Calories vs. Micronutrients & Why We Need Both

Lynn Ulatowski 01/10/2022

fruits and vegetables representing calories and micronutrients

Calories and Micronutrients are critical to understand for our health; but most of us don’t know the difference. Ever wonder why it is so hard to maintain a healthy weight, especially as we get older? You are not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control, 42.4% of Americans are obese, with many elements coming into play. Among these elements are biological factors, like our genes; environmental factors, including those people we interact with; and modifiable components, like the food choices we make. I like to use the analogy of a car when I’m explaining nutrition. The gasoline we put into our car is what makes the car run. The car’s fuel is analogous to macronutrients that make our body’s run. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Categories: Longevity, Wellness & Personal Growth

Tags: calories, health and wellness, Micronutrients, Nutrition

Lynn Ulatowski

Getting Older v. Feeling Old: The Challenges of Aging

By Stacey O’Brien Every time I look in the mirror, I’m struck by how quickly my hair is graying. I’m a redhead (or a ginger, as we are now called), and had deep auburn hair as a girl. Now that I’m in my mid 50s, that fiery hair has lightened to a strawberry blonde. I’ve always been opposed to coloring it, but recently, I thought about it…but that only lasted for a few minutes. Instead, I tried a henna shampoo (a tip from another ginger!). I don’t feel a day over 30 inside, but my hair (and my skin, my hands and my body) show the world I’ve been alive longer than that. Women in particular often dread the changes that aging brings and go through significant…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Stacey OBrien 02/02/2021

How to Give Your Immune System a Boost Through Healthy Eating

With parties, barbecues, and playdates, it can be difficult to avoid the germs escaping coughs and sneezes from your peers, colleagues or family members. However, there are several ways you can build up your immune system to combat sickness and sniffles. One method is to incorporate healthy eating habits into your routine. The Importance of Nutrition for the Immune System Your immune system works hard to protect your body from harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites. It uses innate immunity as the first line of defense, including barriers like skin, mucus, stomach acid and enzymes. However, if a microbe slips through, your body will use its adaptive immunity to target the substance and zap it out of your system. The adaptive immune system will then remember…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Mia Barnes 06/05/2023

Eating for Energy: 7 Foods That Battle Fatigue

Not all foods are equal — some can boost energy to fight fatigue, while others make you feel drowsy and exhausted. Be aware of the good and bad options for your health, especially if you have sensitivities. Here are seven foods to eat to make you feel energetic. 1. Water Water is carb and calorie-free, so it doesn’t satiate your hunger to overcome fatigue. However, drinking initiates the body’s energy process, preventing dehydration that causes fatigue and mood swings. Hydrate with water to flush out toxins and feel better. 2. Bananas Gym-goers eat a banana before they leave home. It gives them a spurt of energy enough to lift weights and run on a treadmill. One small banana has 23 grams of carbohydrates, equivalent to…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Mia Barnes 07/31/2023

5 Wellness Trend Predictions for 2023

One of the most rewarding parts of my job as Heinen’s Registered Dietitian is introducing loyal, health-conscious customers to new developments in wellness. I sat down with our Wellness category experts to learn all about coming trends in 2023 based on their research. Get the inside scoop on each of these trends, plus top Fx-friendly products to help you move the needle towards a healthier you in the new year! Trend #1 Immune Health: Quercetin & Mushrooms The fact that people continue seeking ways to improve their immune health even though the pandemic is behind us, is evidence that fear is a powerful motivator. Because the immune system is our first line of defense against disease (including viral and bacterial infections), strengthening it should be…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Institute Editorial Team 12/12/2022

The Power of Focus

The Power of Focus and How it Affects Our Performance. I have been fortunate to work with a lot of coaches around the country, but one of the most interesting is Coach Wilson, a colleague who coaches biathlon in Alaska and works with the US Biathlon Team. What is biathlon you ask? It is the sport of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Coach Wilson spent a month with me last summer going through mental performance basics and building a plan for his athletes. The sport lends itself to all kinds of mental challenges – fatigue, focus, emotional control, breathing proficiency, a necessity for precision…just to name a few. I am amazed by the athletes (and coaches) in this sport, so when I get an email…

To view this post, you must purchase a paid-subscriber plan—learn more here.

Institute Editorial Team 10/31/2022

Related Articles