Summer is right around the corner, and the warmer weather is already here, which means more outdoor adventures after work, more time at the pool, and more getaways! However, with the summer fun comes a change to schedules and routines. For many, this means there is less time for cooking, exercise, and health goals. But what if we told you that you don’t have to put your goals and wellness journey on pause during the warmer months? There are many ways to keep your health a priority as summer heats up.
Summer, The Well Balanced Way
Barbecues, graduation parties, vacations, oh my! All can seem like a wrench thrown into nutrition goals. However, remembering how to build a well balanced plate, ditching the all or nothing mindset, and simply enjoying good food and even better company can lead to a stress-free summer. The summer months offer an opportunity to create wonderful memories and oftentimes that includes yummy treats which should be enjoyed guilt-free! Every little effort counts, whether that’s cooking at home 2x per week, eating a side of veggies at 1-2 meals, or going on walks on your lunch break.
Nutritious Food, Fast
If time is more scarce in the summer, do not worry because there are plenty of delicious recipes that can be done in a flash.
If you find yourself in the car more often in the summer between driving to the beach, drop offs and pickups from camp, or summer get-togethers, then having accessible yet nutritious snacks might be helpful. Keep these in the car or pantry for easy access no matter where you are:
trail mix
jerky sticks
protein bars
crunchy chickpeas
individually packaged popcorn or nuts
crackers and peanut butter
protein powder (mix with water or milk of choice)
perishable items that are easy to grab on the way out of the house:
This time of year is meant to be enjoyed without the sacrifice of your health goals. Finding quick and easy recipes, bringing fruit or veggies with you to a cook-out, stocking up on nutritious grab-and-go items, and practicing balance will help create a summer without worry. If you are interested in hearing more about sticking to health goals in the summer then watch our most recent webinar. And as always, enjoy the journey!
Meal planning and preparation are some of the most common struggles we (Lucy, Kristen and Bella) hear about from clients. Whether it’s due to a time constraint, creative block, picky eaters at home, or disinterest in cooking, meal planning and prep often take a back seat in many of our lives. That’s why at Well Balanced we are always looking for new ways to help our clients plan and cook their meals without breaking the bank or requiring hours in the kitchen. So over the past few weeks Kristen and Bella decided to give some meal prep help a try from a local company, Long Life Meal Prep.
Check out our reviews below!
Bella:
If you were to talk to my friends and family you would quickly learn I am often the butt of many jokes due to the oxymoron of being a RD that doesn’t always do a good job at feeding herself. Between my work schedule and being a full time student, I often lack the motivation (and time) to cook 3 meals a day. If I don’t meal prep on Sundays, then I often struggle to come up with dinner ideas. That’s why, just like my clients, I am always looking for new tips and tricks to get nutritious fuel without the hassle.
So when I had the chance to try Long Life Meal Prep, I couldn’t resist. I found that their meals were a good base, and that adding some additional sauces, spices, and veggies took them to the next level. The convenience was the best part. All I had to do was reheat, add some additional flavors and within minutes BOOM, dinner was served!
Chickpeas, spaghetti, and spinach – one of Bella’s favorites.
Veggie burritos with cilantro lime dressing
Kristen:
Countless times I tell myself I am going to put together a nice lunch for myself but something stops me from following through with lunch prep- whether it’s the overwhelm of starting or simply time already feeling stretched thin. If I’m lucky, I’ll have leftovers to reheat, but I’m not going to lie some days I end up just eating a granola bar or scramble to put a ho-hum lunch together.
I was excited to get a little help from Long Life Meal Prep since I can be so inconsistent with lunch. It’s funny how making a family dinner that we will all enjoy together is a lot easier to prioritize than my individual lunches. I know I’m not alone because I hear all the time from clients who agree that cooking for yourself is a lot harder to do.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner you have a hard time keeping up with, consider getting a little help. It was so nice having these meals ready for me when things got busy. Why not take something off your plate and make healthy eating easier?
