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Healthy Eating

"Health benefits of Green Foods" and images of spinach, cabbage, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts and broccoli

Eat green foods for better health

Function of Phytonutrients in Plants Colored pigments in plants are produced to protect them from pathogens, predators, and climate conditions. They attract pollinators Contribute to the plants’ sensory characteristics, color, and nutritional value. The chlorophyll (green...
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Health benefits of anthoxanthin-rich foods with images of potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, mushrooms and banana

Eat white fruits and vegetables for better health

In my opinion, white vegetables don’t get enough time in the spotlight. Unlike the red, orange, and green groups, their white counterparts are often overlooked for not being as “healthful”. Hopefully, this post will change some minds and be a reminder that ALL fruit and vegetable color subgroups...
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health benefits of carotenoid rich foods with images of an orange, cantaloupe, sweet potato, eggs, corn and banana.

Eat carotenoid-rich foods for better health

Where Carotenoids are Found Naturally occurring plant pigments. More than 650 types exist in nature. These pigments are found in nearly all fruits and green leafy vegetables. The common carotenoids found in human’s due to consumption include, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-...
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Health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods with a red, blue, and purple background.

Eat red, blue, and purple foods for better health

Eat Red, Blue, and Purple Foods for Better Health The function of Anthocyanins in Plants Colored pigments in plants are produced to protect them from pathogens, predators, and climate conditions. They attract pollinators and act as antifeedants (adversely...
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illustrated family playing with a puzzle on the ground

Creating a healthful home

I view my home as a sanctuary, a place that I can unwind and practice self-care. Over the past year, it has also become a second office and gym. If you have kids, your home was likely serving as a classroom as well. Some of our homes are on triple duty, and that sense of sanctuary may have been...
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peaches next to the words peach recipes and preservation

Just peachy!

June is here! This is perhaps my favorite time of the growing season because peaches will be popping up soon at my local farmers’ market. They will be in full swing come July and August. Peaches are a special treat and have always been one of my favorite fruits. I just love everything peach from...
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a brain made up of different healthy foods

Adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle, its a no-brainer!

Today we’ll be talking about brain health in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month so if you have a brain, this information is for you! Your brain is the most complex organ you have and it’s always changing. This process is called brain plasticity. The brain is able to grow new...
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healthy shift ideas like using olive oil instead of butter, eating quinoa instead of white rice and choosing sugar-free beverages over soda and juice.

Shift your habits for better nutrition

Happy National Nutrition Month®! This is a great time of year to reevaluate your eating pattern to determine if it’s working for you. Are you getting the healthful foods you need to live your best life? An eating pattern represents all of the food and drink choices you make from...
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fruit and tofu smoothies

Pack your smoothies with plant proteins

Are you looking for a quick breakfast that packs the protein? Plant-based proteins can help you build muscle and provide heart health benefits to your meals, snacks and even beverages! These recipes incorporate organic tofu but you can easily add other plant-based proteins that you enjoy. Firm or...
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avocado and tomato salad on top of whole wheat toast

Remix your mornings with breakfast salads

Are you tired of the same old breakfast every morning? It’s time to turn over a new leaf! If you’re looking for a fresh start to your day with protein, healthy fats, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals then look no further. Breakfast salads are an easy and delicious way to fill up on fiber...
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picture of a green fruit and vegetable smoothiehea

5 easy ways to fit fruits and vegetables into your day

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults consume 1.5–2 cups of fruits and 2–3 cups of vegetables per day. Despite these recommendations, recent data show low consumption. Only 1 in 10 US adults eat the recommended amount of fruits or vegetables each day. This number is...
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counting carbohydrates

How to count carbohydrates for diabetes meal planning

Diabetes will likely cause changes in your life and your food choices, but with proper care, most individuals with diabetes can take charge of their health. Making wise food choices to manage blood glucose will help prevent negative health outcomes such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease...
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Mediterranean Foods

Give your meals a Mediterranean makeover

Spring is underway and many of you have probably been doing some spring cleaning in your home, closets and yards but what about your kitchen? As we shed our winter clothes for sandals let us also consider shedding some of those warming winter foods for items that keep us satisfied, light and...
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3 easy ways to boost fiber in your meals & snacks

We know that small changes in the way we eat can have positive health impacts down the road. If you think about how many food choices you make each day you’ll begin to realize how many opportunities there are to fuel up on foods that provide nourishment so you can live your best life with energy...
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photos of person eating Mediterranean salad next to photo of Mediterranean food ingredients

Age well with the Mediterranean diet

Instead of saying 'diet', I like to use the term 'eating pattern' which refers to the quantities, proportions, variety, or combinations of different foods and beverages that are habitually consumed over a long period of time. Dietary patterns can help predict health later in life. The...
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5 healthy aging tips for all ages

September is Healthy Aging Month which is something we can all acknowledge since we’re all aging. I like to call it “gaining momentum”. We all gather momentum as we age through the build-up of experiences and insights. Embrace this dynamic process that leads to new abilities and knowledge that can...
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variety of herbs, garlic, tomatoes and cooking utensils

Herbs: from garden to kitchen

July is perhaps my favorite month. I love the summer heat, the cookouts, festivals, fireworks and all of the fresh food from the garden. It's also my birthday month so...what's not to love?! My herbs are in full force right now and it's a great time to maximize their use in the kitchen. I like to...
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