POSTED: Monday, October 12, 2009
Be a Fall Foodie!
By Whitney Meade, Executive Assistant to the CEO
And what exactly is a foodie, you may ask? A foodie is a food connoisseur of sorts. He's someone who's completely aware of the food he's putting into his body, and here at HopeHealth, he's someone who takes pride in nourishing his body with healthy food. In our lives filled with too-frequent stops at Wendy's and grabs of a Diet Coke and Chex Mix at the convenience store, we've lost touch with the art of food. As we rush into autumn, what a perfect time to discover the joys - and health benefits - of pure, unadulterated, and simple food.
If you're like me, the fall bodes more than college football and shorter days. It conjures up warm feelings of time spent with family and friends, often revolving around nothing more than food. Why, the National Day of Overindulgence (referred to by most as Thanksgiving) is nothing more than a celebration of food in its most American form. Turkey. Stuffing. Gravy. Green beans. Sweet potato casserole. Macaroni and cheese. Pecan pie. Sweet tea. Lots...and lots...of buttery rolls. And not to mention, one of my favorite events of the year - the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte to Starbucks! While these foods may be comforting and delicious, they aren't the healthiest of choices. In our great state of South Carolina, the fifth-fattest state in the nation, we have got to start making some changes with what we're putting into our bodies.
That Pumpkin Spice Latte I mentioned? The Grande size contains 380 calories. For a drink! But you don't have to sacrifice your Starbucks to make a healthier choice. Try it sans-whipped cream and with non-fat milk and you're only staring down 260 calories. At HopeHealth, we want to encourage you to tap into your Fall Foodie even more. Try making your own spaghetti sauce from fresh produce and spices rather than purchasing the jar version that's loaded with sugars. And while you're at it, try wheat noodles for a healthy alternative to the standard white. You may be surprised that you actually prefer the new taste! Try replacing heavy cream in your holiday recipes with soy milk. Get creative with your side items - artichokes, couscous, asparagus, beans, and grilled peppers make wonderful substitutions for standard boxed rice. Also, search for healthy-recipe websites. One of my favorites is www.AllRecipes.com, which has a fabulous section devoted strictly to healthy recipes.
As you channel your Fall Foodie and become a healthier you, we may see you less around our office. And that's okay with us. You're getting healthier, and that's our goal. Have a great fall!
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POSTED: Monday, October 12, 2009
Be a Fall Foodie!
By Whitney Meade, Executive Assistant to the CEO
And what exactly is a foodie, you may ask? A foodie is a food connoisseur of sorts. He's someone who's completely aware of the food he's putting into his body, and here at HopeHealth, he's someone who takes pride in nourishing his body with healthy food. In our lives filled with too-frequent stops at Wendy's and grabs of a Diet Coke and Chex Mix at the convenience store, we've lost touch with the art of food. As we rush into autumn, what a perfect time to discover the joys - and health benefits - of pure, unadulterated, and simple food.
If you're like me, the fall bodes more than college football and shorter days. It conjures up warm feelings of time spent with family and friends, often revolving around nothing more than food. Why, the National Day of Overindulgence (referred to by most as Thanksgiving) is nothing more than a celebration of food in its most American form. Turkey. Stuffing. Gravy. Green beans. Sweet potato casserole. Macaroni and cheese. Pecan pie. Sweet tea. Lots...and lots...of buttery rolls. And not to mention, one of my favorite events of the year - the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte to Starbucks! While these foods may be comforting and delicious, they aren't the healthiest of choices. In our great state of South Carolina, the fifth-fattest state in the nation, we have got to start making some changes with what we're putting into our bodies.
That Pumpkin Spice Latte I mentioned? The Grande size contains 380 calories. For a drink! But you don't have to sacrifice your Starbucks to make a healthier choice. Try it sans-whipped cream and with non-fat milk and you're only staring down 260 calories. At HopeHealth, we want to encourage you to tap into your Fall Foodie even more. Try making your own spaghetti sauce from fresh produce and spices rather than purchasing the jar version that's loaded with sugars. And while you're at it, try wheat noodles for a healthy alternative to the standard white. You may be surprised that you actually prefer the new taste! Try replacing heavy cream in your holiday recipes with soy milk. Get creative with your side items - artichokes, couscous, asparagus, beans, and grilled peppers make wonderful substitutions for standard boxed rice. Also, search for healthy-recipe websites. One of my favorites is www.AllRecipes.com, which has a fabulous section devoted strictly to healthy recipes.
As you channel your Fall Foodie and become a healthier you, we may see you less around our office. And that's okay with us. You're getting healthier, and that's our goal. Have a great fall!
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