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Pumpkins and Squash – Healthy Fall Eating!

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

Happy family with  pumpkin on autumn leaves. Outdoor.

Autumn has arrived and with it, an abundance of pumpkins and squash.  Not only are these fruits a beautiful reminder of fall and great for decorating, they are also good for your health.  Although not all pumpkins and gourds are made for eating, many are and they can make a great addition to your autumn diet.  A healthy diet is an important part of maintaining good health, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages members to be proactive and eat right.  This fall, you can make pumpkins a part of your preventive care maintenance by incorporating them into some of your recipes.

Especially good in soups and stews, pumpkins and squash are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially Vitamins A, C and E.  They are also rich in dietary fiber and boast an abundance of carotenes, while still being low in calories. They have zero saturated fat and no cholesterol and are a great part of a low-cholesterol diet in need of some hearty, robust flavors.

Here is a basic guide to some popular pumpkins and squash: (more…)

Say It With Strawberries – Valentine’s Day Recipe

Monday, February 9th, 2015

strawberry-pavlova-01-rpValentine’s Day is all about sweet treats, but if eating healthier is one of your resolutions for 2015, this recipe is sure to please.   Almost nothing tastes better than nice, juicy strawberries and we think this is a delicious way to say, “I love you.”  This yummy treat only calls for a few ingredients, most of which you probably have at home.  From Reader’s Digest, this is just one of many recipe ideas to help make your Valentine’s Day extra special.

Strawberry Pavlova showcases a pint of beautiful berries and only takes 1 hour to prepare.  Strawberries are high in antioxidants and the ones found in this bright red fruit have been proven to fight carcinogens and LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol which often leads to heart disease.  Further, strawberries are high in folic acid which is an important part of every pregnant woman’s diet because it plays a vital role in preventing birth defects.  Folic acid is important for everyone, however, because not having enough of it in your system can lead to dementia, osteoporosis, heart disease and many kinds of cancer.

Check out this  recipe and surprise your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful and healthy dessert.

Promoting healthy eating, fitness and a healthy lifestyle is a main focus at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Enjoy!  Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Healthy and Fun Recipes for 2015 – Salad in a Mason Jar

Friday, January 16th, 2015

731521969 Mason Jar Salad Recipes for Healthy Lunch IdeasThat New Year’s resolution to eat healthier probably includes lots of salads, but by the end of January, lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes can get old. With layers of fruit, veggies, grains and proteins, salad-in-a-jar recipes are the perfect option for quick and easy packed lunches.  All you need is a jar, some basic knife skills and a few creative salad dressings for a clever and sophisticated salad you can actually look forward to.

Check out the Asian Noodle Salad, which is just one of 8 of these fun recipes.  For a tasty change from the plain old chopped lettuce salad, this recipe draws its inspiration from Asian cuisine. Soba noodles, also known as buckwheat noodles, are a great gluten-free option (though make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and skip the crunchy rice noodle topping if gluten is a no-no in your diet). The homemade dressing uses peanut butter as an emulsifier, which allows the oil and vinegar to come together more harmoniously. That also means you won’t need to shake or mix it.

Promoting healthy eating, fitness and a healthy lifestyle is a main focus at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Enjoy!  Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

 

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

 

Wishing You Healthy Holidays! – Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Family All Together At Christmas DinnerEating healthy around the holidays is never easy, but don’t forget that a healthy diet is one of the most important parts of preventive care, which is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina believes in wholeheartedly.  In combination with physical activity, having a good diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, like heart attack and cancer.  Furthermore, eating healthy promotes wellness and an overall feeling of well-being.  With the stress and busyness of the holidays in full swing, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking care of yourself; however, the link between good nutrition and a healthy body is too important to ignore.

Not only is a good diet important in maximizing your physical health, it is also important in maintaining mental health.  According to the American Psychological Association, stress can cause your body to seek sugar as quick fuel for a surge of energy.  For this reason, many people eat sweets when they are under an unusual amount of stress.  Instead of stress eating, a good exercise regime is a positive alternative for helping to reduce stress.  Also, look for healthy alternatives to holiday desserts high in sugar content.  Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

Even during the holidays, you can maximize your  health through maintenance and prevention.   BCBSNC covers preventive care services at 100%, but you can do your part as well.  Maintaining a healthy diet is a huge part of becoming and staying healthy, even during the holidays.  Although this may not be the time to embark on a new diet plan, even small changes can go a long way.  Eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting your amount of sugar intake and staying hydrated are all simple, but effective ways to improve your daily diet.

