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Functional Flips for a Healthier Summer Cookout

Summer cookouts are a time for connection, sunshine, and great food—but they’re often filled with processed meats, sugary desserts, and disposable, well, everything. Traditional menus can leave us feeling bloated, fatigued, or inflamed. This season, choose nourishing, sustainable swaps that taste amazing and help you feel even better. 

SWAP #1: Kabobs Instead of Burgers or Hot Dogs 

Skip the heavy burger buns and enjoy colorful protein-packed skewers that are naturally gluten-free and customizable. 

Build-your-own kabob ideas: 

Marinade: olive oil + lemon juice + garlic + oregano or rosemary 

Proteins: wild-caught salmon or shrimp, organic chicken, grass-fed steak, marinated tofu or tempeh 

Veggies & Fruit: zucchini, red onion, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, mushrooms 

SWAP #3: Grilled Fruit Instead of Cobbler 

Ditch the sugary, gluten-heavy desserts and grill up nature’s candy for a fiber-rich, antioxidant-packed, naturally sweet treat without the crash. 

Easy grilled fruit ideas: 

Top with coconut whipped cream, chopped toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon 

Peaches or nectarines: halved, brushed with coconut oil, grilled 2–3 mins per side 

Pineapple rings or watermelon slices: caramelize for a smoky-sweet flavor 

SWAP #4: Corn-Based or Bamboo Plates Instead of Plastic 

Did you know plastic plates and utensils can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals, especially when exposed to heat and sunlight?  

Here are some better options to support hormone health and reduce landfill waste: 

  • Compostable corn-based or bamboo plates and flatware 
  • Enamel or stainless steel reusable sets 
  • Cloth napkins for a zero-waste, elegant upgrade 

 Takeaways 

Enjoy real food. Celebrate connection. Support your health—naturally. 

Summer cookouts don’t have to derail your health goals. It IS possible to avoid gluten, dairy, and highly processed foods without missing out on celebrations with friends and family.  

Perfection is not the goal. Choose one swap that sounds good to you and let yourself enjoy the rest, if it won’t make you feel terrible afterwards.   

Subtle changes add up over time – and are more likely to be sustainable.  

Advanced Heart Risk Predictor: Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Coronary artery calcium scoring is a medical test used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Calcium buildup in the arteries is a sign of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and can cause heart disease.

Coronary artery calcium scoring is an important tool for identifying individuals who are at risk for heart disease. The test can help us doctors predict the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke and determine the best course of treatment. By detecting calcium buildup in the arteries, we can assess the severity of atherosclerosis and develop a plan to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

The test typically involves a computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart and arteries. The CT scan takes images of the heart and arteries, which are then used to calculate the calcium score. The calcium score is a measure of the amount of calcium in the arteries and can range from 0 to over 400. The results of coronary artery calcium scoring can help us determine the risk of heart disease. A score of 0 indicates no detectable calcium, while a score of 1-100 indicates minimal calcium buildup. Scores above 100 indicate more significant calcium buildup and a higher risk of heart disease.

Coronary artery calcium scoring is an important tool for identifying individuals who are at risk for heart disease. By detecting calcium buildup in the arteries, we can assess the severity of atherosclerosis and develop a plan to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The test can also help identify individuals who may benefit from preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes or medication, to reduce their risk of heart disease.

Think of coronary artery calcium scoring like a snapshot of your heart’s health.

It helps us see if there’s any buildup of calcium in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart disease. By detecting calcium buildup early, we can help you take steps to reduce your risk and prevent cardiovascular events.

Here at Carolina Total Wellness we can order this scan for you alongside other markers to determine your risk of coronary artery disease.

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and family history of heart disease or you are just interested in getting a scan, seek out one of our providers to get started on mitigating your risk of heart disease.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a science-based health care approach to assess, prevent and treat complex chronic disease.

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After a brief allergy test, you can begin sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or allergy drops under the tongue. No more allergy shots!

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