Healthy Eating Archives - Thrive Carolinas

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...

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

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...

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

September 9, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When it comes to healthy eating, almonds and walnuts often steal the spotlight. But there’s another nut worth adding to your pantry—the macadamia. Often overlooked, these creamy, buttery nuts are a true nutritional powerhouse. Fun fact: they were even said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nut. So why should macadamias earn a spot on your plate? Let’s dive into the science-backed benefits. Lower in Omega-6s & Carbs Most nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation. Macadamias are unique because they’re naturally low in omega-6s and carbohydrates, making them easier on both inflammation and blood sugar balance. This makes them an especially smart choice for individuals seeking to support their metabolic health or...

Cooking at Home: A Non-negotiable Tool to Optimize Health

September 3, 2025

Dietitian Services, Dr NP, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, In The Kitchen, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

“Any valuable tool should be simple. That does not mean it will be easy, but if it does need to be simple.” One of the most powerful tools for optimizing your health is a balanced diet. The only way to truly control your diet is to cook at home. When you cook your food, you know where the ingredients came from and what you put into the recipes. That is why we are so passionate about sharing kitchen ideas and recipes. Even before opening our doors at Thrive, we provided cooking classes at Whole Foods. We know that to aid our patients on their health journey, motivating them to cook is key. Cooking does not have to be intimidating or complicated. The more you make cooking at home a...

Comparison of cane sugar and corn syrup side by side, highlighting their similar health risks.

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

August 26, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Written by: Tracy Larson, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Coca-Cola and other sugary beverages are everywhere in the U.S. According to the CDC, about half of Americans consume at least one sugar-sweetened drink each day. Traditionally, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has been made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), while in many other countries it’s made with cane sugar. Soon, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar–sweetened version in the U.S. While that may sound like a healthier choice, the reality is more complicated. HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: What’s the Difference? HFCS is a man-made sweetener derived from cornstarch. It shows up in a wide range of foods, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, desserts, flavored yogurts, cereals, baked goods, and candy. Food manufacturers favor HFCS because it’s cheaper than cane sugar, widely...

Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

July 15, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a great time to be mindful of how that produce is grown. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting two key lists: The Dirty Dozen: the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry high levels of pesticide residues The Clean Fifteen: produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination In 2025, the guide goes a step further, taking into account not just how much pesticide was found, but how toxic those chemicals are. What the 2025 Report Reveals The EWG analyzed over 53,000 USDA tests on 47 different types of produce. The results are eye-opening: Over 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables tested had...

Grilling Prep 2025: Savor the Season Safely and Deliciously

June 24, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life

As summer 2025 heats up, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking. Updated from 2024 Grilling & Toxicity Article Grilling remains a favorite pastime, and this year brings new trends and health-focused tips to enhance your experience. Embrace Plant-Based Grilling Plant-based options continue to gain popularity. Grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms not only adds variety but also offers health benefits. Marinate them in olive oil and herbs for added flavor. Lean into Lean Proteins Opt for lean meats such as chicken breasts, turkey burgers, or fish. These choices reduce saturated fat intake and pair well with a variety of marinades and spices. Mindful Marinades Create your own marinades using fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This allows you to control sodium and...

Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

May 13, 2025

Blog, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

More than 10,000 chemicals are still approved for use in food and food packaging materials in the United States, and many of them may be doing more harm than good. A growing body of research shows that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s hormonal systems. These disruptions can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. Where Are These Chemicals Found? These harmful substances often hide in everyday items like: Plastic bottles (disposable and reusable) The linings of canned foods Cosmetics and personal care products Detergents and cleaning products Toys Thermal paper receipts Food packaging and wrappers Chemicals to Avoid in Plastics Here are some of the most concerning chemicals still commonly used: Phthalates: Found in...

Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

May 6, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight Management

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing “healthy” snacks that are anything but. From smoothies to snack bars, clever marketing and hidden ingredients can derail even the best intentions. Let’s break down the top pitfalls of on-the-go snacking—and how to make smarter, truly nourishing choices. The Sneaky Side of “Healthy” Snacks 1. Hidden Sugars That smoothie you grabbed on the way to work might seem like a smart choice, but many are loaded with fruit juice concentrates, sweetened yogurts, or syrups. Some store-bought smoothies pack up to 60g of sugar in a single serving! Snack bars, trail mixes, and granolas can be just as misleading, using names like agave syrup, cane juice, or brown rice syrup to...

Spring into Health: Support Local Farms and CSAs

April 29, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Spring is here, and so is the return of our beloved farmers markets, brimming with vibrant, seasonal produce and wholesome food items from dedicated local growers. At Thrive, we love this time of year because it naturally encourages healthier choices and deeper community connections. We’ve always emphasized the value of eating locally, seasonally, and organically whenever possible. Spring and summer make this easier than ever. One powerful way to commit to this lifestyle is by joining a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program. A CSA connects you directly to a local farm, providing you with weekly deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce. By subscribing, you receive top-quality food that’s just been harvested and access to unique fruits and vegetables that may not even be available in traditional grocery...

Women’s Care

Women’s Care

Women’s Care

Women’s Care

Healthy Eating

It’s Pumpkin Season!

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

Cooking at Home: A Non-negotiable Tool to Optimize Health

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

Grilling Prep 2025: Savor the Season Safely and Deliciously

Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

Spring into Health: Support Local Farms and CSAs

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

Contact

Welcome to Thrive

Working Hours

Cart

Women’s Care

Women’s Care

Women’s Care

Healthy Eating

Contact