Health and Wellness

Healthy Ways to Support Your Immunity

March 17, 2020 by Garrick Brown

With the growing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in our communities, how to protect yourself from getting sick is in everyone’s search history. Of course, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. For this reason, health professionals advise that we practice social distancing as much as possible right now. Boosting our immune systems so we are less likely to get sick sounds super appealing right now. It’s widely circulating online, and some products and diet plans are being marketed to prevent or cure the Coronavirus. Is it even possible to boost our immune systems? Can we do it by improving our diet and eating certain foods? Are there vitamins or herbal remedies that we should consider? What else can we change in our lifestyle to get our immune systems in tip-top shape? Let’s tackle these questions as we discuss healthy ways to support your immunity.

Elimination Diet Empathy

February 24, 2020February 19, 2020 by Julie Greene

“Any food allergies?” the nutritionally woke waitress asks with a smile as she takes our order. “Why yes,” I answer, “Do you have any dishes without fermentable short-chain carbohydrates?” Smile fades to furrowed brow. “Uuuuuum, let me talk to the chef and see what we can do.” If you have ever tried the FODMAP diet, you know how real this imaginary interaction can seem.

Moving Toward a Plant-Based Diet

July 9, 2019June 24, 2019 by Kitty Broihier

Plant-based diets are a flexible way of eating that can be tailored to your individual preferences and lifestyle. It celebrates and emphasizes plant-based foods, but it isn’t limited to them. Here are my top 3 tips to pay attention to when starting to eat in a more plant-forward style.

Plant-Based Diets for People with Sensitive Nutrition Needs

July 2, 2019July 1, 2019 by Allison Stowell

The popularity of the plant-based diet means that products are appearing on supermarket shelves in increasing numbers. This is great news for consumers seeking to embrace this beneficial and sustainable way of eating. We know that a plant-based approach to eating has many health benefits, but what about those individuals with sensitive nutrition needs? Does this way of eating make it easier or harder to follow a safe, healthy diet when you have unique dietary concerns?

Fight Pregnancy Nausea with Nutrition

June 6, 2019April 24, 2019 by Melissa Walshe

When I found out I was pregnant, the first thing that crossed my mind after the initial excitement was worry about the pregnancy nausea. That’s right, I’m calling it pregnancy nausea, not the euphemistic and optimistic “morning sickness.” Fortunately for me, my behind-the-scenes work with the excellent dietitians at Guiding Stars has, over the years, armed me with knowledge that helped me get through those rough weeks without reverting to the Simple Carbs Only Emergency Diet that’s often the easiest way to cope with pregnancy nausea.

Retail Dietitians: A Win for Customers and Retailers

March 13, 2019 by Garrick Brown

The purpose of National Nutrition Month is to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of good nutrition and position registered dietitians as the authorities in nutrition. While the majority of dietitians work in the treatment and prevention of disease at hospitals, private practices, or other healthcare facilities, a growing number are working for grocery retailers. In fact, there are more RDs working at supermarkets now than ever before.

Flu Season: Caregiver’s Survival Guide

October 11, 2018October 15, 2018 by Garrick Brown

No one wants to cook when they have weak muscles, a headache, a stuffy nose or feel sick to their stomach. Complicated recipes with too many steps can ratchet up the misery for parents and caregivers. I’ve pulled together some simple and nutritious dinner options for when you’re feeling ill, but still need to prepare a meal. Avoid overspending on less nutritious options and nourish yourself and your family with these manageable meals.

Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill

September 25, 2018 by Garrick Brown

Although anyone can get food poisoning, some people are more at risk. Those groups include pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with immune systems weakened from medical conditions (e.g., diabetics, cancer patients). It’s especially important for these groups and their caregivers to follow safe food handling practices. Here are 4 basic food safety principles from the CDC that we should all follow to reduce the risk of food poisoning: