Discover Your Local Farmers' Market!

It’s almost summertime and Farmers’ Markets are starting to open up across many communities in the area! In addition to being a fun way to connect with your community and support local farmers, these markets are great places to buy nutrition produce.

The Benefits of Buying Local

When it comes to produce, buying local is the way to go! As soon as produce is picked, it starts to lose some of its nutritional value. Since most supermarket produce travels hundreds of miles from where it is grown to the store, it is out of the ground for quite awhile before it ends up on your dinner table.

Studies have found that levels of vitamin C and folate significantly decrease in produce over time. Eating fresh produce in season will give you more nutrients than eating the same produce in different conditions.

What About Organic?

Many people wonder if it is better to buy organic food from there grocery store, or produce that is not organic from a local farmer.

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Quality Protein

Every cell in your body contains protein! Since your body does not store this essential macronutrient, it depends on your diet to provide adequate amounts. It is important to provide this as protein contains amino acids that are the building blocks used to repair and replenish all the tissues in the body!

According to livestrong.com, protein helps “build muscles, produce new cells, regulate hormones and enzymes, heal wounds and promote immune function”. It is considered the most important macronutrient in building muscle, which can elevate your metabolic rate. Since protein also helps you feel full longer, it is great for those wanting to lose weight.

Quality Proteins

Quality is the most important thing to remember when it comes to protein. The protein should be a complete protein, which contains all the amino acids. It also needs to be easily digestible, free from both preservatives and additives.

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5 Healthy Foods Many People Are Afraid to Eat

Let’s look at 5 foods that many people avoid. They are either afraid to eat these foods because they have been told they are unhealthy, or they are afraid that they will taste bad. You might be surprised that the following foods have many health benefits and actually taste good!

Red Meat

According to Dr. Chris Kresser, “despite what you’ve heard, red meat is an extremely healthy and nutrient-dense addition to your plate.  It’s a great source of vitamin B12, Vitamin d, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, Cobalt, and more.”  For more information check out his article Red Meat: the Food They Love to Hate, or download his ebook The Truth About Red Meat.

Eggs

Eggs have gotten a bad reputation over the years. It makes me sad that so many people are afraid cholesterol, because cholesterol in our diet is not the enemy! Studies have shown that

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Are You Eating Enough Fat?

Are you Eating the Right Types of Fats?

Many patients are afraid to incorporate fats into their diet, believing that eating fat will make them fat. They eat a lot of chicken breast, steamed veggies, low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, and salads with fat-free dressing. It's not their fault. They have been taught for years by the media that eating fat is going to make them fat, BUT this is simply not true!

Are You Eating Enough Fat? Are You Eating the Right Fats? It is a topic that can get very confusing, very quickly. Eating the right fats will make a HUGE impact on inflammation within your body. Eating fats is incredibly important, but eating the RIGHT fats is the key!

We need HEALTHY fat

There are several essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot make, and if we don’t consume them it may show up as inflammation, fatigue, poor memory function, heart issues, depression, dry skin, as well as other unpleasant symptoms.

Our bodies also NEED fat to

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What's the Big Deal about Gluten?

Have you ever wondered why so many people are going gluten free? Is eating a gluten free diet safe? What about women trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding? Let's take a moment to explore these issues, so that you can consider if this is something that could help you reach your wellness goals.

What is gluten?

Simply put gluten is the protein in wheat, barley and rye. People with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, must avoid gluten completely. However, Gluten is often blamed for contributing to a myriad of other health problems including: digestive problems, skin issues, brain fog, ADHD, joint problems, infertility, and inflammation. Many people report wonderful results after embracing a gluten free diet.

Is a gluten free diet right for me?

One way to check if gluten is affecting your system is through an elimination diet. When doing an elimination diet gluten is strictly avoided for at least 30 days. It is then intentionally reintroduced, and any reaction is carefully noted. It is important to know that symptoms may appear immediately after eating gluten, or may appear a couple of days later. These symptoms may include digestive issues, skin trouble, depression, low energy, etc.

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