HealthYour Gut Loves Variety—Here’s Why Whole Grains Belong on Your Plate
Last week, we explored the simple challenge of eating 30 different plant foods each week to support a healthy gut microbiome. The wonderful thing about this challenge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated—every fruit, vegetable, herb, spice, bean, nut, seed, and whole grain counts. This week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite food groups for gut health: whole grains. When I visit my local farmers market during the summer, I’m always inspired by the colorful produce that fills every stand. Fresh kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and crisp vegetables remind me that the […]READ MORE
July 17, 2026
Published by Grace O
Last week, we explored the simple challenge of eating 30 different plant foods each week to support a healthy gut microbiome. The wonderful thing about this challenge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated—every fruit, vegetable, herb, spice, bean, nut, seed, and whole grain counts. This week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite food groups for gut health: whole grains. When I visit my local farmers market during the summer, I’m always inspired by the colorful produce that fills every stand. Fresh kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and crisp vegetables remind me that the […]
July 9, 2026
Published by Grace O
Forget the latest superfood craze. Nutrition experts say one of the simplest ways to support a healthy gut—and potentially a longer, healthier life—is by eating a wider variety of plant foods every week. When people think about longevity, they often picture expensive supplements, restrictive diets, or the latest “miracle” superfood. But researchers studying the gut microbiome are pointing to something much simpler: variety. Instead of focusing on one “perfect” food, scientists have found that people who eat a greater diversity of plant foods tend to have more diverse gut bacteria—a hallmark of a healthier microbiome. Since gut health has been […]
June 30, 2026
Published by FoodTrients
What is sarcopenia? The term “sarcopenia” was invented recently by Irwin Rosenberg. In 1989, he first referred to loss of skeletal muscle mass and size as “sarcopenia,” by combining the Greek word for “flesh” (Sarx) with the Greek word for “loss” (penia). At the time, it was thought that the degenerative process being described was led by the loss of lean muscle mass with aging. Today, it is understood that inactivity causes muscles to lose strength through a process of denervation, the loss of nerve supply that signals muscle cells to act. It impacts all of us as we age, […]
June 30, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
You can’t be active or workout without the right fuel for your body. The food you eat makes a huge difference in athletic performance and also for a quick stop at the gym. Foods that contain energy in the form of carbohydrates and protein in addition to certain vitamins, antioxidants and stimulants known to boost performance top the list of 50 foods for physical activity. Here they are: 1. Almonds The key to using almonds to fuel activity lies not only in their caloric density – a useful combination of healthy unsaturated fat, protein and carbohydrates – but also in […]
June 30, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Stress comes in so many forms and affects the body in different ways. There’s emotional stress, schedule or time-related stress, work or school related pressure, and even stress on the body from environmental toxins or other damage. A lot of this is unavoidable – it’s part of daily life – and the body has ways to adapt to it but if stress builds up, it can lead to disease, inflammation and unbalanced hormones. There are ways to help the body naturally adapt to stress in all forms and the powerful herb lemon balm has been used for centuries for this […]
May 7, 2026
Published by Grace O
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how the simplest meals—often the most colorful—can be the most nourishing. Growing up and through my travels, I’ve always been drawn to vibrant fruits and vegetables, not only for their beauty, but for how they make you feel. We’ve explored how stress, fiber, and gut health all play a role in how we feel each day. But how do we bring it all together—simply and naturally—on the plate? One of the easiest and most effective ways is to eat a variety of colorful, whole foods. The Power of Color in Food The vibrant […]
April 27, 2026
Published by Grace O
We often think of our brain as the center of how we feel—our mood, our stress, our energy. But there is another system in the body quietly influencing all of these: the gut. Often referred to as the “second brain,” the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in how we feel each day—not just physically, but emotionally as well. I’ve always believed that the foods we choose each day are deeply connected to how the body functions as a whole. One of the most powerful of these connections is the one between the gut […]
April 23, 2026
Published by Grace O
For years, protein has dominated the wellness conversation. From protein shakes to high-protein snacks, it became the nutrient everyone focused on. But in 2026, the spotlight is shifting—and fiber is finally getting the attention it deserves. Welcome to the era of “fiber-maxxing.” It may sound like a trend, but this movement is rooted in something much deeper: a growing understanding that fiber plays a central role in gut health, inflammation, metabolism, and even how we age. The Missing Nutrient in Modern Diets Despite all the attention on healthy eating, most people still fall short when it comes to fiber. The […]
April 16, 2026
Published by Grace O
There are so many things in life that elevate stress—work, family, children, and the day-to-day responsibilities we all carry. Over time, especially as we age, that constant pressure can take a real toll on the body. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to nourish ourselves with foods that help manage daily stress and support overall well-being. We all experience stress, but when it becomes constant, the body begins to feel the effects. Cortisol—often called the stress hormone—plays an important role in keeping us alert and energized. The challenge comes when it stays elevated for too long. That’s when […]
April 9, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
A green smoothie can be blended in a matter of seconds and makes for a delicious breakfast, snack, or post-workout recovery drink. Juicing can remove fiber from fruits and vegetables, taking away some of the nutritional benefits of these foods. Making a smoothie or shake instead is simpler (just throw in the whole ingredient and blend!) and keeps the fiber intact for increased satiety. Instead of basing your beverage on fruit, make vegetables your main ingredient and flavor with sweet fruit and other culinary flavors like cinnamon or vanilla. Feel free to swap in your personal favorites if desired. Ingredients […]
March 30, 2026
Published by FoodTrients
Most nutritionists agree there is no one dietary pattern that’s ideal for everyone. In addition to your unique combination of genes, medical history, cultural and family background, taste preferences and daily living patterns, you apply your own set of values to your eating approach. Some people may focus on preventing or managing disease, others on protecting the environment, some on managing weight, others on enjoying what they eat and so on. Prioritizing what matters to you can help determine your eating style. The six dietary patterns discussed here have dominated headlines over the past few years. We’ve tapped nutrition experts […]
March 30, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Herbs have been used in traditional and folk medicines for centuries for treating illness. People throughout the ages also had something on their minds that we still do today…longevity. Some herbs do in fact have research indicating they help with healthy aging for a variety of reasons. Whether an herb is improving sleep, lowering stress, or boosting antioxidant status, they are likely working against biological processes that cause the body to age. DNA damage, free radical damage and dysfunction of the body on a cellular level all may contribute to aging issues including disease of the heart, neurological system, or […]
March 3, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Digestive health is a critical part of overall wellness. The foods we eat can influence everything from our mood and immune system to how efficiently our bodies absorb nutrients. Staying well is the focus of the sixth part in our series exploring the nine health benefits at the core of FoodTrients® and all of our recipes. What you eat matters, which is why we explore one of these incredible anti-aging benefits each month and show how the right foods can help support long-term health. You may be familiar with the phrase “gut health,” but understanding its true importance requires looking […]