Thrive Carolinas, Author at Thrive Carolinas

Looking Ahead: November is Diabetes Awareness Month

October 28, 2025

Looking Ahead: November is Diabetes Awareness Month By Harlee Palmer, PA As October wraps up, we’re turning the page to a new month and a new focus on wellness. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to learn more about how nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful choices can help prevent, manage, and even reverse the progression of diabetes. At Thrive, we believe education and prevention go hand in hand. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing insights, recipes, and evidence-based strategies to help you better understand blood sugar regulation and take proactive steps toward vibrant health. Understanding Blood Sugar & Beta Cell Function In this week’s Motivation, Harlee Palmer, PA, highlights new research on how dietary interventions can influence blood sugar control and beta cell function, the cells in the pancreas responsible for...

Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli

October 28, 2025

In The Kitchen

Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli If you love the sweet-savory balance of takeout orange chicken but want a lighter, nutrient-packed version, this is it. This Orange Chicken Stir Fry delivers all the flavor and comfort you crave, using clean ingredients like coconut aminos and honey for a naturally sweet-and-salty sauce. Pair it with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced, Thrive-approved meal. What Are Coconut Aminos? Coconut aminos is a savory, slightly sweet sauce made by fermenting coconut blossom nectar with sea salt. It tastes similar to soy sauce but with less sodium and a touch of natural sweetness, plus it’s soy-free and gluten-free. Thrive Tip: Try Thrive Market Organic Coconut Amino Sauce as a delicious, healthy pantry staple. Ingredients Chicken: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch...

Nancy talks about the benefits of limiting processed foods in your diet

Elevating Everyday Meals to Optimize Health

October 28, 2025

Blog, Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Many Americans fall into a routine when it comes to cooking. We make the same few meals each week, often relying on chicken and salad, and wonder why we’re uninspired or tempted by takeout. Unfortunately, this complacency in the kitchen often mirrors the decline in our overall health. Eating out may feel easier, but it often comes with hidden costs: excess calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, along with a lack of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Finding joy and creativity in your home cooking not only saves your health, but it can also reshape your waistline and your microbiome. Why Variety Matters Research shows that rotating foods and eating a wider variety of plant ingredients helps cultivate diverse gut bacteria, a key factor in...

Freshly baked cranberry pumpkin muffins topped with pumpkin seeds on a cooling rack, surrounded by fall leaves and a small bowl of maple cream cheese.

Protein-Packed Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

October 22, 2025

In The Kitchen

Move over, pumpkin spice latte! These Protein-Packed Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins deliver all the cozy fall flavor you crave — without the sugar crash. They’re made with real pumpkin puree, gluten-free flour, and a boost of clean protein to keep you fueled all morning. Add a couple of eggs and a side of fruit, and you’ve got a balanced breakfast that tastes like dessert (but works like fuel). Ingredients Dry Ingredients: 1¼ cups gluten-free baking flour (or regular flour if preferred) ½ cup whey protein powder (unflavored or vanilla) 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt Wet Ingredients: 1 (15-oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) ½ cup coconut sugar 2 large eggs ¼ cup coconut oil, melted ¼ cup pure maple syrup 1...

Dr. Nancy Palermo wearing soft pink tones symbolizing breast cancer awareness and holistic health.

Beyond the Mammogram: A Holistic Approach to Breast Health

October 21, 2025

Uncategorized

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and raise awareness about the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will face an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. While mammograms are an essential tool for early detection, they focus primarily on diagnosis and treatment. At Thrive, we believe true wellness begins before disease develops, with proactive, evidence-based strategies that support long-term breast and hormonal health. Shifting from Reaction to Prevention Early detection saves lives, but prevention changes them. By understanding the factors that influence breast health, from inflammation and toxin exposure to nutrition and hormone balance, we can take steps today that may lower our risk of breast...

Fresh pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds arranged on a rustic wooden table, representing healthy fall ingredients.

It’s Pumpkin Season!

