We are busy! Competing for our time is a constant stream of notifications, emails, and texts, endless errands, work and family. Matching the hectic pace of living means that we might have bad eating habits. A growing body of research suggests that our bodies function optimally when we align our eating patterns with our circadian rhythms, the internal 24-hour cycles that tell our bodies when to wake up, when to eat, when to fall asleep. Studies show that chronically disrupting this rhythm — by eating late meals or nibbling on midnight snacks, for example — could be a recipe for weight gain and... Read More

                                     Honeybell Oranges                                                          Pic Lenny Lensworth Frieling How many of us as Boulder Mile High dwellers consider oranges? As an artist, orange is very tricky for some of us. As fruit eaters they are pretty easy for everyone. The varieties are staggering and it is an integral part of many breakfasts in the morning and cocktails later in the day. Unless it is the key ingredient in a Mimosa. Honeybell oranges, also known... Read More

Recently, a friend of mine posted on social media that he was considering a plant-based diet to reduce his risk of heart disease.  What does that means for those of us who are omnivores – eaters of food that are of both plant and animal origin? Is it necessary to eschew animal protein to have a healthy heart? Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, among others, has been an outspoken critic of both America’s obsession with healthy eating and American food policy.  In 2009, Mr. Pollan spoke to a room full of CDC scientists about how and why... Read More

Boulder, Colorado, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving culinary scene. One of the most beloved and indulgent brunch offerings in Boulder is French toast. Whether you prefer classic French toast or innovative, gourmet twists on this breakfast favorite, Boulder has a variety of top-notch brunch spots that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Join us on a culinary tour of the city’s best brunch spots, where you can indulge in the most delectable French toast offerings. According to the most recent data from Yelp, here are the top rated restaurants in Boulder,... Read More

Boulder, Colorado is a haven for pastry enthusiasts, boasting an array of delightful bakeries that cater to every craving. Whether you’re a fan of flaky croissants, indulgent cinnamon rolls, or artisanal bread, Boulder’s best bakeries have got you covered. Join us as we embark on a delectable journey to discover the top bakeries in Boulder, Colorado. According to the most recent Yelp data, the following are the top-rated bakeries near Boulder Colorado: Boulder Baked: A cozy spot known for its late-night service, offering a delightful selection of desserts, cupcakes, and more. Their... Read More

Sugar is everywhere, almost impossible to avoid.  It’s in foods like bread, pasta sauce, salad dressing, and ketchup. It can be challenging to find sugar in your food because nutrition labels are not required to list all sugar.  In 2018, nutrition labels will be required to call out all added sugar but, in the meantime, you’ll have to do some sugar sleuthing to manage your sugar intake. The Institute of Medicine has made recommendations for sugar intake.  Since sugar isn’t a required nutrient in the diet, the institute has not issued a recommended dietary allowance, but does suggest... Read More

It’s no secret that our children are not the healthiest in the U.S.  One in three children in America are overweight or obese. Today’s toddlers can expect good health until about age 65 and live about 76 years. By contrast, Japanese children have the highest healthy life expectancy in the world, with Japanese boys and girls expected to live to 73 without any major illness or disability and overall life expectancy in the 80s. Why is this the case?  The Japanese eat fewer calories per day including more fish, more vegetable products, less meat and dairy and consume more reasonable... Read More

There seems to be some confusion about whether dairy should be part of the American diet.  While some dietitians recommend dairy, specifically milk, because it’s a good source of calcium and vitamin D — nutrients that contribute to bone health — researchers say that the science behind milk consumption and bone health is not conclusive.  So, what are the benefits of dairy products? While there is nutrient value to dairy products, most are available from eating other foods.  There are benefits to consuming dairy products, some of which are contrary to what we previously believed... Read More

Did you know that a green (unripe) banana confers its own unique health benefits? Green bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and contain resistant starch which cannot be broken down by enzymes in your digestive system and, therefore, acts more like fiber. Including foods high in resistant starch in your diet may reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease by aiding in blood sugar control and lowering blood cholesterol levels. Bananas have higher levels of antioxidants as they ripen. Fully ripened bananas produce a substance called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). TNF regulates... Read More

The company you keep has a lot to do with your success at losing weight. According to a story in the journal Obesity, if you want to lose, you might have more success dropping pounds by including thinner people in your social circle. Researchers asked about 9,000 adults ages 18 to 65 about their weight goals and their friends. In addition, they were also asked to describe the physical build of their four closest friends in relation to their own. The group was tracked for a year. Those who wanted to lose weight often spent more time with people who were also carrying extra pounds, but when they... Read More