 Nothing says summer like bright, red cherries. Cherries are often used in staple summer desserts, but that isn’t the only way to use them! You can use cherries to sweeten up any smoothie or salad, and they can also be used in savory dishes. A homemade cherry sauce pairs nicely with grilled chicken breast or pork chops. Let’s learn more about the different types of cherries, how to use them, and what health benefits they have! What nutrients do cherries provide? Not only are cherries delicious and versatile, but they have health benefits too. Cherries are a good source of potassium, which helps our muscles contract and helps control blood pressure. They are also rich in a compound called polyphenols. Polyphenols work to reduce damage to the cells in our body and reduce inflammation. They can also protect against certain chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes. Cherries have small amounts of other essential minerals as well, like copper and magnesium. Cherries and… melatonin? Cherries also have melatonin, which is unique because not many plant foods are good sources of it. Melatonin is a chemical that our brain releases in the darkness to help regulate our sleep cycle. You may have seen melatonin supplements before that help you fall asleep at night! Cherry varieties Each cherry variety has a different peak season throughout the summer. The popular Bing cherry has the longest season, spanning from early June to mid-August, making them easily accessible throughout the summer! Other varieties, like Chelan and Tieton, are best only in June, so grab them before it’s too late! The graphic below shows the cherry seasons in the Northwest.   Sweet or Sour? Cherries range in how tart or sweet they taste, making some varieties better for baking and some better for eating fresh. The popular Bing cherry we mentioned before is great for all uses because it is sweet with just a hint of tartness. There is wiggle room to add some sweetness for a dessert, but they are still sweet enough to snack on! The Morello cherry is a tart variety, so you may not want to eat them raw, but they are perfect for baked goods. Lastly, the popular Maraschino cherry. Maraschino cherries are not their own variety. Maraschino is a method of preservation that gives these cherries their bright red color! Because of the sweetness of these cherries, they work best as a topping for your ice cream, cocktails, or milkshakes.  Where should I get cherries?
To buy the cherries for your summer recipes, try picking your own. Many small producers will allow the public to come and pick cherries from their trees, and it’s usually cheaper than the store or farmer’s market. Search for a u-pick cherry orchard in your area and call your friends or family for a fun summer activity. You can start by searching the Pick Your Own website for farms in your area. Did you know that Washington State is the largest producer of sweet cherries in the entire nation? It’s a great place to go cherry picking! Have a cherry-rific summer! Emma Suzuki, Dietetic Intern Resources: https://nwcherries.com/nwcherries/season Gropper SS, Smith JL, Carr TP. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Cengage Learning; 2018. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/types-of-cherries/
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 The good: Omega 3 Fatty Acids & Vitamin D Fish and seafood have unique health benefits that can be difficult to get from other foods. You may have read before that fish have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are dietary unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are fats that are in their liquid form at room temperature (think olive oil and canola oil). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and heart health and can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s Disease. Fish and seafood also have vitamin D, which is not abundant in many foods. Many people, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, struggle to get enough vitamin D from the sun. Incorporating fish into our diet is a great way to combat this! Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, and sardines, have more vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids than fish with less fat. What about mercury? While they do have important nutrients, nearly all fish and seafood have varying amounts of mercury. Larger predatory fish (fish that eat other fish) generally have more mercury than smaller fish. It is good to avoid eating high-mercury fish often, but this is more of a concern for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. For most people, eating low-mercury fish often is not harmful, and eating high mercury fish sparingly is okay, too. The Food and Drug Administration has done some work for us and created a list of fish with the lowest and highest amounts of mercury to guide your choices – see below!  Reminder: labels “best” and “good” do not have to do with how healthy the fish is, only how much mercury is in them!  Fish and the environment Like many foods, fish and seafood have sustainability considerations. The ways fish are harvested in the wild and fish farms have a varying impact on the environment. Some commercial tools can affect the physical environment, and some can catch species unintentionally. Certain seafood types are caught using tools that drag across the bottom of the ocean, like in the photo below. This can damage the seafloor and can displace other bottom-dwelling species. Some methods of catching fish and seafood allow for a more intentional capture, where the likelihood of catching and harming unwanted species is much lower. Explore Fishing and farming methods | Seafood basics to learn more about how different types of fish are caught! You can also look for specific certifications on your seafood packaging for sustainable options. Here are a few examples:
 How much seafood should I eat? It is recommended to have two servings of fish per week, and these servings should be around 3-4 ounces (the size of your palm). If you are concerned about mercury content, you can choose from the “best” or “good” choices in the table above!
