Happy May! This month will kick off some nutrition focused content. There is so much misinformation out there, so I want to share some information with you throughout this month from my nutrition background and point you towards some good resources should you have questions and/or want to dive deeper.

To start us off, I want to highlight the 3 Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat. These are the nutrients our bodies need in large amounts to keep us working as the best versions of ourselves! Carbs are known as energy for our bodies. They are broken down into glucose, which is the preferred energy source for our brains. Proteins are digested into amino acids and are mainly used for building and repairing tissues, muscles and creating hormones. Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol which are used in cell membranes, help our bodies to absorb certain vitamins and insulate organs!

The challenge this week is to notice the components of your meals and snacks. Do you get a variety of different carbohydrates, proteins and fats? Click on the button below for some more information and some common food sources of macronutrients.

Cheers,

Catherine Tro, Director of First Impressions

Celebrate Summer With This Fresh Salad

The weather is heating up, so cool down with this tasty, healthy, fresh watermelon salad!

Ingredients

• 5 cups of cubed watermelon
• 1 cup of diced cucumber
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 avocado, cubed
• ⅓ cup torn mint or basil leaves
• Sea salt

For the dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• ½ garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions and drizzle with half the dressing. Then, add the feta, avocado, and mint. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing. Salt to taste and serve.

Tip adapted from Love and Lemons¹⁰