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Articles by Michelle Stewart

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By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

On the Road and Feeling Good

There is a trip on tap for most folks during the summer-whether it is an extended trip on public transportation or a road trip to regional attractions with friends and family, food comes into the picture. What and when are we going eat? Food for thought is the key to health wise choices when traveling. If you give thought to food options in advance, it helps keep you on a healthy course. When traveling keep the same guidelines you follow for good health when you are at home. • Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,846 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Keep a Healthy Heart

I love people and as dieticia I want folks to know real love is not about sweet words, flowers and making whoopee. Real love is about making sure the loved ones in your life have healthy hearts and are living a lifestyle that will keep those hearts in good shape or help them become healthier.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,510 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Eight Steps Aid Autumn Stress Management

We've all enjoyed the summer months, but heading into Indian Summer and autumn, we may be challenged with anxiety and stress. This season is busier---school, kids' activities, work projects with year-end wrap up looming, less daylight and all those activities linked to preparedness for cold weather in some parts of the country. We all experience stress which the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies in three forms. They are:

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,446 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Go Red for Good Health

The month is about love and there is no better way to say I love you than to share heart healthy insight with friends, family and loved ones. For so many years when the topic was heart health most of the info was based on what the medical profession knew about men and their heart health. Fortunately health professionals have revised their outlook and there is now research and data available on women. We've learned that it is important for women to know the risk factors.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,389 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

The Dinner Table

At the end of a good dinner body and soul both enjoy a remarkable sense of well-being. --Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Though written in the 19th century, this quote from a leading food essayist holds true today. Although we are all balancing a full plate of activities and tasks, dinner is important for our well-being. These days dinner can fall into several categories ranging from home-cooked, semi-homemade, carry-out or dine-in at a local fast-food site-the act of sharing a meal with family has tremendous benefits.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,361 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Plan Ahead to Survive House Arrest

We all started out with big plans, a to-do list and resolutions for the New Year. We are a few days into the year and one thing that is constant year to year is plans may have to change. And that is what so many of my clients are looking at as Mother Nature is spreading cold and in some areas frigid temperatures, and precipitation during the first week of the year. Somehow when those winds of winter blow our way, we like to ease into it gradually. Ma Nature usually has a different idea.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,358 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Energy in Your Pocket

I am always asked "How can I keep my energy up and eat less?" The quick answer in a nutshell focuses on the nutritious options of nuts. All nuts with the exception of peanuts are from the fruits of trees. Peanuts are actually legumes, growing as pods burrowed under the ground.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,287 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Good Health at Any Age

I get a lot of questions on food choices... "How can I avoid wrinkles, belly fat, loss of skin elasticity and reading glasses?" In short, folks want to know my anti-aging secrets. My first response is look at the up side----did you think about the alte ative to aging? OK now that I've helped them get life in focus, here are a few of my anti-aging guidelines for good health at any age.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,260 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Guidelines for Vacation Well-Being

Whether you travel by train, boat, plane, auto or bus, a vacation is something to look forward to. You want to experience and enjoy all that a vacation can offer. So here are a few tips to help guarantee that stress and drama are not your travel companions. Planning

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,199 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Holiday Helps to Manage Diabetes

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 holiday season unfolds, I want to give people the tools to eat well and wisely.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,183 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

What's the Story on Diabetes?

As a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), that is one questio I am asked regularly. Folks need to know the 411 on diabetes and pre-diabetes. People should also know what the difference is between the two. When you hear any version of the word diabetes it can make you feel like you've intentionally brought this on yourself. Diabetes isn't anyone's fault. Eating and activity play a role in your blood sugar control, but that is just one chapter in the diabetes story. Diabetes

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,176 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Fresh From the Farmers' Market

