Thriving in 2025
Fresh Starts, Better Habits
Welcome to January—a month of possibilities, fresh starts, and bold resolutions. For many of us, it’s a chance to envision the year ahead, brimming with optimism. But let’s be honest: the idea of change can feel overwhelming, especially when past resolutions didn’t go as planned.
This month, as we kick off a new year, we at Boise Lifestyle want to shift the conversation. Instead of quick fixes or fleeting trends, let’s focus on what truly lasts. Health and wellness are not about perfection—they’re about progress. Small, consistent choices often have the greatest impact over time.
Imagine this: You don’t need to run a marathon tomorrow to improve your fitness; a simple walk around Boise’s Greenbelt can be a great start. You don’t have to swear off indulgences forever; savoring a delicious treat at one of our incredible local bakeries can be part of a balanced life. It’s the rhythm of daily choices—what you do most days—that shapes a healthier, happier you.
This issue is filled with stories and ideas to inspire your journey toward sustainable wellness. From local resources to personal stories of transformation, we hope you find something that resonates with you.
Here’s to a year of small steps, meaningful progress, and a community that cheers each other on. Let’s make 2025 a year of feeling better, moving more, and living fully—together.
To your health,
VINCE GEWALT, PUBLISHER @BOISELIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Vince Gewalt | vince.gewalt@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tammy De Weerd, Sabina Dana Plasse, Martha Channer, Jordan Gray, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Tricia Busalacchi, Denise Llorente, Taylor Van Arsdale
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tammy De Weerd, Charles Knowles, Halsey Pierce, Erin Roberts, Kirsten Shultz, Diego Cervo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Boise Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Boise Metro Chamber, 1101 W. Front St.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Tamarack Resort's #1 Re-Sale Broker
4BR/3.5BA | 4,708 SF.
Superior quality craftsmanship in this old-world, sophisticated styled home. Entertaining main level with expansive kitchen, dining and living areas. Private Study, luxury primary ensuite.
3BR/3.5 BA 3,800 SF.
Architectural timeless design and materials are showed throughout this completely custom home. Passive solar windows, steel & rock accents, large office plus additional bonus room. Extensive, private patio and setting on nearly an acre bordering Foothills Park.
3 BR and office upstairs. Radiant flooring, 3 garage, 1.49 AC lot. $2,900,000 $2,950,000 $2,150,000 $1,480,000
4BR /4 BA 3,000 SF
16 Haystack sits at the end of a cul-de-sac within striking distance of a groomed ski trail. One of the largest chalet lots, enjoy the peaceful setting off the back deck, lower patio and private hot tub. Quality construction including tongue-n-groove ceiling, alder cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood flooring and cold roof. Two car garage with breezeway to home.
2BR/2.5 BA 1,250 SF.
Rare opportunity for this location. Bordering Osprey Meadows golf course yet on a groomed ski trail, this cottage is only steps away from the Lodge amenities and has lake views. Fresh upgrades in this turnkey property with private hot tub and detached garage.
inside the issue
HIKING THE ANDES
A Journey Into the Heart of Uco Valley Terroir
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMMY DE WEERD
After a stunning visit to Zuccardi Valle de Uco, where we explored the wines that are so intimately shaped by the mountains, we found ourselves stepping away from the tasting rooms and into the embrace of the Andes. The hike up Cerro San Pedro offered a rare opportunity to connect with the very terroir that gives Zuccardi’s wines their unique character — a landscape that reveals, at every turn, the many faces of the Uco Valley.
From the moment we began the ascent, the snow-capped peaks loomed in the distance, towering over the valley below. These mountains are more than just a backdrop; they are the very lifeblood of the vineyards we had just explored. The melting snow feeds the tributaries and rivers that carve through the valley, bringing essential water to nourish the vines. The extreme temperature shifts between day and night, a hallmark of the continental climate dictated by the mountains, shape the grapes as they grow, enhancing their vibrancy and complexity.
