The fall 2023 issue of thrive. magazine reminds us that the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of the growing season. Get back out in the garden with tips for planting fall vegetables and learn how embracing a plant-based diet can add more garden-fresh ingredients to your meals. Read on to discover other ways that thrive. recommends staying healthy through active living.

Cover Story: Kate Ellis

Endurance athlete Kate Ellis, 67, loves outdoor adventures. Nordic skiing, canoeing, hiking and biking are just some of the ways Ellis stays connected to nature while being in motion. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spend half the year living out of their camper van and exploring new areas. Read more about Ellis and her life here.

Ask the Pharmacist: Flu & Covid-19 Vaccines

With the flu season upon us, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members asks, “I plan to get my flu shot soon. Should I also get another COVID-19 shot? I haven’t heard much about boosters lately— is there an update?”

Dr. Anita Sharma’s responses to these questions along with some of her other professional insights are available here.

Healthy Mac and “Cheese”

You don’t need to be on a strict plant-based diet to enjoy this healthy recipe that replaces melted cheese with a delicious pureed butternut squash-based sauce. Topped with browned panko bread crumbs, this dish just might become a new fall family favorite.

In addition to half of a butternut squash, you will want to have the following ingredients on hand: low-fat non-dairy milk, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, ground mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, elbow pasta, panko bread crumbs, and hot sauce (optional). The full recipe and nutritional information can be found on thrive.bluecrossmn.com.