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Why the Order of Your Meals Matters: The Power of Meal Sequencing

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

We’ve all heard that a balanced diet is key to good health — lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies, healthy fats, and whole grains. But what if it’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it during your meal that makes the biggest impact?

Enter meal sequencing — a surprisingly science-backed yet straightforward eating strategy that can help stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and support weight loss.

So, how does it work? According to naturopathic doctor Michelle Sands, it’s all about eating your foods in a specific order: protein, fat, and fiber first, then carbs last. This approach slows digestion, balances insulin response, and helps you feel fuller longer.

Here’s how to put it into practice:

  • Breakfast: Start with eggs, add some berries, and finish with toast or pancakes.
  • Lunch: Begin with a side salad or roasted veggies, then dive into your sandwich.
  • Dinner: Eat your greens first, follow with a bunless burger, and save the fries or dessert for last.

Why does it work so well? Preloading your stomach with protein and fiber delays gastric emptying and boosts GLP-1, the same satiety hormone activated by weight-loss meds like Ozempic. That means fewer cravings, more stable energy, and better control over your eating.

Dr. Lisa Shah, chief medical officer at Twin Health, says this method isn’t just for people with diabetes — it’s a powerful tool for anyone navigating midlife weight changes, hormone shifts, or energy crashes.

And the best part? You don’t need to cut carbs or skip dessert — just rearrange your plate. With regular practice, meal sequencing can help reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

How Vegetarians Can Easily Get 80 Grams of Protein a Day

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality


Hitting your protein goals as a vegetarian isn’t as complicated as it sounds. With a bit of planning and a few smart swaps, it’s easy to get 80 grams of protein a day — even without meat.

Protein is essential for muscle repair, energy, satiety, and even for maintaining healthy skin and strong nails. While the World Health Organization recommends 0.83 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, active individuals or those over 30 may need more, up to 1.5 grams per kilogram.

Here’s how one vegetarian does it:

Start Strong with Breakfast
Aim for 25–30 grams of protein in the morning. Try two eggs on whole grain toast with hummus and sprouts, or an omelet with chia or hemp seeds. A high-protein breakfast keeps cravings in check all day.

Snack Smart
Instead of empty calories, go for snacks that double as protein boosters: a banana with peanut butter, almonds, or a sheep’s milk yogurt with chia or spirulina.

Sprinkle in the Protein
Hemp seeds (35g/100g), chia (20g), pumpkin seeds (19g), and brewer’s yeast (46g) are powerful add-ons. Keep a mix on hand to sprinkle on salads, soups, or smoothies. Even spirulina delivers a whopping 57g per 100g.

Center Each Meal Around Protein
At every meal, choose a protein anchor:  good options include lentils, beans, or eggs. Then build around it with grains and veggies. Pairing cereals and pulses — like rice and lentils or chickpeas and couscous — ensures you’re getting all essential amino acids.

Pro Tip: Combine dairy and eggs with a variety of plant proteins to cover all your bases. With a balanced mix of whole foods and protein-rich add-ons, staying meat-free while hitting your protein goals is totally doable — and delicious.

Is Chia Seed Water Really Worth the Hype? Experts Share the Facts

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen chia seed water trending—promoted as a miracle drink for slimming waistlines, reducing bloating, and boosting energy. But is it actually a healthy habit or just another passing craze?

Registered dietitians Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD, and Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, break it down.

According to Harbstreet, chia seeds are packed with nutrition: one ounce (about two tablespoons) delivers 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 5 grams of plant-based omega-3s. They’re also rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium, which are essential for healthy bones, muscles, and overall body function.

“Chia seeds support heart health, improve blood sugar control, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits,” says Rizzo. Plus, fiber—a key nutrient in chia—helps keep you full, supports regular digestion, and lowers your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

The twist with chia water? When soaked in water, chia seeds swell and take on a gel-like texture. This combo of fiber and fluid is especially effective at promoting fullness and aiding digestion. “If you’re boosting fiber, don’t forget to hydrate,” Harbstreet emphasizes.

Making it is simple: just stir a spoonful of chia seeds into a glass of water and let it sit for 15–60 minutes. The longer it soaks, the thicker it gets.

Other Delicious Ways to Enjoy Chia Seeds

If chia seed water isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of other tasty ways to reap the benefits. Stir them into smoothies or yogurt for a nutrient boost, sprinkle them over oatmeal or salads, or use them to make chia pudding by soaking them in milk or plant-based alternatives overnight. You can even add them to baked goods like muffins or homemade granola bars for an extra hit of fiber and protein.

Stabilize Your Blood Sugar With This Pantry Staple

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Beyond fiber, beans are rich in plant-based protein. Protein, like fiber, slows digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. A cup of cooked beans provides approximately 15 grams of protein, making them an excellent meat alternative.

Beans also contain essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and iron. Magnesium, in particular, has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity, further supporting blood sugar control.​

Scientific Evidence Supporting Beans in Diabetes Management

Research underscores the benefits of beans for individuals with diabetes. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet, including beans, improved glycemic control and reduced hyperinsulinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Another study indicated that adding a cup of legumes to the daily diet of individuals with type 2 diabetes improved glycemic control and reduced the risk of coronary heart disease.

Incorporating Beans into Your Diet

Adding beans to your meals is straightforward and can be delicious. Here are some practical tips:​

  • Salads and Soups: Toss black beans or chickpeas into salads or blend them into hearty soups.​
  • Main Dishes: Use kidney beans in chili or prepare a classic rice and beans dish.​
  • Snacks: Enjoy hummus (made from chickpeas) with vegetable sticks or whole-grain crackers.​

Start with small portions to allow your digestive system to adjust to the increased fiber intake. If using canned beans, use low-sodium versions and rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.​

The Side Effects of Eating Too Much in One Meal

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Protein is essential for muscle growth, metabolism, and overall health, but consuming too much at once can lead to discomfort and inefficiency. The general recommendation for protein intake is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, but active individuals may need more. For example, a 150-pound person may require 80–160 grams of protein per day, depending on activity levels and fitness goals.

While research is inconclusive on how much protein the body can process in one meal, experts suggest 25–30 grams per serving as a general guideline. Overloading on protein in a single sitting may cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, nausea, and constipation. 

Additionally, excess protein increases water loss, potentially leading to dehydration. If not used for muscle repair or energy, the extra calories from protein may be stored as fat, contributing to weight gain.

Instead of consuming large amounts in one meal, experts recommend distributing protein intake across 3–6 meals and snacks daily. This approach supports better absorption, sustained energy levels, and muscle recovery. 

If you want to optimize your protein intake for muscle growth or weight management, consulting a nutritionist who can help you create a balanced diet that meets your needs. 

Prioritizing consistency over excess in one sitting ensures your body makes the most of your protein intake.

Homesteading: How to Grow 100 Percent of Your Food

5 min read | Author - Katherine Marko

Many Americans believe that to feed a city, it takes miles and miles of machine-laid and chemically-grown crops. But in reality, with the right soil and a little space, you can grow enough food to feed your family in your backyard. A homestead garden is your ticket to becoming self-sufficient and less reliant on commercial grocery stores. In fact, there’s no better time than now to become self-reliant — especially with the pandemic still looming over our heads and climate change on the forefront. Here’s what you need to know to grow 100 percent of your food.    

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How to Grow and Use Chia Seeds

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Chia seeds are tiny black/white seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica belonging to the same family as mint and basil. They have a long history of cultivation in South America, where they were a staple food of ancient civilizations.

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