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Cantaloupe This melon is 90% water , which makes it a great afternoon snack or a healthy addition to a salad. We love using it among other hydrating fruits in our fresh fruit kebab recipe  – perfect for hot afternoons! Pineapple Research for this post  was provided by dietetic intern and RD-to-be, Raquel Mireles.

Cherry Overnight Oatmeal Summer Spinach Salad Cherry Almond Pecan Granola Cherry Chicken Lettuce Wraps Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Research for this post  was provided by dietetic intern and RD-to-be, Raquel Mireles.

Not all sausages are created equal. Luckily, a number sausage brands use high-quality ingredients that are lean, protein-packed and fit a variety of dietary needs. Here are FEED's favorite sausages for your summertime grillin' needs: Trader Joe's Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage These Trader Joe's sausages are nitrate-free, gluten-free and free of animal casing. Pro-tip from FEED founder Lara Field: sausage casings can be natural or artificial. Be sure to read the ingredients on your sausage if you prefer to be casing-free. The ingredient list is simple and easy to read, and one link has 11 grams of protein with only 100 calories. Try them in our sausage grill packet recipe ! Field Roast's Artisan Vegan Sausages Field Roast's sausages are composed of simple ingredients – expeller pressed safflower and organic palm fruit oils combined with grain meat, fresh vegetables, dried fruits and different spice blends. Their smoked apple and sage sausage has 25 grams of plant-based protein in one tasty link. Fun fact: the Field Roast Frankfurter is on menus at Major League Baseball stadiums in Seattle, San Francisco and Cleveland! Brat Hans Chicken Sausages Brat Hans' sausages are organic, preservative-free and sourced from producers who participate in Global Animal Partnership's  5 -Step® Animal Welfare Rating Standards program. Their Spicy Italian chicken sausage contains 17 grams of protein and is only 130 calories! Applegate Organic's The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog This hot dog is 100% grass-fed beef and is dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free. The simple ingredient list helps consumers feel confident buying a product that often gets a bad rep. No nitrates or nitrites, fillers or artificial ingredients here! Looking for a low-FODMAP sausage? Digestive health specialist Kristin Houts recommends two chicken sausages to clients on a low-FODMAP diet: Bilinski's Spicy Italian and Brat Hans Chicken Bratwurst . Bilinski's chicken sausages are certified organic, preservative-free (no nitrates, nitrites, or MSG) and are free of both gluten and soy. One link is only 90 calories with 14 grams of protein! They are also fully cooked for a quick heat-and-eat dinner or safe option at a BBQ when you aren't the one in charge of the grill.

Last month, Subway was a little crusty about the information that came out of Ireland. The country's Supreme Court rejected arguments from the popular fast-food chain challenging the added tax for their sandwiches. According to the Irish legislation, the Value-Added Tax Act can save companies by taxing "staple" food items at zero percent. However, all six of Subway's bread options were deemed too sugary to be qualified as bread, thus Subway's sandwiches would cost a bit more dough. We really got a rise out of this situation. Anyway you slice it, sugar is frequently found in bread. Sugar feeds yeast breads, and affect the texture, size, and color of your loaf. However, how much sugar is necessary, and how much becomes excessive? Check out our comparison of popular bread choices and see who rises to the top. Nature's Own  With just 60 calories per slice (28g), this choice contains 4 g protein, and only 1 g total sugar, or 7% of calories from sugar or 4% sugar by volume . This lower sugar bread contains 2 grams of fiber per serving, and has a pretty simple ingredient list including: Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Yeast, Brown Sugar, Wheat Gluten. Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Salt, Monoglycerides, Enzymes, Ascorbic Acid, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Cultured Wheat Flour, Monocalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin. Market Pantry  In just 60 calories, 1 slice (26g) of Market Pantry bread contains >1 g sugar, 2 g fiber = 6% calories from sugar per slice, or 4% sugar by volume.  This bread is low in fat and cholesterol, and the first ingredient is stone ground whole wheat flour. Brownberry Though the slices are almost double in size (43g), this 100% whole wheat bread contains a bit more sugar than the others. Brownberry's 100% whole wheat bread contains 3 g of fiber per 100-calorie slice, and 11% of calories from sugar, or 7% sugar by volume . A fiber-filled choice, with an easy-to-pronounce ingredient list including: whole wheat flour, water, bulgur wheat, sugar, soybean oil, wheat gluten, honey, yeast, whole wheat, cultured wheat flour, salt, soy lecithin, grain vinegar, natural flavors, citric acid, soy and whey. Sara Lee Getting a little sweeter, 1 slice (28g) of Sara Lee bread contains 13% of calories from sugar or 8% sugar by volume . For each slice of this 100% whole wheat bread, there is 60 calories, 2g of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. Ingredients include: whole wheat flour, sugar, yeast, molasses, wheat bran, among other ingredients. Home Pride This 70-calorie bread has the lowest amount of fiber (<1 g per 26g slice), and contains 11% of calories from sugar or 8% sugar by volume . Ingredients include high fructose corn syrup, molasses, and honey, but further, this bread may be "wheat" but is free of whole grains.   How do these compare to Subway breads? In the US, many of the breads from Subway are similar to the breads we compared . On the highest end, Subway's 9-Grain Honey Oat contains 6 grams (12% calories from sugar) or 8% sugar by volume , and the 9-Grain Wheat contains 5 grams (11% calories from sugar) or 7% sugar by volume. However, these breads also contain 4 grams of fiber. The best choice at Subway? The Artisan Flatbread contains 4 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar (3% sugar by volume) and 5% of calories from sugar.   Bottom Line Rather than checking the ingredients for sugar, or even the nutrition facts panel to determine the quantity of sugar in grams, try this little test. If your bread has more sugar grams than fiber grams PER SLICE, it probably isn't going to be the best satisfying choice. Choose a bread with higher fiber (>3 g per slice), to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

