CHEESE FOR STRESS

Since we are into October with November and December not very far away, how about a solution to holiday stress? Most people tend to feel stress during the holidays with so many little details to deal with. However. am easy solution to some of that stress could be as simple as grabbing an ooey-gooey cheesy treat. Would you believe a review of 65 studies suggests enjoying one or two servings of full-fat dairy daily can halve the risk of blue moods and even chronic stress. If you are wondering how, here is the explanation given. A unique compound in dairy fat, known as trans-palmitoleic acid, helps prevent anxiety-triggering blood-sugar lows and dairy's rich stores of tryptophan which is an amino acid the brain uses to produce mood-steadying hormones. Notice that is full-fat not low-fat. By the way, I also had a doctor specializing in diabetes say that diabetics should eat full-fat dairy daily.

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A COUPLE EASY WAYS TO LIGHTEN UP YOUR DIET

Note: This post was originally written in November of 2021 and basically referred to the new year when many would be concentrating on their weight. Now it is Summer and bathing suit weather, thus many of the same concerns.

It is that time when millions will be thinking about their diet. They will promise themselves they will eat healthier and that they will diet.  Almost everyone reading this has made a promise like that to themselves at some point in time.  And most of those promises didn't last through a month!  Forget the diet, my opinion on that subject is all over this blog.  But eating healthier is so easy, so good for your overall health, and will eliminate the need for dieting.  Over the next few days, I will touch on simple things you can do to lighten up your meals.  I don't believe in complicated, that is just not me.  So let's get started with one of my easy tips that can make a big difference and is sustainable over time.

Switch out all your current dairy products for low-fat ones.  That includes milk, sour cream, yogurt, evaporated milk, even ice cream products.  You will hardly notice the difference in taste and within a few weeks you won't notice it at all.  You do need fat in your diet but going low-fat on dairy will be okay. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables which are available in your gardens or the Farmers Markets. These are just a couple of easy ways to eat a healthier diet this summer. As always, follow your doctor's advice over mine. People with certain illnesses or health needs especially must follow their doctor's advice.