Tag: Dr. Barbara R. Edwards Princeton

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The Best Fresh Vegetable Side Dishes

Side dishes complete a meal. They not only fill people up more, but they also supplement nutrients that people might miss out on in their main entree. With the mail course often focusing on protein, vegetables make up most popular side dishes. Side dishes are versatile and customizable, great for bringing to family gatherings. Here are some creative and healthy side dishes that utilize fresh vegetables:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes are naturally both very healthy and filling but are often cooked using unhealthy methods. Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are an excellent side dish as they provide a great mix of flavor and nutrients that one might otherwise miss out on. Garlic and cheese roasted together make a tasty combo that everyone can enjoy. Tip: avoid relying on parmesan cheese for flavor and instead punch up the garlic for a healthier recipe.

Roasted Vegetables

This option, being a more practical and easier recipe, is very versatile with whatever you might be cooking for dinner. Choose any kind of combo of vegetables to create a more tender and flavorful side dish containing however many of your favorite summer vegetables.

Baked Zucchini Fries

Anyone who is a french fry connoisseur can make their own healthier version with zucchini instead of fried potatoes. They are baked, not fried, to provide  a healthier alternative that is both flavorful and low on calories per serving.

Honey Glazed Baby Carrots

Carrots are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that can be combined with a sweet topping. Honey glazed baby carrots are an easy side dish that is both sweet and healthy that can be made in as little as fifteen minutes!

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton MD is the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, providing quality care to uninsured and under-insured New Jersey residents in Mercer and Middlesex counties.

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How to Entertain Guests When Socially Distancing

Although it seems as if life is finally getting back to normal in the wake of Covid-19, this may not be the case for everyone, including some of our own neighbors right here in the U.S. People that are old, sick, or immunocompromised still run the risk of experiencing severe and potentially fatal symptoms if they contract the lingering virus, so it’s important to keep other people’s fears and comfort levels in mind if and when you decide it’s time to start hosting gatherings again. Keep reading for some tips on how you can entertain guests as safely as possible when social distancing this summer, while still making sure everyone has a good time.

Start Small

Again, it’s important to keep in mind that even though many Covid-19 gathering restrictions have been eased or lifted in recent months, some people are still worried, and they have every right to be. When entertaining guests this summer, it’s best to start small: invite only a handful of close friends, family members and neighbors, and make sure they know not to bring any additional people without asking first. It also might be a good idea to set boundaries with your guests before they arrive. If you’re not comfortable with something (or vice versa), make sure this is communicated openly before the gathering or set ground rules when you send out the invitations.

Food and Service

Another certainty of Covid-19 is that, for now at least, the age of high-touch food buffets is over. Instead, consider asking your guests to bring their own food, prepare disposable meals for each person beforehand, or just have everyone buy their own takeout meal. While any experienced host can relate to wanting to tend to their guest’s every need, especially in a friendly, personal way, it’s better to play it safe and allow party-goers to fetch themselves a soda this summer, in order to minimize direct contact.

Socially Distant Activities

The biggest advantage to hosting socially distant guests this summer is that the warmer weather allows for more activities outdoors, which is the ideal location for any gathering in the foreseeable future. Some popular outdoor activities that could easily accommodate social distancing include marshmallow-roasting by the firepit, a follow-along painting workshop (make that a paint and sip night for the adults!), or a karaoke party where one or two people go up at a time. It’s been a rough year and a half for everyone, so do your best to keep the atmosphere light and reassure your guests that, despite the unusual circumstances, they are welcome and wanted.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton MD is the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, providing quality care to uninsured and under-insured New Jersey residents in Mercer and Middlesex counties.

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Hearty Fruits & Vegetables To Implement In Your Diet

Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet is a great way to satisfy your hunger while also reaping the benefit of fiber and other nutrients. These colorful foods offer a variety of health benefits and taste delicious as well.  Here are a few key foods to add to your next grocery store trip:

Berries

Summer berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are filled with soluble fiber and heart-healthy phytonutrients. Berries can be eaten by themselves, blended in a smoothie, or paired with yogurt.

