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INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

Check back to the INTEGRIS Health On Your Health blog for the latest health and wellness news for all Oklahomans.

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Healthy Tailgating: Recipes and Tips to Enjoy this Football Season

As football season kicks off, so does the tradition of tailgating. The hours leading up to kickoff is a time to gather with friends and family and indulge in food. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be sidelined in favor of game-day treats. We'll show you how to keep the flavor and fun alive while making smarter choices. Our tips and recipes will help make your tailgate both enjoyable and nutritious. ​

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Are Plant-Based Coffee Creamers Healthier?

These days, most of the milk or creamers in the dairy section don’t even contain any dairy. That’s because plant-based creamers are on the rise. What’s all the fuss about, though? Are they really that much healthier than half-and-half or heavy cream? We answer these questions and offer ways to make your own plant-based creamers at home.

Lainey Townsend

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How to Eat Complete Proteins in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

Eating more veggies and fruits is never a bad idea, just be sure to incorporate enough complete proteins. Without them, you might feel sluggish and lose muscle mass. Fortunately, a little menu planning can help you include enough complete proteins in your diet.

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How to Build the Perfect Buddha Bowl

We provide tips on what to include in your bowls and explain why colorful fruits and vegetables matter. We will also provide you with three easy buddha bowl recipes to make at home.

Lainey Townsend

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Easy Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipes to Try at Home

For people who have food allergies or are simply trying to eat healthier, it can be difficult to come up with a grocery list that is affordable and fulfilling. Instead of overspending on a pint of non-dairy ice cream, we rounded up several recipes to try at home that take just a few minutes to prepare.

Lainey Townsend

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Men's Health: What are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Despite being the second most common cancer in men, prostate cancer carries a 99 percent five-year survival rate. While these numbers are favorable, prostate cancer can still be deadly when men ignore potential warning signs that indicate a more advanced form of cancer. Understanding these signs and symptoms, along with what to do with this information, can potentially save your life.

Lainey Townsend

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How to Get a Picky Toddler to Eat

Trying to feed a toddler can be a headache. One day they will enjoy trying a certain food, the next it will end up on the floor as they throw it in disgust. This blog will provide tips on dealing with a picky eater and offer up easy recipes to serve to your toddler.

Lainey Townsend

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Smoothie Recipes: How to Make Healthy Options at Home

We share what you need to know about smoothies, including what to include to make them healthy and which ingredients to leave out.

Lainey Townsend

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How to Reduce Food Waste at Home

As Americans move to a more eco-friendly environment, food waste still remains a big challenge. We discuss how home cooks and shoppers can reduce food waste and provide recipe ideas to reduce waste.

Lainey Townsend

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Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You?

Many people are curious about the health benefits of sunflower seeds and if they are good for you. To help you on your food journey, we set out to learn more about these seeds.

Lainey Townsend

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Plant-Based Jerky You Can Make at Home

If you’ve never heard of plant-based jerky or if you’re looking for vegan-friendly snacks, we’re here to offer insight on this new food trend and provide plant-based jerky recipes for you to try at home.

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Nutrition for Kids: How to Incorporate Healthy Foods

Learn how you can incorporate more healthy foods into your child’s diet. We discuss how to talk to your child about nutrition, go over which nutrients your child needs to grow and share easy recipes you can try at home.

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What Are Microgreens?

You’ve likely heard or seen microgreens before, but what exactly are they and what is the fuss about them?

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What Is the Flexitarian Diet?

The flexitarian diet is one of the more recent trendy diets to pick up interest, largely in part due to a movement toward plant-based foods compared to the traditional meat options. How does the flexitarian diet work?

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How to Make Your Own Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are starting to make a comeback due to their health benefits and eco-friendly nature. We share how you can make your own fermented foods at home, and reap their many benefits.

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Are Air Fryers Worth the Health Hype?

Air fryers claim to offer the same taste, texture and golden brown crisp of fried foods but with a fraction of the fat and calories. While the capabilities of an air fryer sound convenient and delicious, are they healthy? We explain the benefits and share easy recipes to try.

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Different Cooking Oils and Their Health Benefits

The cooking oils section in your local grocery store seemingly grows by the day. How do you know which oils are healthy or the best to cook with? We’re here to help you understand it all.

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Cooking With Your Kids: Recipes and Tips to Make It Fun

Some of the best food memories are often found around the dinner table while cooking at home. That’s why, as parents, you should make cooking with your children a priority. We’ll provide you with some pointers on teaching your kids to cook, safety tips to consider and easy recipes your kids will find enjoyable.

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Healthy Carbs to Add to Your Diet

The type of carbohydrates you consume is more important than the amount you consume. In other words, think quality over quantity. To help set the record straight, we're here to explain how carbohydrates work, outline which healthy carbs you can add to your diet and provide easy recipes to try at home.

