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

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…

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Mia Barnes 06/05/2023

10 Activities to Improve Cardiovascular Health

You don’t have to hit the gym for hours to support your heart health. Short bursts of exercise work as effectively.

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Mia Barnes 09/05/2023

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

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