I have to admit the “what’s cooking” question can challenge the best of us in the food universe, but a visit to the farmer’s market can provide the solution in solving this dining dilemma. On my most recent visit I was drawn to the raspberries and blueberries.
The berry family has plenty of ... Views: 766
The past few weeks have included buzz-worthy info on coffee, wine, weed and health. The three stimulants can be addictive, enjoy a robust retail market (weed in limited states) and may have health benefits. My clients and readers of this blog know my mantra—“There is no one thing that is all ... Views: 903
There has been a lot of chatter about clean eating and when you ask the omniscient Google, the search engine kicks out more than 61 million responses. In responding to my clients’ inquiries I try to rely on the “keep it simple” mantra—Clean eating is founded on the concept of being mindful of ... Views: 801
Food Safety is no joke. As we turn the calendar to catered meals, alfresco dining, outdoor barbecues and garden-fresh, you have to watch out for food safety. The Center for Disease Control estimates that each year 1 out of 6 Americans or 48 million people have a food-borne illness from ... Views: 768
Timing can be everything “in the right place at the right time” and this phrase can also sum up the time slot you choose to fuel your body. Now in starting the day with your first meal, we know that it means you are breaking your fast aka-breakfast. But how many of you are consuming breakfast ... Views: 827
With travel season coming up it is good to remember that with travel, planning is everything. The proactive travel plan can ease frustrations and minimize stress, both of which are at odds with the well-being lifestyle. Whether you are jetting off for rest and relaxation or the next client ... Views: 852
Now that the calendar says it is officially spring I know some of you are thinking about and planning outdoor activities and yard work to show off things you grow. Well green and growing is not just about outdoors, what’s inside counts for health and well-being too. Plants enrich our lives,” ... Views: 659
We consistently hear that we need to eat this, eat that, and avoid those. The freewheeling nutrition advice coming at folks from all angles is confusing and creates some of the most consistent questions I get from clients—“What am I supposed to do?” I agree it can be challenging but what I try ... Views: 647
We may be heartsick, and heartbroken, over heartfelt issues that can cast a cloud over our outlook. People can react to this mood in a number of ways---some may find solace in the menu of the day, craving carbs and chocolate while other folks may dismiss food entirely. Issues that can create ... Views: 706
The first month of the year represents new beginnings and one of the things that folks put on the list in January is to lose weight. In fact that is something most Americans need to do. According to the Center for Disease Control 70% of adults age 20 and older are overweight, including those ... Views: 699
In providing advice and counsel for health and fitness I find my clients run the gamut from individuals focused on a personal plan, to health industry companies teaming up with employers to create plans supporting the company healthcare benefit goals. Both groups are interested in the trends ... Views: 814
As you celebrate the holidays and plan for a healthier more active you in the new year, give yourself a timeout. Take time to step away from the frenetic hustle and bustle and think seriously about gratitude during the year that is ending. One of my many caveats with my clients is to remind ... Views: 674
Food safety is one issue that we should always keep top-of-mind. Here are a few basic guidelines to remember during this season of the noshes, nibbles, buffets, potlucks, and office parties that are key to food safety.
