May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become fragile and more likely to break. Here are some startling facts from the National Osteoporsis Foundation: Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older.

In 2005, about 293,000 Americans age 45 and over were admitted to hospitals with a fracture of the femoral neck, a common type of hip fracture. Osteoporosis was the underlying cause of most of these injuries. An average of 24 percent of hip fracture patients aged 50 and over die in the year following their fracture.

The best ways to prevent osteoporosis are to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like milk, cheese and yogurt, and engage in regular weight bearing exercise like walking, jogging or even carrying groceries, all of which build bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 

So this week we’re featuring a number of calcium and vitamin D-rich recipes to help families build their bone health.  Remember, it’s never too late, or too early, to start eating well and exercising to reduce your risk of fractures from osteoporosis.

Don’t forget to register for free to add these and other healthy recipes to your own personalized meal plan and shopping list.

FEATURED FAMILY MEAL LINKS

Skillet Seared Tomatoes with Melted Gruyere
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/24719
Sirloin with Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/39089
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/8254

Other Featured Recipes

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7783
Chilled Asparagus with Lemony Garlic Dressing
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/38443
Creamy Couscous Florentine
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7105
Vegetable Casserole
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7646

Julia Child brought French cuisine to America in the 1960s with her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cuisine and television show The French Chef. Once characterized by heavy, complicated sauces and finicky soufflés, many classic French recipes have been streamlined and adapted for busy American cooks. This week we’ve selected some fast French favorites from MealsMatter.org.

Don’t forget to register for free to add these and other healthy recipes to your own personalized meal plan and shopping list.

FEATURED FAMILY MEAL LINKS

Quick French Onion Soup
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/52029 
Hazelnut Café Au Lait
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/11621
Cup Custard
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7161

Other Featured Recipes

Oven Baked Cassoulet
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/43033
French Toast Casserole
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/15022
Salad Nicoise
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/25816
Quick Beef Bourguignon
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/66387

Photo Caption:  Quick French Onion Soup, EatingWell

To celebrate National Beef Month in May, we’ve compiled nutrient-rich, quick-to-prepare beef entrees and convenient side dishes your whole family will enjoy. Each recipe is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!

Beef is an excellent source of protein and a good source of iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Over 29 different cuts, including flank steak, sirloin and even some ground beef meet the government labeling guidelines for lean.  Each three ounce portion is about the size of a deck of cards, or the palm of your hand.

Don’t forget to register for free to add these and other healthy recipes to your own personalized meal plan and shopping list.

FEATURED FAMILY MEAL LINKS

Mediterranean Beef and Salad Pita
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/73186
Cheese and Fruit Kabobs
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/16533
Fruit Juice Cooler
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7405

Other Featured Recipes

15 Minute Beef Fajitas
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/16532
Lickety-Split Lasagna Soup
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/9210
Power Orange Smoothie
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7612
Carrot Salad
http://www.MealsMatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/8136