Try these easy recipes for new ways to add seafood to your diet: Easy Pesto Salmon by A Couple Cooks One-Pan Seafood Roast by Cassie Best Shrimp Fajitas by The Modern Proper Fish and seafood are delicious and beneficial protein sources to add to our diet. Explore types of seafood and sustainable options to find the right way to incorporate fish into your week! Emma Suzuki, Dietetic Intern https://www.seafoodwatch.org/seafood-basics/fishing-and-farming-methods https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/ https://seafood.edf.org/benefits-eating-fish https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-health-benefits-of-fish#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/bycatch/fishing-gear-dredges https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish#pattern  There are many products out there claiming to defy the process of aging or, better yet, reverse the clock. While there is no cure for aging, there are ways to keep your skin strong and healthy. You can start by changing perspective to look at what causes initial signs of aging. I am referring specifically to wrinkles, dark spots, inflammation, and overall dullness. Bioactive compounds found in foods are able to help combat aging through oxidative defense, lowering inflammation, increasing collagen production, and protecting against UV-ray damage. The damage begins at the cellular level with free radical damage, also known as “oxidative stress,” which is the root cause of many diseases. Therefore, it is no surprise this oxidative damage can also affect our body's biggest organ - our skin! Plants are a great source of antioxidants, which combat this damage. Typically, the more vibrance and color, the greater the benefits. Bioactive compounds found in foods such as carotenoids, vitamins C and E, phenolic acids, and polyphenols have been shown to have positive impacts on skin health. These compounds play a role in skin health by:
Top 5 Foods to Add to Your Diet for Skin Health: 1. Berries  Blueberries are known for being one of the richest sources of antioxidants. Blueberries are versatile and can be added to many dishes like yogurt parfaits, salads, or even a blueberry balsamic dressing. 2. Citrus Fruits Oranges and tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C, which is important for collagen production. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant important for protecting the skin from sun damage. Have oranges ready on your countertop for a quick snack on the go. It is almost peak season for tomatoes, consider homemade marinara sauce in batches, so you can freeze them and eliminate some prep later in the month. 3. Leafy Greens  Kale is another reputable veggie known for its skin benefits. Kale’s composition includes the antioxidant vitamin K, which is important for cell hydration and overall firmness. Vitamin K may also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Oh, Kale-ya! Try out some homemade Kale chips; they are easy to make and are mild in flavor. Be creative and try different toppings such as red chili flakes, sea salt, nutritional yeast, or even garlic powder. 4. Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes  You drive me nuts but in a good way! Nuts and legumes are not only a good source of plant-based protein, but they also provide a positive skin aesthetic. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyphenols, and alpha tocopherols (an abundant form of vitamin E found in human tissues). Alpha tocopherols are the only form of Vitamin E that has an active effect on the body. It is involved in forming antioxidants and, therefore, reducing the amount of free radical damage. Create some trail mix with a combination of your favorite nuts, and include seeds such as pepitas and sunflower seeds. If you are looking for a sweeter flavor profile, toss the nuts and seeds in a bit of honey, sprinkle some cinnamon, and bake in the oven at 350° until lightly toasted. Nuts and seeds are also great toppers for salads, yogurts, and oatmeal. 5. Decaffeinated Green Tea  While the hydration component of green tea is important, the antioxidants are the stars. The flavanols in green tea, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may offer some UV protection, increased elasticity, and overall bounce to your skin. The bottom line regarding the information on food and skin health is a diet higher in whole foods is known to show significant changes in skin health and aesthetics. The best foods for our skin are those packed with nutrients, vibrance and are plant-based. An abundance of fruits and vegetables will not only benefit your skin but will also support overall health.
