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Daily Dish the Fork Lift blog

  1. Fermented Foods

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    Yogurt, buttermilk, sauerkraut, tempeh … all of these fabulous fermented foods have something in common: bugs! These bugs (or, more accurately, bacteria) are the types that are considered healthy additions to our otherwise sterile, bacteria-free diets, and many health professionals recommend eating them to promote digestive health. Scientists also say that, as an added bonus, these foods may help keep other ailments, like obesity and immune disorders, at bay.

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  2. Juicing May Be Your Ticket to Good Health

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    Do you love the taste of freshly juiced fruits and vegetables? While many tales are often told about the benefits of juicing, it is fact that certain juices may boost your health and performance, keep muscle soreness at bay and be a tasty way to get some of those needed fruit and veggie servings. Here are some juicing basics along with what juicing can do for you...

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  3. The Healthy Way to Go Vegetarian

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    Moving to a plant-based diet – passing on meats, seafood, eggs, dairy and all that comes from animals – is fast becoming an eating trend. Many research studies support that vegetarian eating has numerous health benefits, such as lowering risk for heart disease and certain cancers. 

    Here are some simple ways to round out your vegetarian menu and make sure your body gets what it needs for good health.

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  4. Keep Your Child's Immune Strong

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    What parent hasn’t struggled with their child being “sick again” and missing another day of school? Every year, children suffer from more colds than adults and have a myriad of other illness from flu to skin infections that make for numerous trips to the physician’s office.

    You can enhance your child’s ability to ward of colds, flu and more by including immune boosting foods along with some lifestyle changes. Here are the top four must-do’s to boost your child’s immune health...

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  5. Oatmeal with berries

    Three Must Have Eats for Kids’ Breakfasts and Lunches

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    As summertime bliss winds down, families are getting back into their Fall routines. As you bring structure back into your lives, don’t forget that fueling your children with the right foods is crucial. Here are must-have eats for your children to supply three crucial nutrients that most kids fall short on in their diets: fiber, protein and calcium. 

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  6. Belly Full of Tomatoes

    Full Belly Farms Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes

    Hot summer days, cooler air at night … the climate in the Capay Valley creates the perfect growing conditions for tomatoes, and now that we’re well into late summer, we’re reaping all the rewards. Our produce department is packed full of delicious gems from Full Belly Farms, from gorgeous heirloom tomato varieties, to crisp, juicy cherry tomatoes just waiting to jump into your salad bowl. Take home this great tomato tip we learned from our friends at Full Belly Farms: tomatoes don’t like to get too cold, so don’t stick them in the refrigerator unless they’re getting over-ripe.

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  7. hydrating produce

    Hydrating Produce

    Health Notes by Dr. Liz

    Summertime calls for cooling off and hydrating! Eating a healthy dose of fruits and veggies is an easy and delicious way to boost hydration during the summer months. Fresh fruit and veggies can supply about one fifth of your daily fluid needs. Some fruits and veggies are particularly hydrating given their high water content and rich supply of potassium, which plays a big role in body fluid balance.

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  8. The Power of Plant-Base Proteins

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    In today’s fast paced era eating protein is easy, thanks to protein powders! When made from real foods like eggs and milk (casein and whey), protein powders are convenient options to ensure your body gets what it needs. Lucky for us, the new focus on plant-based diet has brought many new plant protein sources to market. Simply blend a scoop into smoothies, hot cereals or soups. Most varieties of protein powders supply about 10 to 20 grams per scoop (about 20 to 40% of your Daily Value), perfect for counting as a “meal’s” worth of protein. 

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  9. Health Notes from Dr. Liz: Micro Greens

    Basil, Cilantro, Kale, Rainbow Mix and Gold Pea Shoots

    These tiny seedlings are BIG on health-boosting nutrition. Compared to the mature versions of kale, basil, cilantro and other greens, micro greens boast anywhere from twice to five times the levels of phytonutrients, which are believed to ward off age-related ailments such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and they’ve also been shown to protect heart and eye health. Use micro greens in salads, stuff them into sandwiches and wraps, or use them to top tacos — then sit back and enjoy the huge health benefits!

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  10. Oh La La!! French Cheese!

    Health Notes from Dr. Liz

    There’s no doubt that French cheeses are lusciously delicious! But how can we rationalize their calories and fat?? According to researchers, eating French cheeses may help explain the “French Paradox,” which is the phenomenon in which the French experience lower cardiovascular rates than those of us in the US, despite their higher intake of saturated fats.

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