Healthy Eating Archives - Thrive Carolinas

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...

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

April 15, 2025

Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Weight Management

At Thrive Carolinas, we believe food can be your first defense in healing. “Food as medicine” is about choosing and preparing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body beyond basic calories. These foods are rich in phytonutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent disease. “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore. Many of these foods have been used for centuries across cultures, and today, science continues to confirm what traditional wisdom has long known: food can heal. How to Use Food as Medicine in Everyday Life 1. Prioritize Whole, Colorful Foods Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to maximize nutrient intake. Each color...

The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

April 8, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Vitamins

Fuel your body with color, and discover how phytonutrients support whole-body wellness. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates Are You Eating Enough Color? Most Americans aren’t. According to the CDC, the average adult consumes just 1 servings of fruit and 1.6 servings of vegetables per day—well below the recommended 1.5–2 cups of fruit and 2–3 cups of vegetables. Even more concerning, many people stick to the same few foods, often prepared in processed forms. Think fries, ketchup, and iceberg lettuce. Why Eating a Variety of Colors Matters Eating a wide range of colorful plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, and nuts ensures your body receives diverse phytonutrients. These powerful compounds help: Support immune function Fight inflammation Boost heart and brain health ...

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut Microbiome—and How to Rebuild It

March 26, 2025

Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Safe & Effective Supplements, Vitamins

Written by: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When to Take Them, What to Avoid, and How to Heal Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine by saving lives and effectively treating bacterial infections. But like all powerful tools, they come with trade-offs—especially regarding gut health. Since 2000, global antibiotic use has increased by 66%, much of it unnecessary or misused. As a result, many people are experiencing unintended consequences—most notably, disruptions in the gut microbiome. What Is the Gut Microbiome? Your gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that live in your digestive tract. These organisms: Aid in digestion Produce essential vitamins Regulate the immune system Maintain a healthy gut lining Break down fiber and polyphenols How Antibiotics Impact Gut Health Antibiotics don’t distinguish between...

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?

March 18, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

At Thrive, we’re often asked: Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? Since childhood, many of us have been told that eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. But how much of that is fact—and how much is clever marketing? A Brief History of Breakfast Historically, breakfast wasn't always a daily staple. Ancient civilizations like the Romans typically ate one meal a day, skipping breakfast entirely. In the Middle Ages, adults often avoided breakfast, associating it with gluttony—though children were the exception. It wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that breakfast became more common, primarily among the wealthy. Simple foods like bread, butter, tea, and coffee dominated morning meals. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century changed everything. With stricter work schedules,...

The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

March 11, 2025

Dr NP, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Weight Management

What is the Microbiome & Why Does It Matter? Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing everything from immune function and metabolism to mental well-being. Recent research has linked gut bacteria imbalances—also known as dysbiosis—to chronic diseases such as: Type 1 Diabetes & Rheumatoid Arthritis Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Disorders Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome Anxiety, Depression & Neurodegenerative Diseases The gut is connected to the brain, immune system, and metabolism, meaning what you eat directly impacts your microbiome and, in turn, your overall health. The Science Behind Gut Health & Disease Prevention Over $1.7 billion has been spent on microbiome research, revealing that imbalances in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation and disease progression. Studies show that: Microbial dysbiosis leads to chronic...

The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods & How to Make Healthier Choices

March 4, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are a Growing Health Concern Ultra-processed foods are everywhere—from packaged snacks and frozen meals to sugary drinks and fast food. They make up 60% of the American diet, yet research now confirms their strong link to obesity, chronic disease, and even mental health disorders. A 2024 study in the British Journal of Medicine found “convincing and highly suggestive” evidence that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher risks of early death, heart disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Even organic and so-called "healthy" packaged foods often contain added sugars, seed oils, and preservatives, making them just as harmful as their conventional counterparts. Understanding how ultra-processed foods impact health is crucial for making informed dietary choices and reducing long-term health risks. What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Ultra-processed foods...

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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

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut Microbiome—and How to Rebuild It

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?

The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods & How to Make Healthier Choices

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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