Julie Allocco, Dietetic Intern Resources https://foodrevolution.org/blog/foods-for-healthy-skin/ Fam VW, Charoenwoodhipong P, Sivamani RK, Holt RR, Keen CL, Hackman RM. Plant-Based Foods for Skin Health: A Narrative Review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. 2022;122(3):614-629. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2021.10.024  After a long and chilly winter, Washington farmer’s markets are beginning to fill up with fresh, colorful produce! Washington has a variety of local produce, but did you know Washington’s sandy soil is ideal for growing asparagus? Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant species - meaning it can live for more than two years. Their young shoots are the delicious green stalks seen at the grocery store. Asparagus is harvested from late February until June, peaking in the spring months. Asparagus is full of flavor and loaded with vitamin A, folate, and potassium. These nutrients are great for our skin, heart and blood health, and so much more! Nutrients found in just 4 spears of asparagus: Nutrient Amount Calories 13 Protein 1.4 grams Fat 0 grams Fiber 1.2 grams Folate 89 micrograms Potassium 391 milligrams Vitamin A 606 IU Vitamin K 30 micrograms  Asparagus & Skin Health While asparagus is full of nutrients that nourish the whole body, it is especially beneficial for skin health. After months of dry winter air, you may find your skin needs some extra care. A diet low in antioxidants may prevent new collagen from forming and limit the body’s healing process. With asparagus being rich in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, it can be a helpful addition to your spring diet to help repair your skin.  Asparagus & Blood Health An important nutrient for blood health is vitamin K, and asparagus is rich in just that! Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and the healing process. Though this vitamin is fat-soluble and can be stored, the body only keeps a small amount, so it’s good that asparagus is in a large variety of foods. Other sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, and broccoli. Asparagus & Heart Health Asparagus is also an excellent source of fiber and potassium, which are great for heart health! A diet high in fiber may improve heart health in many ways, such as reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are some tips to make the most of this seasonal vegetable. Tips to remember at the store:
Tips to remember at home:
 Ways to Include Asparagus In Your Diet:
-By itself because why not (baked, grilled, steamed, etc.) -Toss into your favorite pasta dish -Bake into a casserole -Cut spears into halves, then cook into an omelet -Add small pieces to a stir-fry -Spice it up! Try this Pickled Asparagus recipe by Marissa Stevens Wishing you all a nutritious and happy spring! Violet Lederman, Dietetic Intern Katie Shepherd, RDN Sources: http://www.michiganasparagus.org/our-team; https://livesmartohio.osu.edu/food/williams-973osu-edu/appetizing-asparagus/ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168390/nutrients https://pinchandswirl.com/pickled-asparagus/ While it’s still chilly and rainy here in Seattle, we are slowly inching our way into warmer and dryer weather! Soon we will be surrounded by Spring blossoms, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the coveted Pacific Northwest Sunshine. Spring is an exciting time of new growth! With Spring cleaning and the tradition of starting fresh, this is a wonderful time to incorporate more healthy habits into our routine. As the weather warms up, outside activities like biking, kayaking, and hiking are enjoyed by many! Activities like these depend on a strong and healthy heart to keep them going. Below you’ll find out how fats, fiber, and flavor impact our heart health and how to create habits that allow us to enjoy all of our Spring activities with confidence. Swapping Fats Fat in foods helps keep us fuller longer and makes our food satisfying to our taste buds! Fat found in plants typically have a higher proportion of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol numbers and reduce the risk of heart disease. Generally, fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products will have higher amounts of saturated fats. Wild-caught salmon is a great example of a source of omega-3, an unsaturated fat that’s excellent for heart health and, as a bonus, also high in potassium which can help regulate blood pressure.  To limit saturated fats, try some of these tips when cooking:
Increasing Fiber-Rich Foods When we increase the amount of fiber in our diet, we can lower our risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels - all while increasing the amount of vitamins and minerals we’re getting. Fiber slows down digestion in our gut which prevents blood sugar spikes, offers prolonged satisfaction, and can help reduce eating past fullness and the feeling of discomfort associated with that experience. To increase your fiber, consider adding more of these foods to your meals:
