Blog

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Most families have holiday traditions, big and small. Unfortunately, not all of these traditions help create a healthy holiday for you and your family.  However, traditions are a special part of the holiday season. Some simply emerge because they were so much fun the year before, and some have been passed down for generations. They might include building a gingerbread house, baking your favorite seasonal cookies, hosting and cooking a delicious meal, or gathering to watch a special holiday movie.   Often, the foods we associate with holiday traditions tend to be filled with sugar topped with...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   On these cold days, do you find yourself inside, bored and searching your kitchen for snacks?  Often when we have nothing to do our minds can turn to wanting to eat.  Stress can do this too.  Perhaps this is a nighttime issue for you.  Many people find themselves snacking after dinner even when they are not really hungry.  We’ve all been guilty of eating mindlessly at one time or another, but for some of us, it can occur more frequently.   Scarfing down lunch while glued to a computer at work, shoveling in spoonfuls of food while watching TV, inhaling a...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   On Thanksgiving, most of us spent the day reflecting on our blessings.  We might have even shared what we’re thankful for around a bountiful dinner table with family and friends. But now that the official day of gratitude has come and gone and the hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us, stress has likely taken the forefront of our minds.  Even if we resolved to express thanks more often as many do on Turkey Day, it's amazing how even the best practices can lose out to everyday demands.  But there is no question that...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Onions are cultivated and eaten all over the world.  This popular vegetable is found in most types of cuisine and gives dishes their flavorful taste.  They are usually served cooked but are often consumed raw as well.  Onions are also used in pickles and chutneys. The onion has a strong taste and a sharp, pungent flavor.  They are a humble ingredient that plays centerstage in most of our meals.   Often when we think of onions, we might recall tearing up when cutting one or having strong smelling breath after eating them.  However, these flavorful bulbs are...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Cravings are something that we all encounter.  They can be frustrating when they are intense and difficult to control. What's worse is that when we give in to them, we often feel guilty and not even able to enjoy the indulgence.   Some people, especially woman, can't get enough chocolate and sweets.  For others, it’s salty and greasy foods.  Anyone who has ever struggled with his or her weight knows that resisting a craving is much harder than just “staying strong” or “exerting willpower.”  Cravings are caused by a number of reasons including excess sugar consumption,...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   During the crisp autumn months, pumpkins pop up everywhere -- on our porches, in shop windows, and at the local farmers market.  When you think about pumpkins, what comes to mind?  Fall decorations? Jack-o'-lanterns? Thanksgiving pie? Pumpkin spice lattes? Pumpkin muffins?  Well, there's more to the orange pulp in these gourds than carvings, sugary desserts and drinks.   Pumpkin is more than just a fall flavor.  Pumpkin is a type of squash. Though they are technically a fruit, they are usually considered a vegetable.  Pumpkins have  an impressive nutrient profile.  Besides being packed with vitamins and minerals,...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Over the years beef has gotten a bad rap. And while it's true, some beef on the market should not be touched with a ten foot pole; in its unadulterated form, beef is actually beneficial to the body and full of micronutrients.  So how do we differentiate the good from the bad?  Fortunately, there are some key words to look for when at the grocery store. The short and simple answer is to always go for the grass-fed, grass-finished, and humanely-raised beef.   The More Nutritious Choice   Contrary to popular belief, an animal’s diet can have a profound influence...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   It’s seasonal eating check-in time.  Seasonal food is produce that is purchased and consumed around the time that it is harvested.  Fall has arrived, and it’s time for a little reminder on what seasonal eats are bursting with freshness and nutrients this time of the year.  As the leaves begin to change and the air gets crisper a new crop of fruits and vegetables will be arriving to your farmer’s market and local grocery store.  The autumn harvest brings a variety of healthful and delicious items for the seasonal eater.  The bounty is far more than just...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   If you are feeling stuck and uninspired when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, take comfort in the fact that it happens to everyone from time to time. You CAN get out of this slump. Inspiration plays a key role in our lives – propelling us forward in our dreams, awakening us to our unlimited potential, and evoking greater creativity and innovation within us. Sometimes things in our life can make us feel frustrated keeping us from doing the things for ourselves that we know we should. You don’t always have to dig deep...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Whether it is to drizzle over a mouthwatering steak, to add some flavor to your favorite vegetables, or even to replace the cream in your coffee, who doesn't love the taste of butter? Thankfully, butter is shedding its bad reputation and finally being acknowledged for its many benefits. Move over margarine, butter is back!   Not all butter is created equal.   Butter is basically milk fat, aka butter fat. Butterfat is highly complex. The benefits you gain from butter do depend on the type of butter. The color of butter can range from white to deep yellow. The...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Health isn’t just about eating all your vegetables and getting enough exercise; it’s equally important to relax, play, and laugh. We’ve all heard that “laughter is the best medicine,” and it’s true!  One of the best feelings in the world is the deep-rooted belly laugh with friends or family. Sharing humor is half the fun—in fact, most laughter doesn’t come from hearing jokes, but rather simply from spending time with our loved ones.   Laughter is fun   This social aspect plays such an important role in the health benefits of laughter. You can’t enjoy a laugh with other people...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Back-to-school season often means busy, hectic schedules, but it doesn't have to mean forfeiting healthy eating. If you’re new to eating the Dr. Brown way, it can seem overwhelming to revamp your kitchen, recipes, and meals.  Never mind the added stress of packing snacks and lunches for your little ones to bring to school.   Food has become the center stage in my life.  I think about food all day long, what my next meal or snack will be and having everything ready for each meal time.  If I know I’ll be out of the house or...