Healthy Central Sierra

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Graphic listing examples of foods falling within the 4 categories of Nova classification

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): What to know, and what not to worry about

April 30, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
  DRIs, RDAs, DGAs-  if there wasn’t already enough jargon to sort through in nutrition recommendations, a new acronym has taken center stage: UPFs. But what exactly is a UPF, and what does it mean for you, your health, and your meals?If you’ve been alarmed by media reports that UPFs are …
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green plant (claytonia perfoliate) on a dirt background

Fearless Foraging: Know before you go

February 28, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
 Recent California news reports have highlighted tragic cases of fatal mushroom misidentification. These cases involved species such as the highly toxic Amanita phalloides (commonly known as “death cap mushroom”) and can naturally spark fear. However, these headlines focus on worst-case scenarios and…
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bleeding heart flowers on a green backgroun

From Garden to Table- Tips for a Healthy Heart

February 1, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
 Not only is Valentine’s day around the corner, but February is American Heart Month. While nutrition related trends come and go, research on heart health has consistently pointed to dietary patterns that prioritize plant-based, minimally processed foods. You may have heard of the Mediterranean diet,…
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two people walking together on a snowy path

Get Active with the Gold Rush Path!

January 1, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
Kick Off the New Year with an Active Outdoor LifestyleFor many of us, the new year inspires goals to be more active and spend more time outdoors. But with chilly temperatures and limited daylight, finding the motivation to get outside can be tough. Still, even short bouts of outdoor movement—like walking or…
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