Swapping Flavors Our bodies only need a small amount of sodium to function. The general recommendation from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for adults is to enjoy 2,300mg or less of salt a day. However, many Americans are consuming amounts way above these recommendations. Consuming high amounts of salt can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. While reducing sodium may seem challenging at first, try slowly incorporating some of the tips below. You may be surprised at how satisfying they can be! Tips to keep the flavor and reduce salt:
 Make It Fun! Adding heart-healthy habits to our daily eating patterns doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or boring. Start with some tips that feel doable for you and invite some friends to join in! Try having a themed dinner night where you and a couple of friends all bring a dish to share that focuses on fat, fiber, or flavor and see how creative you can get! Sometimes a little healthy competition is just what we need. Other ideas to immerse yourself in heart-healthy habits:
Friendly Reminder: Prioritizing your heart health doesn’t mean you have to skip dessert! In fact, dark chocolate contains flavonols that can help with lowering blood pressure. Below are two delicious recipes for when you want something sweet that’s also heart-healthy.  Almond and Apricot Biscotti makes 24 cookies Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 Tablespoons canola oil 2 Tablespoons honey 2 Tablespoons low-fat milk ½ teaspoon almond extract ⅔ cup dried apricots, chopped ¼ cup almonds, chopped Optional: dark chocolate for melting Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Whisk to combine. Add eggs, milk, oil, honey, and almond extract. Stir with a wooden spoon until it just begins to come together. Using floured hands, add in apricots and almonds until well-blended. Place dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log 13x3 inches and 1 inch high. Invert dough by lifting plastic wrap and placing the top-side face-down onto a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut on a diagonal into 1” slices. Transfer back onto the baking sheet, cut-side down. Bake for an additional 12 minutes or until edges begin to brown slightly. Heat chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until completely melted. Drizzle over biscotti and let sit to harden. (adapted from mayoclinic.com)  Strawberry Frozen Yogurt makes 4 cups Ingredients: 4 cups frozen strawberries 3 Tablespoons honey ½ cup plain Greek zero or low-fat yogurt 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Directions:
Add frozen strawberries, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor. Process until creamy – about 5 minutes. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. (Adapted from www/justataste.com) Violet Lederman, Dietetic Intern Resources: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/46654/taco-seasoning-ii/ https://www.justataste.com/5-minute-healthy-strawberry-frozen-yogurt-recipe/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/almond-and-apricot-biscotti/rcp-20049600 https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/diet-and-health-conditions/heart-health; https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/020612p24.shtml;  Root Vegetables It’s the depth of winter, which means there’s little color to find in anyone’s garden. The produce section has plenty of fruits and vegetables to pick from, but which are actually in season? If you’re looking for vegetables that are in their prime and wallet-friendly, turn to root vegetables. Root vegetables are ripe in the fall through spring and most often eaten in the winter as hearty soups and stews, bakes, mashes, and pot pies. Appropriately labeled, root vegetables are found in the ground.  So, what counts as a root vegetable? There are over a hundred different types of root vegetables worldwide. The most commonly known ones in the United States are the following:
 Other root vegetables have made a name for themselves as well, most commonly in the international districts and Asian markets. These include:
Root vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A 100g serving of carrots or sweet potato packs over 90% of the Recommended Daily Amount of vitamin A! Vitamin A contributes to good vision and supports immune function. Potatoes, turnips, and parsnips are excellent sources of potassium. Potassium helps regulate the heartbeat and keep muscles and nerves functioning properly. Root vegetables are also low calorie, at just 100 calories per cup. Some root vegetables have interesting origins. Sweet potatoes and yams were first cultivated in South America and Africa and slowly made their way to the United States with the colonial wave. Taro, an Asian root similar to the potato, may have been cultivated as early as 5000 BCE and predates rice as the main starch in the East Asian and South Asian diet. Not all root vegetables are the same. In fact, there are many different categories.
