Cornerstone Care’s HONEY Program: The sweetest way to a healthier lifestyle.
In today’s fast-paced world, making healthier food choices can seem like a challenge, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take toward maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Whether you're trying to lose weight, manage a health condition, or simply feel better overall, eating nutritious, wholefoods can have a profound impact on your well-being. HONEY addresses each of these elements to ensure you can live life to the fullest.
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oates
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats (1/3 cup if using Steel Cut Oats)
1/2 cup Milk of choice (Gina suggests Unsweetened Almond Milk)
1/4 cup Full-fat-plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1-2 Tbsp Pure Pumpkin Puree
1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Mason jar/container with lid
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a jar/container
Stir and add the lid
Store in fridge overnight
Top with almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, or whipped topping (Gina and Dillon recommend Coconut non-dairy whipped topping)
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients:
5 Zucchini Squash (yield 2 boats per 1 zucchini ) Salt
Pepper
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Italian Seasoning
Olive Oil
1/3 cup Cottage Cheese
1/3 cup Full fat-plain Greek Yogurt 1/4 cup Milk
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Grilled Chicken Breast (Gina and Dillon used Tyson Grilled)
1 container Spinach
1 Tbsp Corn Starch
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Cut each zucchini squash in half-long
Scoop out the insides
Lightly coat each boat in olive oil
Season with Salt and Pepper (season to your liking)
Place face down on a baking sheet
Heat in the oven for 10 minutes
Alfredo Sauce:
1/3 cup Full Fat-plain Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup Cottage Cheese
1/4 cup Milk
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions:
Season with Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper (season to your liking)
Blend
Prepare chicken until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees
In a pan, on low medium heat, stir in the Alfredo Sauce mixture onto the chicken Add Spinach and stir
1 tbsp Corn Starch and stir
Let simmer until well mixed
Spoon in the mixture into each boat
Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese (suggested)
Place back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until the cheese is melted.
Why Healthier Eating Matters
Boosts Energy Levels
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to stay energized throughout the day. Processed and sugary foods may give you a quick boost, but they often lead to energy crashes and fatigue.
1. Strengthens the Immune System
Foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants play a vital role in keeping your immune system strong. A healthy immune system helps protect you from illnesses and infections, allowing you to recover faster and stay healthier longer.
2. Improves Mental Health
What you eat can significantly affect your mental well-being. Nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, provide key nutrients that support brain function and mood regulation. Consuming a balanced diet has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, contributing to improved mental health.
3. Supports Long-Term Health
Healthy eating can prevent a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By incorporating more whole foods and reducing your intake of processed and sugary options, you're investing in your long-term health and reducing your risk of serious health problems.
Easy Tips for Eating Healthier
- Plan Ahead: Planning your meals in advance can help you avoid unhealthy takeout or fast food. Prepare meals with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes hunger is mistaken for thirst. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydrated and help your body function properly.
- Mind Your Portions: It's easy to overeat, even when you're choosing healthy foods. Pay attention to portion sizes and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Small Changes, Big Results
You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start by making small, sustainable changes, such as adding more vegetables to your meals or swapping sugary snacks for healthier options. Over time, these small changes can lead to big improvements in your health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
At Cornerstone Care, we believe in supporting our patients on their journey to better health, and that includes offering guidance on healthy eating. Remember, every small step toward healthier eating is a step toward a better, healthier you!
Let’s take that step together.
Interested in the HONEY Program?
If you are a resident of Greene County and a Cornerstone Care patient and want to know how you can be a part of the HONEY program, please go to Cornerstone Care’s website, and fill out the form at the bottom of the HONEY page.