Focus on Fiber to Improve Health

Lynn Ulatowski 08/30/2021

When you think about the word “fiber”, you may equate that with an older adult taking a supplement to be “regular.” However, fiber is an under-appreciated nutrient that has so many health benefits. If you make one lifestyle change, focus on fiber. Why? Fiber has no Calories. It also decreases your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and of course digestive disorders. Notably, this zero Calorie superstar does not get the respect it deserves because most Americans consume about 16grams per day. This is less than half of the Institute of Medicine’s daily recommended amount of 28 grams for women and 35 grams for men. What is fiber? Fiber is technically a polysaccharide member of the carbohydrate family found in plant products. …

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Categories: Wellness & Personal Growth

Tags: fiber, health, heart health, Nutrition, wellness

Lynn Ulatowski

fruits and vegetables representing calories and micronutrients

Calories vs. Micronutrients & Why We Need Both

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…

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Lynn Ulatowski 01/10/2022

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…

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Institute Editorial Team 12/12/2022

What is Clean Eating and How to Get Started

If you follow popular media, you’ll undoubtedly have heard references to clean eating. But what is it? Fortunately, there’s little mystery to clean eating. Its simplest definition is eating foods close to their natural forms — an apple should look like a fruit, not a piece of taffy. However, the term often refers to making choices that avoid some natural substances, like salt and sugar — too much of which adversely impacts your health. Such a meal plan offers considerable health benefits, including weight loss and decreasing your risk of developing various diseases. Here’s your introduction to how to get started with clean eating. 1. Get a Healthier Balance of Fats One issue with processed foods in the western diet is they often rely on…

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Mia Barnes 03/17/2023

woman sitting at desk thinking, stressed, should you return to pre-pandemic job?

Is Your Pre-Pandemic Job Still Right for You?

Is Your Pre-Pandemic Job Still Right for You? The world is slowly returning back to “normal” 一 or as close to normal as things get while continuing to live with the threat of a global pandemic. And this return to “normal” has left many of us wondering: do I want to go back to exactly the way things were pre-pandemic? Here are some things to consider when weighing the pros and cons of staying at your pre-pandemic job. Many are leaving their pre-pandemic jobs As employers call workers back into the office, many people are choosing not to go back to their old jobs at all. Although a record number of open jobs are available in the U.S., hiring has gone way down. And people…

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Gina Messina, Ph.D. 10/18/2021

How To Recognize and Handle Burnout

What Is Burnout? Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that comes from stress exposure (Schaufeli & Greenglass, 2001). Generally, the stress that leads to burnout is consistent and ongoing for an extended period. A single stressful event usually isn’t enough to cause burnout. When you are burned out you may feel constantly exhausted or anxious and on edge. You may feel irritable and angry. You may feel like you are living in a fog and unable to think clearly. You may be unable to relax or get to sleep. Burnout Syndrome Burnout syndrome was first formally defined in the 1970s to describe a collection of symptoms often seen in people working as medical professionals, teachers, social workers, and others in helping…

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Institute Editorial Team 03/08/2023

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