
Can Vitamin C Prevent Colds?
Often hailed as a super nutrient, vitamin C stands as a versatile powerhouse in promoting overall health. Functioning as a potent antioxidant, it plays a vital role in shielding our...
Roasted Vegetable Thanksgiving Sidedish
The “slow food movement” was a foreign language to me. Eating seasonal foods purchased at farmers markets, choosing fresh over canned, raw over processed… I learned so much that drastically...
Roasted Vegetable Thanksgiving Sidedish
The “slow food movement” was a foreign language to me. Eating seasonal foods purchased at farmers markets, choosing fresh over canned, raw over processed… I learned so much that drastically...
Applesauce Muffins
Apple season has always been a favorite time of year for me. The leaves are turning, temperatures are cooling off, and holiday season is around the corner! Produce just tastes...
Applesauce Muffins
Apple season has always been a favorite time of year for me. The leaves are turning, temperatures are cooling off, and holiday season is around the corner! Produce just tastes...
What to Do with ALL That Halloween Candy?
Are you concerned about the avalanche of candy your kids will be getting this Halloween? As a pediatric dietitian, I've been bombarded with questions from parents seeking advice. How...
What to Do with ALL That Halloween Candy?
Are you concerned about the avalanche of candy your kids will be getting this Halloween? As a pediatric dietitian, I've been bombarded with questions from parents seeking advice. How...
Halloween Lunch Ideas
Halloween is around the corner! There’s a giant skeleton in the yard down the street and fake spider webs on our front porch. We’ve been to the pumpkin patch and...
Halloween Lunch Ideas
Halloween is around the corner! There’s a giant skeleton in the yard down the street and fake spider webs on our front porch. We’ve been to the pumpkin patch and...
A Dash of Goodness: How Pumpkin Pie Spices Bene...
As parents, we know that fall is a special time of year. The changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the air mark the arrival...
A Dash of Goodness: How Pumpkin Pie Spices Bene...
As parents, we know that fall is a special time of year. The changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the air mark the arrival...
Pumpkin Chili
It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season, formerly known as Fall. It seems like everywhere you look in the grocery store there’s pumpkin bread, pumpkin bisque, and even pumpkin ravioli! My family...
Pumpkin Chili
It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season, formerly known as Fall. It seems like everywhere you look in the grocery store there’s pumpkin bread, pumpkin bisque, and even pumpkin ravioli! My family...
Harvesting Healthy Habits
With the arrival of fall, nature offers a wonderful selection of seasonal produce that can bring both flavor and nutrition to your family's table. From the delightful crispness of...
Harvesting Healthy Habits
With the arrival of fall, nature offers a wonderful selection of seasonal produce that can bring both flavor and nutrition to your family's table. From the delightful crispness of...
Egg Roll in a Bowl
New recipes are always exciting to try, but there’s usually a fear that your kiddos won’t like it. Is it too spicy, too salty or maybe just the wrong texture...
Egg Roll in a Bowl
New recipes are always exciting to try, but there’s usually a fear that your kiddos won’t like it. Is it too spicy, too salty or maybe just the wrong texture...
One-Pan Curried Chicken and Roasted Vegetables
“One pan wonders” are my favorite category of recipes! Everything cooks together on a sheet pan, marrying the flavors together deliciously. You can prep everything ahead of time and leave...
One-Pan Curried Chicken and Roasted Vegetables
“One pan wonders” are my favorite category of recipes! Everything cooks together on a sheet pan, marrying the flavors together deliciously. You can prep everything ahead of time and leave...
Keeping Family Dinners Simple: Enjoying Mealtim...
Family dinner used to be a cherished tradition in many households. A time for families to come together, share stories, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. However, with our increasingly busy...
Keeping Family Dinners Simple: Enjoying Mealtim...
Family dinner used to be a cherished tradition in many households. A time for families to come together, share stories, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. However, with our increasingly busy...
Overnight Oats
School is starting back and mornings can feel rushed and hectic! I’m always trying to find strategies to make the early morning rush a little less chaotic… pack lunches at...
Overnight Oats
School is starting back and mornings can feel rushed and hectic! I’m always trying to find strategies to make the early morning rush a little less chaotic… pack lunches at...
Snack Attack: Making Snacking Nutritious and Fu...
As everyone is heading back to school, we know our kids are going to need energy to get through the day. Enter snacks. But snacking can also be hard, right?...
Snack Attack: Making Snacking Nutritious and Fu...
As everyone is heading back to school, we know our kids are going to need energy to get through the day. Enter snacks. But snacking can also be hard, right?...
Shredded Cilantro Lime Chicken
School is starting back and fall sports are ramping up! Afternoons seem to fly by with music practice, sports scrimmages and homework. On nights like these, I like to make...
Shredded Cilantro Lime Chicken
School is starting back and fall sports are ramping up! Afternoons seem to fly by with music practice, sports scrimmages and homework. On nights like these, I like to make...