Walking the trail, we saw firsthand how millions of years of geological forces have shaped this landscape. Rocks, worn down by the relentless freeze and thaw of the mountains, tumble down, carried by creeks and rivers, toward the valley. Minerals, dissolved by the water, are deposited in the soils, creating the terroir that sustains Zuccardi’s vines. It’s this dynamic, ever-evolving process — the intersection of rock, water, and time — that gives Zuccardi’s wines their purity and transparency, a true expression of the land.
The story of Zuccardi is, in many ways, the story of the land itself. In 2009, Sebastian Zuccardi, the oldest son and family’s viticulturist, committed to capturing the essence of Uco Valley’s
diverse terroirs through precision viticulture and winemaking. This commitment, to truly understand and express the identity of the land, has resulted in wines that reflect the mountains, the rocks, and the minerals that shape them.
As we reached the summit of Cerro San Pedro, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The rugged beauty of the Andes stretched before us, a reminder of the raw forces that sculpt not only the landscape but also the wines we had the privilege of tasting. Here, in the quiet majesty of the mountains, the connection between the land, the vines, and the wine felt more tangible than ever.
WELLNESS IN MOTION
Discover Sun Valley’s best health retreats, fitness centers, and wellness experiences for mind, body, and spirit
ARTICLE BY SABINA DANA PLASSE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
HALSEY PIERCE, ERIN ROBERTS, KIRSTEN SHULTZ
It’s impossible to avoid Sun Valley’s attraction to healthy living. Besides natural hot springs, endless trails, and fresh mountain air in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, plenty of health and wellness options exist for mind, body, and spirit rejuvenation and lifelong maintenance. Professionals and highly trained and dedicated individuals for decades have contributed to creating Sun Valley’s existence as a mecca of health and wellness. If you are planning a visit or yearning to discover Sun Valley beyond Baldy, the trails, and events, here's a sample of what awaits in the Wood River Valley.
Julie Johnson
Kathryn Caminiti
Erica Linson
Wellness is a journey of balance, where fitness, relaxation, and mindful practices come together to nurture the body, mind, and spirit for long-term health and overall well-being.
Zenergy Health Club and Spa is proud to serve as the official Training and Recovery Center for the Audi FIS World Cup Ski Finals in March 2025, a prestigious event bringing the best ski racers from around the globe to Sun Valley, Idaho. This 50,000-square-foot health and wellness center sets the standard for comprehensive fitness and recovery, uniting a world-class gym, spa, indoor tennis facility, and physical therapy clinic in a stunning mountain location. Members enjoy nearly one hundred weekly classes and small group sessions in dedicated studios for yoga, group exercise, Pilates, cycling, and dynamic HIIT training, along with access to heated saline pools, an oversized outdoor jacuzzi, and more. Always advancing its recovery offerings, Zenergy features a Cold Plunge installed in 2023 and plans to remodel its Himalayan Salt Sauna in 2025. Far more than a gym, Zenergy delivers a full-spectrum wellness experience designed to elevate your fitness journey. zenergysv.com
Fit Me SV was born out of a passion for Pilates and Lagree and a desire to bring a boutique Pilates studio to Ketchum, Idaho. Owner Kathryn Caminiti wanted to combine the best elements of her favorite workout classes into one cohesive experience. She aims to provide Sun Valley with a fitness sanctuary that delivers effective strength and toning techniques while also fostering community and connection. fitmesv.com
"Within the walls of Monarch, we have activated all of our Pillars in a meaningful way. The only one we encourage outside our walls, or rather that we don’t offer comprehensively, is ‘movement,' We did that specifically because of where we are located. We are in an outdoor activity and athletic Mecca with everything at our fingertips. Take advantage of the outdoors, then come to us before for prep, for tweaks and adjustments to enhance your body and the experience, and for recovery," says Monarch owner Blair Brown. monarchlongevity.us
" Nourish Me was born out of a need. The need to find organically grown fruits and vegetables. The need to find and consume humanely raised and processed animals. The need to source these foods and
have them offered to the community. At NourishMe, we source, prepare, and slow cook these foods. We are a show and tell in that we have the farmers market every week, and we use their products in our kitchen with our daily soups and salads," says Julie Johnson, NTP. jjnourishme.com
CENTERED by Dr. Molly Brown is an innovative, neurologically focused natural medicine clinic that excels in treating autoimmune conditions, enhancing sports performance, resolving chronic pain, accelerating healing, and addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and depression. With a focus on bio-optimization and peak performance, CENTERED is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their highest physical and mental potential.