Bulbs: Like fennel, shallots, and onions, they have a distinctive layering in their flesh and high water content. Bulbs are essentially underground stems that the plant uses for storage to survive the colder months. They are typically used for flavoring due to their pungent taste and odor, and they have a sweeter flavor and softer texture when cooked. Corms: Like celery root and water chestnut, corms are very similar to bulbs, but they lack the layered scales that characterize bulbs. Like bulbs, they are also underground plant stems used for nutrient storage during the winter. Tap Roots: Like beets, carrots, and parsnips, taproots are a swollen central root of a plant that breaks off into smaller, tendril-like roots. They are typically hard when raw and soften when cooked. Tuberous Roots: Like sweet potatoes and yucca, tuberous roots (tubers for short) are typically the base of the root and part of the stem that can protrude from the ground. They are swollen nodules of the plant’s root system and do not require much digging to be removed from the ground. An excellent example of this is the Casava plant, cultivated in South Asia and used for savory dishes, desserts, even to make reusable bags! Rhizomes: Like ginger, turmeric, and garlic, rhizomes are typically used for seasoning other foods. Rhizomes, unlike the roots listed above, grow horizontally rather than vertically. They contain antioxidants and become more aromatic when cooked. Tubers: Like potato and yam, tubers are different from tuberous roots. While tuberous roots are swollen nodules of the plant’s root system, tubers are swollen plant shoots used for vegetative reproduction. Produce costs vary by season When in season, root vegetables are budget-friendly. A pound of carrots can cost as little as $0.99, and a pound of beets $1.12. If you’re looking for a nutritious, affordable, and versatile vegetable to add to your dinner plate, root vegetables are the way to go! Emily Strawn, Dietetic Intern Sources https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=58340 https://www.freshpoint.com/news/root-vegetables-vs-tubers/ https://www.thespruceeats.com/chinese-white-radish-daikon-694717 https://foodprint.org/real-food/taro/ https://foodprint.org/real-food/rutabaga/ https://eliteclubs.com/nutrition-guide-to-root-vegetables/ https://www.verywellfit.com/  Winter is here and in full swing! Thanks to weather changes, nutritional needs change from season to season. In the winter, we are constantly switching from cold outdoor temperatures to dry, heated indoor environments, increasing the risk of infection. One of the best ways to sustain a robust, healthy immune system this winter is by maintaining a balanced diet rich in various nutrients and incorporating daily movement. Sticking to a balanced diet won’t prevent you from getting sick necessarily, but a well-supported immune system can help better protect you. So, the question is, what foods will support our immune system and overall health this winter? Here are a few tips to keep in mind during these colder months of the year! 
Vitamin D deficiency is quite common and is associated with:
Food Sources of Vitamin D:
Some examples include:
There are several foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like:
Here are two delicious recipes that are packed with nutrients and perfect for the wintertime ~  Ultimate Winter Salad Yield: 8 entrée servings or 16 side servings Ingredients: 6 oz. weight shredded kale ½ small lemon, juiced 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 6 oz. weight shredded vegetables (Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots) 2 medium apples, cored & diced 1 ½ cups candied pecans (see note) 4 oz. weight crumbled goat cheese 1 ½ cups roasted delicata squash (see note) ½ cup pomegranate arils
For the Dressing: ½ cup red wine vinegar 4 tsp. whole-grain or Dijon mustard 4 tsp. pure maple syrup ¼ tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. ground black pepper ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Instructions: 1. Put the shredded kale in a large salad bowl. Add lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Use your hands to massage the lemon juice and olive oil into the greens - about a minute or so. The kale should wilt slightly and deepen in color. 2. Add the other shredded vegetables/greens, chopped apple & candied pecans to the bowl. 3. Make the dressing by combining all of the dressing ingredients in a lidded glass jar or canning jar. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour the dressing over the salad & mix well. 4. Add the crumbled goat cheese, delicata squash, and pomegranate arils to the top. Serve & enjoy! Nutrition per serving: 330 calories; 27g Fat; 11g Protein; 17g Carbohydrates, 250mg Sodium, 375mg Potassium  Hot Spinach Dip Yield: 3 cups (24, 2 Tbsp. servings) Ingredients: 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained well ½ cup red bell pepper, diced 2 Tbsp. minced garlic ½ lemon, juiced 1 (6.5 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained & mashed ½ cup light cream cheese ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt ½ cup grated Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese Ground black pepper, to taste ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper (optional) Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Mix together spinach, bell pepper, garlic, lemon juice, artichokes, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheese. Season with pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into a 1-quart baking dish. Top with crushed red pepper if desired. 3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Enjoy with whole-grain crackers, tortilla chips, bread, or your favorite vegetables. Nutrition per 2 Tbsp. serving: 37 calories; 2g Fat; 2.7g Protein; 2.3g Carbohydrates, 82mg Sodium, 62mg Potassium Stay healthy & warm this winter!