Kids Eat Right Month - Keeping Kids Active and ...
August is Kids Eat Right Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy Foundation's annual campaign to celebrate the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children...
Kids Eat Right Month - Keeping Kids Active and ...
August is Kids Eat Right Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy Foundation's annual campaign to celebrate the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children...
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Parents are always asking me for tips and tricks to get their kiddos to eat more veggies. We know how important vegetables are for fiber and essential vitamins, but sometimes...
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Parents are always asking me for tips and tricks to get their kiddos to eat more veggies. We know how important vegetables are for fiber and essential vitamins, but sometimes...
Back-to-School Lunch Packing Tips
As parents, we know that the midday meal holds great importance in our children's lives. A well-prepared lunch not only fuels their active bodies but also nourishes their growing minds....
Back-to-School Lunch Packing Tips
As parents, we know that the midday meal holds great importance in our children's lives. A well-prepared lunch not only fuels their active bodies but also nourishes their growing minds....
Pineapple Chicken Kabobs & Corn on the Cob
When I think of summer time foods, all my favorite produce comes to mind: melons, berries, tomatoes on the vine, corn on the cob and juicy pineapples! My kids love...
Pineapple Chicken Kabobs & Corn on the Cob
When I think of summer time foods, all my favorite produce comes to mind: melons, berries, tomatoes on the vine, corn on the cob and juicy pineapples! My kids love...
Food as Medicine: Nurturing Kids' Well-Being th...
As parents, we strive to provide the best care and support for our children, especially when they face health challenges. Inflammatory conditions in children, such as asthma, allergies, eczema,...
Food as Medicine: Nurturing Kids' Well-Being th...
As parents, we strive to provide the best care and support for our children, especially when they face health challenges. Inflammatory conditions in children, such as asthma, allergies, eczema,...
Fourth of July Fruit Pizza
This fruit pizza flag is a fun, delicious and patriotic dessert that my family looks forward to every year! It’s always a crowd pleaser that looks impressive but couldn't be...
Fourth of July Fruit Pizza
This fruit pizza flag is a fun, delicious and patriotic dessert that my family looks forward to every year! It’s always a crowd pleaser that looks impressive but couldn't be...
Growing a Garden with Kids
Gardening is a healthy and fun activity to do with your kids! It gets your kids outside and can be a great activity to do with them. From a nutrition...
Growing a Garden with Kids
Gardening is a healthy and fun activity to do with your kids! It gets your kids outside and can be a great activity to do with them. From a nutrition...
Asian Chicken Salad
It’s only mid June and it’s already SO HOT here. On warm summer nights I like to make dinners that won’t heat up my kitchen or my insides! I want...
Asian Chicken Salad
It’s only mid June and it’s already SO HOT here. On warm summer nights I like to make dinners that won’t heat up my kitchen or my insides! I want...
The Impact of Nutrition on Autism and ADHD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. While ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are not the same thing,...
The Impact of Nutrition on Autism and ADHD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. While ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are not the same thing,...
Ingredient Dinners
Meal planning can feel so overwhelming…lots of ingredients, new recipes, unusual cooking methods, will the kids try it or my hubby like it? It starts to feel like TOO MUCH,...
Ingredient Dinners
Meal planning can feel so overwhelming…lots of ingredients, new recipes, unusual cooking methods, will the kids try it or my hubby like it? It starts to feel like TOO MUCH,...
Shrimp Tacos
I love tacos! You just can’t go wrong with them! They’re so easy to customize with the foods your family loves. You can have chicken, steak, seafood, or any type...
Shrimp Tacos
I love tacos! You just can’t go wrong with them! They’re so easy to customize with the foods your family loves. You can have chicken, steak, seafood, or any type...
How to Raise Confident Intuitive Eaters
Families often struggle with the best way to feed their kids. It can be hard to not fall into being too permissive or too restrictive. What we really want is...
How to Raise Confident Intuitive Eaters
Families often struggle with the best way to feed their kids. It can be hard to not fall into being too permissive or too restrictive. What we really want is...
How Nutrition Can Affect Mental Health in Kids
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and it is just as important for children as it is for adults. Did you know 1 in 5 children in...
How Nutrition Can Affect Mental Health in Kids
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and it is just as important for children as it is for adults. Did you know 1 in 5 children in...
Healthy Yogurt Parfait
It feels so overwhelming when you’re trying to feed a picky kiddo. Are they getting enough protein? Fiber? Too many chicken nuggets and not enough produce? We want to give...
Healthy Yogurt Parfait
It feels so overwhelming when you’re trying to feed a picky kiddo. Are they getting enough protein? Fiber? Too many chicken nuggets and not enough produce? We want to give...
Your Child’s Gut Health
As parents, we want our kids to be healthy and happy. One important aspect of their health that we might overlook is their gut health. But your gut affects everything....
