• JANUARY 31, 2014
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    Updated Nutrition Labels Coming Soon?

    Updated Nutrition Labels Coming Soon?

    It seems the FDA is finally planning to update the 20-year-old nutrition labels. There are no details on how they will be updated, but hopefully the changes will make it easier for us to know what we are eating. If you would like to know more you can read an article by Diets in Review or the official FDA

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    • JULY 23, 2014
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    The Ultimate Playground Workout

    Its summer and school is out. It is great that the kids are home and of course you want to spend time with them, but what about your workout schedule? How do how you do both? A great idea is to get outside and hit the park for some playtime. Add in a little stretching

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    • MAY 6, 2014
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    The GIFT Box Newsletter – Spring 2014

    Hot off the presses, the second issue of The GIFT Box Newsletter. Get your copy now:  The GIFT Box Newsletter – Spring 2014  

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    • FEBRUARY 6, 2020
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    Tai Chi: Medicine in Motion

    February is recognized as American Heart Month—empower yourself with this soothing medicine in motion!

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    • APRIL 23, 2014
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    Tahini Broccoli Salad with Cashews

     You want to incorporate more vegetables into your day, but … Well, it is time to stop the excuses and start finding solutions. When you think vegetable, the thought doesn’t always have to be the same thing you had every night growing up; it also doesn’t have to mean the special vegetable casserole your great aunt used to bring to holiday

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    • JULY 3, 2018
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    Summer Food Safety

    Be sure to follow these 4 easy steps to food safety to ensure that your summer festivities go off without a hitch!

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    • JULY 5, 2013
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    Sugar vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup

    What are the differences? Is what you’ve heard really true?

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    • MARCH 7, 2014
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    Sugar Guidelines?

    On March 5, 2014 the World Health Organization released their proposed guidelines for sugar consumption. Their reasoning behind the recommendations is to reduce public health problems like obesity and dental caries (commonly referred to as tooth decay). The new draft guideline proposes that sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake per day.

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    • APRIL 24, 2020
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    Stretch Your Shopping with Shelf-Stable Foods

    Trips to the grocery store are limited right now for many, so now is a perfect time to stock up on items that have a long shelf-life!

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    • AUGUST 15, 2019
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    Stop To Taste the Apples

    Have you ever been so hungry that you ate your meal at rapid speed and you didn’t really taste it? If you said “yes,” you’re not alone.

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    • AUGUST 4, 2014
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    Stop Emotional Eating

    For many of us emotions – like boredom, sadness, loneliness or even happiness – play a large role in our food cravings and habits. In fact, as much as 75% of overeating may be attributed to our emotions. Taking a moment to pause and consider what’s really behind your desire for comfort foods and empty calories could be a good way

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    • APRIL 9, 2020
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    Stocking Up On Fruit and Veggies? Don’t Overlook Those Cans!

    Canned produce can be a great way to help us eat a healthy and varied diet, especially when food options may be limited.

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    • JULY 5, 2013
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    Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa & Mango Medley

    Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa & Mango Medley

    Can you correctly pronounce “quinoa”? Try this recipe with Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) – a higher protein whole-grain that tastes great!

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    • OCTOBER 18, 2013
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    Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots in Mustard Sauce

    Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots in Mustard Sauce

    These veggies are sweet, savory and crunchy, just perfect for the Fall season! Get recipe

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    • JANUARY 17, 2014
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    Reversing Preschool Obesity and Encouraging Health for Life

    There has been an increase in childhood obesity in the United States. In fact, 10% of preschool children (2-5 years) are overweight and more than 15% of children and adolescents ages 6-19 are overweight. Due to the adverse health costs of childhood obesity, the risk for overweight children to become obese adults and the lifelong

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    • DECEMBER 30, 2014
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    reSolutions

    It is almost the new year and many of us are starting to feel the pressure of listing their resolutions for making change. Yet in the back of our minds we see year after year of good intentions not quite make it to reality. In fact, it is estimated the only around 40% of us

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    • OCTOBER 23, 2014
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    Rebuilding Your Relationship with Food

    Food plays a very important role in our lives and our relationship with food can be, well complex. Food not only nourishes our bodies, it also at times elicits deep emotions – like guilt, shame or even love. Rebuilding a healthy balance between food and our emotions can seem overwhelming at times. But it doesn’t have to be, try following registered dietitian Katie Cavuto’s suggestions.