-Maheen Jamshidpour, Dietetic Intern Resources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/how-vitamin-c-supports-a-healthy-immune-system Companies have mass-marketed mushroom products the past few years, such as powder blends, mushroom complex dietary supplements, and even mushroom lattes. Why this influx of new products? Curious consumers are looking into the wide range of benefits mushrooms provide. Although mushrooms have recently become a trend, fungi themselves have had known benefits for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, where fungi were believed to provide immortality. Believe it or not, they were not too far off.  Quick Facts: -Like plants and animals, fungi have their own kingdom in the classification of living things; mushrooms are just one type of fungi -There are 14,000 different species of mushrooms -Only 300 species are edible -30 species are domesticated -10 species are commonly grown Let’s discuss some of the benefits of those obtainable and edible. Mushrooms provide a tremendous amount of nutrients, composed of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The composition of nutrients in mushrooms benefits the immune system, cellular system, and vital organs. Immunity Mushrooms are a rich source of beta-glucans, a soluble fiber found in the cell walls of fungi. These beta-glucans are essential in supporting immune health through their involvement in the activation of white blood cells (WBCs). WBCs are involved in fighting off infections and preventing disease. Cellular system Mushrooms have a rich source of dietary antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium, and beta-carotene, all of which reduce the amount of cellular damage caused by free radicals. The inhibition of free radical damage to our bodies decreases our risk for cancer, heart disease, brain disease, etc. Porcini mushrooms contain an abundance of ergothioneine and glutathione, two of the richest antioxidants responsible for anti-aging properties. Brain health As the name suggests, Lion’s Mane is known for its “hair-like” features and its proposed cognitive benefits in supplement form. As mentioned previously, antioxidants play a huge role in anti-aging properties. A 2017 animal study researching the efficacy of Lion’s Mane on cognitive health found improved memory and neuronal function in healthy mice. Lion’s Mane contains two compounds involved in stimulating brain cells and preventing neuronal damage: hericenones and erinacines.  Gut health Mushrooms also contain prebiotics, compounds found in foods that provide nutrition for the probiotics found in our guts. The role of prebiotics is to help promote a healthy microbiome, reducing the potential risk for diseases associated with an imbalance of the gut microbiota. Supplementation Speak to your healthcare provider before taking any mushroom supplement. These could be made from traditional mushrooms used in culinary dishes, certain medicinal mushrooms, or a mixture. Supplements are sometimes in the form of extracts or powders. It is important to research any product thoroughly before taking them as well. -Julie Allocco, Dietetic Intern Resources: Brandalise, Federico et al. “Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2017 (2017): 3864340. doi:10.1155/2017/3864340 https://foodrevolution.org/blog/mushrooms-nutrition-benefits-risks/ https://foodrevolution.org/blog/medicinal-mushrooms-benefits/  The holidays only come once a year, so it’s important to find ways to remember every moment. There is one commonality to every holiday that brings us all together, and that’s food! As exciting as bringing our holiday favorites back, it can be stressful for some to think about. Practicing mindfulness over the holidays involves having moment-to-moment awareness. It also involves using your senses to have new observations with foods familiar or new to you. It is a unique practice unlike any healthy eating trend, focusing on reconnecting with food without judgment. Mindful eating allows us to appreciate food and the nourishment it gives our bodies truly. It is effective for an extended period of time, not a short-term goal with “fast results.” There are no food rules and restrictions associated with mindful eating; the goal is to savor the moment and have your own unique experiences. 