February Is American Heart Month and Nino Slavaggio's Is Here to Support Healthy Living

February is American Heart Month and at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace we believe that a healthy cart can lead to a healthier heart. As part of our new series focused on health and wellness, we are delighted to support your journey to healthy living by offering this quick guide to the value of fiber.

Dietary fiber is one of the keys to living a healthier lifestyle, with a host of benefits including keeping you feeling more full and satisfied throughout the day. According to the American Heart Association’s article, Fiber Up Slim Down  “High-fiber foods often require more chewing and may take longer for your stomach to digest. This can help your body recognize that it is full before you start eating more. Diets rich in whole grains and fiber have been associated with better quality diets and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease” 

The Mayo Clinic also tells us that there are other numerous health benefits to consuming dietary fiber:

• Lower cholesterol levels 
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Achieving & maintaining a healthier weight
• Less chance of constipation
• Bowel health
• Longer lifespan

How To Get More Fiber In Your Diet

There are many ways to fill your plate and shopping cart at Nino’s with foods that are higher in fiber. Here are some of the ways to start shopping:

Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits & vegetables are a wonderful natural, whole foods based way to increase your dietary fiber. Plus, you will also get more vitamins and minerals in your diet as well. 

Here is our list, according to the National Cancer Institute, of high fiber fruits and veggies to add to your meals and shop for this week:

• Apples
• Berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries 
• Broccoli 
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Corn
• Dried Fruit, such as apricots, dates, raisins & prunes 
• Green Leafy Vegetables, such as Kale, Collard Greens, Lettuce, Spinach
• Peas
• Potatoes with Skin, Sweet Potatoes & Yams

Whole Grains 

Whole grains are a great way to incorporate more fiber into your diet. The list of whole grains is abundant but starting with wheat, rice, oats and cereal grains is a good launching pad. The American Heart Association recommends eating three or more servings a day of whole grains. 

When selecting your breads, cereals and other grains, selecting those that are whole grain and higher in fiber make for healthier choices. 

Here are a list of some of our favorite whole grain selections on the shelves at Nino’s:

Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grains: We offer a large selection of products from Bob’s Red Mill including Spelt, Millet, Bulgur, Oat Flour, Whole Grain Waffle & Pancake Mix, Rolled Oats, Buckwheat Flour, Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats & Brown Rice Flour 

RECIPES: Check out Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Recipes 

Dave’s Killer Breads: Dave’s Killer Breads believes that bread doesn't have to be boring and that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to get organic, whole grain nutrition. That is why we offer a selection of their whole grain breads including: Powerseed, Good Seed, Thin Sliced, Raisin The Roof, 21 Whole Grains & Seeds, Thin Sliced, White Bread Done Right (Regular & Thin Sliced). We also offer their English Muffins & Bagels in varieties such as Killer Classic, Rockin Grains, Plain Awesome, Boomin Berry, Epic Everything & Cinnamon Raisin Remix. 

 RECIPES: Check out Dave’s Killer Bread Whole Grain Recipes 

KIND Snacks: KIND Healthy Grains snacks are a great way to get your kids (or adults!)  to start loving the taste of whole grains and getting a feel for fiber. KIND Healthy Grains Bars are made with five super grains to create a unique and crunchy texture. They come in a variety of flavors including Almond Butter/Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Chunk, Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut, Vanilla Blueberry & Drizzled Milk Chocolate Chunk and Salted Caramel. KIND can also fill your tummy and sweet cravings with their Blueberry Pecan + Fiber KIND PLUS BAR

KIND Healthy Grains Granola & Granola Clusters adds a boost of whole grains to your morning. Made with a blend of oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa. This delicious granola not only adds more whole grains and protein to your bowl but makes for a delicious snack. Add it to a high protein, low sugar greek yogurt, your favorite milk or just straight out of the package mixed with nuts or seeds. Entice your taste buds with flavors such as Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut, Almond Butter & Dark Chocolate

These are just a few of our high fiber and whole grain options here at Nino’s. Whether you are ready to dive in with fresh whole foods such as produce as your source of fiber, whole grains such as cereals and flours or start dabbling with whole grains in your snacks, Nino’s is here to help you and your healthy heart! Happy American Heart Month from our team to yours! 

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