A new year often inspires many to pursue a “new you” and to make lifestyle changes. This includes pursuing a new diet and culinary practices.
Changing the way you eat, the foods you cook, and how you prepare them can be made easier when you have a resource like Cal Mart in Calistoga. We can provide you with new ideas, new ingredients, and new approaches to your culinary lifestyle.
A Tastier and Healthier New Year for a New You
There are many reasons for wanting to pursue a “new you” for the new year, but there is one goal that seems to be a perennial one. As Healthline has recently noted,
“According to the American Society for Nutrition, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, with many people seeing January 1 as an “empowering and motivating moment” to improve their health.”
The good news, however, is that losing weight or simply eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating unappealing, unappetizing, and bland foods. In fact, thanks to the ongoing discoveries and insights of nutritional scientists, we’ve been able to determine that certain popular diets are also quite healthy.
What is nutritional science?
Nutritional science delves into the fascinating world of how food and nutrients impact our health and well-being. It’s much more than just counting calories or reading food labels; it’s about understanding the intricate relationship between what we eat and how our bodies function, thrive, and fight disease.
And one of the results of this work has been to determine that there are three diets in particular that the annual U.S. News & World Report medical and nutrition panel ranks as the best. Let’s take a look at these healthy and appetizing alternatives.
Three Top Diets with Proven Health Benefits
The panel chose the Mediterranean diet as #1 in “Best Diets Overall”. They pointed out that, “It’s also a top-rated diet for those looking for a heart-healthy diet, a diabetes-friendly diet or to promote bone and joint health.”
The Mediterranean region, encompassing diverse countries like Greece, Italy, and Morocco, unites with an array of delectable and health-promoting food traditions. While regional variations exist, the unifying principles shine through – a plant-based foundation of whole grains, beans, nuts, and olive oil, complemented by moderate portions of lean poultry and seafood.
This focus on dietary quality, rather than specific nutrients, has been scientifically proven to reduce chronic disease risk, boost longevity,and enhance overall well-being. So, take a culinary journey across the Mediterranean and discover the delicious secrets to a healthier, happier you.
The number two best diet was the increasingly popular DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a flexible, balanced and heart-healthy eating plan promoted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to do exactly that: to stop (or prevent) hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure.
Forget fad diets and confusing calorie counts. The DASH diet cuts through the clutter with straightforward recommendations. Pile your plate high with the good stuff – veggies, fruits, and whole grains – while enjoying moderate portions of lean protein and low-fat dairy. But here’s the kicker: sugary treats and saturated fat are out, or at least severely restricted.
And the DASH diet doesn’t stop there. It gently guides you towards lower sodium intake, with 2,300mg as the initial target and 1,500mg the ultimate champion. Similar to the Mediterranean approach, but with more specific rules of the game, the DASH diet empowers you to make informed choices and savor a lifetime of health, one delicious bite at a time.
And perhaps surprisingly, the #3 Best Diets Overall is a “mash-up” of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. The MIND diet, which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, takes these two proven diets and zeroes in on the foods that improve brain health to potentially lower your risk of mental decline.
According to an article for U.S. News & World Report,
“The MIND diet was developed by the late Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center, through a study funded by the National Institute on Aging that was first published in 2015. The observational study found that people whose diets very closely matched the MIND diet had about 53% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Follow-up studies also connect the MIND diet to other positive cognitive effects.”
Finding Culinary Treasures That are “New to You” at Cal Mart
One of the great things about starting new cooking and culinary traditions and practices is the opportunity to shop for new foods and ingredients. And regardless of whether you want to jump into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary lifestyle or a health-centric DASH diet approach, you can find great new foods, produce, and ingredients at Cal Mart.
Cal Mart’s treasure trove of specialty foods, for example, whisks you away on a global gourmet tour. Dive into creamy, dairy-free delights and vibrant vegan treats, then savor the pristine goodness of organic and all-natural ingredients. Each hand-picked item whispers stories from distant lands – picture charming tea biscuits from England, hearty sausages from Germany, and sun-kissed pasta from Italy. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Cal Mart champions local heroes, proudly showcasing a bounty of high-end specialties crafted by Napa and Sonoma’s finest purveyors.
This holds true for our produce, as well.
Cal Mart’s commitment to fresh, flavorful produce just keeps sprouting! We’re constantly expanding our selection, bringing in the best organic, local, and hard-to-find fruits and vegetables to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.
Step into our inviting produce section, where seasonal bounty bursts from beautifully arranged displays. Every time you visit, you’ll find something new, as our offerings dance with the rhythm of the seasons.
Spring and summer is peak time for our partnerships with local farms and ranches, who shower us with their fresh-picked delights. Picture juicy spears of asparagus, sun-kissed strawberries, sweet peas bursting with spring water, plump cherries, and a rainbow of berries – blueberries, blackberries, and more! Dozens of other seasonal fruits and vegetables join the party, ensuring your kitchen bursts with culinary inspiration.
As the days grow shorter, our purveyors shift gears, introducing a new chorus of flavors. Crisp green beans, luscious nectarines, and ears of corn bursting with golden kernels take center stage. Raspberries offer their final sweet notes before retiring for the winter, while fragrant apples, earthy figs, and the jewel-toned persimmons and Asian pears paint the market with autumnal hues. Don’t forget the walnuts, nature’s tiny treasures packed with crunchy goodness!
Behind every Cal Mart fruit and vegetable lies a story of dedication and passion. We work with several local growers, like the beloved Lazy Susan Ranch right here in Calistoga, whose sun-drenched fields yield delicious fruits and vegetables. Further south, near picturesque St. Helena, Long Meadow Ranch cultivates over 500 varieties of organic heirloom fruits and vegetables, adding a touch of history and diversity to our shelves.
Cal Mart is Your Culinary Destination in Napa Valley
For over 50 years, Cal Mart has been more than just a grocery store in Calistoga; it’s been your partner in creating delicious and mindful meals. Our family-owned shelves aren’t just stocked with quality, local produce, meats, and cheeses – they’re brimming with possibilities. Discover Napa Valley’s finest wines, crafted beers, and unique specialty foods that ignite your culinary imagination.
Let our friendly staff be your culinary guides. Need recipe inspiration? Ask! Craving something specific? We’ll hunt it down. And while you’re here, treat yourself to a steaming cup from our Coffee Bar – because every journey of discovery deserves a warm reward.
Make Cal Mart your destination for conscious eats and unexpected delights. Walk out with an armful of fresh groceries, a gift basket for your loved one, or simply a smile inspired by the uncommon finds just waiting around the corner.
Remember, good food isn’t just about what you eat – it’s about the memories you create along the way.
