We are hanging on to the last days of summer and those of us who live in regions with distinct seasons are trying to max out on outdoor activities and fresh local produce. Some folks may grow their own, but most of us (yours truly included) rely on the seasonal stock that we find at the local ... Views: 930
If you're spending this time of year rooting for sports teams as they finish their seasons, it's important to take a page from their playbook to work out regularly. Now don't get nervous. You can start exercising at your own pace, gradually building up to a more intense workout. Now that the ... Views: 926
I've been fielding questions from my clients focused around kids leaving home to start college. Some parents want to give advice and step away. Others however want to hover, defeating their goals of helping develop life skills to be independent. In sharing advice and counsel with the parents of ... Views: 925
With the arrival of the New Year, I've had more than a few calls from clients sharing their resolutions and commitment to make changes to improve their well-being. These resolutions range from broad-based to the specific---more wholesome eating, reducing carbohydrate intake, monitoring their ... Views: 923
I have to admit the “what’s cooking” question can challenge the best of us in the food universe, but a visit to the farmer’s market can provide the solution in solving this dining dilemma. On my most recent visit I was drawn to the raspberries and blueberries.
The berry family has plenty of ... Views: 923
Now when I started this article the other day it was late---too late to chat about sleep deprivation. I just couldn't give advice when I was absolutely doing the opposite. I went to bed. In what seemed like a few minutes I was awakened. It was not the alarm but a phone call at 4 a.m. from a ... Views: 911
The family reunion has become a tradition of summer. They've evolved beyond picnics, to include week-end celebrations, and week-long cruises. These days reunions may bring biological kin to the table or the reunion may be a non-traditional gathering of unrelated "cousins" sharing the bond of ... Views: 911
You can build the foundation for a winning day by simply starting the day with breakfast. I know you've heard it before, it's true, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you are grabbing your house keys and heading out in the mornings without eating trying to save time, or calories ... Views: 908
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 & ... Views: 905
In the pink is pervasive this month. According to Dictionary.com, the idiom is actually "in the pink of health." One would think that this is the connection between breast cancer awareness and the pink images that are highly visible. In reality, the symbol is derived from a ribbon's symbolism as ... Views: 904
I'm making a confession. I am one of the stealth chocoholics. That is bad news and good news-the bad news is that like you, it can be tough for me to turn down a sample of the creamy confection. On the good side, chocolate has health benefits.
Now I am not saying you can have all the ... Views: 901
One of the most enjoyable aspects of summer is the opportunity to "play" with friends and family. Yes, I said play---you may not be in a sandbox, but even as grown-ups, we like to play. For the summer enthusiast, this can include outdoor sports, picnics, reunions, camping, star-gazing or ... Views: 901
This time of year the buzz is about what's trending in the food world. I try to share with my clients how the trends around wholesome food choices can aid them in making the best choices for a healthy lifestyle. The recommended dietary guidelines issued every five years reflect some topical food ... Views: 898
With the holiday season right around the corner I am starting to get lots of questions about how to squeeze a few more activities into the day. My number one answer is to remind those inquiring minds that I am not the dietitian with a magic wand. I do however share advice on keeping one's energy ... Views: 892
In sharing the gospel of a healthy lifestyle I often make presentations at health fairs and on-site workplace settings. Most often the audience is female. As most of us know with our men, subtle often does not work. Typically for the fellas to get the message our approach needs to focus on ... Views: 890
Several of you are sending children off to start the “college student journey.” One of the biggest challenges facing both students and their parents is to refrain from indulging to the point of bulging. Adjusting to independence, new schedules and new lifestyles can create an upheaval in one’s ... Views: 887
In our daily quest for the well-being lifestyle, we often overlook our emotional well-being. In counseling my clients, I often remind them to step back and enjoy the moment. With the techie advantages we enjoy we are always on----Flex hours at work give us the ability to start earlier and work ... Views: 883
