Health | Southern Belle Wellness https://southernbellewellness.com Health, Joy, and Wellness Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:50:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://southernbellewellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-SBW-Icon-32x32.png Health | Southern Belle Wellness https://southernbellewellness.com 32 32 GFB Bars! https://southernbellewellness.com/gfb-bars/ Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:50:16 +0000 https://southernbellewellness.com/?p=406

A Flavorful Journey with GFB Bars: Spotlight on Oatmeal-Raisin

The world of energy bars is vast and varied, with each brand trying to stand out in a crowd. Amidst this cacophony of choices, GFB bars have managed to carve out a niche for themselves. As someone who is always on the hunt for the perfect portable snack, I stumbled upon these gems, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Now, while all GFB bars have their unique flavor profiles and merits, there’s one variant that resonates with me deeply: the Oatmeal-Raisin bar. This isn’t just any snack bar; it’s like biting into a piece of nostalgia.

Growing up, oatmeal-raisin cookies were a staple of my youth. The warm, comforting scent of baking oats intertwined with the sweet aroma of raisins is forever etched in my memory. So, when I took my first bite of the GFB Oatmeal-Raisin bar, it was a delightful trip down memory lane.

Texture-wise, the bar is perfectly chewy, with a slight crunch from the oats. The raisins offer bursts of sweetness, contrasting with the wholesome flavor of the oats. What truly impressed me was the balance. Many bars I’ve tried in the past either sway too sweet or too bland, but this one hits the right note.

But beyond the flavor, there’s an inherent satisfaction in knowing that GFB bars prioritize quality ingredients. It’s evident in every bite that these aren’t just churned out in a factory line but crafted with care and attention to detail.

Moreover, the convenience of having a snack that is both delicious and nutritious cannot be overstated. On days when I’m rushing and don’t have time for a full meal, the Oatmeal-Raisin GFB bar has become my go-to. It keeps me energized, satiated, and, most importantly, happy.

In a market flooded with choices, it’s rare to find products that stand out not just for their quality but also for the emotional connection they foster. The GFB Oatmeal-Raisin bar does just that. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a flavorful journey, a slice of home, and a testament to the magic that happens when ingredients are combined with love and care. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. Your taste buds will thank you!

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When Sugar Isn’t So Sweet https://southernbellewellness.com/when-sugar-isnt-so-sweet/ Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:20:05 +0000 https://southernbellewellness.com/?p=401

Limiting Sugar in Your Diet: Why and How

In today’s modern diet, sugar has become a ubiquitous ingredient, found in nearly every processed food and drink. While it’s hard to avoid, reducing sugar intake is essential for overall health. Here’s why you should consider limiting sugar and how to go about it.

The Impact of Excess Sugar on Health

Weight Gain

High sugar intake is linked to weight gain. Sugary foods and drinks can lead to increased hunger and reduced satiety, making you consume more calories.

Heart Disease

Consuming too much sugar is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, and inflammation.

Type 2 Diabetes

A diet high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Tooth Decay

Sugars feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities.

Fatty Liver Disease

Excessive sugar, especially fructose, can lead to an increased accumulation of fat in the liver.

Tips to Reduce Sugar Intake

Read Labels

Always check the nutrition label for sugar content. Look for names like glucose, fructose, maltose, and corn syrup.

Limit Sugary Beverages

Opt for water, unsweetened tea, or coffee instead of sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks.

Eat Whole Fruits

While fruit contains natural sugar, it also provides essential nutrients and fiber. Opt for whole fruits over fruit juices or dried fruits.

Cook at Home

Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you’re not adding unnecessary sugar.

Limit Sweets

Enjoy desserts and sweet snacks in moderation.

Opt for Unsweetened Snacks

Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened yogurt, almond milk, or other snacks.

Reduce Sugar in Recipes

When baking or cooking, try using less sugar than the recipe calls for or use natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.

Stay Informed

New research and guidelines are continually emerging. Stay updated to make informed dietary choices.

While it’s unrealistic for most people to eliminate all sugar from their diet, reducing intake can lead to significant health benefits. It’s essential to be mindful of hidden sugars in processed foods and make conscious choices. A little effort can pave the way for a healthier life!

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SHiNE ✨ https://southernbellewellness.com/shine-%e2%9c%a8/ Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:38:15 +0000 http://southernbellewellness.com/?p=386

SHiNE Dance Fitness is a great way to have fun and physical activity into your day.

I’m a member of SHiNE Online, where we receive two new workouts weekly. I also have access to the SHiNE Online Archive.

I like this group of women instructors because they are fun and talented, and the workouts feature various moves and modern music.

Check it out!

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Zoe Metabolism Study – My Results https://southernbellewellness.com/zoe-metabolism-study-my-results/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 22:12:59 +0000 https://southernbellewellness.com/?p=347

I just received my Zoe results today.

What is Zoe?

Zoe is a company that analyzes metabolism, including how one’s blood response to fat and sugar.

 

Share us with your friends for an extra month for free and we'll give them 10% off too.

Zoe measures “dietary Inflammation” partly by examining how the body metabolizes sugar and fat.

To participate in the Zoe study, you agree to eat muffins with certain ingredients on two different days (the ingredients differ in each batch of muffins). During this time, you wear a subcutaneous glucose sensor and scan your blood sugar at specific times as designated by the “Zoe Test” app.

 

The test also asks for one finger prick test to assess blood fat levels and one stool sample to determine “gut health” measures of both healthy and unhealthy bacteria.

Keep in mind, I eat fairly healthy. I don’t eat red meat or drink alcohol. I eat clean a good percent of the time. Also, during my Zoe test, my blood sugar was always within normal range. Another thing to note is that I have a chronic sinus infection in my left nare an frequently (at least quarterly) take antibiotics (i.e., Septra or doxycycline). Taking antibiotics obviously changes gut health significantly.

How’d I fare? I was actually somewhat surprised of my results.

Keep in mind, I know from my 23andme results that I’m at risk for diabetes mellitus type II due to my genetics (as well as my family history).

Good news first — my blood fat control was considered “good”. Though, quite frankly, it is quite next to the “poor” mark!

Now, for the not-so-good news — my blood sugar control was considered “poor”.

How is all of this useful? Zoe uses this information to deliver a “food score” per food item that is individualized to the user.

I’m learning more now about my scores in the “Zoe Insights” App. I’ll let you know as soon as I play with it a bit. Tomorrow is my official start date for using the app and tracking my meals to see their score.

Are you interested in your results? Click here to get $35 off your own Zoe!

 

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