There’s a lot of conversation around plant-based, vegan and vegetarian diets as the “healthy” choice. But what makes these diets better for us? Is this even scientifically true? That’s one area medical research continues to explore. Plant-based diets have already been proven to lower your risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. As … Continue reading Why a plant-based diet might be better for your kidneys
You’ve probably heard some buzz around the very popular Whole30 diet — an elimination diet with the goal of committing to a 30-day nutritional system reboot for your body. But what does this 30-day diet entail? And is it good for your health? In essence, the Whole30 diet aims to eliminate a large portion of … Continue reading The whole scoop on the Whole30 diet
As a primary care physician, I get asked at least twice each week what I think about the ketogenic diet — does it really work? The short answer is yes, it works for some. The long answer is more complicated. Keep in mind, if you have any medical problems, especially chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high … Continue reading How to know if the keto diet is right for you
Traveling can be stressful as you try to beat traffic, navigate to your destination, or wait in line at the TSA security checkpoint. However, eating while traveling does not have to be stressful or unhealthy if you stick to simple, healthy snack ideas. When preparing your own snacks, some can be hearty enough to serve … Continue reading 3 healthy travel snack ideas
Every day, Americans get almost half of their added sugar consumption from drinks. And although recent USDA surveys show that we are drinking less soda, consumption of mid-calorie drinks like tea or vitamin water is actually on the rise. Sweetened drinks can add many “empty calories” that give us few of the nutrients we need. … Continue reading Sugar sense: How to make smarter beverage choices
When I was growing up in Georgia, my mother put meatloaf on the table all the time. We ate burgers and hot dogs like everybody else and didn’t think anything about it. I don’t remember ever eating fish at our house. This was before we had all the studies about the negative effects of cholesterol, … Continue reading Why I went plant-based and why my patients should too
Following a healthy diet can be tricky. With so many options available and so many conflicting diet plans, choosing the right foods isn’t easy. Fortunately, when it comes to carbohydrates, there is a tool to help separate the good from the bad. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on how fast they raise your blood … Continue reading Not all carbs are created equal
School will soon be in session and for parents, that means you’ll once again be faced with that dreaded daily task: packing your child’s lunch. Like most parents, you want to do a good job, which means creating a nutritious, well-balanced meal that your child will actually eat. But it can be hard to know … Continue reading What to pack in your child’s lunchbox
We often focus on how to eat better but forget to focus on the why. Everyone always hears about what we need to do to live a healthier life, but the ‘why’ is important because it is what empowers us to change! In “How Not to Die” by Michael Greger, MD, the founder of nutritionfacts.org, … Continue reading Staying on the right beat with your heart health
The Fourth of July is an American holiday dedicated to recognizing our independence both as a nation and a people. Celebrations honoring this day are typically spent amongst family and friends, surrounded by good food at picnics, cook-outs or other personal celebrations. While we are a nation of freedom, we are also one where more … Continue reading 4 ways to eat healthy on the Fourth of July