Although farmers' markets or curb markets as they're called in some parts of the country date back to the era of the family farm, these days the markets are sprouting up all over. No longer relegated to early Saturday mornings, today they are up and running as weekday events in central business districts and even in the nation's capital at the White House. The White House market is an offshoot of the garden installed by First Lady Michelle Obama along with her laser-focus on moving the nation's youth to increase or become more physically active and make healthier food choices.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,089 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Celebrate Father's Day With Grilling for Good Health

The third Sunday in June is the designated date that marks Father's Day. Though it was recognized in the early 20th century, it did not become an official holiday until 1972----58 years after Mother's Day was proclaimed in 1914!! I'm not sure why it took so long for the official proclamation, but we need to celebrate fathers and encourage Dad to make healthy meal choices.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,083 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Trending Toward Health and Well-Being in 2013, Part II

Heading into the New Year there are resolutions, goals, trends and lists forecasting activities and interests for the next 12 months. Trends viewed through the prism of annual predictions include: 1. Health 2. Sustainability 3. Increasing Use and Consumption of Greens 4. Snacking & Mini Meals 5. Wise Buy Proteins 6. Meatless Meals 7. Food Transparency 8. Cooking Your Own aka CYO 9. Guilty Pleasures 10. Local, Local, Local

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,076 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Create a Hot Celebration With Healthy Style

If you're anything like me you're wearing several hats, juggling a too long list of tasks on your schedule. Add the periodic special occasion celebration and you may find your mood swinging toward a bad "hatitude." No worries-just plan something easy on the host and enjoyable for guests.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,061 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Spa In Your Kitchen

I've been cleaning in the kitchen and the challenge reminds me of how versatile our foodstuffs can be. I uncovered several items that can have duo roles----oatmeal, bananas, avocado, and pumpkin. Each of these foods provide nourishment to keep you healthy from the inside and bonus benefits, of a spa in the kitchen. Taking a look at our list from head to toe, let's start with a facial treatment for dry skin made from bananas. This fruit is a very good source of vitami B6, vitami C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,053 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Coffee, Wine, Weed & Health

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 good or all bad and moderation is the key.” Though the research on the three is still a work in progress, the following is a brief overview of how they can impact your health. COFFEE

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,046 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Farm to Table to Fitness

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 get to the market early and benefit from the best selection.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,045 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Dish Up Nuts, Seeds and Legumes for Good Health

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 and legumes--choices that earn high marks from me. These three foods are readily available nutrition powerhouses. They are excellent sources of protein, low in saturated fat and sodium; they are cholesterol free and good sources of fiber.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,044 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Food Gifts for a Healthy Lifestyle

When selecting gifts savvy shoppers have mastered the art of choosing the perfect gift-that's the one the recipients will feel were chosen expressly for them. Anyone can upgrade their gifting skills---it is simply a matter of tapping into our senses, and using your eyes and ears to learn what folks are most interested in, and pairing an edible gift with those interests. It is also important to listen carefully or do a little research to make sure the food you choose is not something they may have an aversion or allergy to.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,043 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

True or False-Is the Freshman Fifteen Real?

The "freshman 15" is the name for the weight gain that incoming students often see during their first year of college. In this era when food has more "cred," aka credibility, campus dining halls and restaurants offer more options than years ago. Research indicates that the "freshman 15" is both fact and fallacy. Incoming college freshmen do gain weight in the first year, but it might not add up to 15 pounds. Studies show that typically the students see a gain of four to ten pounds during the first year of college.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,040 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

What's Cooking for Multigenerational Meals?

Pulling together the household menu can be challenging especially if the household includes helicopter parents, boomerang kids, doting grandparents and other folks on occasion. Everyone wants their fav foods, seasoned to their liking and cooked a certain way.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,029 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Stay, Cool and Calm-Stress Less

Last month we lost an hour of sleep with daylight savings time. This month the tax man cometh, Mother Nature is sending spring storms and the event calendar says that April is Stress Awareness Month. Now I know most of you don’t need the calendar to remind you about stress. According to the Merriam-Webster tome, “stress is a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.; something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety.”

