We’re already a couple of weeks into our new year; the holiday decorations and visitors are gone; and it seems like a wonderful time to consider making some changes in our lifestyle. It is worth making lifestyle changes that will lead to health improvements. This year, instead of making a massive, all-encompassing diet and exercise […]

On Thursday, November 7, 2013, the FDA finally got around to saying that trans fats aren’t safe in foods. Ya think? The FDA gave notice that trans fats will be removed from the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list. It will be the second item to be removed from the list since the list was […]

When you see the word phytonutrients or phytochemicals, does it just look like a scientific word and your eyes roll back a bit? In September’s issue of RD Today’s Dietitian, Denise Webb PHD RD has written an article called Phytochemicals’ Role in Good Health. The article has given me the impetus to write a short […]

A small bit of information in this week’s food technology news caught my attention. Two reasons why this one stood out from the background of so much food engineering is first that there have already been short-term failures in creating new fat-like molecules in the lab (Olestra); and second, that following the creation of the […]

Sometimes being a dietitian/nutritionist provides the opportunity for an imaginary movie to appear right before my eyes. The latest experience happened on Wednesday when our daily community newspaper hit the breakfast counter along with National Geographic’s August 2013 issue. My imaginary movie was a train wreck; the following are some details of the wreck. The […]

Thirteen plus years ago I moved to the mountain west from southern California; among the many differences that I noted, were that there seemed to be more people that didn’t eat fish. What I really mean is that I’ve met many people who had not even tasted fish – ever. Growing up with a grandfather […]

I’ve been telling friends for quite a while, to beware of the ‘zero trans fats’ on food labels; and have encouraged reading the ingredient portion of the label. In addition, I’ve encouraged them to avoid food products that list “partially hydrogenated” in the ingredient list. Of course most of us have known for a long […]

Elite athletes have traditionally focused upon large servings of animal protein, but even athletes trying to improve their performance are discovering plant-based diets. Is this move toward plants a signal for the rest of us? What’s going on? What are the athletes discovering? Why take a second look at veggies? A study published on line […]

May is National Mediterranean Diet Month. Since May 2013 is winding down in just a couple of days, I hope we do not limit our celebration/recognition of the Mediterranean-style of eating to the merry month of May; but hopefully, make it a practice every week. I hope you are all making progress on moving toward […]

Peanuts are wannabes; I think the little guys want to be nuts, because health-conscious consumers are sprinkling nuts (tree nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, macadamias, and cashews) on their cereal, stir fries, salads and yogurt. Look up, I remind the humble peanut; reach for the stars! Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Peanuts have […]