Menu Ideas

Menu Ideas

Rethink Thanksgiving Leftovers with These Recipes 

Leftovers are nice, but after a few meals of Thanksgiving turkey, it might be time to spice things up. Here are some delicious ways to do that.

Turkey tacos
Menu Ideas

Vegetarians Can Enjoy the Flavors of Thanksgiving Too

Thanksgiving may be a meat-centric celebration, but the seasonal flavors of this fall holiday lend themselves well to healthy, hearty and wholesome vegetarian – and gluten-free dishes. Ditch the tofurkey and plan a menu with comfort at the core.

Menu Ideas

Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the warmer weather and indulge in delicious grilled foods. Try one of these healthy grilled skewer pairings for your Memorial Day celebration.

skewers
Menu Ideas

Three Non-Alcoholic St. Paddy’s Day Drinks

Here are three delicious and easy-to-make non-alcoholic St. Paddy's Day drinks that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.

St Paddy Day drinks
Menu Ideas

Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes

Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.

cabbage
Menu Ideas

Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for Dummies

Putting together a three-course meal for a special someone on Valentine's Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out this easy three-course line-up with health-forward dishes.

Menu Ideas

3 Easy Appetizers for the Big Game

Watching a football game makes it easy to mindlessly snack and forget about portions. It’s a good idea to mix in some lighter appetizers for nutrients and balance. Here are three easy appetizers to enjoy during the next big game.

Menu Ideas

Healthy Paczki Recipe: Battered Banana Paczki Bites

In this healthier paczki recipe, banana slices are dipped in a fluffy batter, seared to golden perfection, then served on a platter with drizzles of raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy as breakfast or dessert.

Menu Ideas

30+ Healthier Big Game Recipes to Try

Here are some healthier big game recipes that will score big with your guests. We’ve got you covered with these nutrient-rich options, many of which are plant-forward, packed with antioxidants and high in protein.

Menu Ideas

Healthier Holiday Desserts: 2 Recipes to Try

The holidays are hectic enough. Minimize your time spent in the kitchen by trying these recipes for a four-ingredient peanut butter cookie and dairy-free pie crust.

Holiday cookies
Menu Ideas

Vegan Thanksgiving: Metro Detroit Restaurants, Food Trucks With 2023 Holiday Menus

Detroit area vegans rejoice! There’s a long list of metro Detroit and Michigan restaurants offering 100% plant-based Thanksgiving meals.

Vegan Thanksgiving spread from Detroit Street Filling Station
Menu Ideas

Best and Worst Ways to Cook a Turkey 

There are so many different ways to cook a turkey. Let’s look at some of the best - and worst - ways to get this big bird onto your holiday table.

Preparing table for New year dinner
Menu Ideas

“Jarcuterie” and Individual Serving Ideas at Your Next Tailgate 

Events like tailgating look different during the ongoing pandemic. Individual servings are a great way to reduce germs when groups are dining together.

Jarcuterie
Menu Ideas

Looking for Healthy Tailgating Food? Try a Taco Bar 

A tailgate taco bar can consist of a mix of purchased, pre-prepared ingredients and a few easy-to-make recipes at home. We've got you covered on both fronts.

Tailgating taco bar
Menu Ideas

No-Cook Tailgate Recipes to Make for Game Day

A delicious part of football season is the tradition of a tailgate spread on game day. We've got you covered with these recipes.

Menu Ideas

3 Healthy Labor Day Party Dip Ideas

Whether you’re using them with crisp veggies to whole-grain crackers, dips can add tang and flavor to your spread.

Menu Ideas

3 Actually Healthy Sandwich Ideas

Check out these healthy sandwich ideas that will elevate any lunch.

Southeast Asian Mother Making Sandwich For Her Son Breakfast
Menu Ideas

Picnic Food Ideas for Hot Weather 

Picnics and summer go hand-in-hand. Here are some picnic food ideas for hot weather.

Delighted man spending time on the picnic
Menu Ideas

4 Small Plates for the Fourth of July

If you are looking for food ideas for your Fourth of July celebration, we’ve got you covered – from grilled sliders to a refreshing dessert.

