Healthy Recipes for the New Year

Donna Nichols • January 6, 2023

You say you want to eat healthier for 2023? Okay, let’s find some recipes that will help you do just that without breaking the bank. I found the following recipes at howsweeteats.com and there are so many more for you to peruse. Just remember, if you are on a low sodium diet, PLEASE leave the salt out of the recipes.


Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches – 4 people – if there are only 2 of you, just cut the ingredients in half.

Ingredients

· 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

· 2 garlic cloves, minced

· kosher salt and pepper

· 4 brioche buns

· freshly grated parmesan cheese, for topping

· romaine lettuce leaves, for topping

· lemon wedges, for spritzing

· Caesar dressing

Instructions 

1.     As a note, I like to use thin-sliced chicken breasts for this, because it’s what I prefer to bite into. You can use 4 large chicken breasts or 4 thin chicken breasts - use what you like! If you only have 2 large chicken breasts, you can also slice them lengthwise to make 4 pieces.

2.     Place the chicken in a dish or resealable bag to marinate. Whisk together the olive oil, Dijon, garlic and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. Remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling.

3.     Preheat the grill to high and let it heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

4.     Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip back into the dish. Place the chicken on the grill and grill about 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. I also like to grill the brioche buns too!

5.     To assemble, I like to add some Caesar dressing on the bottom of the bun. Top with romaine, then top with the chicken. Spritz with lemon if you wish. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle on parmesan cheese. Top with the bun and serve!


Cheeseburger Tostados – 4 people - if there are only 2 of you, just cut the ingredients in half.

Ingredients

· 8 (4-inch) corn tortillas

· 1 pound of lean ground beef – use ground turkey if you don’t want red meat

· 3 tablespoons ketchup

· 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

· 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

· chopped tomatoes, for topping

· shredded lettuce, for topping

· pickled onions, for topping

· pickles or relish, for topping

House sauce

· ½ cup mayonnaise

· 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

· 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

· 1 tablespoon honey

· 1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and combined. You can make this a day or so ahead of time!

Instructions 

1.      To make the tostadas, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. As a note, you can also buy tostada shells!

2.      Place the tortillas on a baking sheet (or 2, if needed). Brush or spray them with olive oil. Bake the tortillas for 5 to 10 minutes, then flip and bake for 5 minutes more. Let cool slightly before using.

3.      While the tostadas are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Stir in the ketchup and mustard until combined. Turn off the heat and add in a sprinkle of cheese - just an ounce or two.

4.      Top each tostada with a sprinkle of cheese, then a spoonful of warm ground beef. Top with more shredded cheese. If you'd like, you can pop this back in the oven here for a minute or so to melt the cheese even more, but the beef does melt it. Drizzle with house sauce. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled onions! Add on pickles or any other condiments you love.


So, there are a couple with some meat, now let’s have a nice meatless recipe.


Honeycrisp Quinoa Salad with Kale and Pistachios – 4 people - if there are only 2 of you, just cut the ingredients in half.

Ingredients

· ½ cup cooked quinoa

· 1 large bunch lacinato kale, leaves removed from stems (you want 4 to 6 cups)

· 2 honey crisp apples cubed

· 6 ounces feta cheese cubed

· ⅓ cup dried tart cherries

· ¼ cup chopped roasted pistachios

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

· ⅓ cup apple cider

· 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

· 1 garlic clove, finely minced or pressed

· pinch of salt and pepper

· pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

· 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk together the apple cider, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk constantly while streaming in the olive oil. This dressing stays great sealed in the fridge for a few days.


Instructions 

1.      This is a great dish to use up leftover quinoa, but if you don’t have it made, start with that! Make a batch of quinoa first and while it cooks (it will take about 15 minutes), chop your other ingredients.

2.      Chop the kale and place it in a bowl. Drizzle it with about 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinaigrette and massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.

3.      If you are using just-cooked quinoa (so it's warm), you can put it over the kale to wilt it a bit. If it's cold or room temp, that is fine too. Once the kale has rested, add in the quinoa, apples, feta, pistachios and cherries. Toss well and drizzle on more of the dressing. Serve!

4.      This salad stays surprisingly well overnight - the apples may slightly brown a bit, but if you seal it in a container, the leftovers are great.


If you’re anything like me and can’t eat cheese, there is a dairy-free cheese that is good. It’s made by Daiya and it tastes just as good as the real cheese.


The above recipes were taken from howsweeteats.com and there are so many more healthy recipes for you to try out for the new year. If you can’t find anything there, just Google eating healthy for 2023 or healthy recipes for 2023 and you’ll find hundreds of recipes.


A close up of a hamburger on a bun on a table.
A close up of a taco with meat , lettuce , and tomatoes on a table.
A close up of a salad in a bowl on a table.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.