Category: Nutrition Science

If you’re struggling to keep your salt intake in check, you’ve got an ally in the Food and Drug Administration. Last week the agency issued draft, voluntary guidance that puts maximum sodium limits on 150 categories of processed and restaurant foods—all in an effort to help trim down Americans’ sodium intake from its current level of about 3,400mg/day to the 2,300mg/day recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. It’s a big step, and it’s certainly shaking up the food industry, but it’s not a done deal yet.

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I like a party as much as the next gal (just ask my friends!), but when graduation season hits—as it already has—I was not the one hosting a bunch of kids and neighbors for a big bash in the backyard. I didn’t have a graduation party when I finished high school—I got an electric typewriter from my parents and a “fancy” dinner out with my family. Yes, that was an age ago, I know. Graduation parties are so popular these days that if you don’t host one you almost feel like you’re in the wrong somehow. But you’re not. Call me a curmudgeon, but with so many others throwing parties, when it came time for my first-born to graduate, I figured the world didn’t need yet another buffet of burgers, dogs and heavily-frosted bakery cake.

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The word itself sounds like the name of a fabulous new water park, doesn’t it? Of course it’s not (or I wouldn’t be writing about it here), but judging by the growing number of aquafaba fans, “fabulous” might indeed be an apt description of this culinary wonder ingredient. I’m a bit late to the aquafaba party, but I’m ready now to get more familiar with this intriguing ingredient; here’s what I’ve found out…

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Did you know that every year since 1994 there has been a week dedicated to turning off the TV? Originally called TV-Turnoff, Screen-Free Week is a chance for both kids and adults to power down from our dependence on screen-based entertainment and find joy in other things—cooking together, books, nature, music, hobbies, playing games, cultural attractions, exercise, each other!

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Both kids and adults love parks—for relaxing, playing, picnicking, exercising or even just reading under a tree. And, while going a town or city park is certainly a fun springtime activity, visiting one of our country’s many National Parks for a day (or more) of exploring and healthy family bonding time can make lifetime memories. And if you go this month you’re in luck because getting into your favorite National Park for free will be…well, like a walk in the park!

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At this time of year, many of us have a couple dozen eggs on hand, and whether you’re going to boil them for coloring or not, there’s lots of nutritional good to be had from an egg.

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Ah, vacation at last! Your chance to relax (or live it up) and not have to think about a thing—good for you (and take me with you)! Does this sound familiar: your flight is delayed so you’re running through the airport with no time to get a meal, so the snack cart near the gate is your only lunch option? Or how about this: your “meal plan” at the resort only includes two meals…and the first one is long gone and the second one is hours away. Or this: to save some money and make your life convenient, you want to stock that mini-fridge in your hotel room with good options…but the only store you can reach on foot is attached to the gas station around the corner. Sometimes travel food should involve a little planning, and if not that, then at least a few ideas for how you can “make do” with limited choices or less-than-healthful options available.

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Does your teenager’s activity level plummet with the temperatures every winter? When my son was in high school he played sports in the fall and in the spring, but every winter he became much more sedentary—making it harder for him to be in good physical shape for his spring sport—not to mention inducing a fair amount of boredom. On the other hand, my teen daughter likes to snowboard whenever she has the chance during the winter; she also enjoys sledding. (For some reason, however, she does not enjoy shoveling snow though.) Not everybody likes outdoor winter activities (me included), but it’s recommended that children and teens get 1 hour of physical activity daily. Luckily there are options aplenty for both types of kids!

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