Blog: Nutrition and Exercise for Health and Weight Control

It is well established that high sugar consumption damages our arteries and promotes diabetes as well as many other chronic disease conditions. Now scientists are finding that excess sugar can significantly contribute to accelerated aging of our skin and the underlying tissues.

How it Happens

First of all, the sugar molecules in your bloodstream attach to proteins, forming harmful molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE’s). As they accumulate, adjacent proteins are denatured in domino-like reactions. Most vulnerable are the collagen and elastin fibers that keep our skin firm and elastic. Once damaged, these become dry and brittle, eventually resulting in sagging and wrinkles. (more…)

Here’s a way to have fresh, homemade bread without taking hours to knead, rise and shape it. This is my version of a recipe that was recently featured in the newsletter of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

My 16-year-old daughter, Theodora, made it for the family and it turned out to be one of the tastiest breads we’ve ever had.

The sesame seeds give the crust a wonderful flavor and crunch. Makes great toast too. We doubled the recipe, but even so, both loaves were gone within 24 hours. (more…)

An ice-cold smoothie is a delicious summertime treat as well as a highly nutritious meal. They’re ideal for busy people as they take only minutes to make. They’re delicious frozen as pops, too.

Here are some of our family’s favorite recipes. We have smoothies every day as my children love them and it’s an easy way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. (more…)

If you’re like the average American, you eat only about one serving of whole grain on a daily basis. Health professionals recommend we consume at least 3 servings daily or 50% of our total grain intake. The fiber and nutrients have been proven to be especially helpful for controlling blood pressure, reducing risk for diabetes, and protecting against colorectal cancer.

Though there is a growing interest in whole foods, currently only about 15% of grain products eaten are whole and 85% are refined. Refined grains have the bran and germ removed, leaving only the calorie-rich starch. The bran and germ is where the majority of vitamins, minerals, and fiber are located.

Here’s what’s lost in the refinement of wheat flour: (more…)

My friend, Alexis Westerwelle, owns the Whole Earth Granary in Keystone Heights, Fl. Their bread is different from most others because the grains are milled fresh at the time of baking and never stored.
All their bread has an extraordinarily fresh, live flavor. It’s very soft, moist, and light, unlike many other whole-wheat bakery products you commonly find in grocery stores and bakeries.

Besides their main store in Keystone, Alexis and her sons market their bread and other baked goods at various farmers’ markets in surrounding counties. They are on the Pier in St. Augustine on Wednesday, in High Springs on Thursdays, and at Haile Village in Gainesville on Saturday mornings. (more…)