Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
Not getting adequate sleep can greatly interfere with everyday life. It is so important, improving sleep habits and quality have been added to the Life’s Essential 8 lifestyle factor list by the American Heart Association, a roadmap to protecting heart health. Sleep is fundamental to overall capacity to function properly, and depending on your age, the amount of sleep you need may differ. According to the CDC, adults ages 18-60 need 7+ of sleep a night. On the other hand, adults 61-64 need 7-9 hours a night and adults 65+ should be getting 7-8 hours.
The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. Waking up multiple times a night will affect how you feel the next day. Data shows that lack of sleep can undermine mood, alertness, short-term memory, and focus. Long-term chronic sleep issues can negatively impact heart health, metabolism, and weight.
Luckily, there are many ways we can prepare for a better night’s sleep throughout our days. Ensure that you are staying physically active but be cautious of the timing of your exercise. Physical activity gives us energy, so if you work out close to bedtime, you may have more of a challenge falling asleep. Other factors that can undermine sleep health include blue light exposure from smart phones and computers, and shift work. Try limiting screen time before getting ready for bed. Not only does blue light stimulate your brain, but it also slows the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
While there are many ways to try and develop healthy sleep habits, we sometimes need extra assistance. If you or someone you know is struggling to obtain a steady sleep schedule, see your healthcare provider to have an evaluation for conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. These require treatment as well. All medications and supplements should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and/or pharmacist for interactions. Melatonin or any sleep aids should be cleared with pediatricians, so children should never be given supplements without prior consultation.
We carry several sleep aids that may meet your needs, and some other items that can contribute to relaxation and sleep hygiene, such as chamomile and other teas, aromatic lotions, and bath salts. Look at our Sleep Aids Collection by clicking on the “Shop Sleep Aids” green tab below. We wish you sweet dreams!
Coffee 101: Which is Your Favorite?
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
It’s Sunday morning at your local coffee shop, and the person in front of you orders a coffee you cannot even pronounce. You quickly Google what in the world they just said, but still do not understand the various types of coffee. You may be wondering, “Aren’t these all the same?” We get it. We have been there and are here to help! Whether you are a black coffee drinker or a “Caramel Macchiato with Extra Cold Foam and Light Ice” kind-of person, we got you covered. Any confusion is sure to be cleared up after reading below!
Regular Brewed Coffee: What is “brewed coffee?” Brewed coffee simply contains coffee grounds that are brewed (hot water poured onto the coffee beans) and then filtered. Whether you like hot coffee with cream and sugar or just plain black, we have an option for everyone at Price Chopper and Market 32! Check out our collection at the end of this blog.
Iced Cold Brew: Contrary to iced coffee that was originally hot, iced cold brew is never hot. Iced cold brew is brewed from 12-24 hours and then steeped at room temperature. After this process is finished, the cold brew is diluted with water and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. This type of coffee has more caffeine and a smoother taste than normal iced coffee.
Espresso: Espresso can be taken as a shot for a burst of energy or poured into your cup of coffee. Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is made by using finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and applying high pressure. The taste of espresso is very strong and bold compared to other coffee.
Americano: When comparing an Americano coffee to regular hot coffee, there appears to be no difference, however, there is a slight discrepancy between the two. Americano coffee simply contains espresso and water, whereas regularly brewed coffee are coffee beans that have been filtered.
Latte: A hot latte consists of milk foam at the top of the cup, a large amount of steamed milk in the middle, and then espresso on the bottom. The milk used for a latte is steamed and frothed to create a delicious, thick foam. While an iced latte has the same ingredients, espresso is simply poured over chilled milk. Any type of milk can be used to create a latte, including non dairy almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk.
Cappuccino: While a latte and cappuccino are very similar, the ratio of milk is what differentiates the two. Cappuccino ratios are 1:1:1 with equal parts of milk foam at the top, steamed milk in the middle, and espresso at the bottom.
Macchiato: A hot macchiato contains espresso at the bottom and a lot of steamed milk on top. That is it! An iced macchiato is the same thing except a lot of chilled milk is added on top of the espresso.
Of course, with any of these drinks, you can modify it to your liking. Whether you enjoy a sweet syrup mixed in or whip cream on top, these drinks can be tailored to anyone’s preferences. The next time you hear the person in front of you order a long-named drink, you won’t have to Google what they are asking for!
Interested in making the best latte? Check out this Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte from our YouTube Channel!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Let’s be honest – we don’t need an excuse to eat candy all month long. However, if you are looking for one – we have you covered! June is National Candy Month, and we think this is something to celebrate. Since June means warm weather, that means it’s time to also break out the ice cream! What better way to enjoy National Candy Month than with our wide variety of PICS ice cream covered in our PICS candy, hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts! Be sure to browse our delicious ice cream sundae selection at the bottom of this article.
Sweet Facts about Candy & Chocolate!
- National Candy Month was first observed in 1974.
- The average American consumes 12 pounds of chocolate per year.
- White chocolate actually is not chocolate since it contains no cocoa.
- 200 million Skittles are produced each day.
- As of 2021, America’s favorite Halloween candy are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Looking for a fun candy recipe to make? Try these S’mores Truffle Pops!