​Our food choices not only affect our health, but the health of our planet as well. Foods from animal sources have the largest impact on our bodies and the global environment. Raising livestock for our food supply requires large inputs of water, fuel, and feed. The outputs include polluted air and water, poisoned soil, and the loss of forests and wildlife.

​Over the last year, anxiety may have seemed more common than ever. Worry and uncertainty have been major underlying themes of the Coronavirus pandemic. For some people, these feelings may pass quickly, but for others, they can develop into something more- an anxiety disorder. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that approximately 40 million adults or 18% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder each year.

​Protein is an important nutrient found in the foods you eat every day. It plays many roles in your body, including:

Did you know your body is made up of 50-70% water? Water is an important part of every function in the body. Hydration plays a major role in regulating body temperature, getting rid of waste, and keeping your organs functioning properly. It can also improve sleep, brain function, and energy levels. Drinking enough water is especially important during physical activity and in hot weather due to loss of fluids through sweat. What counts toward my fluid intake?

​Emotional eating is eating to feed your emotional needs instead of eating to fuel your body. You may feel comforted in the moment, but in the end food can't solve your underlying emotional needs. Recognize that emotional eating tends to be automatic and very mindless. It can happen before you even realize what you're doing. Read on to learn more about emotional eating, how it is driven by emotional hunger, and what you can do to manage it. Handout

Health Plus provides personal lifestyle coaching as a benefit for Vanderbilt faculty/staff and spouses. Lifestyle coaching can help you find the motivation and tools to reach your goals. Goals might include losing weight, being more physically active, eating better, quitting smoking or lowering stress.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month to Eat Well, Live Well!

In the Summer and Fall, shop the weekly Vanderbilt Farmers' Market for fresh-picked or prepared items, local produce, dairy items, artisan breads, and more!

​Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Preparing meals at home gives you control over ingredients and cost. It all starts at the grocery store! Here are some tips for every aisle to help you eat healthy without overspending. PROTEIN: Go meatless! Plant proteins are often a cheaper option than meat and have the added benefits of fiber to help keep you full longer. If you aren’t ready to go completely meat-free, cut your meat portions in half and add a meatless protein, such as beans to chilis, soups, and tacos!

Dietary fiber is an essential plant-based nutrient found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber helps normalize bowel movements by moving fluid and waste through the digestive tract. Fiber-rich foods have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other digestive diseases, lower cholesterol, help control blood sugar, and aid in achieving a healthy weight.