Your Child’s Gut Health
As parents, we want our kids to be healthy and happy. One important aspect of their health that we might overlook is their gut health. But your gut affects everything....
Teriyaki Salmon Bake
Diet trends change every few years…low sugar, low carb, Keto, Paleo. Which one is the best and what will my family actually eat? When meal planning for my family, I...
Teriyaki Salmon Bake
Diet trends change every few years…low sugar, low carb, Keto, Paleo. Which one is the best and what will my family actually eat? When meal planning for my family, I...
Boosting Brain Health in Kids
The human brain is a complex organ that requires a range of nutrients to function correctly. From a young age, children require a well-balanced and varied diet to support brain...
Boosting Brain Health in Kids
The human brain is a complex organ that requires a range of nutrients to function correctly. From a young age, children require a well-balanced and varied diet to support brain...
Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta
“Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” I love this time of year, don’t you? The snow...
Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta
“Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” I love this time of year, don’t you? The snow...
What We Eat Matters
This is the last week of National Nutrition Month and I thought I would wrap up this month with my thoughts on the importance of food and nutrition for...
What We Eat Matters
This is the last week of National Nutrition Month and I thought I would wrap up this month with my thoughts on the importance of food and nutrition for...
Sweet & Spicy Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
You know the old Skittles slogan “Taste the rainbow”? Eating the rainbow is about more than just candy! It means you’re choosing a variety of different colored whole foods...
Sweet & Spicy Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
You know the old Skittles slogan “Taste the rainbow”? Eating the rainbow is about more than just candy! It means you’re choosing a variety of different colored whole foods...
Meal Planning Made Easy
Meal planning is a great way to save time, money, and stress in the kitchen. It can be overwhelming to do, but with a family, it can help make...
Meal Planning Made Easy
Meal planning is a great way to save time, money, and stress in the kitchen. It can be overwhelming to do, but with a family, it can help make...
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Growing up, my family always loved to order “The Chopped Baker” from Spring Creek BBQ joint in TX. It was a large baked potato, stuffed with chopped brisket, cheddar...
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Growing up, my family always loved to order “The Chopped Baker” from Spring Creek BBQ joint in TX. It was a large baked potato, stuffed with chopped brisket, cheddar...
How Much Fluids Should a Toddler Drink?
When a baby turns one, parents are often focused on what foods their new toddler is eating. There may have been previously so much focus on how much formula or...
How Much Fluids Should a Toddler Drink?
When a baby turns one, parents are often focused on what foods their new toddler is eating. There may have been previously so much focus on how much formula or...
Cheese Cracker Crusted Chicken
This recipe is a great way to get your kiddos to try new foods by incorporating a familiar flavor! If your children are like mine, cheese crackers are a constant...
Cheese Cracker Crusted Chicken
This recipe is a great way to get your kiddos to try new foods by incorporating a familiar flavor! If your children are like mine, cheese crackers are a constant...
How to Support Picky Eaters
Do you feel like you have a picky eater? Or at least a more selective eater? Picky eating can be super stressful for everyone involved. And a child’s fluctuations in...
How to Support Picky Eaters
Do you feel like you have a picky eater? Or at least a more selective eater? Picky eating can be super stressful for everyone involved. And a child’s fluctuations in...
Immunity Soup
It never fails, as soon as the winter weather changes, my kids come home with the sniffles! I like to boost their immune systems with smoothies, local honey, and hearty...
Immunity Soup
It never fails, as soon as the winter weather changes, my kids come home with the sniffles! I like to boost their immune systems with smoothies, local honey, and hearty...
Mediterranean Pasta Bowls
A Mediterranean Diet has been named the best way of eating for the sixth year in a row. This means choosing meals that consist of whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits...
Mediterranean Pasta Bowls
A Mediterranean Diet has been named the best way of eating for the sixth year in a row. This means choosing meals that consist of whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits...
Help! My Toddler Won’t Eat
Is there anything as defeating as spending time prepping, cooking and serving your family a meal to have your toddler refuse to eat? Maybe you have tried pleading or bargaining...
Help! My Toddler Won’t Eat
Is there anything as defeating as spending time prepping, cooking and serving your family a meal to have your toddler refuse to eat? Maybe you have tried pleading or bargaining...
How to Boost Kids Immunity During Cold and Flu ...
As the winter months approach, it’s important to ensure that our children’s immune systems are in tip-top shape. Especially with what seems to be an even more intense cold and...
How to Boost Kids Immunity During Cold and Flu ...
As the winter months approach, it’s important to ensure that our children’s immune systems are in tip-top shape. Especially with what seems to be an even more intense cold and...
Why You Should Eat Meals with Your Kids and How...
Family meals are becoming less and less of a priority for busy families. Everyone is doing their own thing or has something to watch or someone is at work...
Why You Should Eat Meals with Your Kids and How...
Family meals are becoming less and less of a priority for busy families. Everyone is doing their own thing or has something to watch or someone is at work...