Vegetables, whole grains, good fats and quality lean protein are the staples in a healthy lifestyle. They will not only provide many great health benefits but also improve your energy level and memory. Research indicates that certain nutrients actually stimulate brain function. B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid, protects neurons by breaking down homocysteine, a natural occurring amino acid that is toxic to nerve cells. They are also involved in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Foods like spinach and other dark leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, melons, black beans, and other legumes, citrus fruits, and soybeans are excellent choices.

My healthy foods list consists of items that are super nutrient dense. That is, they have more nutrients ‘per calorie’ than most other foods. They have also been proven to contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that will help prevent an array of chronic diseases. These super foods are perfect for heart-healthy, low-fat cooking and most fit perfectly into a lower-carb lifestyle as well. Consider adding these to your diet:

1. Berries
Berries are extremely rich in antioxidants, which help protect the cells in our bodies from free radical damage and, therefore, from many chronic diseases, including cancer. Among other things, they are also an excellent source of vitamin C and soluble fiber. 

2. Broccoli
Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage) helps fight cancer, especially that of the breast, colon and lung. It boosts the immune system. Broccoli also contains antioxidants and a substance called sulforaphane, which research has shown to be a powerful cancer fighter and preventer.

What you eat is important, why you eat is also important.

Emotional eating happens when food is eaten in response to feelings instead of hunger.

Being able to identify emotional eating triggers will help you learn to control this type of behavior.

Some common triggers include, but are not limited to: 
- Stress 
- Boredom 
- Depression 
- Anger

I recently read a piece on “How to Get a Tight, Toned Tummy for Summer”. The information highlighted abdominal exercises moving away from the classic crunch showcasing creative exercises designed to target the mid-section even more efficiently. According to the story, resulting in the six-pack of your dreams.

As we age from our 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, one thing never changes: our nutritional concerns with respect to our overall health and wellbeing. 
In honor of March being National Nutrition Month, here are some of the top concerns people of all ages have, as well as strategies to help keep you living happy and healthy long into your golden years.

Fad diets are typically referred to as diets with raving popularity that come and go within a short amount of time. There are many out there. More are coming to life with each turn of the TV channel, as people search in desperate attempts to shed their unwanted pounds as quickly and easily as possible. True to form, as quick as the fad diet fades, so to does its results.

Signs to watch for!