Cooking Around the World: Sweden!
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader This Swedish berries and cream recipe combines rich dairy ingredients with fresh berries to create a dessert that offers both indulgence and nutritional value. The plain Greek yogurt and sour cream provide calcium and protein, which help support strong bones and muscle health. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber that can support immune health and digestion. The gelatin adds structure to the dessert while also contributing
HEALTHY KIDS: SUMMERTIME!
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Health Program Supervisor Summer is here, which means longer days, more sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move, play, create, and make memories! It’s the perfect season for families to focus on staying active, building healthy habits, and enjoying all the fun that summer has to offer while staying safe in the Florida heat. From bike rides and playground adventures to neighborhood walks, splash pads, and trying new hobbies, summer is a great time for kids
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Beyond Awareness, Build Joy and Connection
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Health Program Supervisor May often arrives with a sense of renewal. Longer days, warmer air, and a gentle awakening spirit can serve to remind us to check in with ourselves. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Healthy St. Pete is choosing to lean into something a little different this year, not just awareness, but action, connection, and moments of joy. Mental health isn’t only about getting through the hard days; it is also about creating more good
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Mango Shaved Ice
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Mango shaved iced is a refreshing dessert that offers more than just a sweet treat. It also provides several nutritional benefits. Fresh mango is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which help support immune health and skin vitality. The fruit also contains dietary fiber that can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. When garnishing with sweetened condensed milk, it can add calcium to the dish, supporting bone health and muscle
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Kimbap
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Kimbap is a colorful, well-balanced Korean dish that brings together flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite. Made with ingredients like seasoned rice, vegetables, eggs, and protein, such as beef or fish, kimbap provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy. The variety of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. Seaweed, known in Korea as gin, is rich in iodine, minerals, and
Growing Stronger with Time: Healthy Aging This April
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist April is a season of renewal. In St. Petersburg, warmer days and active parks encourage residents to spend more time outdoors connecting with neighbors, exploring the community, and focusing on their well-being. It’s also a perfect time to reflect on healthy aging, not simply adding years to life, but adding vitality, independence, and purpose to those years. Healthy aging is built on everyday habits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellness throughout every stage of
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Savory & Sweet: The Ultimate Korean Beef Bulgogi at Home There are few dishes as satisfying and universally loved as Korean Beef Bulgogi. Translating literally to "fire meat," this classic dish is famous for its thin, tender strips of beef marinated in a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The secret to restaurant-quality Bulgogi at home? It all comes down to the marinade. By using grated pear, you not only add a subtle, natural sweetness but also harness
March into Movement: Building Momentum This Spring
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist March is a season of momentum in St. Petersburg. The days grow a little longer, the weather stays comfortably warm, and the energy of spring begins to show up everywhere, from busy waterfront paths to neighborhood parks filling with activity. It’s an ideal time to recommit to physical activity and build habits that feel energizing, social, and sustainable. Why March Is a Smart Time to Get Moving March often represents a natural reset. Routines that may have
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Sweet Potato Almond Muffins
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader These muffins made with sweet potato purée and almond flour are a cozy, nutrient-packed treat that tastes just as good as it makes you feel. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help boost immunity, support vision, aid digestion, and promote heart and gut health while providing steady energy from complex carbs. Almond flour is a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to wheat flour that supports
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Stuffed Collard Greens
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Stuffed collard greens pack a surprising nutritional punch thanks to their simple, wholesome ingredients. Collard greens themselves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immunity, bone health, and digestion. Fillings like rice or grains provide lasting energy, while aromatics such as garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Green bell peppers contribute vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune health and cellular protection. Together, these ingredients create a comforting dish that’s as nourishing