LiveWell Vermont

If you're looking for something different this 4th of July, how about baking a Southern tradition, Sweet Potato Pie?! This pie is delicious and with the Maple Praline Sauce it will make your friends and family beg you for the recipe. This pie is as good or better than Pecan pie and once you make it, it will become part of your holidays celebration at any time of the year! Ingredients 1 Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional pre-made pie shell for a 9-inch pie (can find at Hannaford's markets as well as other local markets in Vermont) 1 cup of white sugar, divided 1 cup of chopped pecans 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 4 extra large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ cups of mashed sweet potatoes ¾ cup buttermilk ¼ cup of butter melted ¼ cup of REAL maple syrup  ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves Maple Praline Sauce ¼ cup of butter, cubed ½ cup of chopped pecans ½ cup of white sugar ½ REAL maple syrup ¼ cup of non-fat plain Greek yogurt Preparation Line a 9-inch deep-dish...

Questions?   Contact Robin Katrick: Dhr.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov (802) 828-2846

Have you thought about incorporating Meatless Monday into your week, but are unsure of how to make protein packed vegetarian meals? You don't have to be vegetarian to rely on foods other than meat for your protein needs. In fact, incorporating a Meatless Monday into your weekly routine can have numerous health benefits! Cutting out meat, even if it's just once a week, can dramatically decrease your risk of heart disease. The consumption of red and other processed meats has been shown in scientific studies to increase the risk of diabetes. Cutting back on the consumption of these meats can reduce this risk, and can also help to curb obesity.  Cutting out meat alone won't offer any substantial health benefits. What you replace the meat with is just as important. Here are some healthy sources of protein to add to your grocery list this weekend! 1.) Brussels Sprouts: 2g per 1/2 cup serving. 2.) Broccoli: 2g per 1/2 cup serving. 3.) Avocado: 2g per 1/2 of an ...

Walking is a great form of exercise. Whether you're using walking as part of a fitness routine or just looking for a quick energy boost in the middle of your day, these tips can help you add more steps in your day!   1.) Walk the block In the morning before you get into your car to leave for work and in the evening when you get home, walk around the block once. 2.) Get your coffee somewhere else Instead of going to your usual coffee shop, walk somewhere slightly further. 3.) Challenge your friends Do you have a fitness tracker? Certain trackers let you challenge your friends, family, and coworkers. See who can get the most amount of steps! 4.) Skip the drive Walk to the store, work, or to meet your friend instead of driving! 5.) Make it a social activity Instead of meeting friends for coffee on the weekend, why not meet for a walk or hike? 6.) Take the stairs Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. 7.) Take breaks If you're sitting at a desk all ...

Now that the strawberries and Rhubarb are coming in fresh from the garden, why not try your hand at making a soup? On those warm evenings, start the main meal with this wonderful seasonal cold soup for your friends and family. Garnish with a dollop of non-fat plain Greek yogurt and a whole strawberry on top and let the compliments begin! Ingredients: 3 cups of Rhubarb, cut into ½ inch pieces 3 cups of cold water ¾ cup of granulated white sugar 1 teaspoon grated orange peel 1 cup of fresh Strawberries cut in half 1/3 cup of dry white wine Preparation: Bring Rhubarb, water, sugar and orange peel to a boil in a sauce pan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Your Rhubarb will fall apart and thicken. Cool and then add half of the mixture into a blender and add your strawberries. Blend on high until smooth. Add this mixture back into the sauce pan with your soup and add your wine and mix thoroughly....

Marinated Watermelon and Cherry Tomatoes A nice tasting summer salad instead of Potato salad or Pasta salad that will refresh your taste buds on a hot weekend cookout. Great with hamburgers or a nice grilled steak, even shrimp or fresh fish. Serve chilled for the best flavor and if you like a Watermelon Martini, you're in for a treat.  Ingredients: 10 cups of cubed seedless watermelon ¼ cup of fresh lime juice 1 ½ pounds of cherry tomatoes cut in half 1 small red onion sliced thin and cut in half 1 sweet red pepper cut into ½ in squares 3 to 4 fresh radishes sliced thinly ½ cup of fresh basil leaves torn up 2 tablespoons of olive oil or truffle oil Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1} Combine the cut up watermelon pieces with lime juice in a large bowl! Let sit, stirring occasionally, at room temperature for 15 minutes. This will absorb the lime juice as it sits. 2} Add the tomatoes, onions, basil, red peppers, radishes, basil, Oil and ¾ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ te...

Change doesn't happen overnight. The key is to take simple steps and add them into your routine over time - there are no quick fixes when it comes to leading a sustainable healthy lifestyle! Below you'll find some tips to help you get started! 1.) Eating right is about 80% of the battle. Whether you're trying to lose or maintain weight, you can't go wrong with a healthy balanced diet. 2.) Stay hydrated.  Staying hydrated will help you feel energized, reduce fatigue, and keep you feeling good. 3.) Recovery is just as important as what you do at the gym.  Over training will slow progress and can lead to injuries.  Make sure to take the time to warm up, cool down, stretch, and cross train when needed. Don't be afraid to take some days easier than others. You don't have to do a long intense workout every day to see results! 4.) See exercise as a treat and not a punishment.   Working out should make you happy. It's time in your day just...

This recipe is filled with quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for optimal health. Serve your salmon over a serving of quinoa mixed with braised greens for the perfect balanced meal. Servings: 4 Ingredients 1 1/2 cups quinoa 2 cups water 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, non-fat 4 salmon fillets 1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 bunch broccolini, coarsely chopped, blanched 1 bunch asparagus, coarsely chopped, blanched 1 fennel bulb, trimmed reserving fronds, halved, thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh dill sprigs 1 tsp ground cumin 1 lemon, rind finely grated, juiced Preparation Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the quinoa...

As the warmer weather appears, so do the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can take the fun out of a lot of outdoor summer activities so here are some great ways to protect yourself from bites! 1.) Mosquito Repellent The most effective mosquito repellents have Deet in them (bonus: deet helps protect you against ticks, which are supposed to be bad this season!) . If you're looking for a more natural option, repellents such as a lemon eucalyptus spray have also been shown to be effective. 2.) Citronella Candles Citronella can help keep the mosquitoes away. You can buy them or make your own! 3.) Lavender. Whether you have lavender plants or use lavender essential oils - mosquitoes seem to steer clear of this. 4.) Rosemary or Sage Throw rosemary or Sage on the grill during your BBQ. Not only will it add great flavor to what you're cooking, but it will keep the mosquitoes away! 5.) Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes LOVE water - they lay their eggs in standing water. Make sure...

  Thank you for your interest in National Safety Month. Download and share these materials to help identify risks and keep each other safe this June, and for a lifetime. Use them during the designated weeks this month, or create a schedule that works best for you and your coworkers:   Week 1: Stand Ready to Respond Poster: When Seconds Matter, Will You be Ready? Tip Sheet:  Preparing today can make a difference tomorrow - English  and Spanish Bonus Fact Sheet:  Protect Children Around Water – All the Time Related articles: Common Items for first aid kits AEDs in the workplace   Week 2: Be Healthy Poster: Safeguard Your Health Tip Sheet: Reach for safer medicines - English  and  Spanish Related articles: Diabetes and worker safety Exploring shift worker health   Week 3: ...