REFRESH YOUR HEALTH HYGIENE

This article isn’t your reminder to floss or drink more water daily (although those are good habits), but rather nudge you to consider refreshing your taste buds and mindset. Start enjoying more nutritious foods in a matter of minutes, allowing you more time for your favorite spring activities—like dusting blinds and ceiling fans.

3 EASY WAYS TO EAT RIGHT ON THE RUN:

1. PICK-ME-UP PROTEIN Take the edge off your hunger pains with proteinrich foods. For better blood sugar control, pair any protein food with a fruit or whole grain. Erin’s picks: frozen edamame, cheese stick, cottage cheese and hardboiled eggs.

2. CHEW ON COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES The best complex carbs come from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. These carbs are digested more slowly providing energy and support for a healthy metabolism. Erin’s picks: sweet potatoes, black beans and berries.

3. FIND SOMETHING WITH FIBER Glance at the food label and aim for at least 3 grams of fiber to fill you up! Erin’s picks: popcorn, pistachios and pepitas. This microwaveable meal is nutritionally-balanced and better than fast food! Simply heat, eat, and enjoy!

Mexican Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Serves 2)

All You Need:

• 2 Fifth Generation microwaveable sweet potatoes

• 1 cup Hy-Vee picked rotisserie chicken breast

• ¾ cup Hy-Vee no-salt-added canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 ¼ cups Hy-Vee fresh pico de gallo, divided

• 2 tsp McCormick fajita seasoning mix, divided

• 1 cup Hy-Vee finely shredded Mexican cheese, divided

• ½ cup Hy-Vee plain Greek yogurt

• ½ tsp fresh lime juice

• Cilantro, garnish

• Lime wedges, garnish

All You Do:

1. Microwave sweet potatoes on HIGH according to package directions or until fork-tender.

2. Combine picked rotisserie chicken breast; black beans, ¾ cup pico de gallo and 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning in a microwave safe bowl. Cover; microwave on HIGH for 1 ½ to 3 minutes or until hot.

3. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Place each potato, cut sides up, on a microwave-safe plate. Fluff insides with a fork. Sprinkle with ½ cup Hy-Vee finely shredded Mexican cheese. Top with chicken mixture and an additional ½ cup Mexican cheese. Microwave each potato, uncovered, on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4. Stir together Greek yogurt, lime juice and 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning. Top potatoes with ½ cup pico de gallo and Greek yogurt mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro; serve with lime wedges, if desired.

SPRING CLEAN YOUR DIET WITH HELP FROM

NEW AT HY-VEE! FREE OMEGA-3 SCREENINGS (starting March 1st while supplies last; $45 value)

Omega-3s are heart-healthy fats that reduce inflammation and help the brain function at its best. See how your diet stacks up with this simple finger stick.

FREE A1C SCREENINGS (starting April 1st while supplies last; $45 value)

Concerned about prediabetes or diabetes? Schedule your FREE, 10-minute A1c screening anytime in April and learn your average blood sugar levels, or Hemoglobin A1c.