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Homemade Baby Food Recipes

You may be wondering whether store-bought or homemade baby food is best. We've outlined the benefits of each, and we provided tips for making your baby food at home so you can make educated decisions that are best for your family.

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Safely Freezing Food

As simple as it sounds, freezing food can be a little tricky if you aren’t familiar with it. Here are tips to help you freeze your meals easily and safely.

KLOYD

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Is Wine Good for Your Heart?

Is wine healthy? Many wine drinkers have heard that red wine, in particular, can provide heart-health benefits. Dr. Terrie Gibson, an interventional cardiologist with INTEGRIS Health, explores the idea that a little red wine may be good for the heart.

KLOYD

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Healthy and Fast Recipes For Your New Cooking Gadget

Take a look at this quick list of healthy and fast recipes to get started using your new cooking gadget. So, tie on that apron, take your gift out of the box and let’s get cooking!

KLOYD

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How Healthy is Oat Milk?

Milk made from oats is one of the latest trends in the nondairy world and it’s a cause for celebration for many of those who are lactose- and dairy-free. Even better, oat milk is not only trendy, but has many benefits for your overall health. Here’s a look at why oat milk is good for you and we’ve even thrown in a few recipes should you wish to make your own oat milk at home.

KLOYD

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Healthy Cookie Recipes to Share

What are the holidays without cookies? Fun snowman-shaped sugar cookies and sugarplum delights make Christmas all the sweeter. But these delicious treats make it harder to stay healthy and limit ingredients that can cause or exacerbate existing conditions. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity or heart conditions, worry not! We have healthy cookie recipes to share.

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Why You Might Need More Fiber Than You Think

Fiber is a big deal these days. Every time you turn around, someone is telling you to eat more of it. But why is fiber so important?

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What Are The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?

Remember Chia Pets? Those very same chia seeds are a whole grain superfood packed with fiber and protein that can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.

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Delicious Recipes Featuring Superstar Summer Superfoods

Fruits and vegetables are the superstars of summer eating. The summer cornucopia is full of “superfoods” that taste like sunshine and are filled with life-nourishing vitamins and minerals our bodies need.

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All About Fishing in Oklahoma

Angling enthusiasts have plenty of big rivers and small streams, large lakes and hidden coves to cast lines for Oklahoma’s abundant bass, crappie, paddlefish and catfish. From mercury and blue-algae risks to the best skillet trout recipe you've ever tried, here is your guide to fishing in Oklahoma.

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Advice and Recipes To Boost Your Milk Supply

When they are breastfeeding, many new mothers may wonder if they are producing enough milk. They may look for ways to naturally boost their milk supply so that their baby gets all the nutrition and antibodies that breast milk can provide. Luckily for breastfeeding mommies, there are ways to maintain and boost your milk production, including recipes.

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Alternative Products For Food Intolerances (with recipes!)

For many Americans living with food intolerances or allergies, finding tasty alternatives to items like dairy or wheat can be an ongoing scavenger hunt. Luckily, lots of options are being developed. Here is a quick guide to alternative products for food intolerances, with recipes!

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What is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a dietary trend sweeping the country. People who follow a low-carb, high-fat diet, such as the paleo diet and the ketogenic diet, swear by its ability to keep them energized, fueled and focused all morning long while burning fat at an elevated rate. But is bulletproof coffee actually good for your health, and does it live up to the hype?

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Take Your Kids to Oklahoma’s Gardens, Farmers Markets and U-Pick Farms for Food Fun

When a child is truly involved in the food – planting the seed, getting their hands in the dirt and harvesting – that’s when the connection to food really ignites.

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Delicious Summer Recipes Using Your Instant Pot

How do you keep cool while you’re preparing meals during the heat of an Oklahoma summer? Don’t turn on the oven or the grill and heat up your house and yard — reach for your instant pot instead!

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A Week's Worth of Meal Prep Made Simple

When you first start out, it may take a few weeks to really establish your food prep routine, but once you get familiar with the process, it will reduce stress and help you throughout the week – not burden you with an extra chore.

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Mediterranean Cooking: The Heart-Healthy Eating Plan

In honor of American Heart Month, we are excited to bring you details of the eating plan that has proven heart-health benefits, recommended by INTEGRIS Health cardiologist Dr. George Madden.

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Three Delicious Holiday Dessert Recipes for Restricted Diets

Living with a restricted diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious flavors during the holidays. While it may take a little time to find a good recipe and a little practice in the kitchen with new ingredients, anyone can enjoy these treats this holiday season. If you are gluten-free, dairy-free or sugar-free, we have the dessert for you!

