Connect4Hope with DeeDee

04/30/2022

Not only is livestock raised on pasture (rather than in industrial feeding operations) healthier for us (omega-3s vs. omega-6s), but it’s better for the soil, environment and climate, too!

Regenerative grazing is booming along the Mid-Atlantic, potentially helping to mitigate cows’ climate impact.

04/19/2022

Many of us are already accustomed to grabbing a coffee to start our day. Or you are even drinking coffee or sugary drinks for an energy boost throughout the day. The idea sounds great, but why not drink something that your body will thank you for? There are more reasons ... Read more

04/18/2022

Shopping for eggs today can be really overwhelming!

Cage-free, free-range, organic, natural and everything in between...

What do all these labels actually mean? And which ones provide the greatest nutritional value?

If you're not sure (or even if you think you're sure), check out my latest blog post. The answers may surprise you.
https://www.connect4hope.com/post/egg-labels-fowl-play

04/04/2022

Do you wish you had better-eating habits? Most of us do!

Here are a few tips to consider practicing for a healthier diet:

1) Eat three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep in mind that dinner does not have to be the largest meal. In many cultures the largest meal is consumed in the middle of the day.

2) Focus on eating mostly whole foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, wild-caught fish and pasture-raised meat, poultry & dairy.

3) Control portion sizes by eating slowly.

4) Avoid eating a large meal right before bed to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and weight gain.

5) Avoid sugary snacks and instead snack on fruit, nuts, vegetables or whole grains to satisfy hunger.

04/01/2022

Health is not just the absence of physical disease. It's a feeling of being whole - physically, mentally and socially.

Our mental, social and physical well-being are all interconnected. Being unwell in one area can (and often does) result in being unwell in the other two. However, it also means that proactively addressing dissatisfaction in one area can significantly improve your health in other the areas.

03/31/2022

Are you in the habit of snacking on a box of cookies while you watch TV before bed?

Do you make a point to stop by the drive-thru to get a sugary coffee drink every morning?

Do you reach for a candy bar when you need an afternoon pick-me-up?

By pinpointing WHEN you indulge in sugar, you may begin to unravel your WHY.

Maybe you’re eating sugary foods because your meals aren't filling or providing enough nutrients. If so, think about what you can do to boost your meals to keep you satisfied.

Maybe you’re using sugar for pleasure or as a mood-booster. If so, identify what mood or feelings you’re trying to escape or cover-up.

Maybe you’re using sugary drinks to keep you awake throughout the day. If so, is it because you aren’t getting proper sleep?

When it comes to making healthy habits and lifestyle changes, we’re all learning. Be kind to yourself through this exploratory process and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, or for support along the way!

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/28/2022

If you’re craving something sweet, try feeding your other senses with a sweet-smelling treat instead. Essential oils like peppermint, black pepper, bergamot, cinnamon, clove, grapefruit, lemon, orange, and fennel may help you ease sugar cravings!

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/25/2022

Introducing and adjusting your tastebuds to other tastes (like sour and bitter) will help them reset, in turn, allowing you to crave less sugar.

Start with just a little bit of something outside of your ordinary palette, like arugula on a homemade pizza, or sipping on a black coffee instead of a latte.

Additionally, it might be worthwhile for you to visit an international grocery store, or just try new dishes and cuisines outside of your usual rotation.

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/22/2022

Without realizing it, many people turn to sugar as a way to boost their mood and create a little bit of extra happiness in their day. While this is okay once in a while, making a habit of relying on sugar for pleasure is not ideal for your overall health.

If you’re working on cutting your sugar habit, it’s worthwhile to spend time considering what ELSE could bring you pleasure throughout the day.

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/19/2022

Keep a log or journal!

Visually seeing what you’re putting into your body will help become accountable and make changes. While you shouldn’t obsess over every bite you take, keeping an honest log of what’s in your diet will allow you to learn more about your food habits and create goals that you can accomplish.

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/16/2022

Sugar cravings can be a result of dehydration. A lack of water also makes it more difficult for your body to naturally flush out sugars and other toxins from your system.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, try drinking an unsweetened tea, or infuse your water with citrus, cucumbers, herbs, or muddled fruits.

Health is a journey; not a destination. Do you need support removing sugar from your diet and replacing it with healthier food options? Learn more about how I can help you at connect4hope.com.

03/14/2022

An excellent source of Vitamins A, C & K, folate, iron and calcium, spinach improves skin and hair health, aids digestion and maintains bone health. The plant compounds in spinach are linked to eye health, heart health and lower risk of cancer. Spinach is one of the best food sources of quercetin, a plant compound which helps the body fight infections and reduces inflammation.

If you have a garden and want to grow spinach, late winter/early spring is a great time to plant it, as it doesn’t do well in the hot, summer weather. Spinach only requires about 6 weeks between seed planting and harvest, although you can leave the plants in the ground even longer. Ideal growing weather is 50°F to 70°F, but once the plant is established, it can survive much lower temperatures.