Paleo Meat Bars for a Gluten-Free Diet - Hiking Snack | Wild Zora – Page 22
Free Shipping $49+ (Continental US)

Low Glycemic Index Foods Improve Energy

Low Glycemic Index Foods Improve Energy

low glycemic index diet kale and tomatoesWhen it comes to judging a food’s nutritional value, it’s important to look beyond the number of calories and carbohydrates. One modern and effective measurement tool is the Glycemic Index (GI). The Glycemic Index measures how a carbohydrate-containing food impacts your blood glucose levels during digestion. Foods low on the GI scale release glucose slowly and steadily, while high GI foods release rapidly.

This rapid release of glucose from high GI foods spikes blood sugar and insulin levels and leads to an inevitable crash that will leave you tired and groggy. By choosing low GI foods, you can manage your blood sugar more effectively and find sustained energy. Not only that, but a low GI diet has also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, reduce inflammation and aid in weight loss.

While most bars and snacks on shelves are filled with added sugar and high GI grains, Wild Zora products use only low GI carbohydrates such as healthy, high-fiber, organic fruits and vegetables to provide you with longer lasting energy, without the sugar high and crash.

 



Check out these resources to learn more about glycemic index:

Traveling with dietary restrictions?

Traveling with dietary restrictions?



If you have dietary restrictions, the thought of traveling can be daunting. You may be in a "food desert" where you can't find safe and healthy food options that work for your diet.

Whether you’re following the autoimmune protocol, living paleo or gluten-free, or in the midst of a Whole30 challenge, sticking to your diet is important for your health. While traveling makes doing so more difficult, it’s not impossible!  With a little extra planning and preparation, you can take that summer trip and eat well, too!

We’ve put together some tips to help make traveling with dietary restrictions more manageable.

  • Do your research.
    Consider where you are going and for how long. Will you have access to a kitchen? Can you bring a cooler? Get on google and look into the destination’s local resources. Arm yourself with knowledge about the local grocery stores, farmers markets and restaurants.

  • Plan ahead.
    If you follow a special diet, you know how important planning is. When preparing for your trip, decide on your meals ahead of time, make a grocery list and stick to it. Also, if you know you will be dining out with friends, call the establishment ahead of time and discuss your needs and concerns. Most restaurants are happy to cater to your needs if given advanced notice.

  • Pack some snacks.
    Even if you’ve lined up a grocery store to visit upon arrival, it’s a good idea to always have some healthy food on hand. If you’re hungry and unprepared, you’re more likely to go off your diet.

Consider these packable snacks:

  • Prepped fresh veggies
  • Fresh fruit
  • Dried fruit/veggies
  • Canned tuna or salmon
  • Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars!

Understanding Celiac Disease

Understanding Celiac Disease


May is Celiac Awareness Month and Wild Zora wants to help you understand the disease that affects an estimated 1 in 133 people in the US. 

Over the past few years, gluten-free diets have become extremely trendy. But for those diagnosed with celiac disease, adopting a gluten-free diet is not a fad, but a vital treatment. 

 

Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune disorder in which gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage can lead to serious side effects like malabsorption, anemia, thyroid disease and osteoporosis. Currently, the only known treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

 

Of the roughly 3 million people in the United States who have celiac disease, only 10% of them have been diagnosed. There are more than 300 symptoms of celiac disease, but the most common are digestive discomfort, recurring headaches, skin rashes, chronic infection, depression/anxiety and body fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe gluten to be the cause, it’s important to consult with a trained healthcare professional.

 

Managing celiac disease and maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet can be difficult. Gluten lurks in many foods, beauty products and even medications. Avoiding it takes vigilance and often means planning ahead. Check out the links below for resources and tips on living with celiac disease:

 

Wild Zora is proud to make delicious snacks that are completely gluten-free. Our snack bars provide a safe and nutritious on-the-go option for people with celiac disease.

Why eat healthy food?

Why eat healthy food?

eat healthy - photo of kale on a wooden cutting board

Wild Zora creates truly healthy gluten-free snacks that you can feel confident to feed to your family. In the interest of helping you start -- or continue -- to eat with nutrition in mind, we’ve put together a list of the benefits of a healthy diet. Some may really surprise you!

Top 5 Benefits of Eating Healthy:

  1. You will be happier and less stressed. What we eat affects our brain, and certain foods can increase good hormones and/or moderate detrimental ones. For example, kale contains a plant-based omega-3 called ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), which helps lower risk of depression and decrease anxiety. And the folic acid found in spinach supports serotonin regulation, a key contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.

  2. You will maintain the weight you want -- or lose if you need to. Eating less bread, starch and sugar and more meats and vegetables will help you reach -- and maintain -- a healthy weight. With this type of diet, you reduce your carb intake, minimize cravings and feel more satisfied from less food. Everyone’s healthy weight range is different, so make sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

  3. You will reduce your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Trading processed junk food for fresh fruits, veggies and meats will lower your risk of heart disease. It will also help regulate or prevent high blood pressure -- a serious and common ailment that can lead to heart disease.

  4. You will be at lower risk of getting cancer. Your lifestyle and diet affect your risk of getting cancer. Eating lots of fruits and veggies helps lower that risk.

  5. You’ll be more efficient. Foods with grain and added sugars lead to sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels which causes fatigue and puts you at risk of losing productivity. Choose healthy, gluten-free snacks for lasting energy.  

Still not convinced? Don’t take our word for it -- try it for yourself and see how you feel!