Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt contains many important nutrients including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.  Both vitamin D and calcium are utilized in the body to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, which helps prevent osteoporosis. Potassium-rich foods may help regulate blood pressure to support heart health. What is the difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt? Both types of yogurts contain live bacteria (probiotics) that support gut health and the immune system. Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt and their nutritional values differ. Greek yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt while regular yogurt is usually higher in calcium than Greek yogurt. Both are excellent choices to include in your meal plan. Choose plain or lower-added sugar yogurts since both types can be high in added sugar when flavored. Ways to use yogurt in your meals Replace sour cream [...]

Air Fried Food: Healthy Fast Food?

Potato chips, fried chicken, and French fries overwhelmingly appeal to all the senses with their crispy crunch and flavor. Fried foods are a staple in the American diet because they are fast and convenient. However, these foods have health implications. Fried Food Health Concerns and Solutions: Fried foods are high in saturated fats and trans fats. We know these fats contribute to heart disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. It is important to limit these fats in the diet. Try to choose foods that have healthy fats like nuts, salmon, and skinless chicken. Cooking with oils that contain unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are better than butter and lard. Think of using fats that are liquid at room temperature and not solid. Decrease the amount of fat used while cooking and switch to an unsaturated [...]

Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet How many times have you told yourself “I’m going to start eating healthier” or “my new diet starts on Monday” only to follow the new plan for 3 or 4 weeks (days) and then fall back into old habits? It’s a common cycle that nearly everyone goes through at least once in their wellness journey. Often people are unable to stick with their new “clean eating plan” because the diet is too restrictive, expensive, or time consuming to follow. The Mediterranean Diet overcomes these problems and delivers a dietary approach that is health-promoting, flexible, and not overly restrictive. Most of us have probably heard or seen information about the Mediterranean diet - your doctor may have even recommended that you try it out - but why is it so popular? It’s endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA) [...]

Munch Through March Madness

If you’re one of the 97+ million U.S. viewers of NCAA’s March Madness, you’re bound to be tempted by typical gameday snacks. Wing orders alone increase by 24% during the tournament, and if your favorite team loses, you’re more likely to indulge in a variety of gameday treats.  Pizza and dessert orders also increase by 19% and 9%, respectively, following losses versus wins. But what about the beer? Three and a half million extra cases of it are produced in March to keep up with demand. It’s already easy to overeat traditional gameday foods (pizza, wings, chips, dips, and desserts) that are notoriously high in salt, sugar, and fat. It's a combination that fires-up our brain’s reward center and steers us towards overeating and unintended weight gain. Add distracted eating to the mix during March Madness, and you’re even more [...]