Wash Your Hands
Hand washing is essential. Hand washing in warm soapy ... Views: 694
I started the month with a list of tips to guide you through the seasonal adventures of holiday eating. One of the biggest challenges often faced by my clients is about do and don't, along with when and how. When can I exercise, or get in the workout? How can I manage the time and how can I find ... Views: 689
Like so many of you, I glanced at the calendar and had that light bulb moment, realizing that the holiday season is on the doorstep. They’re lighting trees, promoting holiday gifts and stocking supermarkets with all the ingredients to cook up the seasonal dishes and desserts we love. One of ... Views: 812
As a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), the advice I share with clients includes adjusting their daily diets to be more plant-centric. Research indicates that including more plant-based foods in the diet can be beneficial. Some of the benefits include consuming ... Views: 713
What’s for breakfast? It is National Breakfast Month and the question is what are we eating? I share with my clients that it is not necessarily when you eat, but what you eat. It is important to eat something to fuel your body as your day starts. Research shows that eating breakfast can aid in ... Views: 707
Several of you are sending children off to start the “college student journey.” One of the biggest challenges facing both students and their parents is to refrain from indulging to the point of bulging. Adjusting to independence, new schedules and new lifestyles can create an upheaval in one’s ... Views: 721
I have several clients who have upped their activity levels as they focus on the well-being lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges they’ve confessed to me is the tough time they have with snacking. We are a country of snackers and according to the NPD Group’s What America Eats report, Baby ... Views: 823
I spent some time watching a group of pro tennis players turning those bright yellow balls into fiercely propelled orbs this week. What fuels these players and keeps them on point with the physical and mental stamina needed to stay in the game? My current client group doesn’t include ... Views: 646
As we wrap up the month designated for Stroke Awareness, let’s remember that it’s important to be mindful of our health and the symptoms of stroke every month. Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. According to the World Heart Federation, the global stats show that every ... Views: 789
There has been a lot of conversation lately about “healthy” and I must admit it made me take a minute and ask myself “So what do people think is healthy?” In working with clients over the years, I’ve learned the definition of the word or the interpretation of healthy can mean a ton of things. ... Views: 605
There has been a lot of dancing in the streets and reflections on music as a backdrop to life experiences. In musing over the changes that occur when the music from a legendary artist stops, we don't think about the importance of music in helping us stay healthy.
Moving more and eating less ... Views: 651
Travel is a tremendous experience which can be exciting, enriching, and exasperating. And sometimes the challenge of getting to the destination can totally blow your efforts to focus on a healthy lifestyle. As my clients share their travel plans with me, we talk about eating well wherever they ... Views: 715
Now that you've finished up the big meal from the Spring holiday, let's get the folks who strayed from their best laid "healthy" eating plan back on track. In this season of fresh tender vegetables and richly flavored fruits, these food groups come with plenty of the right stuff. Diets rich in ... Views: 790
Most of us enjoy eating. We have a list of favorites and are fond of sampling new dishes and foods that we can add to our list. Suddenly advice from the doctor to make lifestyle and daily diet changes can be jarring. The meal routines that we have on auto pilot now need to stop. I hear all types ... Views: 609
We've turned the page on the calendar -the chocolate roses, truffles, heart-shaped foods and all that jazz are behind us. I'm not trying to dismiss February 14 as insignificant, but I do want to remind you that the heart is bigger than one day.
I want you to give equal attention to keeping ... Views: 691
Between big time football games, awards shows and long weekends, before we know it this month will be over. Now I know how easy it can be to drop the ball and fumble your best laid plans to move toward a healthier lifestyle. No worries, you can easily make changes to incorporate your quest for ... Views: 808
This time of year the buzz is about what's trending in the food world. I try to share with my clients how the trends around wholesome food choices can aid them in making the best choices for a healthy lifestyle. The recommended dietary guidelines issued every five years reflect some topical food ... Views: 737
With the arrival of the New Year, I've had more than a few calls from clients sharing their resolutions and commitment to make changes to improve their well-being. These resolutions range from broad-based to the specific---more wholesome eating, reducing carbohydrate intake, monitoring their ... Views: 768
Back in the day most of the questions on coconut were all about using the pulp to shred or shave as an ingredient in a list of tempting desserts. Today clients are talking about coconut oil, coconut water, beverages, and their perceived health benefits. Now I'm always open to new news, but my ... Views: 725
November is National Diabetes Month and the Center for Disease Control reports that there are 29.1 million people diagnosed and undiagnosed, that are challenged with this disease in the United States. As a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) I focus on wise food choices throughout the year. As the ... Views: 1013
Whether it's Friday night lights, college or pro football, flavorful things to eat and drink are key to winning the tailgate game. Typical game day snacks aren't exactly the best choice for a balanced lifestyle, but with a little bit of planning, my suggestions will help you make lightened-up, ... Views: 781
In recent years advocates for breast cancer awareness have made pink the color of the month. It's on the fashion pages and websites, flags, and pro football teams. Cities nationwide are illuminated with spotlights to cast a pink glow onto their skylines.
