Balance Magazine Highlights: June 2018 Issue

There is still one more week in June, so come grab your FREE June edition of Balance magazine before it’s gone! This month’s issue features the Wahlberg family with Mark, Donnie, Paul and their mother on the front cover. This article takes a peek into the careers and lives of the Wahlberg brothers, ranging from their “Wahlburger” food business to gathering for family dinners. Besides behind-the-scenes details of life as a Wahlberg, this month’s issue is also full of a variety of nutrition, health & wellness, fitness and food articles. You’re guaranteed to learn something new! Check out some dietitian highlights below!

Fermented Foods (Pg. 10)

This article details the importance of fermented foods and why dietitians recommend them! Fermented foods are full of good bacteria called probiotics, which help keep your digestive system on track. Foods such as kimchi, yogurt, kefir and kombucha are highlighted in Balance as they are rich sources of probiotics. In addition, each of these products adds essential nutrients to your diet. For an example, kombucha is a carbonated tea that has been fermented with bacteria and yeast that may help with digestive issues such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. A healthy gut is a happy gut!

Sock It To Me (Pg. 41)

Salmon is a high quality protein to add to your meals, especially when Sockeye Salmon season is here! Check out this article to learn about the health benefits and nutrients of salmon, how to cook it well and where the best salmon comes from. Wild sockeye has a unique flavor, is bright red in color and extra firm in texture. Hy-Vee’s sockeyes are also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote optimal brain and heart health. Swim on over to this article to read more on how to grill and cook this delish fish perfectly this summer!

Foods for Healthy Blood Pressure (Pg. 43)

Many foods are good for lowering blood pressure and this article details a handful. According to the America Heart Association (AHA), an estimated 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, so it’s important to talk about! Potassium, calcium, magnesium and fiber found in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, whole grains, nuts and seeds all contribute to a heart-healthy diet. This article cites studies that link consumption of whole grains and low-fat dairy to a reduction in blood pressure. Read more on page 43 to get a tasty breakfast bowl recipe that incorporates these blood pressure reducing foods!

Sports Nutrition (Pg. 79)

Fueling your body is important, especially when exercising. Our bodies need a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals each day, and when we exercise these needs increase. This article provides a few examples of high-energy foods including whole grains, fruits and veggies, dairy, nuts and seeds that make great fuel and recovery foods. Head to page 79 to find out what vitamins and minerals these foods provide and why they are beneficial in fulfilling your body’s needs!

We all could use a little more Balance in our lives. Stop on by your West Lakes Hy-Vee to find yours today. J

Until next time,

Your West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitian Team 

Beach Bodies

It’s June now, and since we’re in Iowa, that means it’s HOT. Winter has finally left us, we can break out the shorts and enjoy all things glorious summer! Now, there are plenty of things to do in central Iowa during the summer – roam around the Farmer’s Market, go on walks/to parks, hit the golf course – but one thing stands out as the coolest way to beat the heat: water! Going to the pool, the beach, sailing around Saylorville or even setting up a sprinkler in the yard are all ideal when it comes to getting that heat relief. As fun as it is though, it can be anxiety inducing for many because of the often sought after “beach body.”

It seems like everyone wants to have a beach body, and many of you are probably working hard on yours. As swimsuit season gets closer each year, the dieting increases, as do workouts and often self-loathing thinking your body will never be ready. Guess what, though? You already have a beach body. We put so much pressure on ourselves to try to look “better” to avoid embarrassment, shame and insecurities surrounding our bodies, but all our bodies ever do is try to take care of us the best they know how. We come in all shapes and sizes, and there is nothing wrong with that!

Check out this video by ASDAH (Association for Size Diversity and Health)! I love it and think it’s such a fun depiction of our beautifully different bodies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H89QQfXtc-k.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with exercising and eating nutritious foods as both are good for overall health. It’s just important to note why you’re doing it. If it’s solely to look better, that may not be a sustainable or mentally healthy reason. But if you move in ways you love and make you feel good, and eat foods you love and make you feel good (including things like ice cream!), that will likely be a more enjoyable way to live and take care of your body.

I think something that is not said enough is that all bodies are good bodies. Contrary to societal beliefs, body size does not determine a person’s worth or how they should be treated. It doesn’t matter what size your body is, or what imperfections you may have (as we all do), all bodies are equally worthy of care and respect. Does that mean everyone treats bodies of all sizes with respect? Unfortunately, no. But that doesn’t make your body any less worthy.

When the weather is hot (or any other time) and you want to find some water to cool down, put on your favorite swimsuit and get out there! You don’t need chiseled abs or toned arms, your beach body is perfect as is. I know it’s much easier said than done, but try not to let your thoughts or worries about your body hold you back from living your fullest life. If this is new to you and you want to learn more about body acceptance, intuitive eating or health at every size, please reach out to me! I’d love to chat with you.

Warmly, until next time,

Dietitian Melissa