I love it when the company I work for cares about my health. On Thursday, I was handed a health-related newsletter. Thank you Southern Standard. Seriously, it’s nice to work for a company that cares. I worked for a doctor for about five years, maybe six. I called in sick once. He didn’t call and ask me what was wrong. What was that about? He took an oath to care, right? Doesn’t that oath extend to your employees?
This month’s newsletter was right up my alley because the first subject was “Eggs – Yes or No?” I don’t know about you, but I eat at least four eggs a day but only one yolk - that’s no joke. I eat one whole egg and three egg whites. I make an omelet with half a piece of cheese and sprinkle it with this dry spice blend that I have fallen in love with – can’t remember the name, though.
Page two is where the newsletter slips into cocktail time. Is it happy hour yet? If you listen to Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. The newsletter states “I Can Eat That?”
Peanut butter – I eat this every day. According to the information, research finds that people who eat peanut butter every day have healthier diets overall.
Egg Yolks – Like I said I eat one a day. Apparently, egg yolks are a nutritional powerhouse. They are one of the richest dietary sources of choline, an anti-inflammatory nutrient essential for neurological function. Choline helps produce the ‘happiness’ hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Maybe that’s why I feel so good.
Bananas – I try to eat a small one a day, with a little bit of peanut butter. FYI, bananas get a bad rap because they’re high in carbohydrates and calories relative to other fruits; however, bananas have a reportedly low glycemic load, an estimate of a food’s ability to raise blood glucose levels after a meal.
That’s when the eight-item list loses me, because the next item on the list is drinking a beer a day. Seriously? The info says, “Beer has been a part of healthy diets for thousands of years. It has no fat, cholesterol, sulfities, or nitrates – and is loaded with significant amounts of carbohydrates, magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, biotin, folic acid, niacin, B-vitamins, and antioxidants.”
Well, alright then. Why aren’t health food stores all over the country selling beer? I’m only joking because I have no plans on taking up drinking beer. The information goes on to warn: “However, if you do not already drink beer, do not start now.” I’m out!
Other acceptable foods making the list are: potatoes, canned beans, canned tuna, and beef. I agree with tuna. I also like baked fish. Did you know fish is high in omega-3 fats, which have a critical role in brain health and documented mood-stabilizing and anti-depression effects? Maybe another reason I’m feeling good?
Thanks for the newsletter boss!

Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs can be reached at 473-2191.