KTK-Nutrition

Many people are concerned about cholesterol levels and heart disease and stroke.   A lot of us have changed our diets thinking we are eating foods that lower cholesterol and giving up some foods that we had enjoyed for years.   This week my husband and I were treated to dinner at my daughter’s and son-in-law’s home.   We enjoyed some wonderful homemade crab cakes, fresh bread and potatoes.   An old-fashioned butter dish was on the table with a stick of real butter.   My daughter said they had switched from margarine to real butter as margarine had too many chemicals in it.   Interesting because my husband and I have switched back to real butter.   Since it is hard to spread, we get the butter mixed with canola oil.   I don’t think a little real butter will do much damage to our cholesterol levels.    What foods can you eat that have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels?   My sister sent me some articles on foods that lower your cholesterol and I always go to the Mayo Clinic, We

Many people start their day full of energy.   But often by midafternoon, you experience the afternoon slump.   What foods can help you boost your energy and rev you up to finish off the day?   My younger sister sent me an article on energy boosting foods and almost the same day, my older sister sent me an article on foods to boost moods and brain energy .   So, what are some foods that can boost your overall energy and boost your mood? Avocados – yes, avocados do have fat, but it is a healthy fat.   Enjoy some avocado toast, or guacamole and whole grain corn chips.   The fat and fiber in avocados will help fill you up and will prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar.   The rise and fall of blood sugar levels is a reason many people feel even more tired after eating candy bars or other high sugar foods. Bananas – these are my go-to fruit for energy.   I eat a banana every day when I get up and before some morning exercise like a walk, yoga or some elliptical.   Bananas pack in some he

Everyone has heard the recommendation of drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.   And water is an essential nutrient and we should be drinking water every day.   But can drinking water help you lose a few unwanted pounds?   If so, how? Relatives and friends often send me blog suggestions.   This week my daughter sent me an interesting article in Medical News Today, Can water help you lose weight?   The article describes 6 ways just drinking more water can promote weight loss. As noted in previous blog posts, water is important for many reasons including staying hydrated ( How to stay hydrated this summer ) and to help prevent kidney stones ( Kidney stones and prevention ).   How does water help with weight loss?             1.  Drinking water can help suppress your appetite Drinking some water before a meal can fill up your stomach so you feel fuller and less hungry.   A 2014 study of 50 overweight females who drank water 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner for eigh