Tonia's Kitchen

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In this episode I talk with Registered Dietician Dawn Jackson Blatner about why taking a lunch break matters.  EZ Cater released their Lunch Report which points to what's getting in the way of eating lunch.  Some of the highlights were:

• Why the lunch break is disappearing: What’s making it harder for workers to step away, from packed schedules and meetings to workplace culture
• What happens when we work through lunch: How hunger can affect focus, mood, patience and productivity, and why even a short break away from your desk can make a difference

Dawn Jackson Blatner is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in sports dietetics. She also has a Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. She is a trusted expert, appearing regularly in local and national media outlets such as The Today Show and Good Morning America. She starred in (and won!) the primetime reality TV show on ABC called, My Diet Is Better Than Yours. Dawn worked as the head dietitian for the Chicago Cubs for 10 years (yes, she does have a World Series ring!), hosted an Emmy-nominated TV show in Chicago for 3 seasons, and won the Media Excellence Award from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. She owns a nutrition consulting & communications business with a focus on fun, flexible superfood nutrition. 

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

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 In this episode I had a lot of fun talking with Justin Ellen about his new cookbook Better Than Grandma's.

Justin Ellen is a baker and the creator of Everything Just Baked, where his fun, chaotic, and personality-filled approach to baking has captured the attention of millions across social media. Known for his viral recipes, custom cakes, and signature belief that baking should be just as enjoyable as indulging in the results, Justin has built a platform centered on making people laugh, learn, and get inspired in the kitchen.

Justin's early success - he's only 23! - stems from being a tremendously hard worker (and his enthusiasm is infectious!). He could speak about his decision to self-publish and build his cookbook team from scratch, how his grandmothers have influenced him, and how he engages with his followers and crafts original content.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

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In this episode I got to talk with Maegan in detail about how she creates these beautiful boards. 

Bestselling author and entertaining expert Maegan Brown (@thebakermama) shows how a simple board can turn an ordinary Tuesday night into something memorable.

Moving far beyond traditional charcuterie, Maegan introduces 50 creative, easy-to-build boards for every occasion—from Pajama Party Breakfasts and Book Club gatherings to Build-Your-Own Ramen, Baked Potato Bars, Espresso Martini Boards, and decadent dessert spreads. These interactive, family-friendly creations make entertaining effortless, affordable, and fun.

With stunning photography, step-by-step guidance, and practical hosting tips, Celebration Boards embraces the growing trend of everyday “micro-celebrations,” proving that the best moments don’t require a special occasion—just good food, great company, and a board worth gathering around.

About the Author:
MAEGAN BROWN (a.k.a. The BakerMama) is the bestselling cookbook author of Beautiful Boards, Spectacular Spreads, and Brilliant Bites.

Through her popular blog, TheBakerMama.com, she shares easy, family-friendly recipes, creative food boards, and festive ideas that make everyday moments feel worth celebrating.

Maegan is passionate about helping others create beautiful, delicious experiences with ease. Her love for gathering around good food began at a young age and continues today in her own home, where she creates meaningful, joy-filled moments with her family and friends while inspiring others to do the same.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

In this episode registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports nutrition Dawn Jackson Blatner joined me to talk about: 

• Why getting back into a routine doesn’t have to mean changing everything at once
• Simple breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas that help keep you going all day
• Easy ways to fit movement into a packed schedule

Eggland’s Best and Club Pilates are encouraging people to nourish themselves with better nutrition and the strength-building benefits of Pilates to help them feel their best this fall.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Flavor 52's New "Ice Cream Truck Season" Turns Iconic Frozen Favorites into Limited-Edition Coffees Featuring Creamsicle®, Breyers®, Klondike®, Popsicle® and Good Humor®
The sounds of the neighborhood ice cream truck are getting a caffeinated makeover.  As part of its groundbreaking Flavor 52 campaign, Java Factory launches its most nostalgic collection yet: Ice Cream Truck Season—a limited-edition lineup of flavored coffees inspired by some of America's most recognizable frozen treats. Beginning in late August and continuing through October, coffee lovers can experience weekly flavor drops inspired by Creamsicle®, Breyers®, Klondike®, Popsicle® and Good Humor®, transforming childhood memories into an entirely new coffee experience.

The collection marks the second chapter of Java Factory's ambitious Flavor 52 initiative, which is introducing 52 brand-new coffee flavors over 52 consecutive weeks, with a new release every Monday. Rather than relying on predictable seasonal flavors, Java Factory is reinventing flavored coffee through licensed collaborations, unexpected flavor experiences, and weekly product launches that keep consumers anticipating what's next.

Java Factory is redefining the coffee experience through specialty-grade 100% Arabica Brazilian coffee and an imaginative portfolio of bold roasts and innovative flavored coffees. Known for its creative flavor combinations and uncompromising quality, Java Factory believes exceptional coffee should be as memorable as it is delicious. Through Flavor 52, the company continues to push the boundaries of flavor innovation while creating one of the industry's most engaging consumer experiences.

For more information about Flavor 52 or to subscribe, visit www.javafactory.com.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

My guest is Yumna Jawad. We had a great time talking about her new cookbook, The feel good foodie cookbook and Oathoats, her overnight oats brand. 

From her website:

My recipes are inspired by the Lebanese dishes of my childhood, paired with fresh, modern takes on family meals. I believe that cooking should feel good, not stressful, and that’s why I focus on making it approachable for everyone. You can expect the recipes to be:

• Nutritious and wholesome
• Family-friendly
• Easy to follow (with step-by-step photos, videos, and tips)
• Packed with Mediterranean flavor
• Tested and perfected in my home kitchen

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Today I spoke with Michele Abo, General Manager at Kayco Brands about some healthy choices for snacking. All of these products are right at the top of my list and so delicious. 

Some of the fascinating food brands that are helping consumers eat healthier without sacrificing flavor are Craize, Wonder Juice & Dorot Gardens.

Craize has become one of the most talked-about snacks in specialty food recently receiving a major industry award.

Dorot Gardens has almost a cult following among home cooks. They take fresh herbs and garlic, flash-freeze them and portions them into convenient cubes. It's the flavor and aroma of freshly chopped herbs without the prep, waste or mess.

And Wonder Juice is made with 100% cold-pressed organic juice, with no added sugar or water.  A great selection with Wonder Beet, Wonder Lemon, Wonder Melon and the new Wonder Green line.

Explore and enjoy these wonderful products!!!

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

It's always fun talking with Chef George Duran.

Celebrity chef George Duran has created a variety of seasonal recipes that showcase the versatility and convenience of Dorot Gardens products. Perfect for cookouts, pool parties, family dinners, and weekend entertaining, these recipes demonstrate how fresh flavor can be as easy as Pop. Drop. Done.®

And try a Wonder Juice Sangria.  George shares his special recipe.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

It was fun talking with Geoff Dillon about their delicious products and flavor matchmaking.

Summer hosting doesn’t need to be complicated to feel elevated. This season, it’s all about “flavor matchmaking”, pairing bright, refreshing cocktails with your favorite summer moments to create an easy, memorable experience.

Geoff's fascination for spirits began early. He was highly influenced by his father's passion for fine spirits and his worldly spirits and whisky collection. His distilling journey began at the University of Western Ontario, where he earned honors in a double major in biology and economics. His experience only furthered as he trained abroad (in areas such as Scotland, and US) while educating himself in the art of distilling. Geoff founded Dillon's Small Batch Distillers in 2012 and has been a pioneer in the craft spirits industry in Ontario and Canada.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more.