Spinach

Dark greens are a great addition to any diet. Spinach contains iron, magnesium and calcium, and has been known to improve bone health, reduce blood sugar, boost immunity, and much more. Spinach is often considered a “superfood”.

Oranges

Not only do oranges have a tangy, refreshing taste, but they also have many health benefits. Oranges are filled with fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties, boost immunity, and help the body produce collagen.

Bell Peppers

Studies show that bell peppers can improve eye health, prevent anemia, and prevent certain cancers and heart disease. They can be eaten raw as a snack with some hummus or roasted in the oven.

Bananas

Not only are bananas sweet and delicious, they are also packed with potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin C, and more. They help moderate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, and are filling. Bananas can be added in a smoothie, used as a substitute for sugar when baking, or taken on the go as a snack.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, A, and K. Broccoli has been found to promote healthy bones and joints, support a healthy immune system, and promote healthy digestion.

While these are just a few of the many fruits and vegetables you can add to your diet, these options will provide you with necessary vitamins and minerals for an overall healthy and balanced diet.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton MD is the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, providing quality care to uninsured and under-insured New Jersey residents in Mercer and Middlesex counties.

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Five Health Goals for the Summer

Summer is a season of fun and relaxation. It is also a great time for setting yourself some new health goals. With the warm, sunny weather and increased activity outdoors, summer is the perfect time to reinvent yourself and achieve great things. Read below to learn about some health goals you can try this summer.

Drink More Water

Drinking enough water should always be a priority, but during the summer it is especially important. Staying properly hydrated helps to maintain energy levels and brain functions, aids in digestion, and boosts skin and organ health. Make it a goal to drink more water and hopefully create better hydration habits.

Develop an Exercise Routine

Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult but having an exercise routine can make exercise fun and even exciting. Creating an exercise routine is a great way to encourage yourself to improve your physical health. Make it a goal for the summer to develop an exercise routine.

Adopt Positivity

With great weather comes great positivity. It is suggested that warmer weather can lead to happier feelings. Take advantage of the warmth and sunshine that summer brings and find ways to incorporate more positivity in your life. Maybe make a goal to begin meditating, start a journal, or spend more time with friends and families. The possibilities are endless.

Try a New Hobby

Notice we didn’t say start a new hobby? That’s because you don’t need to commit to a hobby you’re not even sure you’ll enjoy. Just putting yourself out there and trying something new is an excellent goal to have for yourself this summer.

Read a Book

Reading is a great way to engage the mind and momentarily escape reality. Reading allows for learning, it can reduce stress, and it can improve concentration. Whether it’s the newest science fiction or an encyclopedia, make it a goal this summer to pick up a book and get reading. Already an avid reader? Make it a goal this summer to read a book you normally wouldn’t consider reading.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

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Benefits of Doing Yoga Every Day

Exercising daily is a wonderful way to boost your health and feel energized. An excellent form of exercise that can be done in many ways with varying degrees of intensity is yoga. Practicing yoga every day has countless benefits that can lead to great improvements in physical and mental health. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or completely new to yoga, below are some benefits you could enjoy.

Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion

Many of the common yoga poses are focused on flexibility because yoga releases and lengthens the body’s deep connective tissues. Daily yoga creates muscle memory, thus continually increasing flexibility. In addition, increased flexibility leads to a greater range of motion which can help you avoid injury. The more yoga you do, the more you’ll be able to move.

Improved Mental Health (less stress, more sleep!)

Yoga is great for the body, and it is equally good  for the mind. Yoga is considered to be very grounding and mood-boosting. Connecting with your own body can even elevate your mood. Studies suggest that yoga can also be used to reduce stress and improve sleep. Practicing yoga gives your mind time to reflect and decompress, leading to a better and longer sleep.

Increased Muscle Strength and Corrected Posture

While yoga is mostly focused on flexibility, many yoga poses also build muscle strength. At first, there may be many poses that are too difficult for you, but with daily practice, your muscles can adjust and allow you to complete more advanced poses. Building your muscles is great for your health and can make you feel much more confident. Increased muscle strength also affects your posture, helping you to potentially correct your stance and reduce back pain.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.