Stay Healthy While Enjoying Your Summer!
JUL 19, 2024Keep yourself energized with healthy foods so you can feel your best all summer long.
Read MoreWhile watching the local news last evening, I saw a most interesting ad. A mom and her two children were exchanging questions and answers. The son asked for some chips and his mother’s reply was, “Have a banana”. The daughter asks for a soda, and the mom provides bottled water. The son asked for his video basketball game. His sister replied, “Go outside and play the real one”. A couple more exchanges followed, and the summary was to practice 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
I discovered that CHI Health is a major partner in a local group building a healthier community. The numbers refer to a daily plan:
You can even follow them on Facebook.
It is an excellent plan to begin a new year. Fruits, vegetables, water, and dairy group foods are healthy choices for snacks. Snacks are part of everyone’s day. I like snacks to count. They should provide nutrients not just calories.
What is a nutrient? Nutrients are substances that the body cannot make. They must be provided by food choices. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, fat, carbohydrate, and protein are nutrients. Snacks that provide both a protein and a carbohydrate are what we call, "nutrient rich". The following list provides some examples:
In the winter, I enjoy hot chocolate, but I find the prepared hot chocolate packets to be so sweet or filled with hydrogenated oils. Several years ago, a friend shared his recipe for homemade hot chocolate. Give it a try. Enjoy your snack with a taste of chocolate.
Hot Chocolate
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Store in a jar. Use one heaping tablespoon of mix per eight ounces of hot water. Stir.
Makes 8 servings
Serving size: 1 tablespoon of mix
Nutritional Content: Calories: 36 Carbohydrate: 6 grams Fiber: 0 Fat: 0 Protein: 3 grams Sodium: 48 milligrams |
Keep yourself energized with healthy foods so you can feel your best all summer long.
Read MoreForgetfulness is a common concern, especially as we age. However, it's important to distinguish between normal age-related memory changes and potential signs of dementia.
Read MoreAs a primary care provider, I’ve noticed that many men are under-concerned about what I call the big three – blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.