Magazine_Winter2021_RND4_11.24.20.indd

FAST TIMES Today’s society is so fast-paced that fueling ourselves with good nutrition has become confusing and, at times, almost impossible. No one understands this better than a student facing a chaotic schedule and poor food choices, or a mom juggling a career with a growing family. We just have to stop, take a minute and take control of your life. If you can get your diet right, it’ll help you get sick less, have more energy, keep the extra weight off and just feel all around better. An important first step is eliminating the temptations or trigger foods that constantly thwart your efforts. Trigger foods are foods that we all want on occasion when our emotions get the best of us. The trouble is, they usually aren’t good for us; they are processed, full of sugar, or loaded with trans-fats. The easiest way to have good quality foods enter your body is to eliminate these trigger foods from your pantry and only stock foods that will help you achieve your goals. Getting Your diet Right Nutri-Facts| CACAO FUNCTIONAL FOODS • Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which have significant health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. • Cacao is rich in flavanols, which lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function. • Cacao can improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol. Eating up to one serving of chocolate per day may reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits 16 Nutrition Quarterly · 2021 – Volume 1