To show support for front-line health care workers and to recognize the important work done at our community hospitals each day, Fresh Meal Plan recently donated hundreds of healthy, ready-to-eat meals to healthcare workers at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, Memorial Regional South in Hollywood and Florida Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale.

Ketogenic eating is a diet trend that eliminates consumption of carbohydrates and sugars in order to stop the blood sugar from spiking. This allows the body enter a state called ketosis, a process in which the body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn instead.

A whole-food, plant-based diet is a diet consisting mostly or entirely of foods sourced from plants, including but not limited to vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits. Plant-based diets usually include very few or no animal products, and not all plant based-diets are vegetarian or vegan. The term whole food describes foods that have not been heavily processed. This includes whole, unrefined or minimally refined ingredients.

Following a Paleo eating plan means cutting out specific foods such as highly processed and refined carbs, dairy, legumes and grains. By eating certain carefully-chosen foods and cutting out others, Paleo eating often leads to weight loss because followers are not only consuming fewer calories but are also consuming more nutrient-dense foods that lead to feeling more full and more satisfied for longer periods of time. This long-lasting hunger satisfaction is accomplished through the consumption of thoughtfully-sourced, high-quality lean proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables and smaller amounts of fruits and nuts.

Individuals may choose to eat a gluten-free diet for a variety of reasons.  For those who suffer with celiac disease and other gluten related health conditions, eating gluten free is critical to ensure better health.  For some, consuming gluten can trigger immune system activity that damages the lining of the small intestine over time.  This damage eventually prevents the absorption of nutrients from food.  For those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, wheat allergies or other gluten related conditions, consuming gluten may also cause unpleasant symptoms such as stomach upset, headaches, aching joints, general body inflammation and other issues.

People choose to follow a vegan lifestyle for a variety of reasons.  Many people elect to follow a plant-based diet due to concerns about the environment or worries about animal rights.  Others may follow a vegan eating pattern due to religious beliefs or other personal views. Health issues and overall health awareness may also prompt some to follow a vegan diet.  Most people have more than one reason for choosing this form of vegetarianism.  Some follow vegan eating plans for years or for a lifetime, and some alternate between vegan eating and other alternative eating plans.

It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Consuming a complete and healthy breakfast each day sets the stage for outstanding energy levels, stable blood sugar and better control over your appetite for the rest of the day.  Eating breakfast is also good for weight management, weight loss and overall improved health.  Some studies have even linked eating breakfast to better memory, improved concentration, healthier cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Paleo eating is the topic of many news headlines, it is discussed in fitness circles and it has been analyzed a lot in medical publications.  You may have read about Paleo eating in a health journal or on a fitness blog, or you may have seen the topic discussed on social media.

What exactly is the Paleo diet? Where did the idea come from? What can you eat? What foods are forbidden? Are there health benefits? What about side effects? Is it hard to keep up the eating plan?  We have some background information, tips and tricks to help you determine if paleo eating is right for you.

Life is busy. Our to-do lists are filled with work meetings, family obligations, sporting events, children’s activities, gym visits and other assorted to-dos. Eating healthy is so important, but grocery shopping, ingredient chopping, food cooking, kitchen cleaning and meal preparation take up valuable time.