All Posts by

Dana Gardner

Food for Thought: Kiwi – Small Fruit, Big Nutrition

With their fuzzy outside and bright interior, kiwis may be small, but they pack an impressive nutrition punch. Filled with vitamin C, fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and antioxidants, this fruit can provide a wide range of health benefits that can have an impact on the entire body.

Food for Thought: Sardinemaxxing

Another day, another viral trend. If you haven’t been on social media lately, the newest trend involves a food that may have been a staple for your parents or grandparents – sardines – and it’s called Sardinemaxxing.  The term is used to describe the trend of intentionally consuming sardines more frequently to boost overall health. Depending on the influencer, followers are encouraged to add them in their weekly routine or use them as one-food focused approach where they are all that is consumed in a day. Sardinemaxxing offers claims such as better skin, weight loss and increased energy. Although sardines do provide an array of nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D and vitamin B12, it is important to balance them with other macronutrients to avoid missing out on other important nutrients.

Food for Thought: Energy-Boosting Snacks That Aren’t Sugar Bombs

The mid-afternoon slump can slowly creep up and that energy dip can have you reaching for some quick, savory, and sweet. Often those items are desserts, high sugar coffee drinks, candies, or other ultra processed foods that will give us a quick boost but one that will be sustained. Although these foods can be very convenient and easily accessible, the rapid rises and falls in blood sugar levels can soon lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability and even craving of more added sugar.

Food for Thought: Healthy Rice Alternatives

Rice has been a staple for many cultures and half of the world’s population dating back to some 13,000 years ago. Revolving into a cultivated crop around 2800 BC by the early Chinese emperors, rice made its debut and became a permanent guest at many dinner tables. Although there are over 120,000 different varieties of rice, nearly 90% of the population in the United States chooses white rice far more often than any other variety.

Food for Thought: Crafting a Morning Routine for a More Mindful You

The morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Waking up to the incessant call of the alarm clock, mental to-do-lists and other phone notifications can easily set the tone for a chaotic morning. Starting the day with chaos can also lead to unbalanced and erratic moments throughout the day leading to one being unfocused and making haste decisions.

Food for Thought: Spring Clean Your Pantry

Spring is upon us and it is the perfect time to reset and refresh your kitchen. Throughout the seasons, our pantries, cabinets, and refrigerators can become cluttered and inundated with forgotten items, duplicate purchases, and products that are beyond peak quality. A thorough reset can help reduce waste, ensure foods are still safe for consumption, and save money.

Food for Thought: Discover the Power of Nutrition

Since 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March to celebrate National Nutrition Month where healthcare providers highlight the vital role of nutrition in overall health. This year’s theme is Discover the Power of Nutrition, which reminds us that food is powerful and influences all aspects of our overall wellbeing. Nutrition not only has the power to fuel our bodies but also the power to prevent and heal. The nutrients provided in lean protein, whole grains, healthy fruits, and vegetables can help provide energy, stabilize blood sugar, boost immunity, increase mental clarity and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Food for Thought: Beyond The Scale – Other Metrics of Health

For decades, the scale has been placed at the pinnacle of health measurement and the judge of progress. Used by healthcare professionals and individuals, the number on the scale has been an indicator of success or sometimes failure depending on the number. The truth is that the number doesn’t represent total health and as recent research tells us, for a more accurate picture of health, we must move beyond the scale.

Food for Thought – Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart

Ever wondered what desserts have made their way onto the plates of U.S. presidents? You’re in the right place. The White House has always had a love for sweets, long before nutrition labels and wellness trends were a thing. Pastries and treats were more than just dessert. They showed up as everyday staples, celebratory favorites, and simple gestures of hospitality.