Hello everyone, and welcome to Newsletter 5 of 2026! If you have made resolutions, I hope you have kept up with them! You can always start or get back on the bus anytime! If you are looking for good motivation, stay on the bus with To Your Better Health! I am connected in the social media world and have all my links in the right tab. I post these blogs, recipe content, and more on my site and share other people’s recipes too! Feel free to connect with me!

Blog Recaps

Healthy March Produce Guide: Seasonal Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs and Recipes

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Foods, Vitamins, and Habits for a Healthy Colon

The Powerful Health Benefits of Grapefruit + 4 Healthy Recipes

Why Dandelion Root Is a Powerful Natural Remedy for Digestion and Liver Health

Recipe Recap

Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup blended cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips

Bake

1. Blend Cottage Cheese
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl except chocolate chips and blend.
3. Stir in chocolate chips, then spoon into muffin tin.
4. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

https://videopress.com/v/gur5r8iM?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Mediterranean Shrimp with Feta & Tomatoes (Foil Packet)

This Mediterranean-style shrimp dish is bright, savory, and very simple to make. The garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs create a classic Mediterranean flavor, while the feta cheese melts slightly into the tomatoes, forming a rich sauce that coats the shrimp and vegetables. It works beautifully on the grill or in the oven.

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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins

• Kalamata olives
• Artichoke hearts
• Fresh spinach
• Roasted red peppers

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Instructions

1. Preheat

• Grill: Medium heat (375–400°F)
• Oven: 400°F

2. Make the Marinade

In a bowl mix:

• olive oil
• garlic
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• oregano
• paprika
• salt and pepper

3. Assemble the Packets

1. Lay out two large sheets of foil.
2. Divide zucchini, tomatoes, and onion between packets.
3. Place shrimp on top of the vegetables.
4. Drizzle the marinade over everything.
5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top.

4. Seal the Packets

Fold foil tightly to seal so the juices stay inside while cooking.

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Cook

Grill:
Cook packets 10–12 minutes.

Oven:
Bake packets 12–15 minutes.

Shrimp should be pink and opaque when done.

Finish & Serve

Open packets carefully and top with:

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Extra lemon squeeze
• Optional drizzle of olive oil

Serve with:

• Orzo pasta
• Couscous
• Quinoa
• Warm pita bread

The tomatoes and feta create a natural Mediterranean sauce, so it’s perfect for spooning over grains.

Healthy Mango Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional but helps with texture)
• 1 cup mango puree (fresh or frozen mango blended)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup, honey, or monk fruit sweetener
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Optional Mango Glaze

• 1/2 cup mango puree
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• squeeze of lime juice

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Instructions

1. Make the crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

Mix:

• almond flour
• melted coconut oil
• maple syrup
• salt

Press firmly into a lined 7–8 inch springform pan.

Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

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2. Blend the cottage cheese

Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. This step is important so the cheesecake becomes creamy instead of grainy.

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3. Prepare the filling

In a bowl combine:

• blended cottage cheese
• cream cheese
• mango puree
• maple syrup
• vanilla
• lemon juice

Blend or whisk until smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.

Stir in cornstarch to help the cheesecake set.

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4. Bake

Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.

Turn off oven and let the cheesecake sit inside 20–30 minutes with the door cracked.

Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate 4–6 hours or overnight.

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5. Add mango topping

Mix mango puree, honey, and lime juice.

Spread on top of the chilled cheesecake and garnish with fresh mango slices if desired.

Citrus and Basil Infused Water

Basil, lemon, and orange infused water is a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated while adding natural flavor and nutrients to your daily water intake. This simple drink combines citrus fruits with a fragrant herb to provide several light but beneficial health effects.

1. Improves Hydration
Infused water often encourages people to drink more fluids because it tastes better than plain water. Proper hydration supports energy levels, digestion, circulation, and overall body function.

2. Provides Antioxidants
Lemons and oranges contain vitamin C and antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Basil also contains plant compounds like eugenol and rosmarinic acid that contribute additional antioxidant benefits.

3. Supports Immune Health
The citrus fruits release small amounts of vitamin C into the water, which plays an important role in supporting the immune system and helping the body fight illness.

4. Aids Digestion
Lemon can stimulate digestive juices, while basil has traditionally been used to calm stomach discomfort. Together they may help with mild bloating and digestion after meals.

5. Helps Reduce Sugar Intake
Infused water is a great alternative to sugary drinks like soda or juice. It provides flavor without added sugar or calories, making it helpful for weight management and balanced blood sugar.

6. Supports Skin Health
Hydration combined with vitamin C can help support collagen production and maintain healthy skin.

Quick Recipe

Ingredients

• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• ½ lemon, sliced
• ½ orange, sliced
• 4 cups water

Instructions
Add the ingredients to a pitcher, lightly press the basil leaves to release flavor, and refrigerate for 1–4 hours before drinking.

Overall, basil, lemon, and orange infused water is a simple, refreshing drink that promotes hydration while offering light antioxidant, digestive, and immune-supporting benefits.

Product Recommendations

Ganiza Immersion Blender Handheld, 6 in 1 Hand Blender Stainless Steel Blade, 15 Speed Stick Blenders Electric, 800ml Mixing Beaker, 600ml Chopper, Whisk, Frother, Potato Masher. I recently purchased one of these and I love it! There are so many ways you can use it when you cook. Make soup, smoothies, blended cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and more!

The Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: Boost Your Immune System, Detox Your Body, Over 100 Recipes Hardcover – August 3, 2021. By, R.D. Krissy Carbo

GNC Weight and Gut Bundle.

My Gift Cutting Board Bookstand. Hold your favorite recipe book, your Kindle, or your iPad in this bookstand! Nice decorative piece!

Notable Quote

“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” Winston Churchill.

I am an affiliate marketer and I use affiliate links. Some links are from Amazon.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have enjoyed Newsletter 5 of 2026. Please feel free to comment! Feedback is always welcome. These blogs are free and full of valuable information! Don’t miss out and subscribe today! Cheers to your better health!