Back in the day most of the questions on coconut were all about using the pulp to shred or shave as an ingredient in a list of tempting desserts. Today clients are talking about coconut oil, coconut water, beverages, and their perceived health benefits. Now I'm always open to new news, but my ... Views: 880
Travel is a tremendous experience which can be exciting, enriching, and exasperating. And sometimes the challenge of getting to the destination can totally blow your efforts to focus on a healthy lifestyle. As my clients share their travel plans with me, we talk about eating well wherever they ... Views: 877
As a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), the advice I share with clients includes adjusting their daily diets to be more plant-centric. Research indicates that including more plant-based foods in the diet can be beneficial. Some of the benefits include consuming ... Views: 876
This summer Social Security celebrated its 80th birthday and Medicare turned 50. There are more than a few naysayers talking about the ills of Social Security, but in reality, the fact that they are available is one very positive factor in the well-being of many. One of the myths about Social ... Views: 871
What’s for breakfast? It is National Breakfast Month and the question is what are we eating? I share with my clients that it is not necessarily when you eat, but what you eat. It is important to eat something to fuel your body as your day starts. Research shows that eating breakfast can aid in ... Views: 871
I've just returned from a conference and car fatigue was the catalyst for today's post. One of the key things to remember in laying out your travel plans is to consider how to get the exercise in. When you're traveling it's not all about burning calories and keeping the energy level up---get ... Views: 868
We may be heartsick, and heartbroken, over heartfelt issues that can cast a cloud over our outlook. People can react to this mood in a number of ways---some may find solace in the menu of the day, craving carbs and chocolate while other folks may dismiss food entirely. Issues that can create ... Views: 864
What's the perfect recipe for summer? Beaches, a little pool and of course a good barbeque. But how do you enjoy the tastes of summer and keep calories in check at the same time?
As a registered dietitian, I like to say, everything is okay as long as you have it in moderation.
Whether you ... Views: 858
Food safety is one issue that we should always keep top-of-mind. Here are a few basic guidelines to remember during this season of the noshes, nibbles, buffets, potlucks, and office parties that are key to food safety.
Wash Your Hands
Hand washing is essential. Hand washing in warm soapy ... Views: 857
In working with clients and providing advice and counsel encouraging them to focus on a well-being lifestyle, I often hear questions that start with. "I heard in the news... " This month one of the topics making news was high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is a leading risk ... Views: 857
You know I am a huge advocate for folks to get a body moving-stretch, shimmy, shake, walk, and run or jump; just do something. A new exercise program requires commitment and acknowledging that a slow start is better than no start as you gradually build up your stamina and your body adjusts to ... Views: 856
The first month of the year represents new beginnings and one of the things that folks put on the list in January is to lose weight. In fact that is something most Americans need to do. According to the Center for Disease Control 70% of adults age 20 and older are overweight, including those ... Views: 852
I have a confession to make-I take living in the Sunshine State for granted. I don't even think about the number of days that sun brightens my daily outlook. My reality check came after chatting with friends in the Midwest who were so pumped up that the sun was shining. A sunny day is more than ... Views: 849
As a registered dietitian I'm juggling a few things each day. But for every one of the tasks and projects I'm working on, I focus on sharing as much info as I can, advocating wise nutrition choices and living well. The dictionary defines dietitian as a person whose job is to give people advice ... Views: 849
Though Father’s Day was noted for more than 50 years, it was not an official nationwide holiday, until 1972. President Nixon signed the law making the third Sunday in June, the day to celebrate the contribution that fathers and father figures make in their children's lives. Fathers and father ... Views: 848
We've turned the page on the calendar -the chocolate roses, truffles, heart-shaped foods and all that jazz are behind us. I'm not trying to dismiss February 14 as insignificant, but I do want to remind you that the heart is bigger than one day.