October 21, 2025

Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] By Nancy A. Palermo, MD As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, it’s officially pumpkin season, and not just at Starbucks. While the pumpkin spice latte may get all the attention, the humble pumpkin itself deserves the spotlight for its incredible health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. The Power of Pumpkin Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita family, which includes squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. Native to Guatemala and Mexico and cultivated for over 10,000 years, pumpkins were originally prized for their nutrient-dense seeds. Over time, selective cultivation has made them sweeter and more flavorful, the perfect fall ingredient. Why Pumpkin Deserves a Spot on Your Plate Pumpkin is technically a starchy vegetable, but it’s lower in carbohydrates than potatoes...

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

October 14, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas A healthy gut means a healthier you As science uncovers more about the connection between gut health and overall wellness, one thing becomes clear: we’re only as healthy as our gut. The gut microbiome. A diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms plays a significant role in our metabolism, immune system, and even our emotional well-being. In fact, about 70% of the body’s neurotransmitters, like serotonin and melatonin, are made in the gut. The power of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) Our beneficial gut bacteria produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help “good” bacteria thrive, repair the gut lining (reducing leaky gut syndrome), and regulate the immune system. Research indicates that SCFAs can also help reduce the risk of...

Dr. Fletcher infront of a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables on a platter, showcasing the “eat the rainbow” concept.

Vegetables Reimagined: A Fresh Take on Eating the Rainbow

October 14, 2025

Monday Motivation, Motivation

“Eat the rainbow.” You’ve probably heard this phrase before—but what does it really mean for your health? In this week’s Motivation, Dr. Fletcher reminds us that vibrant, colorful vegetables are one of the most powerful tools we have for lasting health and vitality. Each color represents a different group of phytonutrients, natural compounds that protect your cells, reduce inflammation, and support energy, immunity, and overall wellness. The Benefits of Eating More Veggies Adding a variety of vegetables to your meals can: Boost your immune system and support gut health Help balance hormones and blood sugar Increase energy levels and mental clarity Support healthy aging and reduce inflammation From deep greens packed with chlorophyll to the antioxidant power of reds and purples, every color on your plate tells a story of...

Close-up of colorful Mexican street corn in a skillet, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and crumbled cotija cheese.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote-Inspired Skillet)

October 14, 2025

In The Kitchen

A light, zesty twist on the classic street food favorite, full of flavor, color, and nutrition. This simple side dish brings all the vibrant taste of traditional Mexican street corn without the mess of grilling. It’s a perfect companion for summer dinners, taco nights, or a protein-packed lunch bowl. Ingredients 4 fresh ears of corn, shucked (or 2 cups thawed frozen kernels) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 2 green onions, chopped - white and green parts separated 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon lime zest 2 tablespoons butter or avocado oil 2 teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute) 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Directions ...

Building Better Bones: Understanding Osteoporosis and the Science Behind Strong Bones

October 7, 2025

Blog, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

The Silent Epidemic of Bone Loss Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, and another 44 million are at risk due to declining bone density. Women account for more than 80% of those affected, primarily due to hormonal changes during menopause. Every year, this disease causes 2 million fractures and costs the U.S. nearly $19 billion. But the true impact is personal: fractures, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. [mkdf_button size="" type="" text="Motivation: The Osteoporosis Solution: Integrating Eastern & Western Medicine" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://thrivecarolinas.com/motivation-the-osteoporosis-solution-integrating-eastern-western-medicine/" target="_self" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""] Bone Is Alive and Always Changing Contrary to popular belief, bone is not a rigid structure; it’s a living, vascular, and dynamic tissue that constantly breaks down and rebuilds itself. Think of it like a financial...

Women’s Care

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Author: Thrive Carolinas

Looking Ahead: November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli

Elevating Everyday Meals to Optimize Health

Protein-Packed Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

Beyond the Mammogram: A Holistic Approach to Breast Health

It’s Pumpkin Season!

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

Vegetables Reimagined: A Fresh Take on Eating the Rainbow

Mexican Street Corn (Elote-Inspired Skillet)

Building Better Bones: Understanding Osteoporosis and the Science Behind Strong Bones

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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Author: Thrive Carolinas

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