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,023 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Bitter Is Better

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, culture, and environment. Bitter plays two roles-it can signal toxins and something that is dangerous to consume and it can also serve as a stimulant for the appetite and as an aid in digestion. Bitter foods can protect against illness, and contribute to good health.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,011 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

The Fast Diet

You know people ask me about all kinds of diets. The Grapefruit Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Palm Beach Diet, the Mediterranean Diet, and the list goes on. These days the questions are about the fast diet currently the diet of the day that is popular in Britain. The diet like many of the country's exports is growing in popularity here in the United States. I don't endorse a particular diet, but I do try to give you the skinny on what a particular diet is all about.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,003 views

By Michelle StewartRecently publishedTopic pending

10 Tips for Airline Travel Well-Being

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 meeting, you will want to be at your best, so that you can get full benefits from the experience.

Primary topic: Recently published

Recently published

1,000 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

African American Botanist Sowed Seeds of Good Health

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. Carver was an African American botanist and inventor in Alabama during the early twentieth century. His life’s work focused on agriculture and these foods among others.

Primary topic: Nutrition

1,000 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

DIET Is a FOUR-LETTER WORD

There are words we like to discourage using. Particularly troublesome are the four letter words. One that folks really hate using is the "Diet" word. As a matter of fact, research from the NPD Group shows that in 2012, only 23 percent of women say they were on a diet. When women were surveyed in 1992, 34 percent said they were dieting. Now this is not to say folks don't need to diet, but attitudes have changed.

Primary topic: Nutrition

994 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Indulge in Chocolate and Red Wine for Heart Health

I've had a few calls from my chocoholic clients asking "how much chocolate can I eat." People are consuming chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and before, during and after dinner, thanks to the creativity of the chocolate industry. We eat approximately 12 pounds per person per year. Women eat more than men, and historically it has been the go-to gift to show appreciation and impress the ladies.

Primary topic: Nutrition

994 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Tailgate for Well-Being

We’re well into the football season and whether your team runs plays with pint-size players, the Friday night lights group or the NFL, dishing up good things to eat is a big part of the game. Game day snacks are often not the best choice for the well-being lifestyle. Now I am not trying to pre-empt your football party, my goal is to share options that are just as tempting, but will score big if you’re playing for better health. With pre-planning and a little creativity, you can turn your tailgate into a spread of good-for-you choices.

Primary topic: Nutrition

988 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Is it Time to Eat?

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 within an hour of getting up?

Primary topic: Nutrition

987 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Dish Up Good Taste and Flavor for Healthy Eating

March is National Nutrition Month and one of the keys in making nutritious choices is taste. Does it taste good? According to the dictionary taste is the ability to identify sweet, sour, bitter, or salty qualities of a dissolved substance through the taste buds, on the tongue. In addition to the four, a fifth savory quality, called umami is also recognized. Although each of these qualities is a factor of "taste," smell is a significant part of how we perceive what we taste, or the flavor of foods.

Primary topic: Nutrition

983 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Let's Talk Turkey

Turkey is almost the protein of the month as we head into the end of the year holidays. Long associated with American history, it is one of the most popular protein choices. In addition to whole bird options, folks are now gobbling up turkey as burgers, bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats and sausage. The boom in turkey products is linked to greater interest in healthy eating.

Primary topic: Nutrition

982 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Soul Foods to Power Foods - They're Good For You

I recently visited Brazil experiencing the culture and beauty of this southernmost country. In most cultures there are foods that are consistently linked to the particular culture. In Brazil, it is the flavor-rich black bean and meat stew or feijoada (fayzhe-wada), typically served with rice. In the African American culture, signature foods such as greens and sweet potatoes are a few of the dishes often considered soul food.

Primary topic: Nutrition

982 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Trends on Tap for Health & Fitness

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 related to health and fitness for 2017. My list this year includes items from food to fashion; ---here is a snapshot view of what’s hot in getting physical this year. Wearable Technology

Primary topic: Nutrition

973 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Waist-Watching? Add Soup, Whole Grains and Citrus

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 inquiries is consistent with my mantra-"for better health all things in moderation; there is not one food that is all good or all bad for you."