Mixed vegetables with potatoes, kale, carrots, and mushrooms. Kristen added leftover chicken and curry powder to round out the meal and reheated in a skillet.
Chicken and zucchini covered with tomato sauce and cheese.
Pro Tips for Using a Meal Prep service like Long Life Meal Prep:
Letting someone take over the job of prepping frees up more brain space and creativity to make the meals work for you. Don’t assume that every meal is perfect for you as is. Put some time and effort into making it satisfying and filling. These meals often start at a low calorie level. You may need more energy to make it through the day. Here’s what you can add to your meals.
Flavor. Some meals are loaded with flavor like Bourbon Grilled Chicken or Honey Sriracha Chicken Bowl. If you choose a more basic meal, think of it as a blank slate to add your own type of flare! It can quickly be jazzed up with your favorite sauce or seasoning blends. Flavor boosters don’t have to add a ton of extra calories or unneccesary ingredients if you make your own or pick high-quality store bought versions. (Need help? Lucy and Bella will be sharing fast and easy ways to add flavor to your meals on this month’s webinar. Sign up now!)
Fiber. Some meals may be too low in carbohydrates for you and could use a fiber boost. Simply add some whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, or your favorite bread to the meal to round it out and make it complete.
Fun. Long Life Meal Prep has some fun snack/dessert options that are made with minimal sugar and added protein. Adding fun items like this to your routine in addition to Well Balanced meals will make it easier to eat well without feeling like you are missing out on anything.
A few more tips:
If you have time, heat your meals in an air fyer, toaster oven or on a skillet. This delivers the best flavor and quality.
If you can’t eat your meal within the week, keep them in the freezer for later. The day before you are ready to eat it, put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before heating the next day.
Need help getting your meals just right? Give them a call. They will be happy to work with you to personalize your order.
Meals are tightly sealed to stay fresh.
Having the nutrition facts allows you to customize your meals to meet your nutrition needs.
Wanna Try Long Life Meal Prep, too? Here’s how:
Long Life Meal Prep is a company based in Jamestown, NC, but they ship anywhere. If you live near one of their “pick-up” locations you can save 20% off your order by dropping in to grab your meals each week.
Select either delivery or find your pick up location at check out
Enjoy your food!
Ready to try? Use the code:WellBalance10 to get 10% off your first order! Put Well Balanced Nutrition in the comments section on follow up orders to let them know who sent them.
Menopause. The change. Whatever you call it, it’s important to remember that it’s not a disease to be treated, but rather a normal stage of life. Menopause “officially” starts 12 months after your last period. That happens, on average, around the age of 51. Perimenopause often starts in the early- to mid-40s. This is when some may start feeling symptoms like:
Weight gain—especially around the midsection
Hot flashes and night sweats
Difficulty sleeping
Mood fluctuations
Why does this even happen? Some of the reasons behind all these changes include your changing hormones, metabolism, stress levels, and lifestyle.
Because your body goes through all these changes, its nutritional needs also change. Here are some expert nutrition tips to help you navigate the onset of menopause.
Nutrition tips for Perimenopause and Menopause
1. Hydration is Helpful
Some key menopausal symptoms may be improved simply by drinking more fluids. If hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, or bladder infections are affecting you, try drinking at least six 8-oz glasses of water per day to help hydrate you. It’s important to remember that we all slowly lose our sense of thirst with age. This means you can become less hydrated without even noticing it, through no fault of your own. So find ways to make it easy and appealing to sip on a hydrating beverage all day long. If water is challenging to drink, try herbal teas or jazz up your water with a lemon or lime. Start early in the morning so you get your fluids in well before it wakes you up in the middle of the night.
2. Rethink that Night Time Drink
Although that glass of wine feels like a great way to unwind at the end of the day, pay attention to how you feel when you have a nightly drink or two. Alcohol can worsen hot flashes and make it harder to stay asleep through the night. It can also increase your risk of getting or worsening many health conditions. Lastly, drinking beer, wine, or cocktails each night may be taking you over your energy needs for the day and contribute to weight gain.
