The Luck Of The Irish
Nutrition, From Our KitchenWhen you think of St. Patrick's Day, Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd's pie probably come to mind. Many of these recipes call for ingredients like potatoes, carrots and cabbage – all nutrient rich foods. Did you ever think that the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow may be about the food and its benefits? Potatoes, carrots and cabbage are all rich in fiber. Benefits of fiber include: improving digestion and lowering your risk of...
What Our Dietitians Eat
Nutrition, From Our KitchenDietitians know all about food and nutrition. In honor of Registered Dietitians Day (March 11), we asked our RD's about their favorites dishes. The answers may surprise you! Our dietitians follow the philosophy of the SAGE Spotlight Program®. Eating a variety of foods, balancing choices and moderating less desirable options is the way to go! Lauren Hess: Favorite green dot food: "Strawberries – I love this fruit! They're delicious in everything from salads to smoothies, and even dessert." Favorite...
Fresh v. Frozen Fresh
Nutrition, From Our KitchenFrom veggies to Spring gardens to whole-grains, March is about living healthy. You already know eating plenty of vegetables is key. But, did you know fruits and vegetables immediately begin losing valuable nutrients, like vitamin C, from the moment they are picked? By the time vegetables travel from the vine to your plate, they could have significantly fewer nutrients. Unless you live in a year-round warm climate with access to fresh local produce you may be missing out. Frozen fruits...
Healthy Bite Of Life
Nutrition, From Our KitchenIf you are looking for motivation to get healthy, then March is your lucky month! No, not because of St. Patrick's Day; it's National Nutrition Month® and the theme is “Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle." You may think you're healthy if you’re simply not sick or you eat your veggies daily. Maybe you say that your health is defined by factors out of your control like genetics and environment. The World Health Association has a more comprehensive take on...
"Souper" Benefits of Soup
Nutrition, From Our KitchenIt doesn't matter if you're in Florida, Ohio, California or British Columbia, Canada, when cold weather sweeps through nothing seems to taste better than a cup of soup. Almost every region or country around the globe has its own special recipe. In New England it's all about Clam Chowder, Gazpacho is the specialty in southern Spain, and San Francisco is known for Cioppino. Soup also seems to be our “go to” when we're sick. Many people, including doctors will tell...
Simple Steps for Healthful Eating
Nutrition, From Our KitchenWith all the conflicting advice about how to eat and what foods can best contribute to a healthful lifestyle, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) wants to make it easier to eat well, so they have produced a handy pamphlet called "10 Simple Steps." The guide is based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. The guide is not available to...
Best Breakfast Bets
Nutrition, From Our KitchenHow many times have we heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Studies show that children who eat breakfast learn better, behave better, and are more likely to meet their nutrient needs each day. Unfortunately, it's the meal most likely to be skipped. To make sure that breakfast is part of your family’s morning routine, be prepared with quick, easy, and convenient options for morning fuel. An ideal, balanced breakfast includes a whole grain (whole wheat...
Eat More Produce
NutritionSometimes we are so focused on whether a piece of fruit is local, or if that vegetable is organic, that we miss the point. Eat more fruits and vegetables! Americans' intake of fruits and vegetables falls well below what's recommended. As a result, we lose out on key nutrients each and every day. Put more emphasis on simply eating more fruits and vegetables and less on the label. At each meal, aim to fill half of your plate with fruits...