Blog - Guiding Stars

Simple Advice That’s Hard to Follow

April 12, 2021November 19, 2020 by Julie Greene

It’s easy to get influenced by the latest trend only to find out later that you’ve been duped by clever marketing that may be only partially true. Fortunately, my supermarket offers Guiding Stars, which highlights foods with good, better, or best nutritional quality to help me cut through the clutter and inform my decisions. Even if a product claims it’s keto-friendly or gluten-free, I know the stars will indicate whether the product has more positives than negatives per calorie. Armed with Pollan’s wisdom and with the stars as a reference, I can shop my local store with fresh eyes.

Love Thy Vegetables

April 7, 2021November 19, 2020 by Garrick Brown

It’s probably cliché for a dietitian to say this, but vegetables could really use some more love. They provide key nutrients like vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber and most are low in calories. Those are enticing benefits to consumers for any food. And by eating enough vegetables (and fruits) as part of an overall healthy diet we can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. Unfortunately, less than 10% of adults in the U.S. meet the recommended intake of 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plant-Based Proteins Roundup

April 5, 2021October 14, 2020 by Allison Stowell

Red Lentil Salad with Dried Fruit & Toasted Pine Nuts

We know plant-based diets have benefits for sustainability. When followed as part of a balanced diet, carefully chosen plant-based products can also be part of a healthy diet. Some options, however, contain high amounts of saturated fat, sodium, or other negative attributes. Seek Guiding Stars-rated choices. This will ensure your plant-based diet is helping you meet all your health goals.

Personalize Your Plate

March 29, 2021March 26, 2021 by Kitty Broihier

I LOVE this year’s National Nutrition Month® theme because it speaks to the fact that we are all unique beings and our physical needs and food preferences do vary. But what does “Personalize Your Plate” really mean, and how exactly does one achieve a personalized plate?

Guiding Stars & National Nutrition Month

March 26, 2021March 26, 2021 by Allison Stowell

Close up of a smiling woman in a kitchen looking at fruits

It’s National Nutrition Month® (NNM)! This year’s theme, “Personalize Your Plate” highlights that we are all unique with different nutrition needs, diet goals, and cultural backgrounds that guide our food choices. These differences can be honored while still following a healthy diet. Guiding Stars, which embraces a variety of foods while guiding you toward nutrient dense options, partners perfectly with this year’s NNM theme.

Better Green Beans

March 26, 2021November 19, 2020 by Melissa Walshe

Rubbery, squeaky, or mushy. Those are the dreaded descriptors that but many people off green beans. At their best, however, green beans can be crunchy, snappy, and crispy. They add green to your plate, and green is a color many of us could stand to eat a little more of. Let’s talk about two techniques to improve your green bean game.

Better Kale

March 19, 2021November 19, 2020 by Melissa Walshe

There are two vocal camps of people when it comes to kale: those who can’t get enough of it, and those who think it’s more garnish than food. How you prepare it, however, can change someone’s mind from kale-hater to kale-fan in a single dish…if you know the right tricks.

Better Brussels Sprouts

March 12, 2021November 19, 2020 by Melissa Walshe

The first thing to understand about the bad reputation of Brussels sprouts is that it used to be deserved. Farmers have been working hard, however, to develop varietals that taste better, which is one reason they’re experiencing something of a Renaissance. They can still be tricky to work with for textural and flavor reasons. When they come out well, however, they’re worth the effort