Nutrition
Did you know that the brain accounts for around 20% of our total daily energy requirements?
What we eat and drink quite literally fuels our minds enabling our brains to function, grow, and repair.
When we choose nutritious foods, we provide our brains with the building blocks needed to function at our best. From vitamins and minerals to healthy fats and fiber, all nutrients play a role in brain health and function.
Following a healthy pattern of eating has been proven to:
•Decrease stress
•Increase concentration
•Improve sleep quality
•Improve mood fluctuations
Just as our healthy food choices positively affect our physical and mental wellbeing, the opposite is also true. Poor food choices can decrease our brain function making it harder to perform our day to day tasks.
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The cost of eating healthy can vary depending on your dietary preferences, and your shopping habits. In general, some healthy foods can be more expensive than less healthy alternatives.
However, this is not always the case and it is very possible to eat a healthy diet on a budget. With some planning and smart shopping, you can eat a nutritious diet on a budget. -
Yes, improving your diet can have a positive impact on your sleep quality. The foods we eat can affect our sleep, both positively and negatively.
Certain nutrients found in healthy foods, such as magnesium, potassium, and tryptophan, can help promote relaxation and better sleep. On the other hand, foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia. -
While there are several important components of nutrition for muscle building, consuming enough protein is generally considered the most important factor.
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as it provides the building blocks (amino acids) necessary for the body to build new muscle tissue.
By ensuring you are consuming enough protein, calories, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and micronutrients, you can support your muscle-building goals and achieve the results you desire. -
One of the key differences between eating healthier and going on a diet is that eating healthier is typically a more sustainable approach. Diets often involve strict rules or restrictions that are difficult to maintain over the long term, while eating healthier involves making gradual changes to your eating habits that can be maintained for a lifetime.
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Caffeine is not necessarily "bad" for you, but it can have negative effects if consumed in excess or if you are particularly sensitive to its effects.
Caffeine is a tool you can use to provide a temporary energy boost, increase alertness, and improve cognitive function. However, consuming too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and other negative side effects.
There are several other sources of energy that can help keep you going throughout the day without relying solely on caffeine such as, exercise, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and consuming nutrient-dense foods. -
While reducing calorie intake is an important component of weight loss, it's also important to note that simply reducing calories without paying attention to the quality of the foods you are consuming can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health issues. To support optimal health and weight loss, it's important to focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients your body needs to function optimally.
Below are a collection of recipes designed specifically for your fire shift.
Balanced meals with plenty of calories, nutrients, and easy-to-prepare recipes.
RECIPES
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![Greek Yogurt Parfait]()
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Parfaits are an incredibly versatile snack - they can be enjoyed as breakfast on-the-go or as a light lunch. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative to processed snacks or just want a light breakfast, this greek yogurt parfait dish is sure to do both. It's easy too; all it takes are 3 key ingredients! This power packed mix will help keep you energized throughout your day! Click below for the full recipe and instructions.
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![Tuna Melts]()
Tuna Melts
Tuna melts get a major flavor upgrade with this recipe! Swap out regular white bread for hearty whole wheat or sourdough and add an unexpected twist using mashed avocado spread on each slice. Then layer on creamy light mayonnaise combined with zesty dijon mustard flavoring. Top it off with pickles, tomatoes, and rich shredded sharp cheddar cheese melted over everything until golden brown perfection. Click below for full recipe and step by step directions
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![Bruschetta Chicken]()
Bruschetta Chicken
Enjoy flavors of Italy when you bite into this easy bruschetta chicken recipe! With juicy chicken thighs in a mix of fresh veggies like diced roma tomatoes, minced garlic, basil leaves and balsamic vinegar; the dish is packed full of flavor. Serve it alongside quinoa or steamed broccoli. Bruschetta Chicken is one of the easiest and tastiest dinner recipes around. Click below for the full recipe and directions.
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![Protein Pancakes]()
Protein Pancakes
An all-in-one meal packed with essential nutrients like protein, carbs and healthy fats - it's an ideal way to start off your morning right. Not only do these pancakes require minimal effort and minimal time but they also come jam packed with tons of customizable options like fresh fruit, nuts, syrups etc. Click below for instructions on how to make protein pancakes for your shift.
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![Taco Grain Bowls]()
Taco Grain Bowls
These vegetarian taco bowls pack tons of flavor AND nutrition into one bowl thanks to all the colorful veggies like chopped romaine lettuce, sliced Roma tomatoes & freshly cut cilantro combined with cooked chickpeas in vegetable broth served over brown rice. It's even better when finished off with avocado slices & lime juice providing healthy fats as well as tartness while sour cream adds just enough richness so you won't miss out on any indulgent goodness. Click below for the full recipe and instructions.
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![Instant Pot Spaghetti]()
Instant Pot Spaghetti
With only 10 minutes of prep time and 8 minutes cook time, it doesn't get much easier than this one pot wonder. All your favorite Italian flavors come together in one quick dinner with lean ground turkey, salty seasonings like garlic powder & oregano as well as hearty vegetables like tomatoes & french style green beans. Click bleow for the full recipe and instructions.
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Tuna Avocado Toast
Savor the delicious harmony of tender, flaky tuna paired with creamy mashed up avocado, all nestled between two slices of 100% whole wheat bread. This delectable creation is enhanced with the added zing of Tuna Creations seasoning, elevating each bite to a whole new level. Topped with a serving of fresh lettuce, this sandwich offers a wholesome and satisfying experience that is both nutritious and indulgent.
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![SNACK: Carrots, Cheese Stick, and Hummus]()
SNACK: Carrots, Cheese Stick, and Hummus
With just three simple ingredients – classic style hummus, baby carrots, and mozzarella string cheese – this crazy nutritious snack comes together in minutes and can easily become an essential part of any meal plan! Click below for full recipe and instructions.
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![SNACK: Pistachios and Banana]()
SNACK: Pistachios and Banana
When it comes to healthy snacks, pistachios are a stand-out choice. Not only are they packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, but they’re also incredibly tasty! What better way to enjoy the delicious flavor of Wonderful Pistachios than in combination with one of nature’s sweetest treats? This delicious snack pairs Pistachios with ripe bananas creating an irresistible combination. Click below for more info.
PODCASTS on Nutrition
NEWSLETTERS on Nutrition
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