Food for Thought: Fast Food for Your Brain

Your brain needs a steady supply of nutrient-rich calories from healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates so that it can function at peak performance. Foods that are high in sugar not only will zap your energy levels, but will also slow down your brain. Next time you need a quick fix, reach for these snacks and foods instead of a chocolate bar.

  • Apple slices with almond butter
  • Greek yogurt with fruit, sprinkled with nuts and seeds
  • Baby carrots with hummus
  • “Ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins)

These foods are loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber and healthy fats, all of which will help with focus and energy.

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Are Organic Foods Really Better for You?

This is a very relevant question to ask when making decisions about where to spend your hard-earned dollars. Frequently, though not always, organic foods cost more than non-organic or conventionally raised foods. Is the higher price really worth it?

There are many reasons to buy organic besides purely human health, but according to a recent Washington State University study, which looked at the nutritional differences between organic and conventional strawberries, it seems organic really is a better choice.

The researchers involved in the study tested 26 commercial strawberry operations in the state of California over a period of 2 years to reach the conclusion that organic strawberries really are better for you. What they found specifically is that the organic strawberries had significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants and vitamin C. Continue reading “Are Organic Foods Really Better for You?”

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Could Gluten Be Affecting Your Health?

Something interesting happened to me a couple of weeks ago. It was almost 10 pm on a weeknight, I had just gotten home from a school meeting I had to go to after work. I was exhausted and hungry and did not want to go to bed with an empty stomach. Needless to say I didn’t get a chance to cook that night and it was one of those weeks when I hadn’t yet gone grocery shopping, so without thinking much about it, I popped a slice of bread in the toaster and ate it.

The next day I woke up with achy joints, which is what I experience every time I consume gluten. No surprise there. As the morning went by, I was working on something that required focus and attention to detail, and I found myself getting confused easily and not being very patient about it; after it happened for the third time, I started thinking that something was up because this was not the usual “me.” I was experiencing brain fog, irritability, and lack of clarity… and then it hit me that I had consumed gluten the night before. Even though this type of reaction was a first for me, I couldn’t think of anything else it could be. From what I’ve read on this topic, these symptoms are common for gluten-sensitive people. I was amazed!

Of course, everybody can react differently to gluten, and my experience doesn’t need to be your experience. The thing is, there are so many different ways you might react that it can easily be confused with other diseases. In other words, you may be gluten sensitive and not even know it! To make matters worse, gluten can be found in dozens of different foods and not only in bread and pasta.
Continue reading “Could Gluten Be Affecting Your Health?”

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Lose Belly Fat With Cherries

We probably all have an inch to pinch around the waistline and we all want a way to get rid of it. Well, according to a study from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular  Center, a cherry-enriched diet significantly reduces weight and fat. Cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which can turn on a fat burning enzyme. Dried, frozen or juiced, the equivalent of a cup of cherries, seems to do the trick.

I wouldn’t give up your exercise routine just yet. Eating a healthy diet and exercising for 30 minutes a day is important for vitality and health. This is just the cherry on top.

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Healthy Fast Food

I never really understood the concept of fast food, or what we in North America consider fast food. The drive-thru line can be 20 minutes long and that’s before I have ordered, paid or even eaten that greasy burger and 1,000 calorie milkshake. The whole experience can rob me of 30 minutes of my day and I am left wondering if this fast food option was really fast.

Here are a few options that anyone can make at home, and still have time to spare:

AB and H with WG
Prep time: 5 minutes

A twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly.  Almond Butter and Honey with Wheat Germ.

  • 2 tbsps of almond butter
  • 1 to 2 tsps of local honey
  • 1 tbsp of wheat germ

Blend until creamy and spread over multigrain bread. This yummy alternative is loaded with calcium, iron, vitamin E and fiber. Continue reading “Healthy Fast Food”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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November 2024
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