"As 2025 unfolds, CENTERED is poised for cutting-edge growth, including the launch of its highly anticipated podcast, CENTERED Presents: The Future of Health , debuting in January. Hosted by Dr. Molly Brown and Christina Walecka, this podcast will delve into groundbreaking discussions on the future of wellness and medicine. Other key milestones include the World Cup Athlete's Lounge, National Reset Retreats in collaboration with Higher Ground, an upcoming documentary, and expansion to the Boise area." drmollybrown.com
"Our indulgent lotions, oils, and creams from Sun Valley Remedies, are specially crafted to nourish your body and soothe your soul. Immerse yourself in the luxurious texture of our thick and creamy lotions, enriched with the goodness of Aloe Vera. Our products are designed to provide unparalleled hydration. And that’s not all—adding aromatherapy will elevate your everyday routine to new heights of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our products have become a trusted companion for those with eczema, acne, psoriasis, and sensitive skin. Sun Valley Remedies is dedicated to delivering skincare solutions that truly enhance the lives of people with delicate skin. Our moisturizers excel in performance, offering a soothing respite from dryness and irritation, no matter the environment,” says Alison Rosen, CEO, Mixologist,
and Caring Skincare Enthusiast. sunvalleyremedies.com
"Our culture lacks good, descriptive language around energy medicine, so the phrase can tend to sound 'new-agey.' However, we humans have aspects to us that are other than physical—for instance, our creativity, imagination, emotions, thoughts, spirit, soul—and by addressing trauma, defenses, habits, beliefs, and pain on these other levels, we can make substantial changes in how we experience life and relate to ourselves and others. Energy medicine opens up possibilities and can help those who engage with it to create healthy boundaries, resolve conflict, move through past difficulties, and explore one’s potential to be happy, healthy, and creative," says Erica Linson, Energy Medicine Practitioner & Educator. ericalinson.com
Cathie Caccia began teaching yoga in 1987 at the insistence of her first teacher. Since then, she has extensively studied yoga, yoga therapy, shiatsu, acupressure, massage, reflexology, and Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls. Cathie’s classes combine her love of yoga, Chinese energetics, Sanskrit chanting, and Crystal Alchemy Bowls to support her students in awakening to their most essential nature. Cathie is registered with Yoga Alliance as E-RYT 500. She teaches public and private classes, workshops, and yoga teacher training and has taught yoga in the Wood River Valley for 36 years. cathiecaccia.com
Zenergy Health Club and Spa
Dr. Molly Brown (L) and Christina Walecka
TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE
Volunteer and get to know people outside your department
Find inspiration and the right direction for a career that truly challenges and fulfills you
ARTICLE BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANCE THOMPSON AND DIEGO CERVO
The start of the year is a time for new beginnings and setting goals. Many people focus on physical goals–getting in shape after the holiday feasting. But what about your career?
With COVID, many people examined their work lives and recognized that they were not being fulfilled, resulting in the Great Resignation. Some people found opportunity in other places and made a change.
Experiment and explore
With COVID, many people examined their work lives and recognized that they were not being fulfilled, resulting in the Great Resignation.
Perhaps you remained loyal to your company and now you realize you are bored, not advancing and not growing. You are stagnating. If you’re struggling to find opportunities to grow and move up, it might be time to get your career in shape.
Does your career and the role you’re in satisfy your needs? Does it allow you to pay your bills, have a lifestyle you want and give you flexibility and freedom to do the things that are important to you?
Is it the career you want? Are you able to follow your passions? Do you feel fulfilled by what you are doing? Are you inspired and challenged at work and challenged in a good way? Are you learning as well as earning?
If you answered “no” to several of these questions, it might be time to consider other options. We have a saying at our house, just because you are good at
something doesn’t mean you should do it. You might have a talent for science and math, but if you would rather write children’s books or build houses, maybe you should consider a change.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you to do that.
