Shanthi Appelo

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Holiday cookies
Food and Recipes

Healthier Holiday Desserts: 2 Recipes to Try

The holidays are hectic enough. Minimize your time spent in the kitchen by trying these recipes for a four-ingredient peanut butter cookie and dairy-free pie crust.

Turkey tacos
Food and Recipes

Rethink Thanksgiving Leftovers with These Recipes 

Leftovers are nice, but after a few meals of Thanksgiving turkey, it might be time to spice things up. Here are some delicious ways to do that.

Health and Wellness

3 Ways to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

Holidays can mean overeating to the point of stretchy pants and undoing some waistband buttons. But they don’t have to.

Health and Wellness

5 Everyday Ways to Live Healthier with Diabetes

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t make choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Food and Recipes

Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas

Enjoying food-centered holidays can be a real challenge for people with diabetes but there are ways to make these traditional gatherings more diabetes-friendly.

Food and Recipes

Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad

The bitterness of the Brussels sprouts and the sweetness of the apple perfectly marry in this fall salad recipe.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lemon Herb Ranch Drizzle

Unlike many Thanksgiving dishes with sweet potatoes, this recipe leans on the natural sweetness of the fall crop by omitting excess added sugar.

Food and Recipes

3 Healthy and Seasonal Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Fiber-rich root vegetables and crucifers stretch their seasonality into November, making them favorites around the Thanksgiving table. Check out these three recipes.

Food and Recipes

One-pan Maple Glazed Salmon with Crispy Broccoli

Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, a one-pan dish is arguably the perfect lazy-day meal besides takeout.

Jarcuterie
Food and Recipes

“Jarcuterie” and Individual Serving Ideas at Your Next Tailgate 

Events like tailgating look different during the ongoing pandemic. Individual servings are a great way to reduce germs when groups are dining together.

Food and Recipes

How to Make a Mirepoix

Mirepoix may sound fancy, but it’s really just a simple flavor base for dishes like soups and sauces made from onions, celery and carrots. A mirepoix starts with finely dicing your veggies, the ratio being two parts onion to one part carrot and one part celery.

Food and Recipes

3 Spooky and Nutritious Halloween Snacks

For those looking for Halloween food options, try one of these three healthy food ideas to help take the focus away from candy.

Food and Recipes

Nutrition Differences in Farm-Raised vs. Wild-Caught Fish

Does it matter if the fish on your plate was pulled fresh from a local lake or flown in from a fish farm?

Tailgating taco bar
Food and Recipes

Looking for Healthy Tailgating Food? Try a Taco Bar 

A tailgate taco bar can consist of a mix of purchased, pre-prepared ingredients and a few easy-to-make recipes at home. We've got you covered on both fronts.

Food and Recipes

Brain Foods for Studying and Exams

The brain is a highly active organ that requires a healthy supply of energy and micronutrients to function at its best.

Food and Recipes

Cinnamon Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Fall in love with these easy, sweet overnight oats made with pure Michigan apples. Just combine ingredients at night and it’s ready for you in the morning.

Food and Recipes

10 Edible Halloween Crafts to Make with Fruit

While it’s okay to enjoy hard-earned candy from trick-or-treating on Halloween, it’s nice to partake in activities to take the focus away from candy.

Food and Recipes

Breakfast Hack: Premade Omelet

Life gets busy no matter who you are and for many – whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic mornings. But making breakfast in advance can make the difference between a stressful and a seamless start to your day.

Food and Recipes

3 Recipes to Take Advantage of Winter Squash

Winter squashes are versatile and can be used in savory soups, roasted as a side dish or incorporated into some desserts. Try these recipes.

Food and Recipes

Cracked Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a perfect nutrient-dense for those on the go. Oats are the heart-healthy base that’s packed with fiber and iron which contributing to long-lasting energy. In this recipe, you get to enjoy cracking a shell of dark chocolate to get to the pumpkin magic.

Food and Recipes

Maple Thyme Vinaigrette

This dressing is perfect for fall salad. Easy to make, it comes together quickly and takes the salad to the next level.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This cozy fall salad is a satisfying side dish or star of the show if combined with protein. Butternut squash is roasted until tender and caramelized in heart-healthy olive oil, thyme and maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. It’s then tossed with a kale-based salad massaged in a maple thyme vinaigrette.

Food and Recipes

Tips for Maximizing Your Grocery Budget

With food prices on the rise, here are some tips to maximize your grocery budget and minimize spending.

Home and Family

Navigating Conversations with Children About Obesity 

Building healthy habits at home is a great way to teach children and teens behaviors that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

shanthieats

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro lime dressing is a zesty and flavorful condiment that not only enhances the taste of your favorite dishes but also offers several health benefits.

shanthieats

Mexican-Inspired Shrimp Bowl

One way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by exploring the Hispanic nations’ cuisine. Here is a recipe to get started.

Recipes

Winter Holiday Simmer Pot

Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Is someone baking apple pie?” with this blend of simmer pot ingredients on the stove. 

Recipes

Fall Holiday Simmer Pot

  This delightful blend of colorful fruits, herbs and spices brings a scent of warmth to your home, whether you’re expecting company or spending a cozy day at home.  

Shanthi Appelo preparing three healthy apple recipes
Food and Recipes

3 Healthy Apple Recipes

Apples are often referred to as nature's toothbrush and offer a plethora of health benefits. Here are three simple and healthy apple recipes to savor the goodness of this super fruit this fall.

Drizzled Apple “Donut” Snacks
Recipes

Drizzled Apple ‘Donut’ Snacks

This donut-shaped snack packs in both flavor and health value. This easy-to-make recipe takes under 15 minutes: simply slice the apples, core them, and then drizzle and add toppings.

Fall Spiced Yogurt Dip with Apple Slices
Recipes

Fall Spiced Yogurt Dip with Apple Slices

The fall-spiced Greek yogurt provides a creamy source of protein, while the crisp apples add a fantastic source of fiber and contrast.

Apple Crumble For Two
Recipes

Apple Crumble For Two

When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crumble is made with just a few ingredients.

Food

3 Healthy Labor Day Party Dip Ideas

Whether you’re using them with crisp veggies to whole-grain crackers, dips can add tang and flavor to your spread.

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