Aside from nutrients, the glycemic index (GI) can also help you make healthy choices, especially if you are diabetic. The GI measures how quickly a food will raise the blood sugar level. In general, foods with a lower GI are better choices for people with diabetes, as they are both nutritious and help manage blood glucose levels. Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen offers some low-glycemic food suggestions in Habits of Health^® that are perfect for this holiday season:

• Asparagus. Rich in folate, asparagus is a great option to add to your lean and green meal.
• Bell Peppers. Raw or cooked, bell peppers are packed with vitamins, including vitamin C, which plays a key role in our immune health.
• Broccoli. Rich with antioxidants, broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Broccoli is also filling and a great source of fiber, making it an ideal superfood for people trying to lose weight and control diabetes.
• Celery. Celery has a high water content, making it a refreshing option for those seeking optimal hydration.
• Cucumbers. Cucumbers are another water-rich vegetable. Try making cucumber “noodles” as a refreshing side for your lean and green meal.
• Celery. Eggs are rich in protein and low in saturated fat. They contain only about half a gram of carbohydrates. Try an egg omelet with dark leafy green vegetables for a healthy lean and green meal.
• Leafy Greens. Spinach, kale, and collard greens are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those with diabetes. They are also rich in fiber and protein, two nutrients that help keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Lean Chicken. A diet with lean protein is key for keeping blood sugar levels down and our hearts healthy. Lean chicken is a great source of protein and versatile for a variety of recipes.
• Salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health.

Making healthy food choices is essential when working towards optimal wellbeing! Ask me, your Independent OPTAVIA Coach, about other healthy foods to try this Thanksgiving.

A Family Affair

“I’ve been an avid runner and gym-goer for 10 years. I've run 40-plus half marathons and three full marathons, most recently the 2018 NYC Marathon. And yet, despite the hundreds of fitness classes and thousands of miles run on pavement, my weight has crept steadily higher year after year.”

With some encouragement and tough love from her sister, Ali, Dana discovered OPTAVIA’s Program and began her journey to lifelong transformation, one healthy habit at a time.

Dana began to notice results in just a few short months of being on the Program. "I remember reading the Habits of Health and came to the section about how Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen visited a gym and told the women that if they tried the Plan they'd soon see the muscles that they'd worked so hard for.

That was exactly what happened to me. It took 10 years of working out to make the muscles but only five months to take off 25 pounds* and enjoy them."

After reaching her optimal health and wellness goals, Dana decided to become an independent OPTAVIA Coach. She has already helped so many people, including a few who were especially close to her heart.

"I helped my dad lose 30 pounds^*, my sister lose 15 pounds^*, and my daughter lose 16 pounds* before she went to college this fall." Dana is excited to continue living out her new healthy lifestyle, not with just her Clients, but also with her family and others that will soon become part of OPTAVIA’s Community.