Gut health, heart health, and smarter snacking are all about building small habits that support long-term wellness. I’m on ABC Charleston’s Good Food Friday sharing simple ways to support gut health, celebrate sweetpotatoes for Heart Health Month, and enjoy better-for-you food finds.
Gut Health Starts at the Core
Gut health is truly the foundation of overall wellness. It plays an important role in digestion, immune function, and even mood. Along with everyday habits like prioritizing fiber intake and staying hydrated, a high-quality supplement can help support a balanced gut microbiome.
The Juice Plus Super-Biome Probiotic and Prebiotic is a two-step digestive health system designed to do just that. This science-backed duo provides beneficial bacteria along with the prebiotic fuel they need to flourish. Available in convenient capsules and single-serve stick packs, it’s an easy option for busy lifestyles. You can find it at US.JuicePlus.com.
Celebrating Sweetpotatoes for Heart Health
February is both National Sweetpotato Month and American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to enjoy this nutrient-packed staple. Sweetpotatoes are rich in nutrients that support heart health, including fiber and potassium. They also provide vitamin C and beta-carotene—an antioxidant the body converts to vitamin A, which supports skin and immune health.
One of the best things about sweetpotatoes is their versatility and year-round availability. Enjoy them in smoothies and popsicles during the warmer months, or roasted, blended into soups, and added to stews in the winter. There’s even a growing movement to make “sweetpotato” one word, treating it as a noun rather than an adjective. You can support the effort by signing the petition on Change.org.
Smarter Snacking Without Sacrifice
A healthy reset isn’t about cutting out the foods you love—it’s about making smarter swaps. And if you’re a potato chip lover, these grass-fed kettle-cooked tallow potato chips from Stella & Milo’s are a satisfying option. They’re handmade in the U.S. using 100% grass-fed beef tallow and deliver the big crunch people crave. You can find them at StellaandMilos.com.
A New Favorite: Long Weekend Soup
One of my favorite new food finds this year is Long Weekend Soup, a premium line of instant soups inspired by the popularity of freeze-dried soups in Japan. They’re made with simple, clean ingredients and are incredibly easy to prepare—just add hot water.
There are four flavors to choose from: carrot ginger, Thai coconut curry, tomato bisque, and minestrone. You can find them locally at The Fresh Market and online at Walmart.com, Amazon, and EatLongWeekend.com.