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    • AUGUST 17, 2016
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    Quick, Fresh, and Tasty Recipes for the Busy Floridian

    August is here which means it is time to get back into the daily hustle and bustle of our lives. For some of us, this could also mean less time for us to be able to make healthy choices like preparing healthy meals. If you find yourself in this situation…

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    • AUGUST 28, 2013
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    Penne with Herbs, Tomatoes and Peas

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Use up some of those summer vegetables, and use whole wheat pasta too. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/penne-herbs-tomatoes-peas-50400000128125/

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    • SEPTEMBER 11, 2014
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    Orange Glazed Florida Grouper

    Looking for a great way to make the summer last just a little bit longer? This orange glazed grouper is a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Serve with wild rice and your favorite green vegetable for a complete meal. Enjoy! Yield: 2 servings (approximately 4 1/2 ounces cooked) Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoon orange marmalade 1 tablespoon orange

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    • FEBRUARY 20, 2019
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    Olive Oil: What Are the Benefits?

    Ever wonder why olive oil is considered a healthy cooking ingredient?

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    • JULY 5, 2013
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    Obesity as a Disease, and What it Can Lead to…

    Obesity as a disease, and what it can lead to…Recently classified as a disease, obesity is more than just extra weight – it’s more, much more.

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    • DECEMBER 12, 2017
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    Mindful Eating

    We all have holiday memories that are near and dear to our hearts…

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    • MARCH 4, 2019
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    March Is National Nutrition Month!

    National Nutrition Month has three main goals to help people manage their weight successfully and reduce their risk of chronic disease…

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    • NOVEMBER 19, 2018
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    Maintain, Don’t Gain This Holiday Season

    Maintaining good health doesn’t have to mean sacrificing all of the family dinners, office potlucks, and holiday treats we love…

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    • NOVEMBER 20, 2014
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    Looking for a Leg Workout?

    As the holidays approach we may need a little more motivation to keep moving, not to mention a few more extra minutes in the day. Why not switch things up a little and enjoy an outdoor leg workout? Read the Article Here

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    • OCTOBER 23, 2015
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    Kitchen Counter Making You Fat?

      Could your kitchen counter be making you fat?  Sticking to a healthy diet is often easier said than done. Now a new study suggests that the foods sitting out on your kitchen counter could be making the task even harder. Sticking to a healthy diet is often easier said than done. Now a new study suggests that

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    • MAY 29, 2014
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    Kick Start Your Workout

    Kick start your workout plan with this 12-week fitness program designed by ACE. It was put together to help you build total body strength, enhance your cardiovascular endurance, gain muscular definition, lose weight, improve your health and increase your energy. If your new to exercise and looking for a beginner-level program it offeres a step-by-step guide, or if you’re a more advanced

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    • DECEMBER 19, 2016
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    Join a GIFT class

    Looking for a GIFT class in Spanish? Click here!

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    • JANUARY 24, 2014
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    It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle

    Unfortunately, weight loss takes more than just desire. It takes commitment and a good plan. However, shedding those extra pounds does not have to be overwhelming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a step-by-step guide to get you started. Step 1 – Make a commitment If you are reading this you most

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    • JUNE 4, 2015
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    Increasing Fiber to Lower Diabetes Risk

    Speaking of FIBER – scientific research supports that high-fiber diets helps protect us against type 2 diabetes.  Cereal (grain) fiber and fiber from vegetables were particularly noted as helping to lower the diabetes risk.  Getting to your healthiest weight and maintaining it, along with lots of fiber, supports our best actions for lower risk!

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    • SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
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    If your team loses, don’t let your health lose too!

    It is always disappointing when your favorite sports team loses a game. But according to researchers, sports fans of losing teams can become so miserable that they reach for junk food. Find out more: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265145.php

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    • SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
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    If You Lose or Gain Weight Depends on Weekdays

    If you are trying to lose weight, you have probably noticed that your weight seems to fluctuate over time. Well there were apparently others that also noticed this; because the researchers from Cornell University looked into the impact a human week cycle has on weight. Find out if you’re a weight loser, weight gainer or

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    • AUGUST 27, 2013
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    How the package you eat something out of impacts what and how much you eat!

    Consumers shift away from healthy products in transparent packages Transparent packaging for food is reportedly more attractive to consumers than opaque food containers, but consumers tend to shift away from healthy products in open-window packages. http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Packaging/Consumers-shift-away-from-healthy-products-in-transparent-packages

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    • FEBRUARY 25, 2019
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    How Much Is Too Much Sitting?

    Is sitting is the new smoking? Learn more about the health concerns associated with sitting for too long…

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    • FEBRUARY 7, 2017
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    How Binge Watching Television Affects Our Eating Habits

    Do you ever find yourself watching one episode of a new television show and then 3 hours later wonder what happened when you’re still sitting in the exact same spot?

