A lifelong Cincinnatian, Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from University of Cincinnati before breaking into the online content field in 2000. As a Digital Journalist for SparkPeople, she enjoys helping others meet their wellness goals by writing about all aspects of healthy living. An avid runner and group fitness addict, Melissa lives in Loveland with her guitarist husband and three feisty daughters.


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Pass the Cheese, Please

Anyone who has ever enjoyed creamy mac-and-cheese, a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or a perfectly cooked quesadilla knows that in certain recipes, there's simply no substitute for cheese. And with thousands of variations—from the classic American to crumbly gouda to vegan options—it's one of the world's most versatile foods.

Posted 1/27/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 13 comments   43,690 views

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Kathryn Smith Scores the NFL's First Female Coaching Job

Kathryn Smith just threw a football through the glass ceiling by becoming the first full-time female coach in the National Football League. Last week, she was named the Buffalo Bills’ quality control coach (QCC) for special teams, replacing Michael Hamlin.

Posted 1/27/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 9 comments   12,583 views

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Study Confirms 92 Percent of Restaurants Serve Up Too Many Calories

According to the FDA, Americans consume approximately one-third of their calories outside of the home. This poses a dietary challenge for those trying to lose weight or eat healthier. If you think you'll be safe as long as you steer clear of fast food, think again: Many full-service restaurants are the biggest calorie culprits.
 
In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 92 percent of entrees from sit-down eateries contain significantly more calories than the average person should consume in a single meal.

Posted 1/25/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 12 comments   29,048 views

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What's in Your Soup? Campbell's Campaigns for Federal GMO Labeling Regulations

Earlier this month, the Campbell Soup Company released a statement supporting the federal standardization of food labels for products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If this legislation passes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will have control over which foods bear that label. In its support of a federally mandated labeling system, Campbell has spoken against a "patchwork" of state-by-state labeling regulations, as the company feels this could lead to confusion and inaccuracies.

Posted 1/22/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 15 comments   14,555 views

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Five Common Foodborne Illnesses and How to Prevent Them

Just when you thought fat and calories were the biggest restaurant hazards, some new threats have been making headlines lately. Chipotle was recently subpoenaed by the Federal Grand Jury when more than 140 Boston University students contracted norovirus after eating at the Mexican grill near campus. Additional outbreaks have named E. coli and salmonella as the culprits.

Posted 1/19/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 8 comments   21,767 views

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Exercise Could Stop Your Next Back Attack, New Research Reveals

If you've ever experienced back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. You're not alone: According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 80 percent of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. What can you do to stay clear of that statistic?

Posted 1/14/2016  12:00:00 AM By:   : 9 comments   30,927 views

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New Dietary Guidelines Released by USDA

UPDATE 5/17/21:  Dietary Guidelines for 2020-2025 are now available.

This week, the USDA and HSS released their
2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition to serving as a handy tool for planning your own personal meals, these guidelines, which are only released once every five years, also influence the nutritional content of school lunches and federal food programs across the country.

Posted 1/8/2016  2:00:00 PM By:   : 54 comments   61,919 views

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Say ''So Long'' to Sit-Ups

From grade school gym class to military boot camp, the sit-up has long been a benchmark of endurance. But for those who don't embrace the old elbow-to-knee move, there is some good news: The traditional sit-up may be on its way out.

Posted 12/28/2015  2:00:00 PM By:   : 10 comments   33,267 views

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Slim-Down Suppers: Healthy Slow Cooker Meals

Slow cookers are time-saving superstarsand with the right recipes, they can be an easy way to cut fat and calories. These low-maintenance meals will put your family on the fast track to good nutrition.

Chicken Chili: This high-protein comfort food packs plenty of spicy flavor.


Turkey Noodle Soup: Use leftover turkey and freshly grated turmeric to make this simple, nourishing soup in the slow cooker.

Image courtesy of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen

Turkey Quinoa Chili: This hearty, healthy recipe lets you come home to a warm, comforting bowl of chili without spending time in the kitchen. 

Image courtesy of A Cedar Spoon

Creamy Italian Chicken: Just six ingredients and five minutes of hands-on cooking and dinner is served!


Chicken Tacos: They're just as easy to make as they are to eat.

Image courtesy of What's Gaby Cooking

Lemony Garlic Chicken Breasts: Tasty and nutritious, this slow cooker recipe is sure to be a family favorite.


Overnight Steel Cut Oats: Spend just 10 minutes at night throwing this together, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast that smells divine.

Image courtesy of Joyously Domestic

Pork with Greens and Beans: The kiddos won't mind getting more veggies when they're served alongside rich, slow-cooked pork.


Slow Cooker Lasagna: Why spend hours in the kitchen to make a lasagna when your slow cooker can do all the work? This version is easy to make and delicious.


Split Pean and Ham Soup: Veggies, ham and seasonings combine to create a flavorful, hassle-free dinner in four hours.


Vegetable Curry: Slow cookers aren't just for meat! This tasty, affordable, one-pot vegetarian meal will fill up the whole family on busy weeknights.


Chicken Enchilada Soup: Enjoy all the soothing, savory flavors of chicken enchiladas with none of the work.

Image courtesy of Maebell's

What is your favorite slow cooker recipe?

Posted 9/4/2011  6:00:00 PM By:   : 28 comments   368,703 views

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9 Gear Essentials Every Serious Runner Needs

Some women can't wait for the latest fashions to hit their local department store, but for me I get that same thrill when I walk into my local running specialty store. In the five years since I took up running, I have purchased more pairs of running shoes, socks, shorts, tech shirts and sports bras than I have any other ''real'' articles of clothing. Plus, because I have the freedom to work from home, many times I am sitting in my workout gear waiting to pound the pavement or hit the gym so purchasing other clothing really isn't a necessity.

Below are just a few of my favorite running products, ones that help me perform at my best and others that just get me excited to hit the road. Even if you are not a runner, walkers can benefit from them, as well.

Posted 2/16/2011  2:00:00 PM By:   : 86 comments   52,699 views

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Which is Better: Exercising Before or After Breakfast?

If you're an early-morning exerciser, it may seem difficult (or downright impossible) to find the time or desire to eat breakfast before a pre-dawn workout. It's already tough enough to wake up for that 6 a.m. boot camp or three-mile run, much less carving out an extra hour to prepare, eat and digest a meal.

Posted 8/19/2010  12:00:00 AM By:   : 196 comments   183,393 views

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