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Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.

Ideas and a Recipe for Celebrating Mom in a Healthy Way

2 min read

Smiling young woman reading greeting card while sitting on floor with cheerful little siblings with bouquet of flowers during mother day
It’s no surprise that more calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. Even as the pandemic winds down, more families are looking for virtual and alternative ways to celebrate. Here are some ideas:
For a mother-adult child duo who likes to cook, consider participating in a healthy virtual cooking class, such as a MasterClass. Or, if you have a recipe you two both love, make it together or via a virtual platform. Either way, when the food is ready, spend some quality time connecting over the meal.
Whether together or apart, walking or running a 5K for a cause you both care about can be a fun and active way to connect.
School often plays a role in creating arts and crafts for this special day. As many schools offer virtual learning this year, here are some tips to involve young children in celebrating Mom:
  • Create a menu with simple options — such as toast, oatmeal and fruit — and bring mom breakfast in bed.
  • Let children select flowers at the store or pick wildflowers from a field or nearby state park.
  • Have children write their favorite memory about Mom on a card or write a letter.
Flowers are nice, but here are some other meaningful and creative ideas adults can try to celebrate their mothers this year:
  • Restage a funny photo from your childhood but at your current age.
  • Compile a sentimental video to the tune of her favorite song using photos and videos. Many free phone applications make it simple to do so, even for first-time videographers.
  • Interview your mother with questions you’ve always wanted to ask and get to know her on a deeper level. For example, “Tell me about your favorite childhood memories.”
  • Make a donation to a cause Mom cares about in her name.
Food has a way of bringing people together. Take advantage of the weather this time of the year by grilling or having a picnic.
Another option is to set up an outdoor avocado toast bar — roasted garlic, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, nuts, cheeses and crunchy vegetables make for excellent toppings.
In need of side items for a brunch? Here’s a recipe for a fresh and thirst-quenching salad to try as summer gets closer.
Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 1⁄2 head of watermelon

  • 1 cup arugula

  • 3 tbsp pistachios, chopped

  • 1⁄4 cup finely crumbled feta cheese

  • 2 limes, juiced and zested, divided

  • 1⁄4 cup olive oil

  • 1⁄2 serrano pepper, minced

  • 1 tsp honey

  • 1⁄4 tsp salt

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Combine oil, 2 Tbsp. lime juice, zest from 1 lime, serrano pepper, honey and salt and whisk to combine dressing.

  • Step 2

    Cut watermelon into 1-inch square pieces or use a melon baller to scoop balls of the watermelon.

  • Step 3

    Combine watermelon and arugula with dressing. Top with pistachios and feta cheese crumbles.

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