Maryann Jacobsen's Blog, page 17

Fall Dinner Rotation

It’s that time of year when the weather gets cool, fall activities are in full swing and the newness of school wears off (for better or worse). I love this time of year although I get a little anxiety thinking about the impending holidays. I just try not to think about it.

I definitely equate fall with moving from the grill to hearty choices like chili, soups and casseroles. I want to experiment with new soups like this non-dairy tomato soup from Ellie Krieger, and some simple casseroles. I...

Over Forty? 5 Health Investments You Need to Start Making Now

I had Little D three days before I turned 40. So when the big moment arrived I was nursing and, of course, sleep deprived. The changes in my body became noticeable shortly after this seminal moment. My body was changing in terms of composition. Fat slipped into new places even though it felt like not much had changed in terms of my habits.

As I’ve gotten deeper into my forties, it’s become clear that the same things that worked for managing my health when I was younger have lost their zip. F...

3 of My Family’s Favorite Smoothies

I love smoothies and make them frequently throughout the week. When I’m too lazy to put out a fruit or veggie with lunch, it’s smoothie time.

When I fear Little D might have trouble going number two, it’s smoothie time.

When it’s hot outside (like it has been the past few days), it’s smoothie time.

When I feel like we’re running to event after event and are eating with less variety, it’s smoothie time.

While I play around...

Inspired Family Breakfasts with Rise and Shine (Book Review and Giveaway)

Compared to the Holy Grail of family dinners, breakfast is the forgotten meal. Maybe it’s because when kids are in school it needs to be fast and something that will fill them up. But it’s such a great opportunity to nourish and start the day on the right foot.

Since revamping my dinners with last year’s 30 meals in 30 days challenge (it was way more than 30 days but that’s okay), I’ve been focusing on breakfast. That’s why Katie Morford’s book, Rise and Shine: Better Breakfasts for Busy Mor...

Back to School Dinner Rotation

Yesterday was the first day of school. And for us it wasn’t just the first day of school, but the first day at a new school. The kids did well but I know it will take them awhile to get in the swing of things (and me too).

This summer was long but fun. I didn’t get much work done, but I had lots of quality time with the kids. And I find that taking the time off makes me ultra-motivated once they return to school.

Although...

Trader Joe’s Easy Three-Bean Salad

My husband and I went to a party this past Memorial Day. Everyone brought a dish and I immediately went for the bean salad. Later on, I discovered it was a Trader Joe’s creation. If you regularly shop at Trader Joe’s, you know they’re always featuring an easy recipe to taste.

So the next morning when I went shopping at Trader Joe’s, the exact same bean salad was being featured for tasting. It was a sign!

Needless to say, I...

This Simple Change Will Instantly Make Your Family Healthier and Happier

I recently went to see Bad Moms, a movie about a stressed-out mom who gives up on both her jobs as a professional and a mom. I don’t want to give it away if you haven’t seen it, but it’s the movie’s message I want to talk about.

There is a point in the movie where moms at a PTA meeting admit the ways in which they are bad moms. Whether its not giving their child a bath for 3 weeks or drinking at inappropriate times, it’s obvious that every mom — even the most put together ones — have these b...

5 Things I Frequently Say to My Children When They Eat

The other day I was saying something to my children about food when I realized I say it all the time. Then I made a list of the other things I frequently say during mealtime. In short, I try to teach important lessons using common sayings with a bit of humor.

So here are the 5 things I say most frequently at mealtime, and more importantly, why I say them.

1. Be Flexible with Food

Okay, this one I say before eating but it’s...

What Most Poeple Get Wrong About the Great Moderation Debate

Over the past few years there’s been a growing number of articles against eating in moderation.

“Like any overly simplistic attempt to reduce a complex aspect of human physiology to a simple rule, it just does not work for the majority of people.” Greatist.com

“Don’t eat everything in moderation. Eat as much healthy food as you can, whenever you are hungry. Eat as little unhealthy garbage as you can. If possible none at al...

How I Fall Back in Love with Health Again (and Again)

I’ve been conscious about my health since I graduated high school. This was the time I realized how eating well, sleeping soundly and being active made me feel. This lifestyle gave me more energy to live life. I felt ten times better. It was a secret I couldn’t wait to share with others, which is why I became a dietitian in the first place.

Throughout the years my relationship with health has been challenged, whether it was the stress of a cross country move, new jobs (I had 10 after college...