It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be thrown together on a busy school night and served up with a salad in about 30 minutes.  Although it does call for some canned food, like black beans and tomato soup, it also incorporates fresh or frozen kernel corn, fresh cilantro, and green onions.  This dish is perfect over a bed of rice or quinoa and if your family likes avocado, a fresh slice of avocado on top adds flavor, color and a healthy dose of good fat.

This spring, keep it simple.  If your family loves Mexican food like mine does, skip the chips and make chicken!  You’ll be pleasantly surprised how satisfying this dish really is and if you are like me, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and NC Health Plans encourages you to eat healthy this spring and make a balanced diet part of your everyday preventive care maintenance.  For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Walnuts:  Walnuts are one of nature’s secret stress relievers. On top of a salad these add a little extra crunch or you can eat them dipped in peanut butter for a satisfying snack.

Asparagus:  If you find yourself in need of a mood swing this spring, try drizzling a mixture of butter, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar over the top of some fresh asparagus spears and bake them for 12 minutes at 400 degrees.  We think you will love this delicious way to improve your mood.

Spinach:  This green-leafy vegetable is delicious in salads and also sauteed in olive olive oil.  Adding fresh spinach to quiche or scrambled eggs will not only add color and texture to your plate, but will also help you start your day off right.

Artichokes:  Try boiling these magnesium-filled veggies until tender, then dip the leaves in your favorite salad dressing.  However you cook artichokes, they are a delicious and low-calorie way to help energize your day.

Salmon:  Whether cooking at home or eating out this spring, try choosing salmon instead of the steak and eat your way to healthier looking skin.

Strawberries:   Great as a snack or used as part of a light and delicious dessert, strawberries are a girl’s (or boy’s)  best friend when it comes to spring skin care.

Eggs:  With just a couple of eggs for breakfast, you are well on your way to a healthier brain and a better memory.

Blueberries:   Good in muffins, desserts, or eaten by the handful, blueberries are a springtime treat that will help you make the most of your memories.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina knows a little prevention goes a long way and the above list of spring foods can add a punch of flavor to your favorite meals while working to give your body the nutrients it needs to feel great and function well. This spring, make food work for you and enjoy the benefits of healthy living.

For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Spinach is known to be a super food and for good reason.  It is an excellent source of antioxidants and also contains an ample supply of important vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron and more.  It is also packed with Vitamin K, a vitamin necessary for blood clotting and one that may improve bone health, reducing fracture rates in people with osteoporosis.  One cup of raw spinach has only 7 calories and 5 grams of protein!  In fact, spinach is sometimes considered a “free” food on low-carb diets because it has so little impact on blood sugar levels.

But enough about spinach. The key to making this salad delicious is in the bacon… and eggs, mushrooms and onions, all of which have healthy components about which to boast.  Eggs are full of protein and mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

This recipe only requires 15 minutes of prep time and another 25 minutes cook time, making it as easy as it is delicious.  With a rich peppered bacon-infused, Dijon mustard dressing, we think this recipe is aptly named – Perfect Spinach Salad.  Try the recipe here and we think you will agree.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

In a new study from the University of Washington, researchers surveyed 2,000 adults in King County and analyzed their self-reported diets for nutrient content and cost. Their findings illustrated what you might already suspect: Not only were grains, sugars, and fats cheaper than fruits and vegetables on a per calorie basis, but consumers typically had to increase their food budget to incorporate recommended nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D, and calcium into their diet. For example, individuals who consumed potassium in accordance with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines added an average of $380 a year to their annual food cost.

Previous studies have shown the same patterns. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that among 78,000 women surveyed, the healthiest eaters were spending 24% more on food than women who ate less nutritiously.

Discouraging? Sure. But before you spend major cash on groceries, or give up on healthy eating  altogether, read on for eight smart money-saving tips that will help you eat well without breaking the bank.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NCoffers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness and make good nutritional choices and you may qualify.

Make a List

“One of the most important things is planning ahead, so you can use what you already have in your freezer, cupboards, and fridge.” says Peggy Martin, lead author of the Iowa State University Extension website Spend Smart, Eat Smart. “We know from research that a lot of food goes to waste.” The average American family throws away 14% of their food, according to a USDA study. This adds up to almost $600 each year. So make a point to use what you have in the cupboards, or have a plan about how you will do so, before you go shopping again. By preparing before you hit the market, you will also be less likely to make costly impulse buys.

Don’t forget to add these surprisingly cheap fresh foods: carrots, spinach, red cabbage, green beans, bananas, oranges, and pears to your grocery list.

This post is from Fitbie, fitbie.msn.com by Mary Squillace.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

The information in this article : Back to School Tips is from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site ( http://www.aap.org ).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness and good nutrition at an early age and reduce the risk of health problems, regardless of age.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.