A quick message from one of our Nutrition Experts…in the form of some snow puns!
Snow happens weather you like it or not. Although pretty to look at, this time of year can be the most difficult time to stay consistent with our health goals.
Germs, cold weather, lack of sunshine, early sunsets, and snow may be welcomed by some, but by others it could mean heightened depression, inflammation, isolation, and food cravings.
“You snow it to yourself to make the best of winter.”
The weather outside may be frightful, but our health doesn’t have to be! Scroll down to discover three nutrition secrets and some favorite recipes to implement on this snowy day.
Cookie baking in the making? DO NOT SKIP MEALS.
It can be tempting to get out of routine on a day that naturally forces us to be away from schedule, such as a snow day. Challenge yourself to eat balanced meals today. Choose foods high in protein and fiber, yet cater toward that need for comfort.
Feeling like a nice bowl of warm comfort? Here is one of our favorite chili recipes to recommend: Click here
“The brain uses glucose to run efficiently and if there is not enough glucose for the brain to use, your body does not function at 100 percent. Low blood sugar causes people to feel irritable, confused and fatigued. The body begins to increase production of cortisol, leaving us stressed and hangry. This hangry feeling then leads to choices we wouldn’t have made if we stuck to our food routine.”
Honoring our cravings has its place in our lives. However, when it becomes a habit to constantly go towards food the instant you have that craving, we are no longer intuitively eating or honoring what our bodies and minds want. Instead, we are emotionally eating.
Yes, we can absolutely help with that!
Still feel like baking, but want to keep health in mind? Try one of our favorite bagel recipes to recommend: Click here
Utilize the 20 minute rule.
Cravings are emotions in disguise. What does this mean?
When we have a craving for a certain food, most of the time it stems from an association we have created.
Do you notice that you want a sweet at a certain time every day and it is hard to stop at just one? Do you feel sad and instantly chocolate comes to mind? Is it a behavior you want to change?
Challenge yourself at that moment. Look at the clock, and do something else for 20 minutes: read a book, call a friend, go for a walk, take a nap, take a shower; most of the time that craving will disappear as soon as you address the actual emotion you are feeling.
When you comfort yourself with a hobby or an act of self care instead of with food, you will notice your health goals starting to come true. You will also feel better too!
“Don’t flurry, be happy.” Simple changes go a long way.
By now, you have learned that what we eat absolutely affects our mood.
Not enough protein and fiber? You will feel hungry and tired.
Not enough water? You may feel sluggish.
Too much sugar? You may feel nauseous and fatigued.
Feeling drained and unmotivated? You may be struggling with a vitamin deficiency or a hormonal imbalance.
Simple changes go a long way. Let our nutrition experts (RDNs) help you make a plan that actually works for your lifestyle.
A cookie cutter approach belongs in the kitchen; we create a plan that tailors to your individual likes and dislikes, and most of the time, insurance covers nutritional counseling!
Simply reply to this email or call 609-738-3143 to reserve your spot this month!
Happy Snow Day!
Michele Wroblewski-Pflug, RDN