3. Cut down on spicy foods, caffeine, and sugar
If hot flashes bother you, try avoiding common triggers like spicy foods and caffeine.
When it comes to sugar, the simplest way to cut down is to replace sugar-sweetened drinks with water or herbal tea. Also, excess sugar can be coming from things like chocolate, doughnuts, pastries, desserts, and snacks. If the thought of cutting out all sweets doesn’t sound fair (we agree), try eating smaller portions or even half-sized desserts. A recent study showed that menopausal women who consumed more sweets, fats, and snacks suffered from menopausal symptoms more than those who ate more fruits and vegetables.We’re talking hot flashes, night sweats, muscle and joint problems, and bladder issues were all worse for the dessert-lovers. Again, that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself completely! Find creative ways to enjoy sweets in a new, healthier way.
4. Be mindful of your energy needs.
For most, metabolism slows down gradually as we age. It happens for many reasons, including the fact that we tend to move around less throughout the day, exercise less, and lose muscle mass that doesn’t get used regularly. This means that by continuing to eat the same amount of food as you did in your 30s and 40s, you’ll start gaining weight. On average, women in their 50s and 60s gain about 1.5 pounds every year. Mindful eating can help. Try starting with smaller portions and paying attention to how much you need to feel full and satisfied.
PRO TIP: Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime, particularly if you have trouble sleeping.
5. Eat higher-quality foods
Focus on quality foods packed with nutrients (i.e., nutrient-dense foods). Think fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Eating enough protein cans support your muscles and bones. You can get protein from legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and/or poultry. A recent study showed that menopausal women who ate the most greens had the fewest complaints about typical menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. By eating more nutrient-dense foods like these, you’ll get more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein—all of which are crucial to maintaining your health during and beyond the menopause transition.
PRO TIP: Your bones love calcium and vitamin D. Some of the richest sources of these are dairy products, fish with bones, and foods fortified with these nutrients (check your labels).
Bottom Line
A few simple diet and lifestyle changes can help improve common symptoms during perimenopause.
Be sure to drink enough fluids while minimizing alcohol; cut back on spicy foods, caffeine, and sugar; eat mindfully and build meals around higher-quality foods.
If you’d like personalized nutrition recommendations and coaching to help you feel your best during perimenopause and menopause, let’s start with a phone conversation to see how we can help! Set up a call today.
Related:
The Truth About Hormones and Nutrition – Free Workshop Recording. Nutrition can help support your hormone health. We share nutrition tips to help with sleep, your menstrual cycle, stress, and appetite.
We all have something that makes us tick…. biological clocks. The fan favorite is the circadian rhythm, responsible for helping shape your behavioral, physical, and mental patterns on a 24-hour basis. However, those with female reproductive organs have a second internal clock called the infradian rhythm. Alisa Viti, CEO of FLO Living, notes that this clock works on a 28-day basis, regulating the menstrual cycle which is made of 4 phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. As you embark on the infradian journey, your hormones change with the seasons of the cycle causing a cascade of effects in your body. Therefore, nutrition can be a key component in supporting your body through each phase. So let’s find out what foods best fit the phase you’re in!
Menstruation
Menstruation is the phase of disposing the endometrial lining that built up from the previous cycle. On average it can last anywhere from 1-7 days. During this time hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels start to decline. In fact, estrogen hits its lowest point right before the flow. So what does this really mean? Menstruation is the perfect time to slow down, rest, and honor your body because it is experiencing some inflammation during this phase.