Meet with people who are doing what you think you might enjoy. These informational interviews will help you envision and create the career you want.
Build a nest egg while you are exploring your options. Financial resources will enable you to take risks. Knowing what you need to pay your bills without stress is vital before you make a move.
A new role might require learning new skills and knowledge, but whether it does or not, be a lifelong learner. Stay curious.
“We have a saying at our house, just because you are good at something doesn’t mean you should do it.”
Be open to trying something new. Even if it doesn’t work out the first time, try something else. Forgive yourself for mistakes made and move on.
Network to find work that pays more both financially and psychically. Find people who will advocate for you and champion you for the coveted positions. And don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Utilize Linkedin to post your opinions, strategies and thoughts, and become known as an expert in your field. Speak up. Don’t hesitate to brag about your
accomplishments, especially if you are seeking a new role.
Build a solid support network for yourself. You don’t have to go it alone. Seek a mentor or a coach who can help you identify strategies and define your goals.
It takes time to get in shape physically. It also takes time to get your career in shape. Keep at it. Persevere. Start today to get your career in shape. Get the career you want, need, and deserve — a career you look forward to, that fulfills your needs and desires.
Find your passion.
Let’s Dish the Tea
Celebrate National Hot Tea Month by exploring new flavors and enjoying the many health benefits of tea
Oolong, Jasmine, Black, Chai, Herbal, Matcha…the varieties of tea and the occasions to enjoy them seem almost endless. What better time to review tea than January for National Hot Tea Month.
Tea is said to date back to 2737 BC when a renowned herbalist and Chinese emperor had leaves from a nearby tree drop into his warmed drinking water, decided to taste it, and discovered this worldwide favorite.
Celebrating this month can come in many forms from trying new flavors, trying frothy tea lattes, experimenting with cooking and baking with tea, celebrating with friends for an afternoon warm or cold treat and trying different brewing methods available.
Tea is known to have many health benefits including reducing risk of disease like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Additionally, certain types of tea can help improve liver function, provide pain relief, and help reduce nausea.
Take a break and enjoy a flavorful, relaxing cup of tea during the month of January, celebrating all the history and benefits tea could bring.
ARTICLE BY TRICIA
BUSALACCHI
improving your sleep
PRIORITIZE QUALITY SLEEP WITH STRATEGIES THAT IMPROVE PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL CLARITY, AND EMOTIONAL STABILITY
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE | PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
A fundamental pillar of overall health and well-being, sleep plays a crucial role in physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and even longevity. Despite its importance, many people struggle with sleep quality, leading to a cascade of health issues including fatigue, decreased productivity, and increased risk of chronic conditions. Implementing strategies to enhance its quality can lead to profound improvements in your life.
1. ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT SLEEP SCHEDULE
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your body’s internal clock. This consistency reinforces your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
2. CREATE A RESTFUL ENVIRONMENT
Aim to create a cool, dark, and quiet room. Consider using blackout curtains to block out light, earplugs or white noise machines to minimize noise, and maintain a comfortable temperature (between 60-67°F).
3. LIMIT EXPOSURE TO SCREENS
Blue light emitted by phones and computers interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. Limit screen time an hour before bed, read a book, practice relaxation exercises, or engage in calming activities to prepare your mind for sleep.
4. DEVELOP A RELAXING BEDTIME ROUTINE
Signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. Try activities such as taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or deep-breathing exercises, or gentle stretching. Incorporating these practices can reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep.
5. BE MINDFUL OF FOOD AND DRINK
What you consume in the hours leading up to bedtime, can impact your sleep quality. Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol, which may disrupt sleep later in the night. Instead, opt for a light snack if you’re hungry and consider herbal teas to promote relaxation.
6. GET REGULAR EXERCISE
Physical activity can contribute to better sleep quality, help reduce anxiety and stress,
both of which can interfere with sleep. “Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week,” says Personal Trainer Casey Sheehy from the Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA. However, try to avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime, as they might energize you and make it harder to fall asleep.
7. MANAGE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Practices such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, and yoga can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to transition into sleep. If anxiety persists, consider talking to a mental health professional for additional support.
