Introduction: The ketogenic (“keto”) diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan. Typically only about 5% of calories come from carbs (under ~50 grams per day), with ~20% from protein and ~75% from fat (nm.org). By severely cutting carbs, the diet forces the body to burn fat for fuel in a state called ketosis (nm.org). … Read more
Smoothies can be a delicious way to pack heart-healthy nutrients into your diet. By choosing the right ingredients and techniques, you can blend drinks that support healthy blood pressure. Here are 10 science-backed tips for making blood pressure-friendly smoothies, along with the research behind them: Add Potassium-Rich Fruits Include fruits like bananas, avocado, melon, or … Read more
Understanding Post-Workout Nutrition After a good workout, my body’s like a car that’s just finished a long race—it needs the right kind of fuel to recover and get ready for the next challenge. That’s where post-workout nutrition comes into play. It’s crucial for recovery to replenish the nutrients I’ve used up. Protein is my go-to … Read more
Understanding the Basics of Pregnancy Smoothies When I consider pregnancy smoothies, I think of them as blends bursting with nutrients that are essential during pregnancy. They’re not just your regular smoothie; they cater specifically to the nutritional needs of expecting mothers. Pregnancy smoothies can be fantastic for those times when eating a full meal is … Read more
Understanding First Trimester Nutrition When I found out I was pregnant, like many others in their first trimester, my mind immediately went to nutrition. I learned that the first trimester is a whirlwind of new experiences and ensuring a nutrient-dense, balanced diet is super crucial for the little one’s development. Nutrients are the building blocks … Read more
Understanding Nutrition in the Second Trimester When you’re cruising through your second trimester, your nutritional needs take a front seat. It’s about more than just eating extra calories—it’s about hitting those nutrient-dense foods that support my growing baby and me. I’m looking for a mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, not forgetting those all-important vitamins … Read more
Understanding Smoothies in Pregnancy During my third trimester, I’ve found that the right smoothie can be a delicious way to get the essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, smoothies can help me meet my daily nutrition targets. Here’s a simple rundown of why smoothies can be a great … Read more
Essential Nutrients for Fetal Development In my journey to understand optimal prenatal nutrition, I’ve learned that certain nutrients are absolutely pivotal for the little one’s development. Here’s the lowdown on some key players: Folic Acid and Pregnancy Folate, or folic acid, is my top-tier nutrient when it comes to pregnancy. It’s vital in preventing neural … Read more
Understanding Hangovers When I party a bit too hard, I sometimes wake up with that dreaded hangover. So what’s going on in my body? Well, after downing more than my fair share of drinks, my body’s working overtime trying to process the alcohol. The main component causing my misery is dehydration. Alcohol makes me lose … Read more
Understanding Gut Health and Smoothies When I consider the best ways to support my digestive system, smoothies are a staple. They’re a delicious, efficient way to infuse your body with gut-enhancing nutrients, including a bounty of fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. Let’s break down how these elements work in harmony to promote gut health. The Role … Read more