Did you know: About one-third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted each year? The average American family spends over $1800 annually on wasted food? About 25% of the food wasted globally could feed the undernourished people in the world? Approximately 8% of greenhouse gas emissions annually are from food loss and food waste?

You know garlic – keeps vampires away, a staple ingredient in many dishes from cultures worldwide, and a label that goes with bad breath. Is it a vegetable? Herb? Spice? Who cares. It is good stuff. It gives excellent flavor and has many purported health benefits. It is part of the allium family that includes chives, leeks, onions, scallions, and shallots. The compounds that give these plants their unique smell and taste are likely what also provides health benefits.

So many people don’t know the difference between physical activity and exercise. People often confuse physical activity and exercise. But they are not the same thing. Not all physical activity is exercise, but all exercise is always physical activity. What is the difference, and why does it matter?

Why Avoid Soy? Soy is an excellent plant-based protein alternative, including soy milk, soybeans, edamame, tofu, and even soy protein supplements. So why does soy cause controversy? Whether it is suggesting that we choose cow’s milk or soy milk over the other milk alternatives or indicating that it is okay to eat a soy-based veggie burger or eat tofu, some people cannot get it out fast enough that I am wrong about soy food.

Today’s post strays from the nutrition aspect and dives into overall health, wellness, and quality of life. I’ve previously done a post about the single healthiest thing you can do for your health, and while that ended up being a summary of several things, I neglected to mention a big one. And this one isn’t up for debate, and it isn’t an opinion – there is research to support this thing that can potentially improve your health, wellness, and quality of life. Pet ownership.

People tell me all the time: I am stressed. I have a lot going on. I am so busy.

They have meetings with me every other week and every appointment, but they have yet to move forward on their nutrition goals because they are stressed, have a lot going on, and are so busy.

When will you not be stressed? When will you no longer have a lot going on? When will you not be busy?

Despite the popularity, is there a good reason to take vitamin C supplements? Many people will swear it helps prevent or cure a cold, boost immune function, or that they need it because of gaps in the diet, but is that true? Probably not.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the professional association to which I belong as a registered dietitian nutritionist). This year’s theme (2023), “Fuel for the Future,” highlights the importance of fueling our bodies at every age and eating with the environment in mind. Continuing with National Nutrition Month® today, I bring you the topic: Make tasty foods at home.

With the Environmental Working Group rereleasing its Dirty Dozen list, I bring you some perspective and the foods that I “always buy organic.” What are the things you should concern yourself with? The truth might surprise you.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the professional association to which I belong as a registered dietitian nutritionist). This year’s theme (2023), “Fuel for the Future,” highlights the importance of fueling our bodies at every age and eating with the environment in mind. Continuing with National Nutrition Month® today, I bring you the topic: Eat a Variety of Foods from All Food Groups.

When you hear “frozen food,” – what comes to mind? For some, frozen pizza, “tv dinners,” ice cream, and other foods high in added sodium, sugar, and fat. Convenience foods. Sure, those are foods found in the freezer section. And what else is there in the freezer section? There are plenty of frozen vegetables and fruit.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the professional association to which I belong as a registered dietitian nutritionist). This year’s theme (2023), “Fuel for the Future,” highlights the importance of fueling our bodies at every age and eating with the environment in mind. Continuing with National Nutrition Month® today, I bring you the topic: Stay Nourished and Save Money.

How do you eat an elephant? You’ve likely heard this question when addressing how to tackle a big goal. (As a dietitian, my first question when I heard this was, who eats elephants?) The answer, of course, is one bite at a time. As with so many things, we need to do a few things to accomplish something “big” – reach a goal and get results.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the professional association to which I belong as a registered dietitian nutritionist). This year’s theme (2023), “Fuel for the Future,” highlights the importance of fueling our bodies at every age and eating with the environment in mind. Continuing with National Nutrition Month® today, I bring you the topic: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Nutrition is part of our world, and our body needs nutrients. That is a fact – you cannot live without eating, and you cannot avoid it. Many people enjoy it. Some people are confused by it. Others do it without considering any implications of the food they eat. And nutrition can be VERY confusing. The fads, gimmicks, trends, and unrealistic ideas about eating in the real world – how does one do it? The Real World Nutrition Challenge will help you with that.

March is National Nutrition Month®, so to kick off National Nutrition Month®, eat with the environment in mind. It would be great to do it with every meal – but not everyone thinks about this. So here are five tips to help you eat with the environment in mind.

Over the years, people have put me on the spot and demanded I answer this question: “What is ONE thing I can do to be healthier?” Now as a dietitian, I gravitate to a food-related answer. I cannot help it. However, that doesn’t mean that answer is ‘right,’ and my answer has changed over the years.

You may have heard of antioxidants and have a vague idea that these are good for you. But what are they, why are they good for you, and where do we find them?

Cancer has many causes and contributors, including smoke, sunlight, and environmental issues. Then, of course, there is also the genetic predisposition. But one of the most significant risk factors is a lifestyle and overall diet pattern. The big thing is the overall healthy eating pattern. Here are five foods I tell people to include in their overall eating patterns to reduce the risk of many types of cancer.

There are many things to consider for your overall risk of heart disease. These considerations include lifestyle, family history, and regular checkups. Many people are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. People think that if they aren’t “old,” they don’t have a family history, and because they drink red wine and eat dark chocolate, they aren’t at risk.