April Fools!

Like all things, moderation is key to a good diet (in other words, NOT an eating contest).

An unbalanced diet affects our health significantly. Obesity is only one consequence, and yet, in 2020, a staggering 42.4% of Americans were struggling with obesity, one of the leading causes of death. And despite trends in healthier eating, a 2010 study found that 9 out of 10 Americans were not getting the nutrients they need.

Healthy food does not mean boring food!  Just keep a few tips in mind when you eat.

• Include protein – beans, meat, dairy – with every meal to help balance blood sugar
• Include healthy fats, found in nuts, avocado and other produce
• Put the butter back! Cook with extra virgin olive oil instead
• Eat your greens: dark green leafy vegetables are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants
• Increase fiber: fiber can help improve blood pressure, manage heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
• Less alcohol, more water: drinking water helps prevent dehydration, manage body weight, and is good for overall health. Alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and weight gain, among other things.
• Avoid sugary drinks like soda, which are one of the leading causes of obesity
• Eat less red meat and processed foods, which are often high in bad fats, sodium, and low in nutrients