Kent State Interns

Eggs play big part in our culture, especially in the spring.  In certain religions around Easter we think of a kind of "rebirth". We also think of  the fun children have coloring eggs to hide.  There's more to an egg than being just a symbol of spring and the holiday. Eggs are very nutrient dense containing 7 grams of protiein, 5 grams of fat (1 1/2 grams saturated) and only 75 calories. Eggs are also full of micronutrients, B vitamins, A, D, K selenium, calcium, folate, phosphorus, and zinc. Carotenoids in eggs can help protect against aged related macular degeneration and choline can protect the brain.  Eggs are extremely versatile and can be prepared for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be prepared sweet or savory. Here are variety of  recipes to help you add some eggs to your week! Simple Poached Eggs and Avocado Toast INGREDIENTS SCALE 1/2x 1x 2x 2  eggs 2  slices whole grain bread 1/3  avocado (usually I cut it in half but don’t use all...

We’ve all heard that tea is good for you. But what most people probably don’t know is the differences between classes of tea and all the wonderful benefits they have for you! In the U.S., black tea is the most popular by a long shot. But there are so many more kinds to try, not only for taste, but for health as well! I will share with you just a few of the various types of tea, their unique qualities, and their nutritional advantages.  1. Black Tea  Since black tea seems to be most popular, we’ll start here. Black tea is created by drying the leaves after full oxidation. With this level of processing and additional kneading of the leaves comes the capacity to produce fruity or even chocolatey flavor profiles. These sweet and bold flavors pair nicely with things like honey, milk, or spices. Best part? It contains manganese, a mineral that plays a role in metabolism, nervous system functioning, and antioxidant mechanisms.  2. White Tea    White tea is produced via...

By now most of us are aware of the dangers of plastic. Most brands are waking up to these dangers and including “No BPAs, PFAS, PTFE and PFOA” but what exactly does this mean? Is that all we have to worry about? Is my cookware safe and healthy? There is so much misleading information out there as well as an overwhelming amount of brands to choose from. But don't worry! I have done the work so you don't have to. Let’s break down those acronyms BPA: Bisphenol-A, also called BPA is a type of chemical that is used to make plastic durable(plastic #7) and also used in thermal receipt paper. BPA is an Endocrine disruptor. That is a chemical that can imitate or block the body's natural Hormones causing disruption in growth, cell repair, fetal development and reproduction. The majority of BPA enters the body through exposure from packaged and canned foods but also our cookware. BPFAS: pre/polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, are a class of chemicals that are used i...

Same Food, Different Results Why is the American diet unhealthier than countries in Europe? Have you ever wondered how we are more prone to obesity and other preventable diseases than those in the UK? It is not that we are eating any more than those that live in Italy or France, it is the ingredients that is in our prepackaged foods. Why???? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “the average American diet consists of excess salt, saturated fat, refined grains, calories from solid fats and added sugars.” Most large food companies in America add extra sugars and addictive additives to their products to keep us coming back for more. In the UK there are regulations and bans against these kinds of additives. They are stricter with what goes into their food than the United States. Misleading Packaging In America, they can make false claims on the packaging and can hide what truly goes into that prepackaged food until proven guilty. The UK tells you specifica...

The internet and social media are swarming with new diets and tricks that promise to help you lose weight fast. With so many diet ads coming from every direction it is becoming increasingly hard to sort the myths from the facts. Is there a magic trick that will allow you to lose weight fast?! Will cutting out certain foods jumpstart your metabolism?! Can you lose 10 pounds overnight?! The short answer is NO. Like most everything else, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These types of diets are called Fad Diets. A Fad Diet is any diet that recommends: -Altering the intake proportions of macronutrients, like carbohydrates, protein and fats -Instructs to intake or avoid certain foods with the goal of rapid weight loss -Promotes “miracle fat-burning foods” -Uses ridged menus with no health warning -Does not include physical activity -Can include buying some type of nutritional supplement ...

How many of us find ourselves having a mid-day crash? We are tired, loose concentration, and sometimes feel hungry. Snacking between meals is a great way to maintain enery levels and keep you focused throughout the day. How Should We Snack? To get the most out of your snacking, keep it balanced by pairing whole grains with lean proteins. Keep snacks evenly distributed throughout the day. Have about 2-3 small snacks a day. Add snacks between breakfast, lunch, and a few hours before bedtime if you're feeling hungry. Benefits Of Healthy Snacking: Consistent snacking throughout the day keeps blood sugar steady. You will avoid the sugar lows or spikes of an insonsistent eating pattern. This will help maintain energy levels and keep you focused. Research has also shown healthy snacks can reduce cholesterol. Finally, healthy snacks can help you add the nutrients and fiber you need for a balanced diet. Mix and Match Your Favorite Whole Grains With Lean Protein To Get A Super Star Sna...

Prunes aren't most people's "go to" food. For many of us, they don't sound very appetizing or exciting, but prunes are a convenient snack. They are also versatile and can be a great addtion to meals. Not only can they easily be added to meals, they are packed full of nutrients. Health Benefits of Prunes 4 prunes provide 100 calories, 3 g fiber, 280 mg of potassium, 23 micrograms of vitamin K, and also contain magnesium, riboflavin, and niacin. Prunes are rich in polyphenols that can reduce inflammation. Prunes are low glycemic index which helps control blood sugar. Prunes are high in nutrients that influence bone health. Prunes are high in fiber which can help reduce cholesterol and maintain gut health. How You Can You Easily Add Prunes To Your Diet? Prune puree Take 16 ounces of prunes and 1/2 cup of hot water and blend until it's a smooth, pourable consistency. You can add this puree to desserts to replace the sugar, eggs, or fat. Swap for sugar: U...