This season, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages you to make healthy eating a top priority and Jerrry Ballard and Associates wishes both you and yours happy, healthy holidays!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

 

 

 

 

Eating Healthy during the Hectic Fall Season

Friday, November 12th, 2010

School, homework, soccer practice, ballet, board meetings, meal planning, social events – the list goes on and on. The end of summer often means the beginning of a hectic fall, and now is the perfect time to ensure that healthy eating stays on top of your priority list.

A healthy lifestyle for the entire family can be easier than it seems – even for the busiest household. With a little planning, both parents and kids will find themselves prepared for those last-minute meals and snack attacks that may otherwise place them in front of the vending machine, or in the drive-thru line.  As parents are back to work, and kids are back to school, it is even more important than ever to be armed with functional foods that will keep you fueled and feeling satisfied.  Planning ahead for snacks and meals that are both nutritious and delicious is the key to success. Preparing nutritious snacks and meals on a tight schedule is all about being creative, so finding the right go-to foods the whole family will enjoy is important.   Here are a few tips that you may find useful during these hectic times, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

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How to Save Money on Your Groceries

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

We are all looking for new ways to save here and there!  Look no further than your weekly trip to the grocery store!  I was recently inspired by a young mom on television telling her story on a popular show about her yearly savings in groceries by following a few easy tips.  It was amazing how much money she was able to save….. 

  • Plan your meals at least 1 week ahead.  A planned menu makes for an easier shopping list and avoids over buying!
  • Plan your meals using your favorite grocery store sales flyer or fliers!  Base your meats and vegetables around the sales found at your local supermarket and you are sure to save!
  • Coupons, coupons, coupons!  In the information age of today, you do not even have to spend hours pouring over Sunday’s newspaper for coupons.  Now just Google, coupons or the items you wish to (more…)

Fight the Junk Food War with Cuties

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

There is a new look to oranges at your local produce department!  Cutie is a delectable, hybrid child of a sweet orange crossed with a Chinese Mandarin.  They are the perfect child-friendly size, seedless and easy to peel!  No poking and picking before popping it in your mouth.  Moms and Dads are always searching for a nutritional, wholesome and healthy snack!  Cuties might just be your child’s new favorite on-the-go snack.

Good nutritional habits begin early and by example.  Reward yourself and your child by leading that example and exposing them to healthy choices.  These choices could pay off for your entire family’s health and wallet.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina rewards good health as well through their Blue Points reward program and their 15% healthy discount.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

EAT HEALTHY

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!  This is the one recommendation you will find in almost every diet, every fitness book and every guide to improved nutrition. The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, The World Health Organization, Department of Agriculture and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention agree this is sound advise. There is strong evidence that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods may reduce the risk of cancer. Healthcare professionals agree that most patients would be healthier if they consumed more raw, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Eating raw fruits and veggies helps build stronger bodies that stay healthier and are better able to fight disease.  Most of us do not eat enough raw fruits and veggies.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

Obesity

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Obesity

Obesity — This comprehensive overview covers causes, treatment and prevention of this serious health risk.
Definition

Do you weigh more than you should? If so, you’re like the two-thirds of American adults who are overweight. About one in three American adults is considered to be obese.

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Healthy Eating

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

We all seem to be trying to live a more healthy lifestyle.  Eating healthy begins with planning.  Plan meals ahead, make your list, and order that list around the perimeter of the store.  Add a snack menu to your list that includes healthy items such as baby carrots, apples, oranges, pears, whole grain snacks, blueberries, grapes, salsa, pretzels, cottage cheese, and broccoli florets.  Meal planning and available healthy snacks will make healthy eating more successful and enjoyable.  One last tip…. don’t forget to only grocery shop after a good meal. 

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

 
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