Truly, root veggies are the essence of comfort food. And perhaps that’s why we have grown too casual with them—relegated many of them to bland, secondary roles in our cuisine—if we remember to eat them at all. What a shame. Under the skin of every root vegetable lurks an exotic ingredient. The very fiber of […]
Why Try Tai Chi? A Traverse City Instructor Shares the Health Benefits
Traverse City tai chi instructor Ann Parker tells the many benefits of this gentle workout for the mind and body. Bonus: It’s effective and doable for almost everyone. Practiced around the world, tai chi is a low impact, relaxing form of exercise that anyone can learn. Tai chi blends mental and spiritual aspects into movement […]
How Cancer-Survivor Sara Cockrell Stays Active Outdoors
See if you can catch Sara Cockrell. When she’s not hiking, biking or paddling at one of her favorite spots with friends in Northern Michigan, she’s likely traveling the world—hiking in Iceland, backcountry skiing in Colorado, or trekking along famous Western trails, to name just a few of her adventures. “I love being outside,” says […]
3 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes from Northern Michigan Chefs
Local chefs share their favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipes, including a healthy cake (yes, it exists) and a sugar-free scone. Plus, a crowd-favorite chocolate cake recipe. Thanks to Munson Healthcare, Shetler’s Family Dairy and Planted Cuisine. Red Grape, Polenta & Olive Oil Cake Chef Laura McCain, RD, and Munson Outpatient Nutritionist loves this rustic Italian-style cake, excerpted […]
How to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays
As a nutritionist, Laura McCain is accustomed to all eyes on her while she strolls the Thanksgiving buffet line. “What is she going to eat?” everyone wonders, as they watch the chef and Munson outpatient nutritionist cruise through the assortment of traditional treats on the table. No, she doesn’t start at the beginning of the table and fill […]
The Great Pumpkin
With a stellar nutritional resume and fine flavor, the pumpkin deserves an honored place at your table. Poor pumpkin. Long ago, the ancients of North America gave the pumpkin a regular spot on the menu. But at some point between the early colonials and our embrace of Halloween, America relegated one of nature’s most nutritious […]
Candy Drop-Off Program Helps Parents Promote Healthier Habits
Munson Healthcare and the Northern Michigan Diabetes Initiative(NDMI) are partnering for the sixth consecutive year to promote healthier Halloween habits while providing the sweet satisfaction of giving back. Trick-or-treaters, parents and candy givers are encouraged to donate a portion of their stash or leftover candy to their community locations November 1–5. The collected candy will be donated […]
Tricia Phelps, CEO of Taste the Local Difference, Shares her Venison Chili Recipe
If you are familiar with the Sara Hardy Farmers Market or Village at Grand Traverse Commons food events, you’re probably also familiar with the name Tricia Phelps. Get to know the Traverse City foodie and CEO of Taste the Local Difference, Michigan’s local food marketing agency. Tell us what brought you to the area, and ultimately, to your role […]
Visit Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove Farm for Antique Apples
A trip to Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove Farm is a fall tradition in Northern Michigan. Located north of Northport in Leelanau County, Kilcherman’s is home to 200-plus varieties of antique apples. And while the Kilchermans have long been fascinated by heirloom varieties, they now find themselves on the leading edge of a much broader food movement. […]
A Walk in the City: 5 Northern Michigan Trails You Can Do In Town
In-town trails make it easy to get active in Northern Michigan. Health and fitness experts say that a minimum of 30 minutes of walking a day does everything from lower blood pressure to burn fat. And it just plain makes you feel better. In-town trails are a convenient way to make that happen—over lunch, after […]