REFRIGERATING EGGS

Eggs should be refrigerated as soon as you get them home.  Eggs will lose more of their nutritional qualities in 1 day at room temperature than they will in 7 days in the refrigerator.

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PRODUCE FOR FIBROMYALGIA PAIN

I have lived with chronic pain most of my life.  I have several auto-immune diseases that cause this pain.  This started when I was in high school and has stayed with me all these years.  I have a prescription for pain medication that I do take occasionally but have found a lot of pain can be controlled by other measures.  Some types of exercise, ibuprofen, analgesic rubs, massage, etc all work well.  Another thing is diet.  While there is little scientific proof that diet can control pain, I believe it can.  I would suggest to anyone dealing with pain, especially fibromyalgia sufferers of which I am one, that they eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible.  Personally, I do not care much for meat so that is an easy one for me.  If you are a carnivore, start to gradually replace a little of the meat you eat on a daily basis with some fruit and vegetables.  I am not talking about eating a steak that weighs a few ounces less and adding a few more French fries.  I am talking about real fruits and veggies!  Eat them raw when possible and cooking lightly by steaming or cooking just until tender.

Did you know that oxidative stress which is a cell-damaging process that takes place in the body- is usually higher in the bodies of people with fibromyalgia (a disease whose major indicator is pain) therefore it is thought to be a major contributor in the development of the illness.  Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants therefore doesn't it seem like a good idea to increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet if you suffer from fibromyalgia?  Give it a try and see what results you get.  And remember, food does not work like drugs.  You cannot expect results the same day you make a dietary change.  It can take weeks, even months, but it can be worth it to feel better!

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THANKFULNESS FOR YOUR HEALTH

    Do you give thanks before meals? Do you practice thankfulness in your everyday life? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, good for you. According to HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING, "Giving thanks could make you happier and healthier. Research suggests that people who express gratitude are more optimistic, have better relationships and exercise more."

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AVOCADOS FOR THE EYES

Avocados have the highest quantity of the carotenoid lutein of any fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, and cataracts. If you aren't currently including avocados in your diet, it would be a good idea to do so.

 

GROCERY STORE AS A PHARMACY!

Update: This is a repeat from 2019.d but I am reposting because I believe this to be excellent advice. If you have never thought about this before, please do as we enter a new year. Your food choices can make or break your health. Also, Dr Oz is now the Director of Medicare and Medicaid for the United States Government.

This is a quote from Dr. Mehmet Oz, Professor of surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, NYC and Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at NY-Presbyterian Hospital but better known as TV's Doctor Oz:  "When you walk into a grocery store, you are walking into a pharmacy, and the power of those foods is as powerful as medications."

Based on my own experiences with multiple health situations, I believe that statement is 100% true!  The old saying, "You are what you eat," is so true!  Think about the doctor's statement every time you go grocery shopping in 2026.

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SOME HEALING FOODS FOR ANEMIA (LOW IRON)

It is a fact that healthy blood depends on a good supply of iron.  When your blood is low in iron, your body isn't getting the oxygen it needs causing you to feel tired and listless.  Anemia means your blood is iron deficient.  If you have a problem with low iron, here is a partial list of healing foods you should be eating.

• Clams
• Low-fat meats, especially beef
• Poultry, especially the dark turkey meat
• Duck
• Beans
• Cauliflower
• Cantaloupe
• Sesame Seeds
• Tofu

Vitamin C is helpful to the body in absorbing the iron from grains and veggies.  Consider some citrus, etc when eating vegetables and/or grains to improve the iron in your blood.

If you are wondering why liver isn't listed above, that was intended.  Doctors used to recommend eating liver to improve one's iron level.  However, over the years they have discovered that while liver is great for iron levels it is also loaded with cholesterol.  If you have a problem with cholesterol, get your iron from other sources!

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CINNAMON FOR YOUR HEART

 According to scientists, you are three times more likely to stay active and independent well into your 90s if you keep your heart and arteries healthy. The simple spice, cinnamon, can help you with that! According to scientists at the University of Tennessee, cinnamon can help balance blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides; nourishes heart tissues and prevent plaque buildup in arteries. Before you get too excited, this means you should add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to your daily diet and your heart could be beating more strongly in as little as two weeks. No mention was made to suggest cinnamon rolls would be helpful!

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HEALTHY SUBSTITUTE FOR MAYONNAISE OR SOUR CREAM

You can make your own healthy substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream by pureeing low-fat cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Use in recipes for all or part of the mayo or sour cream called for when making dips, dressings, or spreads.

Note: Not a brand recommendation. Use your favorite brand.

STRAWBERRIES - DID YOU KNOW?

A girl from my old school posted this on her facebook page.

Not sure if baking changes the nutritional value but a medium strawberry has less than 1 carb.

POTASSIUM AND STROKES

Are you eating enough potassium-rich foods ie bananas, sweet potatoes, pork, spinach, and more? Foods rich in potassium may cut ones risk of stroke by up to 21%. They may also lower the risk of heart attack. These are tasty foods so be sure to include them in your diet. Below are many of the potassium rich choices.