For some, the idea of eating garlic at a meal can't be tolerated, often because of the zesty aftertaste that doesn't seem to go away. But before nongarlic lovers eliminate the herb from their diets, they may want to reconsider.

"Garlic should really be in everybody's regimen," says Pam Gage, personal wellness coach at NutritionWorks, 209 E. Washington Ave, Suite 201. "By eating garlic daily, your body gets what it needs."

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In his book "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden presents a colorful and detailed list of what should be in our diets. Bowden keenly breaks down the science-speak from research and health experts' opinions to highlight the benefits of each food in an understandable way.

In Jackson, it's easy to track down some of these nutritional stand-outs. Michigan growers are top producers of many food items on Bowden's list. Including these foods in your diet will help support local agriculture while giving you a nutritional boost.

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Cranberries might be tiny, but their health benefits are anything but small. Because they're power packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fiber — and low on calories — tart, tasty cranberries have achieved super-fruit status. Some even call them the "wonderberries."

Today, cranberries are available in different delectable forms: fresh or dried, as juices and even dietary supplements for those who don't appreciate the tart taste. To learn more about this amazing little fruit, Be Healthy Jackson gave Sara Reynolds, a registered dietitian at CareLink of Jackson, a Q&A on cranberries.

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Admit it: If you're a parent, you've pulled a fast one on your kids once or twice. Maybe you even convinced them that you really do have eyes in the back of your head. But have you ever used your stealth skills to add some more nutritional value to your child's diet?

If you're a working parent (and what parent isn't?), you know the challenges of serving supper each night, while worrying about good nutrition. Thankfully, there are some simple — and sometimes sneaky — steps you can take to make sure your children are getting more vegetables in their diets, in addition to the servings they are already getting. Adding veggies also can get children more involved in their meal making.

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Lunching on the go can get us in trouble. Big trouble, in fact, if you find yourself frequenting the drive-thru and its over-processed, trans fat-filled combos. Recognizing many of us need to fill up quickly without ruining our nutritional profile for the day, we identified four locally owned eateries that offer satisfying-but-healthy lunches -- without skimping on taste or value.

Continue reading "Bon appetit -- Guilt-free dining" »

Again and again, the dietetics community has told us that munching between meals is actually a healthful way to regulate blood sugar and prevent overdosing when you sit at the table. But all benefits fall out the window if you aren't paying attention to what your snacks offer nutritionally. Using the "rule of five" we've rounded up some fail-safes to keep in the cupboard, office drawer or car.

When possible, aim for snacks that have AT LEAST 5 grams of protein and AT LEAST 5 grams of fiber. These nutrients not only keep hunger at bay but fiber also promotes digestive health in general. Also look for items with small amounts of added sugar. Remember the sugars in fruits are naturally occurring, whereas the grams in that Snickers bar are added.

Here are some snack combos that follow the Rule of 5:

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