I want you to give equal attention to keeping ... Views: 847
This month it's all about hearts, love and adding a little TLC to your everyday life. February is American Heart Month. The month is dedicated to driving awareness around heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). These are the leading causes of many health-related issues that can not only ... Views: 846
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and the goal of the month's activities is to reduce the impact and the incidence of strokes. According to the National Institutes of Health, each year more than 700,000 Americans have strokes. The incidence of this health risk affects finances, ... Views: 842
As you celebrate the holidays and plan for a healthier more active you in the new year, give yourself a timeout. Take time to step away from the frenetic hustle and bustle and think seriously about gratitude during the year that is ending. One of my many caveats with my clients is to remind ... Views: 834
I started the month with a list of tips to guide you through the seasonal adventures of holiday eating. One of the biggest challenges often faced by my clients is about do and don't, along with when and how. When can I exercise, or get in the workout? How can I manage the time and how can I find ... Views: 833
There is always something somewhere in print, online, radio or television about the most recent diet. You'll see it more often the first of the year and in the Spring as folks focus on getting fit when the layers of clothes come off as the temperature rises. You know my mantra "there is not one ... Views: 831
There are a number of high performance sport venues here in the sunshine state, designed to mold talented kids grooming them to become the pro athletes of the future. Now some of the youngsters were born with genes aligning to create superstars and some have an athletic edge that is honed from ... Views: 830
Mother's Day celebrates moms and all that they do. They are most likely the chief cook, bottle washer, chauffeur, event planner, wardrobe stylist, food stylist, psychologist, healer and the list goes on. Mom is a pretty busy woman. One of the key things Mom does as the chief cook is nurture and ... Views: 815
There are a lot of food-related events and activities slated for May-National Hamburger Month, and National Barbecue Month and more. In addition to the dedicated food event calendar, count Mother's Day, graduations, and bridal showers. There are plenty of occasions for good eating and ... Views: 814
I'm a native Floridian and I'm able to exercise regularly outdoors---most often you'll find me counting my steps as I power walk. Now I know many of you are not in a perennially sunny region where bright sunlight is a bonus several months of the year. And this year the big chill made the thought ... Views: 814
During these waning days of summer, I'm being a bit greedy, trying to get my fill of the fresh flavors of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Fresh is good-but forward thinking folks go a step further and "put up" some of these goodies. Tomatoes are one of the best choices to preserve-you can't ... Views: 814
We consistently hear that we need to eat this, eat that, and avoid those. The freewheeling nutrition advice coming at folks from all angles is confusing and creates some of the most consistent questions I get from clients—“What am I supposed to do?” I agree it can be challenging but what I try ... Views: 811
Now that the calendar says it is officially spring I know some of you are thinking about and planning outdoor activities and yard work to show off things you grow. Well green and growing is not just about outdoors, what’s inside counts for health and well-being too. Plants enrich our lives,” ... Views: 810
There is a whole lot of snacking going on. At one time snacks were relegated to a light bite for children between the end of the school day and dinner. These days it's here a snack, there a snack, everyone has a snack. Snacking occasions have exploded to include mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and ... Views: 810
There has been a lot of dancing in the streets and reflections on music as a backdrop to life experiences. In musing over the changes that occur when the music from a legendary artist stops, we don't think about the importance of music in helping us stay healthy.
Moving more and eating less ... Views: 806
Did you know that what your oral health provider sees as he peers into your mouth is often an indicator of your overall health? Good oral health is essential. It impacts the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions.
In maintaining a healthy ... Views: 801
As summer kicks into high gear with fun and games, remember it is important to be aware of safety and the dos and don'ts to stay safe. In focusing on well-being, consider food safety, water safety and personal safety. Now keep in mind these three are not an all-inclusive list, but a starting ... Views: 794
I spent some time watching a group of pro tennis players turning those bright yellow balls into fiercely propelled orbs this week. What fuels these players and keeps them on point with the physical and mental stamina needed to stay in the game? My current client group doesn’t include ... Views: 786