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healthy eating

Food is so much more important than we give it credit for. The right diet is the difference between feeling sluggish, gaining weight, and losing focus – or harnessing the power we have within to look and feel our best, and embrace life with health and happiness.

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protein

 

Protein is key to overall health and wellness, but when it comes to including protein in meals, many people struggle with portion size – ending up with too little, or way too much. A good rule of thumb is to keep your protein portion about the size of a deck of cards. Protein provides sustained nutrition for our bodies, and performs many important functions:

  • Balance blood sugar: When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose. A high amount of carbohydrates means a spike in blood sugar – which is great if you need a quick boost. If you need sustained energy, however, protein is the way to go. Protein is broken down into components called amino acids, which do not elevate blood sugar. Amino acids are the building blocks for new proteins, and are integral to all kinds of cellular and metabolic processes.

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smoothies

We all know that after school snack time is critical. Somehow, that time of day transforms your kitchen into the set of The Walking Dead, where you might find yourself hurling pizza bagels at the snapping jaws of your 4th grader – just to stay alive.

While it is easy to rely on the convenience of processed, microwavable foods, there are healthy alternatives that are just as quick to prepare, and tastier too. Why not try a smoothie to curb that afternoon hunger?

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fruit

Banana:

Bananas pack a nutritional punch as they are rich in potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral in maintaining normal blood pressure and an important component in cardiovascular health. They have a unique mix of vitamins and minerals and provide low glycemic carbohydrates making them ideal for athletic performance. Additional health benefits may include lowering the risk of certain cancers and asthma and promoting regularity.

note: people who are taking beta-blockers should be conscious of high potassium foods as beta blockers tend to increase potassium in the blood. Consult with your doctor about regulating and monitoring your potassium levels.

1 small banana:

Vitamin B6: 25% DV
Manganese: 16% DV
Vitamin C: 14% DV
Potassium: 12% DV
Fiber: 12% Dv

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Strawberries:

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients including quercetin, anthocyanins and polyphenols. They are also rich in the essential nutrients folic acid, fiber and vitamin C. One cup of fresh strawberries provides 160% of your daily vitamin C needs. They have been shown to support cardiovascular health, improve regulation of blood sugar, as well as prevent certain cancers. They are a go to treat in my family in smoothies or diced and served with yogurt or a summer salad.

1 cup:

Vitamin C: 113% DV
Manganese: 28% DV
Fiber: 12% DV
Iodine: 12%
Folate: 9% DV
Potassium: 6% DV
Magnesium: 5% DV

Kiwi fruit on wooden background

Kiwi:

Kiwis are a nutrient dense food meaning they are high in nutrients but low in calories. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that neutralizes those icky free radicals that cause damage to cells. The possible benefits of consuming kiwis and many other fruits includes a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers.

1 cup:

Vitamin C: 85% DV
Vitamin K: 31% DV
Copper: 10% DV
Fiber: 8% DV
Vitamin E: 7% DV
Potassium: 6% DV

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Blueberry:

These are rich in the flavanoid, anthocyanin and the polyphenol, quercetin that contribute to a host of their health benefits.  They are rich in iron, phosphorous, calcium, zinc and vitamin k that contribute to building and maintaining bone strength. Blueberries have been shown to improve heart health, cognitive function, regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, fight wrinkles and contain anti-cancer benefits. I like to incorporate these nutrient dense berries to my smoothies with some protein powder and almond milk.

1 cup:

Vitamin K: 32% DV
Manganese: 25% DV
Vitamin C: 19% DV
Fiber 14% DV

watermelon

Watermelon:

Watermelons are synonymous with summer and help to quench your thirst after a workout. They are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and provide antioxidant support for cardiovascular health. They are rich in lycopene, zinc, choline,copper, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C. The antioxidant beta carotene provides eye health and heart health. Consuming watermelon can contribute to overall improved digestion and regularity, improved hydration, reduced inflammation and muscle soreness and improved skin texture due to its high vitamin A content. I like to make watermelon and mint juices for extra hydration after a long workout.

1 cup:

Vitamin C: 16% DV
Pantothenic Acid: 7% DV
Copper: 7% DV
Vitamin A: 5% DV
Biotin: 5%DV

avocado

Avocado:

These are rich in monounsaturated fats (the healthy fat) that provide a wide range of anti-inflammatory benefits. Similar to all fresh fruits they are nutrient dense as well. They are rich in the carotenoid family that provide protection for the heart and eyes, promote blood sugar regulation, may prevent osteoporosis because of their high vitamin K content and improve digestion and regularity.

I add them to my salads or smoothies for a dose of my daily good oils or make a homemade guacamole.

https://iquitsugar.com/recipe/super-speedy-guacamole/

1 cup:

Pantothenic Acid: 42% DV
Fiber: 40% DV
Vitamin K: 35%
Copper: 31% DV
Folate: 30% DV
Vitamin B6: 23% DV
Vitamin E: 21% DV
Potassium: 21% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV

lemon slice

Lemon:

Lemons are rich in phytonutrients and provide an antibiotic affect on our body. They are rich in vitamin C that is the main antioxidant in our body. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that neutralizes free radicals present in our body. Vitamin C supports a strong immune system so it is helpful in fighting colds, flus and ear infections.Additionally, they help to maintain a healthy complexion because of their vitamin C content which plays a vital role in collagen formation, they increase iron absorption when combined with iron rich foods (spinach or chickpeas) and may prevent asthma. Lemons increase detoxification in the body because it activates the release of bile which acts as an emulsifier for fat and removes fat soluble toxins.

I squeeze lemon juice and some of the zest into a warm glass of water every morning for digestive health and my daily dose of vitamin C.

¼ cup:

Vitamin C: 31% DV
Folate: 3% DV

 

 

carbs

OH NO, CARBS! Low-carb, no-carb, or high-carb diet – which one should I follow? Well, there are so many misconceptions about carbs and their contribution to weight loss, weight maintenance, and weight gain. Those diets have no middle ground (and limited flexibility), so I want to clarify the basics and the importance of carbs in our diet.

Carbohydrates are part of the three macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbs. We need all three in varying degrees, depending on where we are emotionally, physically, and psychologically in our lives.

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