The types, kinds, and amounts of whole plant foods in your diet can boost your gut microbiome, helping you lose weight, lower cholesterol, and feel happier and more confident. Some gut bacteria are true heroes, protecting you from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. However, when things get out of balance—often due to poor diet and unhealthy habits—the villains take over, leading to serious health issues. Discover tips for a gut-friendly diet that supports overall well-being and promotes a healthier, happier you.

As the weather heats up, the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove or grill. Fortunately, you don’t have to! This refreshing and nutritious meal requires no cooking and satisfies your taste buds. This Easy Breezy Arugula Salad with hummus and cucumber slices on the side, is the perfect no-cook, quick dinner. 

Switching from beef to chicken with the hope of lowering cholesterol levels is a myth that needs dispelling. Contrary to popular belief, a 2019 study found that both chicken and beef equally raise cholesterol levels, showing that substituting beef with chicken does not bring the anticipated benefits for cholesterol management. It highlights the misconception that chicken is not meat or somehow healthier in terms of cholesterol impact, shedding light on the fact that all meat, regardless of its source, is problematic due to compounds like carnitine and choline which promote inflammation and can exacerbate cholesterol and heart health issues.Fiber plays a crucial role in combating high cholesterol, yet neither chicken nor beef contains fiber, which acts like a sponge to soak up and eliminate cholesterol from the body. The high fat content in meat, combined with the absence of fiber, underscores the futility of choosing leaner meats as a solution for cholesterol management. The complexity in determining the fat content in meat based on various factors renders the effort nearly impossible, drawing attention to the need for alternative dietary choices.Emphasizing plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, whole grains, and vegetables presents a viable solution for those aiming to lower their cholesterol levels. These food items are not only rich in fiber and low in fat but also provide a clean, cholesterol-lowering protein alternative to meat. Adopting a plant-focused diet could significantly improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure, offering a healthier lifestyle choice free from the unwanted side effects associated with other cholesterol management strategies like statin use.

"What's the best breakfast?" people often ask me. Expecting that I might say eggs or whole wheat toast, I say this, "Oatmeal. It's not just for breakfast anymore."According to Quaker Oats, the average American eats 15 bowls of oatmeal each year. Quaker man might think that’s ok, but I think that it’s awful! When I consider oatmeal’s potential for lowering body weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, I get on my soap box and scream.I might shout, “Oatmeal is high in fiber and essential nutrients! It has impressive health benefits! Oatmeal deserves its place, not only in your morning routine, but at any time during the day!”That's right. Any time of day.

"Why aren't eggs a healthy breakfast option?" -- asked by many peopleEggs. Not all they're cracked up to be.The widespread misinformation about eggs has become accepted as truth. And unfortunately, too many people are suffering because of it.Yes. Eggs have become a popular source of protein. But relying on protein from eggs increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. 

I get this question more times than I can count. We have been hood-winked into believing that we need to eat animal protein for good health. We are obsessed with thoughts about getting enough protein. STOP THAT! Nothing could be further from the truth. Eating meat is NOT necessary for good health. People all over the world thrive on meatless diets. In fact, vegans and vegetarians, people who DON'T eat meat, live longer and better than people who do eat it.