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Your Post-Thanksgiving Survival Guide

Ah, the joys of Thanksgiving. After a week of preparation, it’s 12 minutes of frenzied eating, followed by a no-shame afternoon nap, followed by turkey sandwich leftovers. What's not to love? But there are a few downsides. We've got your post-Thanksgiving survival covered with leftover turkey recipes, food safety tips and even fun activities that will help you burn off those mashed potatoes.

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Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Three million people in the U.S. are living with celiac disease, and even more suffer from an undiagnosed intolerance or sensitivity to gluten. With numbers like these, it’s likely that someone avoiding gluten may end up at your Thanksgiving dinner. We want to help you prepare delicious gluten-free dishes that will please both your gluten-free guests and everyone else at the table.

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Super Fast, Very Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but don't sweat it! This year, instead of worrying about the perfect oven schedule to get everything done in time, consider using an Instant Pot to cut down your cooking time (significantly)! Here are great holiday recipes finished in minutes.

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Healthy and Hearty Slow Cooker Recipes for Fall

Grab your jackets, rake some leaves, fire up your forgotten fireplaces and throw these healthy crock-pot recipes into your slow cooker. It finally feels like fall! It's the perfect time for some warm, cozy and hearty (but still healthy) cooking.

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Going Pumpkin Crazy!

In this On Your Health blog post, we’re covering pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving, pumpkin nutrition and pumpkin recipes — in other words, it's all pumpkin, all the time here in OKC!

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Delicious and Healthy Ice Cream Substitute Recipes Made Easy

In the heat of an Oklahoma summer it’s understandable if your brain gets kidnapped by cravings for the cold, delicious taste of ice cream. It’s hard not to give in once you’ve started daydreaming about the creamy delight. Here are some healthier substitutes that are still refreshing and tasty.

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6 Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Breakfast Foods

Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, but one thing is certain — starting your day with a healthy breakfast can improve digestion and energy levels throughout the entire day. Healthy eating habits are easier to keep when your meals taste good. That’s why we’ve included six healthier versions of your favorite breakfast foods.

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On Your Health Recipe Round-up

Eating healthy isn’t that hard if your food is both delicious and nutritious. At INTEGRIS, we think eating well should taste good! We’ve rounded up our favorite healthy recipe blog posts from On Your Health to give you lots of healthy and delicious options.

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Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for the Holidays

If you suffer from painful arthritis or live with an autoimmune disease, dealing with inflammation is a part of life. While some of your favorite seasonal foods may be triggers, you can still enjoy a healthy season full of flavor and inflammation-fighting foods! With a little research and culinary inspiration, you can create a wonderful holiday meal.

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Why Are Sweet Potatoes a Holiday Superfood?

Why do so many people love sweet potatoes during the holidays? Are they good for you? Where do the sweet potatoes you find in the grocery store come from? Read on to learn more about this holiday superfood.

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Mouthwatering Instant Pot Recipes

With a chill in the air, what sounds more enticing than a house full of delicious aromas and gathering around for a hearty meal? Cooking winter favorites, like pot roast and chili, can turn into quite a time commitment. But that all changes with an instant pot!

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Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier: Fried Okra

Can we test remake Oklahoma's favorite foods into healthier dishes? We think so! Here's our take on a healthier fried okra.

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Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier: Fried Chicken

Can we remake Oklahoma's favorite foods into healthier dishes? We think so! Here's our take on a healthier fried chicken.

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The Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermentation has been been popular across cultures for centuries, but in the last few years fermented foods have been making a comeback in the U.S. Should you believe the hype?

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Fruits and Vegetables Reaching Peak Ripeness in Summer

The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness during these warm months makes it easy to eat your way to better health.

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Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier: Pecan Pie

People with chronic pain face a serious decision when considering a long-term pain medication plan.

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Eat Fish Twice a Week to Protect Your Heart

Studies show eating fish just twice a week can reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 36 percent.

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Got Questions About Bone Broth? We Have Answers.

Due to unprecedented reader interest, here is a collection of the questions we received about the health benefits of bone broth, with some answers.

Kellye Elliott

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Oklahoma Produce & Farmers Markets Comprehensive Guide

If you’re not a seasoned farmers market shopper, this is a great year to start eating locally for less.

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How Much Water is Enough?

We all know water is essential to survive. But what if you hate the taste? An INTEGRIS dietitian explains how much water your body really needs to stay hydrated.

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The Benefits of Vegetable Broth, aka "Magic Mineral Broth"

Thousands of you read our recent article on bone broth. Now we set out to discover if there are similar health benefits in vegetable broth for non-meat eaters, too.

Kellye Elliott

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The Health Benefits of Bone Broth

We’ve all heard the old adage that chicken soup is good for the soul. But lately you’ve probably been hearing a lot of talk about the benefits of bone broth, too. What’s with all the fuss?

Kellye Elliott