Sugar- Free? Are You Sure about That? Cruising the internet the other day, I ran across a recipe for “Sugar-Free Apple Pie Filling.” I was instantly suspicious. The recipe’s ingredients listed no white sugar, but did include a can of 100% pure unsweetened apple juice concentrate. Apple juice is naturally loaded with sugar. So, the […]
Fructose occurs naturally in various types of foods but it’s commonly referred to as the “fruit sugar” because it’s found in a lot of fruits and vegetables. You can also find fructose in crystalline form, which is derived primarily from cornstarch but looks like table sugar and is 1.2 times sweeter. When used in recipes, […]
Do you cringe when you hear the word fructose? Fructose has received a bad reputation recently due to media and its association with the term “high fructose corn syrup”. Fructose is blamed for obesity, diabetes and other health concerns, but does fructose really cause these problems? While it is easy to blame one food ingredient […]
Even though the holiday season is just getting underway, it’s not too early to begin making New Year’s resolutions. That’s because setting effective nutrition and exercise goals is a process that takes time and careful consideration. Sometimes when resolutions fall short, it’s not due to a lack of determination, but a failure to identify the […]
The three main types of carbohydrate in food are starches (also known as complex carbohydrates), sugars, and fiber. As one of the three types of carbohydrates, sugars are in many of the foods and beverages we consume every day. But over the past decade sugars have become a hot-button issue. It seems like every time […]
Flapjacks, griddle cakes, hot cakes, or pancakes. Whatever you call them, they’re the ultimate fun food, conjuring up sweet memories of family togetherness on lazy weekend mornings. Pancakes tend to be pretty darn good even when they’re just average, but here are simple steps to make your cakes more fluffy, tender, flavorful — and nutritious: […]
School is back in session and this means there’s more on your to-do list, right? The beginning of the school year lends itself to more structured meal schedules, so take advantage of the new routine and enjoy healthy meals and snacks. While you work to keep the children on track, don’t forget about yourself. Who […]
I don’t know about you, but I love being outdoors in the summertime. I especially love al fresco dining. Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, a deck party, or packing a picnic to go, I encourage you to plan a festive spread that encompasses the basic food groups as well as a dessert or […]
Carbohydrates, like fats and proteins, are considered macronutrients. These “large scale” nutrients provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. Ideally, 45 to 65 percent of your daily intake should come from carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent of your daily intake should come from fats, and 10 to 35 percent of your daily […]
As a registered dietitian and nutrition educator, I find that fruit often doesn’t get the nutritional respect it deserves. Maybe that’s because fruit is called “Nature’s Candy” or because it’s found in many calorie-laden desserts like Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, or Banana Pudding. But, fattening desserts are only part of fruit’s resume. Consuming fruit has […]
When it comes to caloric sweeteners, the most important rule of thumb is moderation (the amount you consume), even for those with diabetes. You may have heard or read about diets using foods that have a low glycemic index (GI), and wondered what that was all about. The glycemic index (GI) was first introduced in […]
Spring has finally arrived (when you live in the Northeast, I can’t emphasize the word “finally” enough). This is a great time of the year to add more physical activities to your week and look for lighter meals and healthy snacks. I’m always reminded that people get mixed messages when it comes to healthy foods […]
Fruit is such a happy part of life! It adds color, fiber, and the sweet taste of fructose to meals and snacks. Fruit also has other goodies like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But, like any perishable food, fresh fruit needs a helping of TLC (tender loving care) to preserve its nutrients. So, here are some […]
Over recent years there has been a lot of buzz about fructose. You may have read news stories demonizing this sugar and blaming it for a variety health maladies. The truth is there is no science that shows a negative causal effect between fructose and health issues. Fructose is a simple sugar. It’s a component […]
These days when I get to the yogurt section in my supermarket my eyes sort of glaze over, when did yogurt become so confusing? There’s low fat, nonfat, regular, Greek, Light, “100” versions, flavored, plain, vanilla. Yogurt is a heart-healthy choice that can be included in the DASH Diet eating plan. It’s a good source […]
The time for New Year’s resolutions is drawing near and you may be considering starting a workout routine. Good choice. Regular exercise has a host of benefits including better cardiovascular health, lowered blood glucose levels, mood elevation, and improved muscle strength and endurance. Some say that exercise also helps curb your appetite. Really? Not in […]
Even though there may be a few leaves left on the trees, the retail markets are pushing in the holiday season. I know that this can be an anxious time for moms — it takes “busy” up to a new level! Eating well is even more important when you’re feeling a bit more pressure or stress, […]
“Eat Better, Eat Together,” the USDA reminds us this month. The USDA is promoting family togetherness at mealtime because studies have shown that when families dine together, children are more likely to eat healthfully. And there’s more — children who eat with their families several nights a week tend to do better in school and […]
Does your morning groove feel like a grind? Even though you are somewhat adjusted to the new school year’s morning schedule, you may already be dreading the lunchbox-packing. Here are some lunch box tips to keep your family healthy this school year: Count 4 food groups when you plan and pack. Include a protein, a […]
Here in the northeast it’s been raining…a lot. We’re hoping for more outdoor picnic weather soon, but in the meantime I can make sure the picnics you’re planning are a success with these important tips. When planning picnics, you want to serve food that’s delicious, healthy and safe for everyone. Consider these picnic planning tips the next time you […]
You may be hearing a lot of buzz about the DASH Diet. Voted #1 by U.S. News and World Report for the sixth in a row. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and is based on a clinical trial (research study) of the same name. This diet focuses on fruits and vegetables, whole […]
If you live in the Northeast you may not be feeling “spring” yet, but it’s here. As the days get longer and warmer, there will be more opportunity to be more physically active, so it’s a great time of year to give your diet a tune-up and spring into lighter eating. Since there seems to […]