8. LIMIT NAPS
While short naps can be beneficial, they can also interfere with nighttime sleep if taken too late in the day. Try to limit naps to 20-30 minutes and avoid napping after 3 p.m. This way, you can ensure that your nighttime sleep remains uninterrupted and restorative.
9. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED
Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome require specialized treatment. “Apnea, if left untreated, may put you at a higher risk for issues such as heart disease and stroke,” according to general manager Luke McCarney of Boise’s Live Well CPAP. A sleep specialist can help identify underlying issues and create a tailored plan to improve your sleep quality.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthier sleep routine that enhances your overall well-being. Remember, prioritizing sleep is a vital investment in your physical, mental, and emotional health—so take the steps needed to ensure you get the restful nights you deserve.
A NEW home
MURDOCK GRANT JUMPSTARTS WORK ON LED HOME
ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE L. BLISS
Having a space of your own is a dream for many, and for performance group LED, that dream is now coming true. Thanks to a generous $200,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, LED has secured a 20-year lease on a historic 6,658-square-foot building in Garden City (3300 W. Chinden Boulevard). This new venue will feature telescopic seating for 150 guests and will provide the perfect place to share talent and hard work with the community.
The theater design is a collaborative effort between Jeff Hatch of Hatch Design and OPSIS, a design firm based in Portland, Oregon. Together, they are creating a space that reflects LED’s innovative spirit, with a design that balances functionality with creative expression. "The magnitude of this grant recognizes LED's accomplishments as an innovative arts organization," said Mallory Walker, LED's Managing Director. "The funding will play a critical role in transforming the building into a cutting-edge arts hub, where performances, rehearsals, artist residencies, and community engagement will thrive.”
Renovations began in October, with plans to complete Phase 1 by April 2025. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust offers grants to organizations in the Pacific Northwest that are working to strengthen the region’s cultural and educational base in creative and sustainable ways. Their commitment to the arts is evident in this grant, which will help make Garden City a destination for the arts.
Founded in 2015, LED is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating original dance, music, and film productions. The new Garden City space won’t just be for LED’s artists—it will also provide access to local artists,
organizations, and educational institutions. This new space will be a creative haven for 50-100 artists annually, and it’s expected to welcome over 10,000 people through its doors each year. The theater will host performances, provide rehearsal space, and foster artistic collaborations, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of the region.
"This moment is truly a turning point for LED," said Lauren Edson, LED's Artistic Director and Co-founder. "Our new home will not only provide a permanent space for our artists to create and innovate, but it will also become a center of artistic vibrancy, where audiences and creatives can come together to experience something extraordinary. With the support of the Murdock Charitable Trust, we're building more than just a phenomenal home—we're shaping the future of LED and the arts community here."
While the $200,000 grant is a fantastic start, the estimated cost of the renovation is $2 million, meaning there’s still work to be done. The community’s support will be vital to making this project a success. LED is committed to creating a space that will not only house its own artists but also serve as a resource for the entire arts community. With that, the project will be an anchor for the arts in Garden City for many years to come.
To learn more about the theater, upcoming productions, and how you can support the renovation, visit LED’s capital campaign page ( ledboise.com/capital.) Whether you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference in the future of arts in the region.
LIVINGTHE GOODLIFE
The good life is a life full of value; slow, subtle, intrinsic, and replete with contented joy. In other words, a life lived from the inside out. External striving is a fact in our world; a balance must be found which produces both inner harmony and worldly success. That, however, is a novella not a brief opinion piece. The short answer lies at the foundations of the aforementioned amenities which are health and regular relaxation. So, here are a few engaging ways to take care of the inner you for better performance, deeper rest and relaxation, and a fuller sense of well-being.
