Kent State Interns

  Buddy the Elf said it best: “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups – candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup". As the holiday season approaches and candy fills our cabinets, it’s hard to not feel like we’re following the diet of an elf at times. What would Thanksgiving and Christmas be, after all, without pies, cookies, and cakes? Fortunately, there are ways to stay healthy during the holidays that don’t involve skipping out on all the delicious treats. Sugar is the most simple (and loved) carbohydrate in our diets, and it shows. Within the United States, adults are consuming far more added sugar than what is recommended. When this sugar enters our bodies, it works fast to spike blood glucose levels. Worse yet, overconsuming this food long-term can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2  diabetes. But it’s not all bad! Every  cell in the human body runs on sugar. Yes, sugar. While our bodies can use a combination of energy ...

  When was the last time you thought about water? I mean, honestly, when was the last time you gave the most important resource on the planet any consideration? My guess is that it’s been a long time since you have. Water is the most essential ‘nutrient’ for humans – one that we cannot go more than a few days without. We can last the better part of a month or more without food, and the macro and micronutrients it provides, but the same is not true for water. So, why is it that most people seemingly forget about this vital, all-important nutrient? Why do we hear everyone talking about “diets”, “protein”, “fats”, “carbohydrates”, “supplements”, and every other nutrition term under the sun, yet we do not hear people speak of water and its benefits? My guess is as good as yours. Be that as it may, water should be brought back to the forefront of the nutrition and health discussion. Water is the basis for life on this planet and the basis for health within humans. Our bodie...

  Charcuterie Boards: How to Make eating Healthy Fun Charcuterie boards can be a really fun and easy way to feed a crowd or yourself in any season! I personally love to make them when I am busy and do not want to cook. How I prepare my charcuterie boards is a mix of fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, dips, crackers, cheese, and sometimes deli meats! It can be fancy and elegant by using fruits like figs and dried apricots paired with aged cheeses or it could be simply made with cut produce or foods found in your fridge and pantry!    Staples on my boards are sliced cucumbers, black olives, apple slices, and whole grain crackers. When available, I add honey, jam, summer sausage, goat cheese, cheddar cheese, almonds, pecans and many more things! It is fun to cut the fruits and vegetables into bite sized pieces and arrange them in a pretty way. It is such an easy way to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption! Pairing salty cheeses and fruits are fantastic and ma...