10 Strategies to practice Mindful Eating: #1 Be Intentional. Choose your most meaningful holiday meals. Don't feel pressured to choose items you are not desiring. #2 Get Creative and Consider Alternatives. Try swapping out ingredients with those supporting your health goals. #3 Remove Distractions. Try to become more present while eating by creating ambiance and removing distractions, i.e., Cellphones, TV, Workload, books, etc. #4 Stay Hydrated. Remember to stay hydrated during colder months. Consider trying hot tea with lemon, warm milk (with molasses - Yum!), sparkling water, or flavoring your water. #5 Noticing your Hunger and Fullness. Determine if a pre-meal snack is necessary before a holiday gathering. You never have to "save up" for a holiday meal or party; this may cause you to be overly hungry and eat at a faster pace or past fullness. Eat slowly; it takes about 20 minutes for your hormones to kick in and tell your brain when you have had enough food. #6 Using your Senses. Before taking your first bite, notice the smells, colors, and food arrangements. When you take your first bite, take it slowly and notice the textures, flavors, and sounds coming from the food.  #7 Have a Strategy. Bring your favorite dish and try using a smaller plate to help your portion sizes and satisfaction factor. Develop a well-balanced plate and look over all your options before choosing. #8 Add Joyful Movement to Your Holiday Traditions. Plan ahead to try new activities, such as going for a group walk, playing a game of charades, or looking at Christmas lights after dinner.  #9 Manage Stress. Identify the true source of your stress to respond in a way that is helpful to you. Try breathing techniques, get outside, go for a walk, journal, or have a stretch break.
#10 Drop the Food Guilt, Be Present & Practice Gratitude. Remember to enjoy yourself; the holidays only come once a year. Try to be in the moment and cherish them. Acknowledge everyone surrounding you and the meals placed in front of you. Recognize the time it took to prepare for the holidays—practice gratitude with your friends and family. -Julie Allocco, Dietetic Intern  With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, we have a few ideas to add to your table! We created some side dish recipes for you to share & enjoy this holiday season with good company. These recipes may be new twists to the holiday classics, additions to your favorite dishes, or possibly something new entirely. Thanksgiving Day can be stuffed full of nutrients – so you and your loved ones can enjoy all the benefits. Our first recipe, CAULIFLOWER MASHED POTATOES, is a new way to prepare traditional garlic mashed potatoes. This dish has a nice nutty flavor and texture and is relatively low in carbohydrates. Cauliflower is known as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. It’s also one of the few plants that contain Choline, a nutrient vital to metabolism and brain health. Consuming enough Choline in our diet may reduce the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Dementia as well as heart and liver diseases. Other health benefits of cauliflower include:
 Gratitude helps us see what is there, instead of what isn’t. Our next two recipes highlight two nutrient-packed foods. PUMPKIN & GREEN BEANS - These foods are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which play a vital role in our eye/vision health, immunity, and tissue repair.
  Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. Our last dish is a delicious and easy dessert. Our baked pear recipe is the perfect option if you’re making 1-2 servings, but you can easily serve a crowd with these as well. Pears are full of potent polyphenol antioxidants, which help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. The antioxidants are concentrated in the pear’s skin, so aim to eat the whole thing, skin and all! You don’t want to miss out on the heart benefits or the soluble and insoluble fiber that help aid our digestion.  We hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we did. And most importantly, we hope you enjoy this holiday season – may your heart be full of gratitude and your belly full of fabulous foods!
-Paige Johnson, Dietetic Intern |
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