snacks Archives - Be Well Solutions

Fruits and Vegetables are Good Medicine

The role that a well-balanced diet plays in the prevention of illnesses is often overlooked as doctors reflexively reach for a prescription pad, rather than a suggested grocery list, when discussing health strategies with their patients. Fruits and vegetables offer a myriad of health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, they promote healing, boost our immunity, and strengthen our overall health status. Strive to Make Them a Part of Every Meal Given our fast-paced lifestyles and busy schedules, it can be challenging to consume enough of these nutrient-packed foods. According to the CDC[1], less than 15% of Americans eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables (1.5-2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables daily). The Be Well Dietitians teach the importance of including fruits and vegetables in every meal, and fortunately, there are many [...]

Tags: #corporatewellness, #smoothies, fruit, health, snacks, veggies, wellness|

Stress-Free Office Snacks

Everyone has workdays that everything just feels out of control! Perhaps you have too much on your plate or you got a disagreeable email. Unfortunately, work stress is inevitable. And during these stressful times, most of us are tempted to reach for a snack to calm and comfort. Believe it or not, there is a scientific reason for this phenomenon! When we become stressed, our cortisol levels rise and our bodies naturally respond by going into “fight or flight” mode. As cortisol levels rise, our blood sugar drops causing us to crave carbohydrates to help refuel. Thus, we end up looking for a quick sweet fix like a candy bar or cookies. But looking for a refined carbohydrate will not solve your body’s response. In fact, sugar will lead to a spike in blood sugar, causing more stress. To [...]

Tags: clean eating, comfort food, corporate wellness, nutrition, snacks, stress eating|

Working From Home: Mindful Snacking

Mindful Snacking With many of us sheltering at home, we tend to gravitate towards activities that keep us occupied. Sometimes we choose activities to escape the feeling of boredom. They give us a reason to break from work or serve as a distraction from stress and difficult emotions. During these times, snacking may become a frequent habit. It is important to recognize that snacking is not inherently “good” or “bad.” The choice to include snacks in your diet should be based on your activity level, overall calorie needs, health goals, and medical conditions. One way to keep snacking in moderation and avoid unwanted snacking habits is to take a mindfulness approach. Mindfulness simply involves being aware of your body’s internal state (thoughts, feelings, motivation, etc.) without judgment. Setting Up Successful Snacking Routines 1. Listen to your hunger cues Your body [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, mindful eating, recipe, snacks, work from home|

Munch Through March Madness

If you’re one of the 97+ million U.S. viewers of NCAA’s March Madness, you’re bound to be tempted by typical gameday snacks. Wing orders alone increase by 24% during the tournament, and if your favorite team loses, you’re more likely to indulge in a variety of gameday treats. Pizza and dessert orders also increase by 19% and 9%, respectively, following losses versus wins. But what about the beer? Three and a half million extra cases of it are produced in March to keep up with demand. It’s already easy to overeat traditional gameday foods (pizza, wings, chips, dips, and desserts) that are notoriously high in salt, sugar, and fat. It's a combination that fires-up our brain’s reward center and steers us towards overeating and unintended weight gain. Add distracted eating to the mix during March Madness, and you’re even more [...]

Tags: march madness, nutrition, recipes, snacks, tailgate|