Chocolate Milk

May 17th, 2012 by Erin Dow in Expert Chef

A few weeks ago, Jen, a teacher friend of mine posted a photo to her Facebook wall depicting four cartons of milk from her school’s lunch room, and the incredulous comments began to fly. It seems that Jen has been working with her class on healthy eating, and she had a real big problem with the fact that not only was chocolate milk offered, so too were strawberry and coffee (a regional favorite) varieties. According to her, these items were offered to increase the chance that the kids would take a milk at lunch, and the sugar levels contained within them–27 grams per 8 oz. in the coffee one!–was, in essence, irrelevant. Well geez, that’s an interesting way to look at it, considering the sugar content is equivalent to a can of Red Bull. In fact, eating two standard Reese’s cups will actually save you almost two teaspoons of sugar over the flavored milk.

The Growing Spotlight on Employee Health

May 16th, 2012 by John Eldredge in Health and Wellness

It seems that everyone—including government, the private sector and consumers—has finally woken up to the healthcare crisis facing our country. As we are all now painfully aware, healthcare costs are spiraling out of control due to many factors, but certainly in large measure because of the worsening health status of the average American.

The Growing Spotlight on Employee Health

Gluten Free Outside the Gluten-Free Aisle

May 15th, 2012 by Allison Stowell in Gluten-Free

People often ask for me for guidance on how to spot gluten-free foods that are good (better or best!) for them. For some, the transition to gluten-free foods feels like a move toward foods that are more processed or less healthful. I am quick to highlight the many fresh and naturally gluten-free foods that our found throughout the produce, meat, seafood and dairy departments. Shop in these departments and you are likely to find many healthful items.

Gluten Free Outside the Gluten-Free Aisle

Guiding Stars Named as a Healthy Food Choice Intervention

May 14th, 2012 by John Eldredge in Food Shopping

The 2012 FMI Health & Wellness Conference emphasized the important role that food retailers could and should play as a community based health and wellness resource for consumers. Jeremy Nobel, MD, scientific advisor to Guiding Stars, moderated a well-attended breakout session on March 20 entitled “Your Shoppers: Changing The Way We Think About Public Health By Putting Food First.”

Roasted Vegetable Enchilada Bake

May 8th, 2012 by Erin Dow in General

Cheese, tortillas and a piquant sauce: I defy anyone to find fault in that combination. Enchiladas, traditionally comprised of seasoned meat or seafood, shredded cheese and baked in the oven in a tomato or tomatillo-based sauce has always been my favorite Tex-Mex dish, but its calorie and fat-laden composition limits its role in my diet to an occasional treat. I’ve often wondered how I could alter the recipe to my advantage, allowing me to eat more of what I like without knocking me out of my current dress size.