Choosing Healthy Foods

By Meghann McMillan The holidays are quickly approaching and the motto tends to be “eat, drink, and be merry”. Thanksgiving with the family, friendsgiving with the friends, Christmas parties, Hanukah celebrations, New Years Eve...the next month is loaded with evens that tend to revolve around lots of food and drink. Many people surrender to the fact that they are going to gain some holiday weight, and simply over indulge in it all. This year, don’t surrender to overeating during the holidays. You can have your pumpkin pie and eat it too, if you pay attention to your intake and portion sizes. Lets start with appetizers, the typical first course that no one can pass up as the hunger of the main course starts to set in. No need to shy away from the wonderful app table, just make sure you keep it to just a taste. Use a napkin or a small plate to place your food on. If it doesn’t fit on it, you don’t need it. Try just one of the appetizers you like. If there are too many to chose from, cut ...

By Meghann McMillan The weather is getting colder which means cold and flu season is just around the corner. There is no reason to let illness ruin things like Homecoming weekend or the upcoming Holidays and it certainly shouldn't put a damper on your daily life. We’re all very busy and there is just no time for getting sick. Fortunately there are ways we can boost our immune systems with the food we eat every day! Here are some immune boosting foods that can help you prevent or even kick seasonal sickness... Citrus Fruits: This is the one that comes to everyone's mind. Oranges, clementines, lemons, grapefruit, they are all a loaded powerhouse of vitamin C. This antioxidant helps boost our immune system, preventing our bodies from falling ill and fighting something that is already in our bodies. Adding oranges to smoothies or lemon to tea is a great way to get that vitamin C pick me up our bodies may need. Garlic: This potent bulb is a triple thread when it comes to our healt...

By Meghann McMillan It’s that time of year again where the leaves have changed colors, the air has gotten cooler, picking and carving pumpkins is a must and everyone seems to have tons of candy to share. With Halloween right around the corner it is easy to get caught up in the festivities, allowing a healthful eating to slip down the drain. This year, why not make some traditions a little healthier? Can’t seem to get enough of any sort of pumpkin spiced drink that’s out there during the season? Ditch the high calorie drinks loaded with sugary pumpkin syrups and artificial colors and flavors for something more natural and chuck full of vitamins and minerals. Spice up your day with a homemade pumpkin spice smoothie! Pumpkin is loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamins A, C and E. One serving of pumpkin gives your body more than 250% of your RDA for vitamin A! Pumpkin is also a good source of B vitamins and is rich in minerals such as potassium and calcium. Combine that with the ingredients ...

By Meghann McMillan The mushroom, a fruiting body of spore bearing fungi has been recognized as one of the top superfoods. A superfood is a food that very nutrient dense, contains properties that contribute to good health and wellbeing as well as the ability to help prevent many diseases. Mushrooms are fully loaded with essential nutrients, antioxidants and health promoting properties. Mushrooms contain riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, copper, chromium and selenium. When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light, mushrooms naturally generate vitamin D and become a good source of this important vitamin. In a country where low levels of vitamin D is becoming a very common and major issue, mushrooms are something people should be consuming more of. Mushrooms also contain fiber and protein and are low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium; an overall healthy food choice! With cold and flu season approaching, it is important to consume more mushrooms. Why, you ask? B...