Category: Nutrition Science

A recent article by three sociologists from North Carolina State University, called “The Joy of Cooking?” drew media attention this fall for its “tell it like it is” critique of the increasingly prevalent food and nutrition message that healthy meals need to be home-cooked meals. It’s a message we are seeing more of as people seek out more information about food quality, food sourcing and nutrition. And yet, it’s a message that may not resonate with some people, say the article’s authors—and for good reason. It isn’t very practical. Here are some of my thoughts on this topic—let me know what you think!

Continue reading »

As a Registered Dietitian, I travel annually to my professional association’s conference and exposition. This year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo took place in Atlanta, and having just returned, I thought I’d share what I observed from the exposition part of the meeting. The expo is the tradeshow part of the conference, where attendees get to taste new products and chat with manufacturer representatives about products. Here are three of the trends I found pervasive on the expo floor this year…

Continue reading »

Have you been hearing the term “ketogenic diet” thrown around on the internet lately and wondered exactly what it was? Here’s a quick look at the ketogenic diet and weight loss; as always, discuss weight control plans with your doctor and/or a Registered Dietitian before striking out on your own.

Continue reading »

If your usual rotation of meals has you feeling ho-hum about cooking, it’s time to shake things up. Variety isn’t just the spice of life, it’s a way to help ensure that you get a wide array of nutrients, thus improving your overall nutritional status.

Climbing out of your cooking rut isn’t all that difficult, but you’ll need inspiration and few ideas. Banish boredom from your kitchen and give yourself and your family a break from the usual Sunday spaghetti or taco Tuesday. Here are a few ideas I came up with…

Continue reading »

As a mother of two teenagers, I’m well aware of the many things that parents need to keep in mind when it comes to their children’s health. Adding more to parents’ already full plates is not my intent. Instead, my goal is teaching teens to begin a reasonable amount of self-care that includes paying attention to nutrition. After all, I’m not in control of everything they put in their mouths anymore! Teaching my children to take care of their own health as they get older is part of my job.

Continue reading »

The spankin’ new lunchbox has been purchased and there it sits on the counter. It’s just waiting for all those insanely creative and scrumptious morsels you’ll tuck in there for your child’s midday repast, day in and day out this school year. But this post isn’t about WHAT to put in there. Rather, it’s about HOW to keep what you put in there safe for your little one’s consumption.

Continue reading »

An ice-cold drink on a hot summer day is one of life’s little pleasures. But who wants to be limited to plain old water cubes when there are so many fun, interesting and tasty ways to make ice cubes? Here are a few of my favorites, plus a word about that suggestion to drink your water ice-cold in order to burn more calories…

Continue reading »

For some people, the thought of drinking water is so, well…boring. For them, plain ol’ water clearly cannot compare with the vast selection of flavored, carbonated and enhanced beverage selections available pretty much everywhere. I know. I used to prefer most any drink over water. A dietitian who doesn’t like to drink water? I know. Hence, I learned to like it. I trained myself to like it because I knew my body needed it for proper functioning and overall health. Here are a three ways to help yourself learn to like drinking water (or at least dislike it less).

Continue reading »