It's back to school time which means it's back to busy mornings, after-school activities, and on-the-go meals and snacks. FEED RD and Celiac Specialist, Lara Field, partnered with Nike to provide her take on why some benefit from eating gluten-free, how to adapt to the gluten-free lifestyle, and which gluten-free snacks are best to pack into the busy school day. Read the full article here!

In this episode… FEED Founder, Lara Field MS, RD, LDN, is thrilled to have partnered with Dr. Leigh Weisz, host of the Coping Podcast to talk about the value of healthy eating for kids and families. She shares tips on how parents can handle picky eaters, how to teach kids to form healthy eating habits, and how parents can maintain healthy meals despite their busy schedules. As a parent, teaching children to maintain a healthy diet can be challenging. Some kids are picky eaters, while others splurge on junk food, so it’s crucial to approach the topic of nutrition sensitively and appropriately. So, how can you develop healthy eating habits for your children and family? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: What inspired Lara Field to pursue a career in nutrition consulting? Tips for talking to children about health and nutrition The impacts of COVID lockdowns on families’ eating habits Lara talks about how to effectively handle picky eaters How to help kids form healthy eating habits Lara’s advice for maintaining healthy meals as a busy parent Resources for parents to improve their family’s eating habits Check out the full podcast here!

You may have noticed on recent trips to the grocery store that your everyday purchases are costing more than usual. Studies show that due to inflation, groceries are 12.2% more expensive this summer than last - that's a lot! FEED RD, Kim Blum, partnered with Chicago Caregiving to discuss money-saving tricks to stay on top of healthy habits despite increased costs. Find just a few of Kim's tips below, and check out the article for more! Plan Meals: Planning meals at the beginning of the week will lessen impulse buys at the store, help you cook more meals at home, and encourage you to use foods you already have. Make a list of all the food groups to make sure you incorporate them in your menus, and shop by section at the grocery store. Buy in Bulk: Buy a value pack of meat or fish. Leave out enough for that week, and freeze the rest in portion sizes so you have it for the future! Vary your Protein: Making modifications for proteins is a great option. Canned beans, lentils, and peas last a long time, are typically lower in cost, and can be very versatile.

There is nothing better than cooling down on a hot summer day with a frozen treat! However, many frozen treats can pack on calories with very little nutritional benefit. So, why pull out packaged popsicles or ice cream from your freezer when you can whip up these quick and nutritious recipes from FEED: Power Popsicles What you need: 1 cup of in-season fresh fruit, chopped (try peaches, cherries, strawberries or blueberries) 8-16 oz low-fat kefir (quantity may vary depending on the size of your popsicle mold) What is kefir? Kefir is a cultured probiotic beverage similar to a drinkable yogurt packed with calcium, vitamin D, and many other nutrients. Try this one:  Lifeway Organic Green Kefir What to do: Add a small amount of kefir to popsicle mold, add 1 tablespoon of fresh fruit, and repeat! Place popsicles in freezer to set. Enjoy! Be creative! Make your own Bomb Pop using chopped strawberries, vanilla kefir, and chopped blueberries OR make a ladybug-inspired popsicle using raspberry or pomegranate kefir and 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips!   Banana-butter Buddies What you need: 3 bananas 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter or alternative nut butter such as pumpkin or sunflower seed butter What to do: Slice bananas in uniform circles, in approximately 1/4 inch slices. Spread nut or seed butter on top of circles and top with another slice of banana. Place on wax paper-lined container or plate that fits in your freezer. Store in freezer until ready to consume! May be enjoyed right out of the freezer. Strawberry Bites What you need: 1 pint of strawberries, sliced lengthwise, retaining stems for a "holder" 8 oz 0% fat, plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup of low-fat cream cheese 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract What to do: Combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Drop a small dollop of mixture in opening of strawberry. Place on a wax paper-lined container or plate that will fit in your freezer. Store in freezer until yogurt mixture has set. Enjoy right from the freezer or let sit on counter top for 10-15 minutes until yogurt has thawed. Want more delicious ideas from FEED? Check out our Pinterest page for quick and easy recipes for you and your family!

