I had the good fortune of dining at the Umstead in Cary, NC last Saturday and I was pleasantly surprised to see mocktails on their bar menu. At this stage of life, I enjoy relaxing socially with a beverage, but do not care for the side-effects of alcohol. I want to enjoy the following day also! Last Saturday I chose a delicious basil limeade, but the hibiscus spritzer was a definite contender! I mention this because I have many clients confess they enjoy an evening cocktail, especially during summer months, but find lowered inhibitions with food as well as undesirable sluggishness in the morning. Therefore, I am offering some ideas for beverages that will allow you to unwind with friends and family but will not impede your healthy lifestyle. Enjoy your summer with these guilt-free mocktails from Experience Life!
Making Pizza Work by Lisa Johnson, RD
Who doesn’t love pizza! It has become one of America’s favorite comfort foods. The problem with comfort foods, however, is that they won’t leave you comfortable very long! Pizza’s are high in fat; therefore, they are high in calories. And because the fats come from animal sources like cheese and meats, they are high in… Continue Reading
Plant-Based Nutrition, by Mackenzie Brenner, UNCG Nutrition Student
The adoption of a plant-based diet is ever increasing as the infinite list of benefits becomes more clear through research and personal experience. Whether it is decreasing greenhouse gas emissions or to consume more fiber and lower cholesterol, there are many reasons why someone might consider eliminating ultra-processed foods along with meat and dairy products.… Continue Reading
Keep it Light When You Light the Grill by Lisa Johnson, RD.
Grilling season officially kicked-off last Memorial Weekend. Most of us love this time of year when the days are long, and we can be outdoors whipping up a quick meal after hours. Thankfully, grilling techniques have evolved so that we have learned to grill much more than ribs, burgers, and steaks. Now, entire meals are… Continue Reading
It’s Time to Give Bean Pasta a Try! by Cari Culp, RD
Legume pasta is all the rage these days and rightfully so! I have been having so much fun with it in the kitchen. I am frequently asked if veggie (tri-colored) pasta or whole wheat pasta is better than regular pasta. Well the answer is, not really. There is not much difference in the ingredients, total… Continue Reading
Magnesium, A Mighty Mineral by Lisa Johnson, RD
Magnesium shines as one of the body’s most essential minerals. It cofactors over 300 bodily functions to aid with bone health, blood pressure regulation, insulin sensitivity, heart health, colon health, and brain health. Deficiencies have been linked with depression as well as attention deficit disorder and sadly over 60% of the US population are deficient… Continue Reading
What is the best protein bar to choose? by Cari Culp, RD
Despite our best efforts, let’s face it, we all get stuck in a pinch and need grab-and-go nourishment at times. Although whole food is always the best choice, it never hurts to have a good quality protein bar on hand for those times when life gets chaotic. The question is, with so many options, what… Continue Reading
Ways to Eat More Vegetables by Lisa Johnson, RD
Spring has sprung which means the garden-fresh vegetable selections will be more plentiful. And, most people adapt to warmer months by lightening their load when it some to food choices. Spring cleaning isn’t just for our environment we know! The benefits of a lifestyle high in vegetables are well established. Any healthcare professional will encourage… Continue Reading
Because We All Need That Cookie Sometimes! by Cari Culp, RD
Spring is right around the corner and many of us are looking for ways to tone up and maybe shed some of those holiday pounds. Limiting sugar is one great way to do that, but alas, for one reason or another, that sweet craving comes creeping in. We all want a little something sweet here… Continue Reading
Cortisol, Inflammation, and Dietary Lifestyle by Lisa Johnson, RD
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands in response to stress. The purpose of cortisol is to provide immediate blood glucose to fuel a “fight or flight” encounter. Under short-term stressful events including exercise, cortisol is a friendly hormone that aids your body’s adaption. The negative results from elevated cortisol levels occur… Continue Reading