Tofu, spirulina, kidney beans, chickpeas, green peas
Healthy, friendly fats such as:
Avocado
Olive oil
Ghee
Nut butters
Anti inflammatory foods/drinks to help with symptoms:
Ginger
Turmeric
Green, black, oolong, or raspberry leaf teas
Avoid pro-inflammatory foods like fried foods, processed foods high in refined sugars, dairy products, and fatty foods as these can worsen symptoms
Follicular phase
As the bleeding comes to an end, you transition into the follicular phase, which typically occurs 7-10 days after menstruation ends. The coaches at Flo Living note, in the beginning hormones are at their lowest, but slowly begin to rise throughout this phase, preparing your body for ovulation. So, it is common to feel like your best, energized self. You might feel more focused, motivated, calm and in control during this time. You might notice you aren’t as hungry as other times of the month as metabolism is slower during this time. That is why it is important to focus on balance, nutrient density, fiber, and color during this phase.
Foods to eat during this phase of your cycle:
Chicken and eggs
Oats and barley
Broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach, and peas
Berries, apples, pears
Flax seeds, cashews, and walnuts
Sauerkraut and kimchi
Ovulation
Up next is ovulation! Typically taking place mid cycle and averaging about 3-4 days in length. Estrogen levels continue to rise and luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of an egg. Testosterone will also be on the up and up, making you feel energetic. This is a great time to focus on fiber to help your body flush out excess estrogen to avoid cramps or pain. Supplying your body with nutritionally rich foods will give it the fuel it needs.
Foods to eat during ovulation include:
Smoothies and salads
Raw fruits and veggies like:
Spinach
Tomato
Cucumber
Bell peppers
Corn
Asparagus
Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
Cruciferous veggies:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Kale
Cabbage
Radishes
Pecans, pumpkin seeds, chocolate
Luteal Phase
The 10-14 day period after ovulating is called the luteal phase. Estrogen and progesterone levels continue to climb, and metabolism speeds up.
However, in the second half of the luteal phase, right before menstruation begins again hormone levels will dip down to their lowest point again. This is usually the time many experience fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, GI upset, bloating and/or appetite changes. However, adequate nutrition can help prevent the hormone imbalances that cause PMS. Since your metabolism is higher during this time, opt for nutrient dense foods and don’t refrain from protein and healthy fats.
Help stabilize your blood sugar during this phase with complex carbs like:
Sweet potatoes
Root veggies
Quinoa
Squash
Help prevent fluid retention with magnesium and calcium rich foods such as:
Cooked leafy greens
Dark chocolate
Cocoa powder
Pumpkin seeds
Almonds
Dark leafy greens
Yogurt
Sardines
If you experience painful cramps, try adding ginger to your meals or beverages, it has been proven to help with painful cramping
Other great foods to eat during this time:
Raisins
Dates
Cabbage
Turkey
Chickpeas
Spirulina
Beef
Turkey
Monitoring your cycle is a great way to keep in touch with your body, allowing you to record symptoms and optimize nutrition depending on your body’s needs. There are many period tracking apps that help you do so. Cycle tracking provides you with the information you need in order to support your body and recognize when something may be out of balance with your hormones. Nutrition and lifestyle choices play a huge role in hormonal balance and reproductive organ health. Focusing on freshness, balance, nutrient density, and variety can benefit your body as it travels along its 28-day cycle. If you’d like to learn more about hormonal health and how nutrition can support it, please sign up for our monthly webinar by clicking the link below!
Different Types of Carbs and Natural vs. Processed sugar
Now that we know how our bodies process sugar and ways to optimize our blood sugar levels, it’s important we wrap up this series by discussing the different kinds of carbs and their major sources along with natural vs. processed sugars.
What are carbs anyways?
Carbohydrates are molecules made up of sugar units. Simple carbohydrates are made up of only one or two units, whereas complex carbohydrates are made up of many sugar units strung together in long, complex chains.
Types of carbohydrates
The three main types of carbohydrates are sugars, starches, and fiber.
