Happy National Nutrition Month!

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Happy National Nutrition Month! As we "spring" into a new season, it's the perfect time to get those summer body goals in the works. While working out is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, nutrition should never be ignored. In this blog, we'll cover some of the top foods you need to be integrating into your eating plan to not only keep you looking great but feeling your best as well! 

KALE

This leafy green has experienced quite the bought of popularity, especially in plant-based diets in recent years, and for good reason too. Dieticians claim that this plant is even healthier than spinach and is full of vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting compounds. 

GARLIC 

This popular relative of the onion is used in cuisines all over the world, but its benefits include much more than warding off vampires. Not only does garlic bring new, flavorful dimensions to dishes, but it's also extremely high in vitamins C, B1, B6, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium. It's also high in beneficial sulfur compounds such as allicin, contains various cancer-fighting properties, and has significant antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. 

BLUEBERRIES 

When it comes to the nutritional value of fruit, blueberries are in a league all their own. Although they're not as high in vitamins and minerals as vegetables are, they're packed with antioxidants. Additionally, studies have shown that they improve memory in older adults, and contain cancer-fighting properties. 

DARK CHOCOLATE

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Your favorite sweet not only curbs those sugar cravings, it actually contains a lot of health benefits too! Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is loaded with fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, plus an amazing range of antioxidants! In fact, studies have shown that dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than other food tested, including blueberries and acai berries! It also contains powerful health benefits like improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improved brain function. One study even suggests that people who consume chocolate more than five times a week have a 57% lower chance of heart disease. However, in order to take advantage of all these benefits make sure you're consuming chocolate with at least a 70% cocoa content, for best results, we suggest 85% or higher. 

SEAWEED 

The thought of consuming seaweed may make you turn up your nose, but don't snub this incredibly healthy vegetation! A longtime mainstay in Asian cuisine (and for good reason), these plants are slowly making their entrance in Western diets due to their particularly high counts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It's also loaded with various bioactive compounds like phycocyanins and carotenoids. But where seaweed really shines is it's impressively high content of iodine, which is a mineral your body uses to make thyroid hormones. It does have a pretty distinct "ocean taste" but if you're not a fan of that flavor profile, you can always take it in supplement form. 

AVOCADO

Avocados are a fruit that's in a class of their own. They're extremely good for you, and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals. They do not contain any cholesterol or sodium and are revered by many dieticians for their high content of healthy fats. Additionally, they're loaded with fiber, and contain more potassium that bananas! 

CHIA SEEDS

Recognized as one of the healthiest foods on the planet, chia seeds are loaded with properties that have incredible benefits for your body and your brain. They contain high levels of healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, protein, fiber, zinc, and various vitamins. Donned a superfood, these tiny seeds have risen to great popularity in the past few years, and are championed for the ability to contribute to weight loss as well. Additionally, studies have shown they may lower your risk of heart disease, reduce blood sugar levels, reduce chronic inflammation, and more! 

BROCCOLI 

When it comes to great-tasting nutrition, broccoli is an all-star food with numerous health benefits. It contains high amounts of sulforaphane, which scientists are currently studying the anti-cancer properties of. It also presents high amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. In addition, it contains folate which is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells in the body. 

MISO PASTE 

Another traditional ingredient in most Asian diets, Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains and contains millions of beneficial bacteria. It stimulates the digestion system, energizes the body, and lends a distinct umami dimension to the flavor of your dishes. It's an excellent source of copper, manganese, vitamin K, protein and zinc. Plus, it's incredibly high in enzymes due to the fermentation process. While there is conflicting research on the negative effects that introducing soy into your diet may have, consuming miso in smaller quantities will not have a profound oestrogenic effect. Just make sure you thoroughly check the label before purchasing, as many soy products are made with genetically modified beans, so err on the side of caution and look for a brand that is created with organically grown ingredients. 

TURMERIC

This boldly-pigmented spice is major player in Indian cuisine and is used to give curry it's yellow hue. But brightly colored dishes isn't it's only claim to fame. This herb has been the subject of numerous studies which have resulted in this super spice's popularity. Its active ingredient is curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. The overall content of this ingredient is not high in the spice so for your body to properly absorb it, we recommend consuming it along with black pepper, or taking it as a tincture. It's also known to increase brain activity, and lower the risk of brain diseases, in addition to helping prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and age-related chronic diseases. It has also shown some promise in smaller studies for the treatment of depression, but as always, consult your doctor before making this your primary method of treatment.