Embrace balance with healthy habits, mindful relaxation, and simple pleasures for a deeper sense of well-being
ARTICLE BY MARTHA CHANNER
VITAMINS:
Few people need supplements every day and certainly not the same ones daily. Here are a few basic tips that are pretty universal. Take a multi vitamin about twice a week. The expensive ones tend to be the best (this is not the place to save a dime). Formulas should be specific and the dosages of each component should reflect the standard daily and not be all the same. On other days have a green drink such as AG1. B complex is essential. Take it separately as needed. The test is as follows: open the lid and smell the liquid or capsules, if it repulses you, it is not needed, if it smells almost good, take one. Many of us are magnesium deficient due to soil depletion and a host of other factors. There are many types of magnesium supplements that range in absorption levels. Find one with at least seven types and take it a couple of times a week or more, especially if you are having muscle aches or spasms, feel tired a lot, or can’t sleep. Go on YouTube and educate yourself about this Vita-wonder.
MEDITATION VS. EXERCISE:
We live in the extreme everything era -Yikes. Exercise is great, but the opposite must also be employed. Sleep is not the opposite — quiet contemplation is. Make time each day to meditate in your own way. This could be a thought-provoking book, doing nothing for a full hour, or chanting with a singing bowl. What matters is accessing a deeper part of you and communing with all that is.
SMELLING THE ROSES:
How about touching one too, just to feel the velvet softness. Don’t miss out on tactile experiences; really enjoy each sensual moment. Taste a fresh mint leaf as if you have never tasted it before.
SAVE UP TO $9,397
WHAT’S IN YOUR CART?
HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE MEAL PREP FOR YOUR LIFE!
If you find yourself skipping meals because you don’t have time, or if you believe eating healthy is unaffordable, fear not and read on! As a dietitian, I can tell you that eating healthy is easier than you think if you follow these tips:
ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN-AYOADE, MBA, MS, RD, LD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
TIP #1
YOU CAN STILL HAVE A VARIETY OF HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOODS BY PLANNING AND PREPPING YOUR MEALS FOR THE WEEK.
• Preparing whole meals or dishes ahead of time saves a lot of time for busy people.
• Ingredients required for specific meals can be prepped ahead of time to reduce total cooking time in the kitchen.
• Having pre-prepared meals on hand can also reduce portion size and help you reach your nutrition and wellness goals.
• Choose microwave and freezer safe containers for proper storage, including BPA-free plastic, flexible silicone or glassware containers.
TIP #2
CHOOSE INGREDIENTS THAT ARE VERSATILE AND CAN BE USED IN MULTIPLE MEALS TO REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY.
• Example: Choose familiar recipes for tacos, chili or spaghetti in the same week to use all your ground beef or turkey. I brown the ground beef and portion it in freezer bags flattened out for space saving freezing and time-saving cooking.
• Pre-cut vegetables can be used for fresh ready-to-eat meals that do not require cooking, like salads and sandwiches or as part of a cooked recipe. Include leftovers in meal planning.
• I also cut up ripe fresh fruits and freeze them to use in smoothies instead of throwing them out.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables often cost less and last longer than fresh ones. They retain high-quality nutrients because they are frozen immediately after being harvested.
• Most frozen vegetables have no additives and preservatives, but some may contain added seasonings, salt, sugar or sauces. Avoid added ingredients by paying attention to the label and ingredient list.
TIP #3
MAKE A GROCERY LIST BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING.
• A list helps limit distractions, keep you on budget, restricts unhealthy impulse purchases and reduces multiple trips for forgotten items.
• Buy kitchen staples to have on hand to make quick simple meals like canned tomatoes, tuna fish or salmon, corn, your favorite beans and grains such as rice, quinoa, barley, farro and whole grain pasta.
• Plan your menus based on grocery store sales and produce that are in season and add beans for plantbased protein.
• Buy extra staples when they are on sale, and don’t overlook the bulk bins to buy just the amount you need.
• Buy pre-prepped items in the grocery store to further save time or use the salad bar for small servings.
TIP #4
TRY NOT TO GROCERY SHOP WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY.
• Everything looks delicious when you are hungry, and this could lead to unnecessary and unhealthy food purchases.
• The additional calories may not be needed, and food could be wasted if not eaten.
TIP #5
HEALTHY SNACKS ARE POSSIBLE.
The total amount of snacks you prepare will depend on the required number of snacks planned daily, based on your health and wellness goals.
