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GatorCare News

Food for Thought: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Did you know that there are natural supplements proven to be as effective as certain pharmaceuticals? While natural herbs and supplements are not FDA-regulated and should be used with caution, studies have found that there are natural remedies for almost anything. Next time you find yourself struggling with one of these common dilemmas, or you want to proactively defend your health, consider trying out nature’s science-backed alternative!

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: Finding Reliable Health/Wellness Information Online

Social media can be a helpful source of health and wellness inspiration, but not all information online is accurate or science-based. Popular trends and “quick fixes” are not always safe or effective. Before following online advice, check trusted sources like healthcare professionals or reputable health organizations. Making informed decisions helps ensure safer and healthier choices.

Food for Thought: Understanding Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is quite common and sometimes goes unnoticed. Although vitamin D can be found in a few foods, it is quite common for physicians to recommend additional vitamin D supplementation especially for those who may have critical values. While supplementation can be necessary and useful for some, to get the most benefit, it is important to understand the options.

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: Beat the Bloat

It is not uncommon for otherwise healthy individuals to experience occasional abdominal bloating. Bloating is the feeling of tightness, pressure, and fullness in your belly which may or may not be accompanied by a visibly swollen abdomen. There are many different factors that may impact whether or not you feel bloated like the foods you eat, your hormones, stress, and even how much air you swallow during activities like chewing gum and eating. Read more to learn more about keeping a healthy gastrointestinal system and how to beat the bloat!

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: Spring Produce

As spring arrives, fresh produce like berries, leafy greens, and vegetables begin to reach their peak, offering better flavor, quality, and variety than at other times of the year. These ingredients are special not only because they taste fresher, but because they make it easier to create meals that feel lighter and more vibrant after the colder months.

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.