Feta, Artichoke and Avocado Toast Avocado Bean Dip Avocado Frozen Yogurt Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pops Research for this post  was provided by dietetic intern and RD-to-be, Raquel Mireles.

Peach Caprese Skewers Summer Peach Salad  Sweet and Savory Pork Chops Simple Grilled Peaches

Summer's heating up! Cool down with these fresh and fruity popsicles you can make at home. Forget the store bought stuff. These sweet treats are full of nutrient dense ingredients making them the ultimate afternoon snack or post-dinner dessert: Kiwi Coconut Chia Popsicles Get a double dose of fiber from the fiber and chia seeds packed into this creamy treat. In addition to fiber, chia seeds are also full of  omega-3 fatty acids , protein, and antioxidants– oh my!   Frozen Banana Pops Frozen banana with yogurt and granola makes for a great snack or dessert on a hot day– no popsicle mold required!   Cucumber and Raspberry Pops The ultimate refreshing treat on a hot summer day. These pops are chock-full of hydrating produce like cucumber, mint and raspberries. Remember– fruits and veggies can help with hydration on hot summer days, too!   Cherry Coconut Chia Pudding Popsicle A creamy and indulgent treat that's actually good for you! The chia seeds in these popsicles are an excellent source of fiber, and the cherries give an additional antioxidant boost. Read up on the health benefits of cherries here .   Mint Chocolate Chip Popsicles Can you guess the secret ingredient in this hidden veggie treat? These popsicles are full of nutrient-dense ingredients sure to leave kids feeling full and parents HAP-PEA!   Looking for more ways to cool down this summer? Check out our blog post on FEED's favorite frozen treats!

Picky eater on your hands? Good news! You are not alone! In fact, this is one of the biggest challenges in raising children.  As parents, we simply want our kids to grow, receive proper nourishment, and gain the nutrition important for a healthy development. However, kids have an alternative agenda, and they make it known! Read along to learn registered dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert, Lara Field's FIVE TIPS for successful eaters . Click here to watch the complete WGN-TV - Minute With Mommies segment 1 -  The parents' job is to provide the food, the kids' job is to eat it. There is only so much encouraging that we can do without being damaging to their future eating behaviors. Do you ask your kids when they want to go to bed? NO! Never ask your kid what they want at mealtime. Have a plan and stick to it! 2 - Get them hungry! Frequent snacking/milk drinking in between meals will only fill them up and make meals less productive! In order to make a positive eating experience for your toddler, aim for about 2-3 hrs between meals. 3 - Try to have food ready to go, so when mealtime comes around, your kids can get started. Longer time waiting in the highchair may increase frustration and meals may not be as successful. Try to plan ahead, and prepare some "make ahead" options such as meatballs (see our recipe below!), whole-grain pasta, pancakes. A little meal prep when you have some time will make for a more pleasant eating occasion. 4 - Throwing food? Rather than yell and scream, keep your floors clean and calmly pick up the food and put it back on their plate. Throwing can be an attention seeking activity for toddlers. Without making it known that you are irritated, simply suggest that throwing food is not okay. If your child continues to throw food, end the meal, and wait to feed them until the next eating occasion. 5 - Be an active participant! Sit down with them at the table, role modeling is a powerful feeding technique. If they see you eating it, they will more likely try it as well. Kids' mealtime too early for your schedule? Rather than analyzing every morsel of food they are putting in their mouth, try to create a distraction for yourself. Join your kids at the table and snack on some vegetables for your first course -- good for your body, too! Check out this simple make-ahead recipe aimed to please the pickiest toddler palate.  Hidden Veggie Meatballs Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (90% Lean), Turkey or Chicken (Breast Meat) 1 cup Baby Spinach, Finely Chopped or Zucchini, Shredded 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated 1/4 cup Dry Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs or Lightly Crushed Gluten-Free Rolled Oats 1 Large Egg 1 Clove Garlic, Minced 1/2 tsp Salt Directions: Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place wire rack on top of prepared baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Combine ground meat of your choice and remaining ingredients. Shape mixture into 2-inch rounds. Place on prepared rack. Bake at 425˚ for 12 to 15 minutes or until internal temperature of meatballs is 160˚F. Serve with whole wheat pasta or spiralized veggies.