QUINOA

This ancient grain, nicknamed the "mother of all grains" by the Incas, provides a wide array of health benefits. There are hundreds of cultivated strains, but the most readily available in the US are white, red, and black. Unlike other whole grains, it is naturally gluten-free, and is a complete protein; it contains high amounts of potassium, iron, zinc, copper, fatty acids, magnesium, and much more! It has been known to help prevent kidney stones, improve blood sugar control, prevent hemorrhoids, and constipation. Due to its status as a complete protein, it's an excellent choice for those that follow vegetarian or vegan diets, but we recommend it for meat-eaters too! Just make sure you rinse it before cooking as it has a naturally bitter coating that called saponin that works as a natural insecticide.

We hope you found our list of highly-nutritional foods to be helpful and educational, there are obviously so many more super foods that we did not include, but these are a few of our favorites. Do you have any favorite healthy, whole, foods we didn't mention? Comment and let us know. Happy National Nutrition Month! We hope you stay happy & healthy. Until next time!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

A Guide to Enjoying Valentines Day While You're Single

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and if you're not in a relationship, you might be dreading spending the popular romantic holiday alone. Chin up! Just because you're not taken doesn't mean you can't enjoy an awesome V-day on your own! Here's our guide to enjoying Valentine's Day while you're unattached. Relationship status? Self-empowered. 

A SPA DAY IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA 

Pro Tip: When you're single on Valentines Day, you get to spoil the MOST special person: YOU! Go all out with a massage, facial, acupuncture treatment or Reiki session, whatever feels good for you, because let's be real, you absolutely deserve it. Not into spas? Head to the gym, take a hot yoga class or go for a nature walk. Do whatever feeds your soul, because you're worth it. 

PAY IT FORWARD

Not only is Valentines Day the holiday of love, but it also falls right in the middle of National Random Acts of Kindness Week! Pass some good karma out, because you never know exactly how much it will impact someone else's life. Check out volunteer opportunities in your area, visit a senior, pay for a stranger's lunch, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you'll be surprised by how fulfilling showing pure, selfless love for others can be. 

HIT UP YOUR SQUAD

If you're lacking a little romance in your life, don't despair! Celebrate the love you share with your amazing friends! Write them a platonic love letter, have a V-Day potluck, go on a friend date, or have a night in with some good old Netflix and popcorn. The best part about spending the holiday with your besties? Guaranteed fun, no expectations. 

WEAR SOMETHING FESTIVE 

Get into the spirit of the day, and wear something that makes you feel good. Turn it up a notch with a cute little black dress, some red heels, and a show-stopping makeup look. Wear whatever makes you feel strong and beautiful. If you have to be with someone else to dress up, well, you're missing the point... EMPOWER YOURSELF! 

DO YOU

It's your day and no one else's, so do what makes you feel happy and content. If the thought of going out into the world and running into happy couples as far as the eye can see makes you feel like cringing, STAY IN! Rock those sweatpants you should have thrown away 10 years ago, and slay that messy bun game. Cook your favorite food, or order a large pizza all for yourself. Cuddle with your dog or cat, and pop in your favorite comedic film. There is no judgment here because it's all about DOING YOU. 

DO SOME INTROSPECTION

A little self-evaluation is always a great idea, and what better day to look at where you've been and where you want to be than Valentines Day? Reflect on how your past loves have made you a better person, celebrate your bravery and strength as a single person, or meditate on what you want in a future partner and put that law of attraction into action. 

TREAT YOURSELF

Stop eyeing that pair of earrings, or those super cute shoes and just buy them! Take yourself out to the nicest restaurant in town and treat yourself to a meal fit for a celebrity. You don't need a partner to feel spoiled, just activate that self-love, and splurge away. It doesn't have to be a super expensive purchase, just something that will make your heart content. 

How are you planning on spending your Valentines Day? Whether you're single or with someone special, we hope that you have an awesome day celebrating all the love that exists in the world. Planning to try any of our suggestions for enjoying the holiday on your own? Comment and let us know! We love hearing from you. 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. 

Healthy Cooking Oils and How to Use Them

MT. PLEASANT, Mich-- There's a lot of misinformation floating around about what cooking oils are actually healthy for you and their proper usage. Generally, extra virgin olive oil is everyone's go-to for cooking, but we have unfortunate news: it shouldn't be. Different oils have different attributes and flavor profiles, lending them to various uses. We at Graff Mt Pleasant are here to set the oil record straight, so let's get our sizzle on! 

1. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

A staple in nearly every kitchen, olive oil tastes delicious, but it's definitely not a healthy cooking option. Just one tablespoon contains 120 calories and is 14% saturated fat, and while your body does require healthy fatty acids for development, you should be receiving them from natural sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds, not refined oils. In addition, olive oil has an extremely low smoke point, so it's unsuited to cooking at high temperatures. If you're still inclined to keep Extra-Virgin olive oil as a part of your diet, consume it unheated. Drizzle it over salads, or as a dip for bread and veggies. 