In counseling clients and talking to ... Views: 771
In working with clients and providing advice and counsel encouraging them to focus on a well-being lifestyle, I often hear questions that start with. "I heard in the news... " This month one of the topics making news was high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is a leading risk ... Views: 711
I've been fielding questions from my clients focused around kids leaving home to start college. Some parents want to give advice and step away. Others however want to hover, defeating their goals of helping develop life skills to be independent. In sharing advice and counsel with the parents of ... Views: 775
This summer Social Security celebrated its 80th birthday and Medicare turned 50. There are more than a few naysayers talking about the ills of Social Security, but in reality, the fact that they are available is one very positive factor in the well-being of many. One of the myths about Social ... Views: 719
There has been a boom in farmers' markets in recent years. The USDA produces a farmers' market directory that lists more than 8,000 markets, and an increase of 76 percent since 2008! If you're a market enthusiast, you know the local market delivers a bounty of good things to eat; the catch is to ... Views: 889
What's the perfect recipe for summer? Beaches, a little pool and of course a good barbeque. But how do you enjoy the tastes of summer and keep calories in check at the same time?
As a registered dietitian, I like to say, everything is okay as long as you have it in moderation.
Whether you ... Views: 689
Though Father’s Day was noted for more than 50 years, it was not an official nationwide holiday, until 1972. President Nixon signed the law making the third Sunday in June, the day to celebrate the contribution that fathers and father figures make in their children's lives. Fathers and father ... Views: 697
I've just returned from a conference and car fatigue was the catalyst for today's post. One of the key things to remember in laying out your travel plans is to consider how to get the exercise in. When you're traveling it's not all about burning calories and keeping the energy level up---get ... Views: 723
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and the goal of the month's activities is to reduce the impact and the incidence of strokes. According to the National Institutes of Health, each year more than 700,000 Americans have strokes. The incidence of this health risk affects finances, ... Views: 701
When asked about flavor profiles it is rare for folks to respond enthusiastically that they "love bitter." Bitter is one of the basic tastes that our taste buds identify along with sweet, salty, and sour. An affinity for bitter is influenced by several factors including taste experiences, ... Views: 862
Now that Spring has arrived, I’ve had calls from several clients and organizations asking me to share information to help them shape up for events on their calendars. Whether it is the Summer wedding, vacation or annual gala they are now focusing with laser-like sharpness on what they can do to ... Views: 818
It is great to see that Spring is definitely on the way. Now is the time to seriously focus on the Spring cleaning of the refrigerator and pantry. I agree with you--it can be a grungy job but it’s one that has to be done. It is a great chance to clear out the clutter of fossil foodstuffs ... Views: 838
There is a long list of “power foods,” and at the top of the heap you’ll find sweet potatoes and peanuts. Surprisingly the two have more in common than their popularity on the “hot” list. Both of the foodstuffs were studied by Dr. George Washington Carver who invented numerous uses for them. ... Views: 871
This month it's all about hearts, love and adding a little TLC to your everyday life. February is American Heart Month. The month is dedicated to driving awareness around heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). These are the leading causes of many health-related issues that can not only ... Views: 704
I have a confession to make-I take living in the Sunshine State for granted. I don't even think about the number of days that sun brightens my daily outlook. My reality check came after chatting with friends in the Midwest who were so pumped up that the sun was shining. A sunny day is more than ... Views: 725
As we start the New Year, I've had a ton of questions from my clients focusing on their interest in giving a jumpstart to their healthy lifestyle goals. I've had questions on the Green cleanse, shapely shakes, citrus cleanse, green tea diet, food lovers cleanse, and more. My response to those ... Views: 846
In looking at food trends for the coming year, Nielsen research indicates that ninety-one percent of people say they snack daily and snacking is on the rise among all age groups and genders. And I am encouraged that folks are focusing more on snacks that are rich in nutrients like nuts, seeds ... Views: 917