Nutrition Quarterly Fall 2022

I live in the northeast, which has a temperate climate. Soon after Labor Day each year, the days grow a little shorter, the temp a little crisper and the trees start changing color, eventually dropping their leaves. Personally, I love when the season changes to Autumn – it is my favorite season of all! All of these seasonal changes around me remind me of the changes we need to make for ourselves, not seasonally, but daily! That’s right, our bodies are stitched together with 60 trillion cells that make up your blood, tissue, organs, bones and more. The cells that make up you are constantly replacing themselves. Heck, the hemoglobin that makes up your blood system is completely replaced every 90 days. From your blood to your most vital organs, virtually every cell is replaced at least once a year; many more often! Because “you are what your foods eat,” eating a variety of different foods each day is important. Variety is truly the spice of life! And, I might say, “Variety gives us a thriving life!” The Fall offers a wonderful variety of new foods such as Squash, Apple, Cranberry, Cinnamon, Ginger and of course Pumpkin. Each of these festive foods have powerful nutritional values! Although these foods and spices are commonly associated with sugar, there are many ways to enjoy them in a healthier way. Try these foods raw, baked or in a shake by simply adding no sugar; just allow the natural sugars held in the fibers to take center stage. By chewing carbs longer, you will also find these natural sugars will be released in your mouth with an explosion of flavor. If you must have that pumpkin pie or apple tart, do it! But do it in moderation, and be sure to combine with low-glycemic foods containing all your macros. This little trick will slow digestion and create insulin stability. You can also indulge immediately following your workout when your body is demanding fast absorbing carbs. Not one gram of these sugars added or not, will attach to your hips or love handles! Timing these Fall flavors can make for healthy, vibrant lifestyle. Enjoy the seasons and enjoy a healthy life! Eat Well! Dan Young Dan Young is the founder and president of Simple Again, representing Performance Food Centers and the swiig brand of nutritional products. Certified in personal training and sports nutrition, Dan is a lifelong athlete, having competed in body building and endurance events. Dan completed his first of many Ironman competitions in 2018. Letter From the Founder Nutrition Quarterly · Series 3 – Volume 4 3 Letter From The Founder