MY SNACKS OF CHOICE INCLUDE:
• Nut butters with crackers or pretzels
• Fresh fruit (whole or pre-cut)
• Sliced vegetables
• String cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus
• Home-made trail mix with dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, to limit sugar and sodium intake
Portioning snacks during your overall meal prep prevents mindless snacking without knowing how much you are actually eating.
Boise + Eagle Events
JANUARY 2025
1 — NEW YEAR’S DAY RUN
Celebration Park, 10 AM: Followed by a “Toast to the River Gods” and a BBQ at Celebration Park. westernwhitewater.org
1 — NYE WHITE PARTY
525 E Karcher Rd, 12 PM: Ring in the New Year dressed in all white. facebook.com
1 — OPEN PLAY
Garden City Public Library, 10 AM: Fun, crafts, and new friends for you and your little one! boisewithkids.com
2 — GLIDE ON GROVE
Downtown Boise: a free, all-inclusive ice skating rink. downtownboise.org
5 — PAINT WITH PENGUINS
Zoo Boise, 3:30 PM: Magellanic penguins add their touch to your artwork. zooboise.org
9 — IDAHO BUSINESS BUILDER GRANTS PROGRAM
NWRM RFBC, 12 NN: Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 for Idaho food and farm businesses, with $100,000 available in total. idahopreferred.com
9-19 —THE ULTIMATE RV SHOW
Ford Idaho Center, 10 AM: Explore and shop hundreds of new and used RVs. fordidahocenter.com
10 — AN EVENING W/ THE DELOREANS
Knitting Factory, 7 PM: Feel the 80s come alive with an electrifying tribute band. knittingfactory.com
10-25 —THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS
Boise Little Theatre: A comedy about women at a day spa facing challenges,
laughing, and transforming their lives. boiselittletheater.org
11 — GEBERT-ARBAUGH GREAT POLAR BEAR CHALLENGE
Spring Shores Marina, 10 AM: Help grant life-changing wishes for kids. wish.org
11 — CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN & THE BEATLES
First Presbyterian Church, 6:30 PM: Blending timeless hits from both bands with classical arrangements in an intimate, candlelit setting. myrockshows.com
16 — PAINT AND PINOT
Zoo Boise, 6:00 PM: Unleash your creativity with wine and painting. zooboise.org
17 — MANIA - THE ABBA TRIBUTE
Egyptian Theatre, 7:30 PM: A dazzling concert full of iconic hits and nonstop dancing! boise-theater.com
17 — RED NOT CHILI PEPPERS
Knitting Factory, 8 PM: A tribute to RHCP. knittingfactory.com
17 — URINETOWN
Stage Coach Theatre: A hilarious satire that takes on everything from capitalism to bureaucracy. broadwayworld.com
1 8 — THE DINNER DETECTIVE
Riverside Hotel, 6 PM: North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner. thedinnerdetective.com
18 — WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
Boise State Special Events Center, 6 PM: A night of unforgettable short films, prizes, and more! sierraclub.org
18-19 — REMODELING & DESIGN SHOW
Boise Centre: Build, remodel, or update your home with expert advice and top professionals. iblevents.com
20 — SILENT DISCO: ICE SKATING PARTY
Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: Skate, dance, and switch between DJs with wireless headphones. indiancreekplaza.com
21-31 — HAMILTON
Morrison Center: A musical blending hiphop, jazz, and Broadway to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. morrisoncenter.com
22-24 — IDAHO HORTICULTURE EXPO
Boise Center, 8 AM: Idaho’s green industry, including nurseries, landscapers, and arborists. inlagrow.org
24 — CANYON COUNTY KIDS EXPO
Ford Idaho Center, 10 AM: With special guests Cody & JJ from Cocomelon! canyoncountykidsexpo.com
26 — ROBBIE BURNS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
The Riverside Hotel, 9 AM: Celebrate Scottish poet Robbie Burns with bagpipes, dancing, dinner, haggis, and shortbread! facebook.com
29 — CONNECTION IS THE CURE
Ford Idaho Center, 6:30 PM: Providing hope, support, and resources for all in need. fordidahocenter.com
Photo: @knowlesgallery