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    • JUNE 4, 2015
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    High-Fiber Foods Help You Slim Down

    Up your fiber and slimming down may be easier! Add chopped onions to spice up your eggs. Try oat bran in stead of oatmeal – it has 2 grams more of fiber. Add ground flax seed to soups and salads. Use almond butter. Toss chickpeas into soups, salads, and veggie dishes. Swap regular spuds for

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    • APRIL 9, 2019
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    Helping Your Child Maintain A Healthy Weight

    Obesity currently affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the US. Learn more about what you can do to help your child maintain a healthy weight.

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    • FEBRUARY 11, 2014
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    Hearty Spinach and Bean Soup

    Hearty Spinach and Bean Soup

    Looking for an easy mid-week meal option? Try this quick and easy hearty soup. Fresh spinach, low in calories and high in phytonutrients, protein-packed beans and dashes of cinnamon and cumin make this soup super delish! Add depth with fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika or roasted garlic. Complete your meal with a hot, crusty whole grain roll.

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    • JUNE 20, 2018
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    Healthy Eating in the Workplace

    We all like to indulge in workplace luncheons to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and team accomplishments. But a recent study suggests that you might want to think twice about your food choices…

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    • FEBRUARY 26, 2014
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    Healthiest Weight Florida

    Healthiest Weight Florida

    Have you heard about the Florida Department of Health’s Healthiest Weight Florida initiative? This initiative is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not for profit organizations, businesses, and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make choices about healthy eating and active living. It was launched in January 2013, with the purpose to help the Department

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    • JULY 1, 2019
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    Having A Food Safe Summer

    Summer is around the corner and summer cookouts will be in full swing! When hosting (or attending) a cookout, food safety should be a top priority. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep our family and friends safe

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    • MAY 7, 2014
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    Gingered Blueberry-Melon Toss

    Enjoy this refreshing fruit salad, just in time for warmer weather! Gingered Blueberry-Melon Toss 4 servings 1/2 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger) 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup diced honeydew melon 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain

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    • MARCH 3, 2015
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    GIFT Website Maintenance

    Materials Update Complete!  Find the information you want and need without reviewing “lessons” in sequence!

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    • OCTOBER 22, 2015
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    GIFT Site Changes!

    Major changes in the way you can access helpful and science-based information to help you reach your healthiest weight and be more fit are here! No more sign ups, no more logging in. There are more changes coming, but for now, just click on GIFT Lessons and you can access them faster.  *** Tracking weight, food intake, and physical activity is

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    • DECEMBER 9, 2013
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    For Your Health’s Sake

    Still looking for little more motivation to keep your exercise routine a priority over the holiday season? “You will find plenty of time to be sick if you cannot find time to stay healthy.”        – Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark This just in: Expert says, exercising during holidays has many benefits. Read the whole article now.

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    • FEBRUARY 21, 2014
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    Finding Balance

    We all know we need to take care of ourselves, but for some strange reason we often don’t take the time to make our health a priority. Whether there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day or you feel fine so why worry – health is something many of us don’t think about

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    • JULY 5, 2013
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    Fiber- It’s Not Just for Your Grandmother!

    Fiber- It’s Not Just for Your Grandmother!

    Fiber isn’t just one thing. There are multiple kinds – each with its own benefits. Get the the run-down on fiber and why you need it.

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    • MARCH 19, 2014
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    Family Night Fish Tacos

    I am always looking for new ways to incorporate healthy and easy fish meals. Plus who doesn’t enjoy making a taco?! On a busy night this is the ultimate fast food dinner– because it’s fast and easy to make. Use whole grain tortillas for a well rounded meal!              

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    • AUGUST 20, 2014
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    Exercise and Avoiding Injury

    Let’s face it being physically active comes with the possibility of injury.  But this shouldn’t stop you from being active as the risks associated with eliminating physical activity all together are much more sever.  While accidents happen, many injuries are preventable. So whether you are an exercise beginner or a confident fitness fanatic you need

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    • MAY 16, 2019
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    Enjoy the FRUITS of Your Labor with Something Sweet!

    The next time you have a taste for a little something sweet after dinner, or between meals — think first of fruit!

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    • SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
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    Eating Healthy While Dining Out

    You might find it difficult to stay on track and monitor your eating habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. When choosing to dine out, however, there are a few things you should try to keep in mind to keep your fitness goals on track.

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    • NOVEMBER 16, 2017
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    Eat This, Not That

    There are several things an individual can do to reduce his/her risk for diabetes.

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    • MARCH 10, 2014
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    Does Your Plate Need a Taste Lift?

