Month: February 2025

Dates Make A Great Pre-Workout Snack

February 20, 2025
Medjool dates arranged on a colorful serving plate.

Dates Provide A Healthy and Filling Snack Prior To Exercise

The Benefits of Eating Dates

Medjool Dates

Dates are known as a stone fruit meaning they have a single seed surrounded by an outer fleshy fruit similar to mangoes, peaches and olives. There are many varieties of dates. Pictured in this post are the large Medjool variety.

Dates contain natural sugars and have a sweet, caramel, chewy taste. They are an energy boosting soft fruit with impressive health benefits. Eat them at least an hour before exercise to allow time for digestion.

Nutrients In Dates

  • Selenium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Copper
  • Fiber
  • B Vitamins: Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Niacin
  • Vitamins C, A and K
  • Antioxidants
  • Low Glycemic Index

The Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds

February 19, 2025

Why You Should Eat Raw Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds from pumpkins. They have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are a good source of plant protein comparable to soy protein. Pumpkin seeds are very filling and make a great snack. In addition, they contain important minerals.

Where To Buy Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Packaged Raw Pumpkin Seeds are sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Amazon.

Raw Unsalted Pumpkin seeds contain the following minerals.

  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Sodium
  • Manganese
  • Copper

Why American Life Expectancy Is Falling

February 17, 2025

A Mayo Clinic news article written in August 2024 discusses the reasons for the decline in life expectancy in the United States.

The US outspends every country in the world in healthcare. Yet people in the U.S. still live shorter lives than do people elsewhere in the industrialized world.

The Mayo Clinic article cites three main reasons for the decline in longevity.

  • Deaths from opioid drug overdoses.
  • Consumption of overly processed foods such as toaster pastries and sugary cereals.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.

Read the full article at mcpress.mayoclinic.org

Healthy Overnight Oats with Yogurt and Strawberries

February 14, 2025
INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unflavored milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon unflavored whey protein powder
  • 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Puree strawberries in a blender. Set aside.
  • Mix yogurt, oats, milk, protein powder, and optional chia seeds in a mason jar or food container.
  • Cover mixture with strawberry puree.
  • Place in refrigerator overnight.
  • Stir before serving.
  • Toppings: sliced strawberries, whipped cream, granola, banana.
  • Serve chilled.
  • NOTE: Add more liquid if mixture is too thick.