Food For Thought

Conferences can be a great way to reconnect with long-distance colleagues, learn new skills and gain valuable insight into new trending topics in your career field. While the days may be filled with great opportunities and networking, the long days, jam-packed schedules and the dessert table can wreak havoc on your health routine. But fear not, with a little planning and determination, you can enjoy the treats of the conference while still maintaining focused on your goals.

It is officially Summer, days seem longer and weather is warmer. During these longer and warmer months, it is important to stay hydrated to beat the heat and its potential side effects. Maintaining good hydration supports the immune system, improves mental clarity, promotes digestion and boost energy levels.

Salads are a great way to get in your vegetables daily. However, they can often be less satisfying, leaving you hungry and reaching for something more filling within an hour after eating. We have the best intentions when we make our salad by focusing on filling the bowl with an array of greens. However ,by adding a few nutrient dense ingredients, that salad can turn into a powerhouse meal.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!