Fresh produce boosts immunity and fights disease. Here are several items and studies we’re covering for you this week:
Sleep has a huge effect on how you feel throughout the day and nutrition plays a key role in how well you sleep. Amy Jamieson-Petonic, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic, says that food relates directly to the hormone serotonin, along with Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid, to help promote healthy sleep. (That includes whole grains and very dark leafy greens, like kale.)
There are certain foods that calm the body and increase serotonin levels that can get you ready for restful sleep, says the Clinic, most popular of course, a warm glass of milk or half a turkey sandwich. These include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, heart-healthy fats such as avocados and extra-virgin olive oils, plus certain beverages, fresh herbs and light snacks like a banana with low-fat yogurt.
Celebrating National Vegetarian Month
The 66 million working women who don’t have time to prepare a nutritious meal are about to receive good news! Lisa’s Organics, the maker of a line of certified organic vegetable frozen side dishes, has combined the highest-quality veggies with chef-inspired sauces that go from freezer to dinner plate in just five minutes.
Ideal as a standalone veggie for a healthy mini-meal or as a complement to a nutritious lunch or dinner, Lisa’s Organics offers five varieties complete with chef-inspired glazes and sauces. The entire line is an easy way for anyone, even the most schedule-crunched businesswomen, to serve delicious hot meals in minutes.
Whether it’s a savory addition to a risotto, a burst of flavor in a salsa or a gourmet touch to any pasta or quiche, Lisa’s Organics help create tasty meals anyone can enjoy. With each bag ($3.49) containing two low-sodium servings, the Lisa’s Organics line (see photo at right) includes California Vegetables in Balsamic Glaze, Sweet Peas in Parmesan Herb Sauce, Whole Green Beans in Garlic Olive Oil Sauce, Broccoli Florets in Gorgonzola Bleu Cheese Sauce, and Southwest Vegetables in Ranchero Sauce. All of the products come with recipe ideas to help make quick meals in minutes. I love these!
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