What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein naturally found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten provides elasticity to dough, helping baked goods rise and hold shape while giving them a chewy texture. Gluten is also used to make vegetarian meat substitutes, such as seitan.

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Is it habit or hunger? Before you grab a snack, stop and assess how you feel. If your stomach is grumbling or you can't focus, you likely need to eat. If you feel anxious, stressed, or bored, you may be eating out of habit. Find an activity to distract you, such as making a phone call or taking a short walk.

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We all know that unhealthy eating can lead to weight gain and chronic disease, but we often overlook other symptoms of a poor diet that can make daily life uncomfortable and lead to more serious issues in the future.

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Slushies with Real Fruit Juice

Shaved ice is sure to cool you off on a hot day. You can cut calories and increase nutrients by swapping flavored syrups for real fruit juice. A large cup of shaved ice topped with four ounces of 100% pineapple juice has 60 calories.

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Grilling fruits and vegetables creates delicious flavors by caramelizing the natural sugars. The following tips will help you get the most out of your fresh produce while keeping your meal healthy.

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A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is one way to get fresh, nutritious food while also benefiting the local economy. Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, the answers to the following questions will help you determine if a CSA is right for you.

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Vitamin and mineral supplements should add to a nutritious diet, not replace healthy foods altogether. Here are a few reasons you should avoid depending on pills and powders for your nutrient intake.

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Nutrition professionals recommend that snacks contain about 200 calories. Combining complex carbohydrates and heart-healthy fat with protein gives snacks the staying power to keep you energized. A great way to create a balanced snack is to pick a healthy food and pair it with nutrient-packed dips or toppings. Below are a few examples of healthy dippers and spreads or toppings to enjoy with them.

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Plant-based foods are full of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, but they also offer natural chemicals called phytonutrients that improve health. While these plant nutrients are not essential for normal body function, they are powerful in disease prevention — making plant foods an important part of a nutritious diet. Enjoying a variety of foods will help you maximize your intake of these phytonutrients.

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