Our Blog | Top Chef Meals

The Power of Vitamin D

Did you know that most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D?

THE STORY: Vitamin D - nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin” because of its ability to be absorbed via sunlight - has traditionally been known to be essential to the body because it helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones. Now research is showing that Vitamin D may be vital in protecting against a host of health problems. Unfortunately, too many people in the U.S. don’t get enough of this important vitamin.

HEALTH BENEFITS: So what kind of health benefits does Vitamin D offer? Here are just a few ways this vitamin can boost your health.

Women, Diabetes & Heart Disease

diabetes

In honor of Women’s History Month, we take a look at the correlation between diabetes and heart disease when it comes to women’s health.

THE STORY: Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood sugar levels are unable to be controlled and get too high (with Type 2 diabetes being the most common). Type 2 diabetes is considered a major risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke. But how do these specifically affect women? Here we take a look at the risks of diabetes and heart disease in women and talk about how you can lower your risk for both.

WHY HEALTHY BODY IMAGE IS IMPORTANT

what is healthy body image

If you’ve been feeling down about your body or how you look after the past year, it’s time to start the journey to a healthy body image.

THE STORY: The past year has been full of stress and constant change that have made adapting more difficult. Factors such as these can affect all kinds of relationships - not just interpersonal - such as our relationships with our bodies, food, and how we see ourselves resulting in a negative body image.

What is a Renal Diet?

renal diet

Are you familiar with what a renal diet is?

THE STORY: People with compromised kidney function must stay on a renal diet, a diet designed to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. But what exactly comprises a renal diet? Here’s the lowdown on the renal diet.

THE BASICS: It’s the kidneys job to filter blood, remove waste through urine, balance minerals and more. When kidney function is comprised, it means your kidneys cannot properly filter waste from your blood - if waste is left in the blood, it can mess up one’s electrolyte levels causing serious problems. If you’re experiencing this, you will need to follow a renal diet. What does that entail?

Overcoming Emotional Eating

overcoming emotional eating

Are you one of those people who reaches for food when you’re stressed, bored or anxious?

THE STORY: Being stuck at home can lead to stress and boredom which in turn leads to unhealthy behaviors including overeating. Taking comfort in food is a normal thing to do, but do it too much and it can negatively affect your health. Don’t worry though! There are plenty of ways to prevent stress eating and get back on the path of healthy eating.

OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL EATING:

Be Your Best Self

be the best version of you - james prescott

Happy 2021! It’s the start of a brand new year, so why not get back to being the best version of you there is?

THE STORY: 2020 is finally done and with the start of 2021 it looks like good things could be on the way - for example, the new covid vaccines. Why not start off the brand new year with a brand new mindset? Instead of worrying so much, try focusing on being your best self by eating healthy, exercising more, taking time to do what you love and practicing self-care.

Healthy Habits for 2021

Instead of grand resolutions you know you’ll end up dropping in a matter of weeks, commit to these healthy habits in the new year.

THE STORY: Most, if not all of us, will be happy to see 2020 gone. It was a year of chaos and illness that resulted in many of us picking up healthier habits. In fact, a study by Optiva found that 63% of Americans had adopted new healthy practices since March. But how many will continue into the new year? Whether you’ve been adopting a healthier lifestyle this year or are aiming to start one in the new year, here are a few habits you should consider.

What Happens to Seniors and Veterans During a Pandemic?

Covid-19 has hit all of us hard, but for seniors and veterans, it can be even harder.

THE STORY: Covid-19 has affected us all in different ways this year. Some of us got ill. Some of us started working from home full-time while also trying to parent at the same time. Some of us lost jobs and a lot of us have been dealing with financial hardships. But for the seniors and veterans in the U.S., the COVID situation has been even harder as they’re often the ones who are left behind.

HERE’S THE DEAL: There are many reasons COVID has been harder for seniors and veterans to deal with.

Still Can’t Go to the Gym? No Problem!

If you’ve lost your motivation for working out during quarantine, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. There’s plenty you can do at home to stay in shape even without equipment.

THE STORY: Quarantine life has come with a lot of changes for us all. Some of us took up breadmaking or old hobbies. Some of us decided to work on getting healthier, while some of us went the other way and decided to be a bit lazier. Whatever camp you landed in, a workout routine is essential. Even a small amount of daily activity has amazing benefits! Even if your gym is still closed there are plenty of ways to stay in shape at home, with or without equipment.

Ways to Make Your Diet a Lifestyle

Ever tried a diet only to give it up a few days later? Want to know how to make it stick?

THE STORY: Many of us have tried different diets in our lives only to find that we have trouble sticking to them. The problem? You need to think of the way you eat as a lifestyle, not a diet.

WAYS TO SUSTAIN HEALTHY EATING AS A LIFESTYLE: The problem with a lot of diets is that you’re depriving yourself of foods you like or cutting so far back on food and calories you’re likely to crash. Neither are sustainable ways of living. Turn a diet into a healthy lifestyle instead with these tips!

Pages