Fourth of July
Menu Ideas

5 Healthy Picnic-friendly Foods

Check out Shanthi’s surprising must-haves for your best sunny day. Plus, some fun and healthy food options.

picnic
Menu Ideas

Maximizing Farmers Market Finds with Seasonal Vegetable Recipes

If you’re looking for delicious meal ideas using the summer crops, check out these tried and true recipes.

Farmers Market
Menu Ideas

Best of Shanthi’s Summer Recipes 

If you are looking for some menu inspiration, consider some of Shanthi's favorite summer recipes.

taco
Menu Ideas

3 Delicious Salads with Seasonal Greens

Salads don’t have to be boring. By using a variety of creative ingredients and dressings, you can build a delicious salad that is tailored to your tastes.

Meeting of girls at the fashion restaurant
Menu Ideas

3 Brunch Mocktails for Mother’s Day

Raise a glass to the mothers in your life and enjoy a refreshing mocktail in their honor with these three delicious options.

Mother's Day mocktails
Menu Ideas

Healthy, Fresh Cinco de Mayo Recipes

As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, consider these easy reicpes, which put a fresh spin on Mexican-American cuisine.

latin couple cooking mexican sauce together in their kitchen at home in Mexico city
Menu Ideas

A Week of Healthy, Easy School Lunches

Need inspiration for balanced school lunches? These easy options have all the nutrients kids need and some take just a few minutes to make.

A parent chops vegetables for their child's school lunch.
Menu Ideas

3 Vibrant and Nutrient-packed Spring Recipes

Spring brings an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce in Michigan. Here are three recipes featuring fresh produce.

Mature Woman in Garden
Menu Ideas

Three Ways to Use Canned Tomatoes

Want to switch up the way you use canned tomatoes? Try these three easy and budget-friendly recipes.

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2023/02/09/slow-cooker-canned-tomato-salsa-chicken-tacos/
Menu Ideas

Cooking as a ‘Love Language’: Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Many people express love for their family and friends by making food for them. Here are three plant-forward, heart-healthy dishes that deliver love.

Young couple cooking at home and celebrating Saint Valentine
Menu Ideas

Date Night Easy Tomato and Garlic White Wine Pasta

This simple pasta dish consists of fragrant garlic in olive oil and sweet cherry tomatoes reduced down to a delicious sauce.

Date Night Easy Tomato and Garlic White Wine Pasta
Menu Ideas

Ideas and a Recipe for Celebrating Mom in a Healthy Way

Mother’s Day is all about letting moms know how much we appreciate them. Here are some creative and meaningful ways to celebrate Mom, together or apart.

Smiling young woman reading greeting card while sitting on floor with cheerful little siblings with bouquet of flowers during mother day
Menu Ideas

Healthy Holiday Menu

You can get the proper nutrition and have a flavorful meal at the same time. Here’s a healthy holiday menu for you to use at your next gathering.

Red table with red and white place setting
Menu Ideas

Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes for Your Summer BBQ

Have barbecue plans this summer, but count yourself vegan or vegetarian? Here's a list of dishes you can bring to the festivities to spread the veggie love.

image of a black bean burger
Menu Ideas

Plan a Healthier Michigan Beer Dinner

Looking for a fun dinner party idea? Make these Michigan beer recipes and send your guests home happy!

Michigan beer dinner
Menu Ideas

9 Meatless Meals to Try This Fall

Eggplant, kale, squash and pumpkins are all in season right now. We have vegetarian meals you can easily make for the fall season.

Fall vegetarian meals
Menu Ideas

Change Up Burger Night With These Six Different Meats

You aren’t stuck using beef for all of your burgers. These six different options will help you create healthier, tastier patties.

Menu Ideas

Healthy school lunches that your kids will love

This is the time of year when the school year starts to wind down and you find yourself at a loss for new, healthy, packable lunch ideas. Don’t just resign…

healthy school lunches

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.