Eating For Health

At long last, SUMMER!!    With the heat and humidity, we need to focus on staying hydrated.   Water is always a good choice for hydration.    MSN has an interesting article on  5 Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated This Summer .   Stay away from the sugar sweetened beverages loaded with sugar and calories.   Yes, enjoying some lemonade is fun but it is not a juice and it is loaded with added sugar.    What are some ways to stay hydrated?   How do you know you need hydration?   Thirst is the first sign of becoming dehydrated.   Your body is telling you to drink more fluids.   Eight cups is a good goal but you may need even more when exercising outside or being outside in the heat. Unsweetened Coffee – most people think coffee dehydrates you, but coffee is a fluid and can count towards your daily fluid intake.   And coffee can help you feel more alert and keep you energized.     Unsweetened Ice Tea – ic...

Skipping breakfast?   Not a good idea for your health.   Your body has “fasted” all night and is ready to refuel every morning.   People who skip breakfast, really don’t.   They may not eat anything before they leave for work each day, but then hit the snack machines at 9 or so for a “not-so-healthy- breakfast”.   Breakfast really means, Break the Fast.    Our breakfast habits are changing given time constraints and other food options.   So what are people eating for breakfast?   A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Cereal-Makers try to get millennials back , highlighted how cereal consumption is down and especially the millennials are opting for other choices such as a granola bar.   Simple, easy to carry and fast to eat.   Cereal – many people still enjoy cereal for breakfast but it is dropping from 31% of us in 2009 to 26.8% in 2015.   What are the top 5 breakfast cereals? Cereal Ma...

Have you been to a Farmer’s Market yet this spring?   A little early in some parts of the country but we are enjoying fresh asparagus and fresh strawberries.   So many fresh fruits will be available soon.   Choosing fruits of different colors is important to good health.   Why?   Because each color has unique health benefits.   Fruits are good sources of vitamins A and C and of fiber but also antioxidants.   Different color fruits provide different antioxidants.   Not only are vitamins and minerals good for your health but so are antioxidants.   They help prevent cancer, heart disease, and improve eye health, help your bones, and fruits like blueberries have been shown to improve memory.     The article, Berry Good Health , discusses the many benefits of eating fruit, especially berries.   For good health, vary the fruit, vary the color.   Aim for at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day.   Enjoy fruit, fresh, f...