2. Avocado Oil

Highly underrated, Avocado oil deserves a lot more praise than it usually gets. It's full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and therefore is good for your cholesterol. It also contains lutein, which is an antioxidant that improves your eye health. It has the highest known smoke point of any plant-based oil - 520 degrees - which makes it perfect for deep-frying, grilling, and roasting. You can also use it in your salad dressings to improve the absorption of antioxidants present in vegetables. 

3. Grape Seed Oil

Made from the pressed seeds of grapes, grape seed oil features a bright, soft flavor, and a high content of Vitamin E and oleic acid which has been proven to prevent strokes and curb appetite. Use it to cook vegetables, or add it to your beauty and skin-care regimen - it's really good for for your face and hair! It doesn't separate when chilled so its perfect for use in creamy salad dressings and homemade mayonnaise. In addition, it's a great substitute for butter or shortening in baking recipes. 

4. Almond Oil

Almond oil features a deep, nutty flavor perfect for adding rich, deep flavor to pasta dishes and other hearty meals or baked goods. It's incredibly good for your skin, and is probably a main ingredient in some of your all-natural beauty care products. Use it as a gently makeup remover or a deep, conditioning hair mask. An excellent source of Vitamin E, it's also high in healthy fats that lower blood pressure and support weight loss. It has a medium smoke point, so it's a good option for lightly sauteing vegetables, but shouldn't necessarily be used for deep-frying or grilling. 

5. Coconut Oil

Oh coconut oil, few foods have been the cause of such heated (pun intended) debates, Harvard professors have called it "pure poison" and your standard hippie types champion it as a miracle salve, with unending uses, from cooking and sunscreen, to a natural deodorant and stain remover. While there are few studies to provide us with legitimate data, what we do know about coconut oil is that when it's processed, it's high in bad saturated fats. Go with the virgin option as the good essential fatty acids and antioxidants haven't been killed off. There is also reason to believe that it supports thyroid health while in it's virgin state. We recommend using coconut oil in moderation, however it does lend a lovely tropical flavor to curries and other exotic dishes. Try using it as a hair conditioner, in place of massage oil, or as a cuticle moisturizer, your hippie friends were right, it does have some interesting uses. 

6. Vegetable Oil

Oddly enough, vegetable oil is not made from vegetables. Tough seeds and legumes, not intended for human consumption, are chemically treated so they can be broken down into pourable form. The term vegetable oil includes canola, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oil. What about the jugs of "vegetable oil" sold at the grocery store? False advertising, most oils sold under the label "vegetable" are at least 85% pure soybean oil. These oils are unstable due to the chemical processing they undergo, making them inflammatory to your system, and have been shown to contribute to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and even cancer. Even if the packaging on vegetable oil is pretty, and it promises health benefits, it's best to just stay away. Find a fruit or nut oil alternative as these are high in healthy fats. They may be more expensive, but it's worth it in the long run.

7. Walnut Oil

Dark, with a light, nutty scent, walnut oil can be expensive, but a little goes a long way. It's perfect for use in pasta dishes, sauteing winter vegetables, and for grilling fruits, poultry, and fish. Rich in copper and melatonin, it helps to regulate your body's circadian rhythm. Packed with omega-3, it improves blood circulation, lowers the risk of heart disease, maintains hormone levels, and improves the skin. Once walnut oil is opened, make sure you refrigerate, otherwise it will become rancid. 

We hope you found this blog interesting and informative, what do oils do you use for cooking? Are there any interesting uses you've found for oils that we didn't mention? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

17 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy All Year

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Most New Year resolutions have something to do with better your health, like working out or eating healthier. Unfortunately, life gets busy and we forget our resolutions by February. To give you some extra help in keeping your resolutions though, we have 17 easy ways to stay healthy all year.

15 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy All Year

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day.
3. Cut down on fast food.
4. Eat a good, healthy breakfast.
5. Go outside and get some fresh air.
6. Catch up on some sleep.
7. Take a multivitamin.
8. Laugh more; worry less.
9. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
10. Play with your animals.
11. Munch on healthy snacks.
12. Treat yourself to a massage.
13. Volunteer at a non-profit.
14. Stop eating when you’re full.
15. Get routine checkups.
16. Think more positively.
17. Meditate in the morning.

Whether your resolution is to improve your health mentally or physically, these simple ways to stay healthy will help you stay on track with your resolution all year round. Need a healthier car this year too? Stop by Graff Mt. Pleasant for a brand new Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, or GMC. You can also schedule a service appointment with us online.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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