As a dietitian, I get a lot of questions about fat and I appreciate every question. Fat seems to be one of the most misunderstood nutrients there is. So, this blog reviews facts about olive oil and butter to give you information and confidence that you are 'in balance.' Quick Olive Oil Facts: A fat that comes from grinding and pressing whole olives A pure 100% fat with no protein or carbohydrates, and about 100 calories per tablespoon A 'liquid fat' with about 3/4 monounsaturated fat A delicious flavor enhancer with a baked potato, scrambled egg, or slice of bread A fat that … [Read more...] about Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
A Mediterranean Pantry Starts the Process to Healthier Eating for the Heart
A Mediterranean Pantry leads you to heart healthy foods on a day-to-day basis. A few weeks ago, one of my clients told me that she intended to transform her home pantry into one that features Mediterranean foods. She said it in a firm and proud voice. I was totally impressed. Anytime a home pantry is cleaned or re-arranged, it is usually also refreshed nutritionally. Think about your last 'spring cleaning' project. My last big pantry cleaning was due to some tiny bugs that got into all the wheat foods, like flour and crackers and pasta. What a job and yet when the pantry was finally clean … [Read more...] about A Mediterranean Pantry Starts the Process to Healthier Eating for the Heart
5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Planning a tasty and nutritious dinner takes a bit of thinking as well as a grocery list, trip to the store, and cooking session. These 5 steps will keep you organized as it all comes together. 1. Plan your menu. Think about good balance, color and flavor. Simple is best. For example: Chicken Baked in the Oven, or Grilled Outside Brown Rice Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli Orange or Apple 1% or Nonfat milk 2. Look in your pantry, fridge and freezer. See what’s already there and buy only what you need. For example: Buy a package of fresh skinless chicken since … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Take Small Steps for Lasting Changes with a Registered Dietitian
I’ve always felt that dietitians are invaluable health professionals. Of course I do, since I am a registered dietitian. Recently, I had a casual discussion with a chef friend and we hashed out why clients hire us and how insurance plays a role. There are similarities because we both assist clients in a way that impacts the quality of their lives. My friend, however, is a personal chef so she doesn’t qualify for insurance reimbursement. Fortunately, I do. What are Small Steps? I think of small steps as just about anything that moves you in the positive direction of nutrition … [Read more...] about Take Small Steps for Lasting Changes with a Registered Dietitian
Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables
Reasons to eat your vegetables go on and on and on. I know - I'm a registered dietitian and encouraging nutrient-rich food choices is my jam. Even for you reluctant veggie eaters, I hope my list of 'Top 10 Reasons' below gets you going. Here's why...Vegetables are the difference between feeling OK and feeling great. Vegetables are the difference between making a habit of seeing the doctor and not doing that. Vegetables can be prepared in hundreds of ways and so there really is something for everyone! Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables They’re green-red-orange-yellow & it’s your … [Read more...] about Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables
Go Half and Half with Yogurt for Better Nutrition
My sister's been trying some better nutrition lately and she gave me this idea for a new blog after trying the half and half thing with yogurt. When you go half and half with yogurt, you substitute half of your flavored yogurt with plain yogurt. What that does for your nutrition is huge. It cuts in half the added sugars that come with a cup of flavored yogurt; it boosts up the calcium you get from your yogurt; and it leaves a half cup of flavored yogurt to mix with plain yogurt tomorrow. Please keep in mind that throughout this blog I'll be mentioning plain yogurt which will mean plain … [Read more...] about Go Half and Half with Yogurt for Better Nutrition