Diet

If you’re fortunate enough to live near one of the 475 plus Trader Joe’s stores that can be found in this country, we probably don’t need to spend any time extolling their virtues to you. Anyone who lives near a Trader Joe’s has experienced firsthand how easy they make it to stock up on fruits, veggies, pantry staples, and healthy snacks.

If you’re thinking about changing your diet to make it healthier, it’s extremely tempting to go carb-free. However, there are certain types of carbs that are necessary to our diet and can even help us lose weight and improve our overall health. This unique carbohydrate will definitely help to change your mind about carbs and prove that not all carbs are unhealthy.

If you want to truly spoil your family and friends this holiday season, a great idea for homemade presents is a beautifully wrapped package of candy, made from scratch. Cooking candies may seem daunting for even the most experienced home chefs, but many delicious candies are actually a lot easier than they seem. A candy thermometer is crucial to make most of these treats, but beyond that, the ingredients are usually things that you would already have in your cupboards.

There are certain foods you love to eat that can leave you feeling bloated, crampy, gassy, and sick. Temptation and cravings seem to always win over the idea of a potentially upset tummy. However, did you know that there are also foods out there that can (literally) kill you? Beware of some items that lurk down the aisles of your favorite grocery store and produce areas, as they can be hazardous to your well-being.

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier this year? If so, we’ve got some great news for you. Many junk foods can offer some kind of nutritional value, which basically means they’re healthy, right? Here are 12 junk foods with hidden health benefits that will make your 2018 resolution seem a little less daunting.

When you do Whole30, you commit to cutting out sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, sulfites, and any processed foods. Stick to this diet for 30 days, and you’ll see a major change in your health. Whole30 gives your digestive system a break from the heavily-processed food that we eat most of the time, and allows you to reset your cravings and transform your relationship with food.

The keto diet has actually been around for over a century, but in recent years, this low carb/high fat nutrition plan has been gaining traction. Studies are showing that it is not only a highly effective weight loss method, but that it can also lead to numerous other health benefits that may surprise you.

Many people call eating paleo the “caveman diet.” When you eat paleo, you strive to only consume foods that our earliest ancestors would have eaten. Foods like lean meat, vegetables, seafood, berries, nuts, and natural oils are the focus of this diet. Ingredients like grains, dairy, and sugar are avoided.

Potlucks are a staple of the holiday season – whether it’s an appetizer party where everyone contributes a plate of tiny bites or a family holiday meal that’s gotten so large one kitchen simply can’t feed all the guests anymore. While potlucks may seem easy (“everyone just bring whatever you feel like!”), a truly great potluck requires people to make sacrifices.

If you’re living with a lactose allergy or intolerance, you’re probably aware of the options out there for you. Replacement milks can do similar things as regular cow’s milk, even if the taste isn’t the same. However, when you add in food allergies on top of lactose intolerance, it often gets hard to shop, and you may find your options narrowing significantly.