Get ready for a healthy summer!

The days are getting longer, the first green shoots of spring are appearing, and the sun is truly warm, which feels like the first time in a long time. Winter is about being cozy and warm. But now it’s time to get out and explore nature’s bounty in all its splendor. Forget the parkas and mittens, it's time to get out the beachwear!

Summer means enjoying occasional classic treats; a scoop of ice cream, anyone? But don't forget to give your body what it really needs: plenty of salads, fresh fruit and nuts, whole grains, and other healthy food choices.

When you give your body the right fuel, you feel energized inside and out. You're ready to tackle all of summer's adventures! Here are a few tips to make the most of this season:

• Healthy Treats: Serve a healthy spread like hummus, herb yogurt, or fresh salsa, along with toasted naan bread and pita bread, and don't forget the vegetables! Zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli florets, baby carrots, red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are excellent choices.

• Portion Size: Using smaller plates tricks the brain into thinking you're eating large portions. It's true! An analysis of over 50 separate studies found that varying plate or bowl size had a significant effect on the amount of food subjects ate.¹ Disturbingly, doubling the size of a plate can increase the amount of food you eat by more than 40%!

• Meal Times: It seems your parents were right about sticking to meal times. A recent study showed that when you eat can affect how your body metabolizes food.¹ If you need more proof, consider this: eating regularly can help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, a finding endorsed by the American Heart Association.³

• Probiotics: We are conditioned to avoid anything with the word "bacteria" in it. But in this case, bacteria are our friends. We believe they can play an essential role in gastrointestinal health and promoting a favorable gut flora. A variety of other factors, including stress, rich foods, and meal schedules can also harm our digestive system.

What should I look for when choosing probiotics?

• Storage: If you're an "active" person, shelf-stable probiotics that don't require refrigeration may be your best bet.
• Guaranteed Potency: Probiotics are measured in "colony-forming units" or "CFUs." So, look for products with a CFU count that meets your needs.
• Strains: Do the probiotics include researched strains? Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM or Bifidobacterium Bl-04 are examples of studied strains.
• Capsule: What type of capsule is used? Using a delayed-release capsule can help ensure that healthy bacteria get past the stomach and reach the places where you need them for maximum gastrointestinal effect.
• Gluten and Dairy: Not all capsules are gluten- and dairy-free. Check the label to make sure your probiotics fit your dietary tolerances.

The Primadophilus Optima line of probiotics is the ideal solution for probiotic users on the go. Digestive Health Optima 50 Billion, Women's Optima 50 Billion, and 50+ Optima 50 Billion are shelf-stable (no refrigeration required). These products guarantee their potency until the expiration date and include healthy bacterial strains, including NCFM and Bl-04. All products are in a delayed-release capsule, are gluten-free, and dairy-free.

References:

[1] Holden SS, Zlatevska N, Dubelaar C. Whether smaller plates reduce consumption depends on who’s serving and who’s looking: a meta-analysis. J Assoc Consum Res. 2016;1(1):134–46.

2 Kahleova, H., Lloren, J.I., Mashchak, A., Hill, M. and Fraser, G.E. (2017). Meal Frequency and Timing are Associated with Changes in Body Mass Index in Adventist Healthy Study 2. The Journal of Nutrition.

3 St-Onge, M-P., Ard, J., Baskin, M.L., Chiuve, S.E., Johnson, H.M., Kris-Etherton, P. and Varady, K. (2017). Meal Timing and Frequency: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association, Circulation: AHA Scientific Statement.