    While social, emotional and health factors play a role in the foods people choose to eat, the foods we most commonly eat are often those we enjoy the most. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month 2014® along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we encourage you to make taste a priority when preparing nutritious

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    • JULY 9, 2014
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    Diets are Out

    No, this doesn’t mean we no longer need to worry about our weight – rather that there is a new and better way to lose weight. It seems more and more people are realizing a lifestyle change is needed to reach our leaner, healthier, happier selves. This is great news because focusing on specific diet plans or the latest fad diet

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    • JULY 5, 2013
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    Dieter’s Beware- 7 Diets to Avoid!

    Check out these not-so-good weight loss “diets” reviewed by a Registered Dietitian.

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    • SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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    Cut The Sodium Without Cutting The Flavor

    Looking for ways to make your food more flavorful without adding loads of salt?

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    • AUGUST 1, 2014
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    Cool as a Cucumber Soup

    When it’s hot, chilled soups are a great option for a healthy, refreshing lunch or as part of an easy dinner. Plus it’s a fantastic way to add a serving of vegetables or even fruit. Take full advantage of summer produce, herbs and flavors and try a batch of healthy cold soup. Need some more

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    • MAY 23, 2014
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    Chicken and Sugar Snap Peas

    As the spring season starts to wind down and the Florida weather starts to warm up, it is the perfect time for one of my favorite vegetables sugar snap peas, with their sweet edible pods and peas. Raw or cooked they are a fantastic addition to so many things from snacks, salads and soups to

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    • JANUARY 8, 2020
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    Celebrate National Soup Month!

    With lower temperatures and chilly days, there is no better time to enjoy a warm bowl of healthy soup or hearty chili.

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    • APRIL 15, 2014
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    Brussels Sprout Slaw with Cranberries and Walnuts

    Brussels sprouts have somehow gotten a bad reputation. If you, like so many other people I know, hate dislike the Brussels sprout, it’s probably due to the fact that they were boiled, steamed, or otherwise prepared in a way that made them, well, just downright icky! Although I one of my favorite ways to cook

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    • OCTOBER 5, 2018
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    Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, take a moment this month to increase your awareness.

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    • JUNE 4, 2014
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    Blueberry Garlic Sauce and Salmon

    Blueberry Garlic Sauce and Salmon This recipe is not only delicious but extremely nutritious AND easy! Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins C, E, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. What more could you want?! Serves: 4 Serving size: 4 ounce filet and 1/4 cup of sauce Ingredients: 4 4-ounce fresh or frozen skinless salmon

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    • JULY 2, 2014
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    Basil Watermelon Salad with Feta and Red Onion

    This is the perfect summer salad! Go crazy and serve it over a bed of lettuce or even arugula to add a little bite. Serves: 4 Portion size: 1 cup Ingredients 4 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch chunks 1/2 cup of fresh basil, roughly chopped 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1 small red onion, sliced

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    • DECEMBER 10, 2014
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    Avoiding STRESS Eating

    Are you a stress eater?  Do you find yourself eating when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, sad, lonely or any other not-so-good emotion? The temporarily distraction of food can take our mind off of these feelings, if only for a moment. However, stress eating can wreck your good intentions and lead to guilt or more even

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    • OCTOBER 18, 2013
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    7 Bad Workout Habits You Should Drop

    When we go out of our way to fit exercise into our busy schedules, we would like to see and feel results. However, sometimes we pick up little bad habits that may be getting in the way.  Check out these 7 bad habits that you may need to drop.

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    • SEPTEMBER 16, 2016
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    5 Tips to Kick Bad Eating Habits to the Curb

    Are you guilty of skipping breakfast, ordering takeout, getting jitters from coffee overload and counting potato chips as part of a viable diet plan? It’s time to kick those habits to the curb and start eating right.

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    • OCTOBER 28, 2014
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    30-min Exercises Everyone Can Do

    Exercise helps you stay within a healthy weight range, supports brain function, promotes healthier sleep patterns, combats depression and anxiety, and decreases risk for disease. It also boosts overall energy levels leading to increased productivity, which means you actually get more done when you make time to exercise. This is a bonus during the holiday

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    • JULY 15, 2014
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    13 Easy Ways to Lose a Pound a Week

    Making simple swaps or removing a few ingredients may help you lose up to one pound per week in a delicious, yet non-depriving way. Keep in mind that the basic premise is that 1 pound = 3,500 calories – this means on a daily basis you need to either burn an additional 500 calories through

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    • OCTOBER 12, 2016
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    10 Tips for a healthy Fall

    Seeya, summer.
    Welcome back, short days, crisp air and colorful leaves. Think of the new season as a fresh start to your healthy habits. Here’s how to enjoy your healthiest autumn yet.

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