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.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to:  • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.