Sugars are simple carbohydrates. Their structure is the most basic form which makes them easy to digest and fast to absorb into the bloodstream. As we covered in the first post, the major types of sugars are:
Fructose and Glucose – the sugar found in fruits, vegetables, honey, but also in food products like syrups made with a combination of fructose and glucose
Sucrose (aka table sugar) – occurs naturally in sugar beet, sugar cane, and fruits; also found in baked goods, candies, sugary drinks, etc.
Lactose – a sugar found in milk and dairy products
Starches are complex carbohydrates. Since their structure is more complex, it takes more time to digest and metabolize starches. If you remember the discussion about blood sugar from post 3 then you know these kinds of carbs will promote a healthier rise in blood sugar and insulin after a meal. Examples of starches include:
Starchy veggies such as peas and split peas, corn, and potatoes
Beans, chickpeas, and lentils
Whole wheat grains, rice, oats, barley, quinoa
Fiber is also a complex carbohydrate. However, it comes from the indigestible part of plants. When we eat fiber it does not get digested and passes through our intestines until it reaches the colon where our gut bacteria use it for energy. Since fiber is not digested, it helps us stay fuller for longer, slows down digestion and prevents large spikes in blood sugar. Sources of dietary fiber include:
Fruits and veggies, especially berries, apples, pears, leafy greens, and avocados
Beans, lentils, peas, and corn
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Natural vs. Processed Sugar Explained
Natural sugars are ones that inherently exist in fruits, veggies, dairy products, nuts/seeds, and unprocessed grains/starches (aka corn on the cob, black beans, potatoes, etc). This means that there are naturally occurring sugar units that help makeup these foods. Thank you nature! Other forms of natural sugars can be found in 100% pure maple syrup and 100% pure honey.
Processed sugars are those that do not exist naturally and are often added to foods. Processed sugar is sometimes referred to as added sugar or refined meaning it comes from a process that extracts sugar from sugar cane or sugar beets. Examples of processed sugars include:
table sugar
high fructose corn syrup
brown sugar
rice syrup
cane juice
molasses
other ingredients such as maltose or dextrose
A great way to know if there is processed sugar in a food is to read the label. For example, if a product like orange juice says 100% fruit juice and has no other ingredient other than oranges, then it contains only natural sugars. However, if the bottle were to list oranges AND cane sugar then it would contain both natural and processed sugars.
The Difference Between Eating Natural and Processed Sugars
From a scientific perspective, our bodies break down processed and natural sugars into the same molecules. However, when we eat natural sugars from fresh fruits and vegetables we also get other nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, water, and protein. These other compounds help regulate blood sugar after we eat and provide our bodies with many benefits. Processed sugars on the other hand do not have other nutrients as the food they came from had to be stripped of them in order to extract the sugar. The difference can be seen in our blood sugar following a meal or snack. Let’s look at 2 scenarios:
Scenario 1: If you eat an apple not only are you getting a source of natural sugars, but also fiber and vitamins. That means your blood sugar will steadily rise and the fiber in the apple will help you feel fuller longer and prevent a rapid crash in energy.
Scenario 2: If you were to eat a piece of candy you would not be getting fiber and your blood sugar would quickly spike and drop leading to what many describe as a quick increase in energy followed by a crash and fatigue. The lack of fiber can also mean you don’t feel as satisfied and full from one piece of candy as opposed to one apple.
Takaways
In summary, sugar can be a difficult topic to tackle that’s why I (Bella) want to end the series with these points:
Sugar aka glucose is the main source of fuel for our brain, therefore it is important to provide our bodies with carbohydrates every day.
Where your carbohydrates come from is what matters. Opting for whole foods that haven’t been processed is always a good choice. However, if you choose pizza over quinoa some nights, there is no reason to stress.
Eat the Well Balanced Way, meaning aim to have a source of protein, fat, fruits/veggies, and complex carbohydrates on your plate as much as possible.
Treat yourself! Sweets and treats are meant to be enjoyed. The more you deprive yourself the more likely you are to actually eat more than you would if you just enjoyed that brownie when you wanted it!