Primary topic: Nutrition

973 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Snack Wisely for Well-Being & Energy

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 Boomers snack 20 percent more often tha Millennials.

Primary topic: Nutrition

972 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

16 Tips for Healthwise Holiday Eating & Managing Diabetes

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 the things that is consistently are on the minds of my clients living with diabetes is the “Tis’ the season what can I eat challenge?” Though it may seem daunting from their side of the table, I reassure them that they can continue to enjoy many of their favorite foods, they simply must think about the fo

Primary topic: Nutrition

967 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Bite Into A Healthy Lifestyle

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 beyond their date of optimum quality and nutrients. We’ve all looked into the ‘fridge and found a container that we were convinced was a science experiment!

Primary topic: Nutrition

966 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Clean Eating, What’s it All About?

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 the route food travels from its point of origin to your plate. How has the food been processed, if at all, is the food enhanced with any added ingredients or supplements, how close is the food to its original form?

Primary topic: Nutrition

959 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Host or Party Goer?-Choose Wise & Healthy Foods

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 better health into your social life. Here are a few guidelines to help you stay on track for healthy eating.

Primary topic: Nutrition

951 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Shape Up Your Plate With Your Personal Dietary Style

One of the great things about food is the diversity and the options available. Folks can choose their favorite foods and their dietary preferences. People may make changes in their eating styles for a number of reasons-some may affect change to be consistent with the fad of the day, budget conce s, or to improve health. Research shows that most often dietary changes are made in the quest to improve health.

Primary topic: Nutrition

950 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Choose Health With Holiday Nosh and Nibbles

Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, the holiday season is filled with friends, fellowship and food. Now it’s the four-letter f-word aka Food that can get a person in trouble. Too often my clients reach out to me after indulging in the seasonal food swag. You know my mantra is “all things in moderation” and if you have special dietary needs, my caveat during these days of temptation is to consider the consequences before you indulge. I’m not suggesting that you choose deprivation—research shows that feeling deprived can trigger overindulgence and that is what we want to avoid.

Primary topic: Nutrition

945 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Fish on the Menu Helps Scale Back Calories

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 morph into very svelte silhouettes as soon as possible.

Primary topic: Nutrition

939 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

'Facts Up Front' 411

Have you ever noticed the similarities between food and fashion? In both industries visual are highly important, along with the use of good raw materials-good ingredients for food and good fabrics in the case of fashion. Every now and then fashion flips the script-the flourishes and fasteners typically found on the back of garments will appear on the front. Buttons and zippers become part of the garment front, providing the details that make a fashion statement.

Primary topic: Nutrition

936 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Spring Forward With Fruits and Vegetables

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 fruits and vegetables are an aid in maintaining good health.

Primary topic: Nutrition

932 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Lightened Up Tailgate Tips

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, portion-sized snacks and sips for your tailgate party menu that won't add extra pounds. Consider all of your fan favorites and get ready to lighten them up! Include protein, vegetables and fruits in the mix. You will be amazed how flavorful they can be.

Primary topic: Nutrition

931 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Paint Your Plate Pink

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 the wellness groups I work with, I encourage people to eat colorful foods-how about painting your plate pink? Some of the choices to add a splash of pink to the menu include guava, pink grapefruit, and pomegranates. Guava

Primary topic: Nutrition

930 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Be Stroke Aware Year ‘Round

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 year 15 million people suffer a stroke. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and they can result in death. A stroke is a “brain attack.” They occur if there is a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain.

Primary topic: Nutrition

929 views

By Michelle StewartRecently published1 topic

Watch Out!—Food Safety Begins With You

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-bo e illness from contaminated food. Food borne illness is dangerous, costly and preventable.

Primary topic: Nutrition

924 views

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