Hey there Reader,

Why do shorter weeks somehow end up feeling way longer than they should? It’s like we’re cramming 5 days' worth of tasks into 4… oh wait, that's definitely it! 👻

I’m really looking forward to this weekend though—I’ll be heading to an Atlético Ottawa game on Saturday (any soccer fans here?), and hosting Mocktails & Meal Prep on Sunday morning.

How about you? What are you looking forward to over the next few days?

While you think about that, let me dive in to this week's Sizzle, Crunch, Scoop!

• SIZZLE: Must-try cooking hack that'll save you time, energy, and money.
• CRUNCH: Inspirational boost to keep you motivated for the rest of the week.
• SCOOP: Latest scoop on a trending nutrition topic + insights from your fave dietitian ;)

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SIZZLE 🍳

Turn Grocery Shopping into Rewards!

This week's tip is a bit unconventional, inspired by my recent research on travel and cash-back credit cards. Let me tell you, it’s a whole new world that I wasn’t overly familiar with!

Here’s the quick rundown: depending on the card you choose, you can earn specific rewards based on your purchase categories. So, why not leverage this opportunity to offset the rising costs of groceries?

TIP: Check your credit card(s) to see what rewards you can earn for grocery shopping. If you have multiple cards, identify which ones offer the best returns in this category. By using the card that provides the most benefits, you can maximize your savings while stocking up on essentials. It’s a smart way to stretch your budget without compromising on quality!

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CRUNCH 🍿

Leftover Pumpkin Puree? Here’s What to Do!

A few weeks ago, I shared how easy it is to make your own pumpkin or squash puree. But I understand if you’re tempted to buy it pre-made—that's totally okay! In fact, if you check the nutrition facts, you'll see it’s minimally processed with no added sugar, fat, or anything unnecessary. So, what should you do if you have leftover pumpkin puree from a can? Don’t let it go to waste! I've put together a recipe collection featuring creative ways to use it up ⬇️ ​ Get the FREE recipes!

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SCOOP 🍦

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Recently, I shared a post on Instagram expressing a professional point of view that may be seen as an unpopular opinion:

While I’m not a parent, I am a dietitian with over 8 years of experience, which includes family nutrition and pediatrics. I also have a picky eater at home—my partner! But believe it or not, these tips work for both kids and adults.

Ellyn Satter captures this concept beautifully with her 'Division of Responsibility', which outlines that parents are responsible for what foods to offer, as well as when and where to serve them. While it’s essential to respect your child’s preferences, constantly catering to their likes can limit their exposure to new tastes and textures, ultimately doing more harm than good.

Instead, strive for balance: encourage your kids to try new foods without pressure. Offer a variety of options at meals and create a positive environment where they feel safe exploring different flavours. By choosing foods you enjoy as well, you serve as a positive role model, subtly encouraging them to try things “because Mom or Dad really likes it'. This approach not only helps broaden their palate but also fosters healthy, intuitive eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

As always, if you have any questions or need any additional support, feel free to shoot me an email or better yet, book an appointment.

Stay well,

P.S. Your feedback means the world to me! If you've had a great experience with my services, would you mind taking a quick second to share it on Google? Your kind words not only make my day but also help others find me. Thanks a ton for your support!

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