If you are interested in learning more about the science of sugar, watch our free workshop on how to fit sugar in a well balanced diet:Watch the workshop!
Ways to Optimize Your Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels
Hooray! You’ve made it to the third post of the Gimme Some (Science About) Sugar Series. In the last two we’ve discussed how our bodies process sugar, what insulin and insulin resistance mean, and the effects of elevated blood glucose and excess sugar in the body. We’ve learned that too much sugar can have some serious health risks. Although the research linking elevated blood sugar to a wide variety of diseases can be scary, it gives us the knowledge to make choices that promote positive health outcomes. So let’s turn these facts into fuel for a healthier you!
Blood sugar imbalances can feel like a rollercoaster ride.
How to Detect Blood Sugar Imbalances
Before we dive into optimizing your blood sugar levels, it’s important to know the common signs that your blood sugar may be on a rollercoaster ride (beyond what is normal after a meal). The common symptoms of blood sugar imbalances include:
mood swings
fatigue
large bursts of energy followed by a crash
trouble concentrating
weight gain
dizziness and headaches
excessive thirst and excessive urination
dry skin
blurry vision
cravings for sugary foods/drinks
Ways to Optimize Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels
Get Fiber Fueled
Fiber is a term used to describe any type of complex carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest. Fiber slows the rate of digestion and absorption of carbs. This means your blood sugar will rise more gradually following a meal, and consistent intake of fiber can actually reduce our blood sugar levels in the long run, decreasing the risk of developing diabetes. Carbohydrates that are packed with fiber are always a great choice when you’re choosing a snack or meal planning.
Examples include raspberries, strawberries, leafy greens, beans and lentils, oats, chia seeds, peas (especially split peas), pears, apples, avocados, and broccoli
Eat Well Balanced Meals
When planning a meal it’s best to have a source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat on your plate. Extra bonus points if one or more of the foods you choose is packed with fiber. Each of these nutrients helps stabilize blood sugar levels on their own, but they’re even better together. Team work makes the dream work!
Well Balanced Meal examples:
veggie omelette with whole wheat avocado toast
grilled chicken breast, a baked potato, and roasted carrots
black bean burger on a whole wheat bun with a side salad
Snack examples:
apple with peanut butter
veggies with hummus or yogurt dip
trail mix with dried fruit
Watch Your Added Sugar Intake
To clarify, added sugar is anything that isn’t already in our foods (fruits, vegetables, and dairy products have natural sugars in them already), so when we talk about added sugar we are NOT referring to these. However, any type of sugar (table sugar, brown sugar, syrups, etc.) that is added to a food or dish for flavor purposes, is the added sugar we must be aware of.
Plan out your meals and snacks so you can gauge how much added sugar is in your week ahead
Avoid sugary drinks like sodas, juices with added sugar, or coffee/energy drinks loaded with sweet syrups
Enjoy sweets in moderation
Move After a Meal
Research has shown that movement after eating can help reduce the spike in blood sugar. Sports Medicine recently published a scientific review of over 50 studies analyzing how single bouts of exercise help control post-meal blood sugar. The review found that a single bout of aerobic exercise (aka cardio) resulted in lower blood sugar levels. The best part? The exercise only had to be about 30 minutes in length and still had optimal effects as long as it occurred within 6 hours of eating!
Exercise ideas:
Take a walk on your lunch break after you eat
Ride a bike whenever possible if you’re going out to eat, that way you have to ride it home after eating
Plan to eat before working out to not only fuel your muscles, but to optimize your blood sugar and insulin levels
Have a family dance party after eating
If you’ve made it through all 3 posts, thank you, and consider yourself a sugar specialist! However, our work here isn’t done yet. In the next (and last) post we are going to cover the different types of carbohydrates and discuss processed vs. natural sugars. See you next week!
If you are interested in learning more about the science of sugar, watch our free workshop on how to fit sugar in a well balanced diet: Watch the workshop!
