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15 Healthy Foods to Buy at 7/11, According to a Dietitian

When you’re on the road and hunger strikes, you may have no choice but to head to the nearest convenience store. The good news is that convenience store food can be healthy, despite its bad rap. 7/11, in particular, has expanded to include a variety of better-for-you options like fresh fruits, salads, sandwiches, and more. Planning ahead and knowing what to look for can prevent you from reaching for less nutritious options on your next visit. As a dietitian, here are my approved picks from 7/11 to help you make healthier choices when you’re on the go. 7/11 offers two…
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Plant-based food packages linked to reduce BMI in children

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new study led by researchers from the Mass General Brigham healthcare system suggests that taking a “food is medicine” approach could increase nutrition security for families and lead to reductions in body mass index (BMI) in children. Working together with the MGH Food Pantry, researchers from the Massachusetts General for Children and Boston Children’s Hospital examined whether providing weekly plant-based foods to families seeking food assistance during the pandemic led to weight changes among children. The team found an association between increasing receipts of food packages and decreasing BMI. The findings, published in the journal…
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Easy tips for mindful snacking

As a dietitian, my role is to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle every day by focusing on these three things: exercise, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight. If your snacking habits are not as healthy as they once were, here are some things to remember when snacking: Plan your approach and stock your pantry. Determining your game plan for what and when to eat is important. The first step is to examine your thoughts. Think and plan — don’t react. A game plan will help you stick with healthy habits — or return to them if…
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Healthy Fast Food Options to Eat on the Road

Fast food should never be your go-to for every meal. But life gets busy and, sometimes, when you’re on the road, you have to choose convenience over a home-cooked meal. Thankfully, there are relatively healthy fast food options. Over the past decade, there’s been a shift in the industry to provide healthy fast food options. Rather than strictly opting for among fried fare, chains are lightening up classic offerings and concocting entirely new items with fewer calories, fat and carbs. A general rule of thumb for eating healthy on the road is to watch your portion sizes. Avoid high-fat items,…
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OFF TOPIC: When it comes to healthy eating, we can pay now or pay later

A common piece of advice when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet is to fill your cart from the outside aisles of the grocery store. That’s where you’ll find the meat department, dairy case and, most importantly, the produce section – all the least-processed offerings in the building. Of course, there are exceptions. The middle aisles are where you can find many healthy grains as well as canned fruits, vegetables and legumes. The freezer section holds healthy options as well. Flash-frozen produce is as nutritious, we’re told, as the fresh stuff, but has the advantage of keeping far longer.…
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7 healthy brunch ideas to try at home, plus how to order them at a restaurant

Healthy brunch pancakes covered in berries, sitting next to fruit juice In the mornings, most of us thrive on solid breakfasts to see us through to lunch so healthy brunch is the best of both worlds. Think alternative ways to make pancakes, avocado and eggs on toast, porridge and so much more. If you are looking for healthy brunch recipes, you may also be looking for ways to lose weight healthily. Brunch is more than just a meal. We tend to eat it with friends and family over a few hours and normally on the weekends, so it’s important to…
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7 Healthy Burger King Orders, According to Dietitians

When it comes to fast food, making healthy choices can feel like a daunting task. However, even though it can be difficult, it’s certainly not impossible. In fact, we spoke to expert dietitians to uncover the healthy Burger King orders you can make next time you go. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your craving for BK or seeking choices that align with your nutrition goals, these RD-approved options will show you that fast-food can still be a part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Making a healthy choice when eating at fast-food establishments involves several key factors. First and foremost,…
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These 20 Foods Will Reduce Inflammation and Ease Arthritis Pain

This article was medically reviewed by Elaine Husni, MD, MPH, at the Cleveland Clinic. It has been estimated that over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of arthritis every year. Arthritis comes with pain that may vary in frequency but commonly goes unresolved for years or even a lifetime. Treatment for chronic pain, such as arthritis, begins by addressing overall health—including sleep, diet and mood. While just one component of treatment, eating the best foods for arthritis can play a role in easing pain and preventing some conditions often related to the presence of arthritis. Related: How to Keep…