We’ve all heard the hype associated with antioxidants, but have you ever wondered what an antioxidant really is, and just why it is so significant? Antioxidants work to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are typically formed when your body breaks down foods, as well as with increased exposure to…

Cue the Clorox wipes, the elbow sneezes, and runny noses… cold and flu season is almost here. While washing your hands is the first line of defense, did you know your body has its own built in defense method? Your immune system! Good, healthy, nutritious foods can help boost your immune system and may offer…

With fall season in full swing, I thought it would be a good idea to share my favorite healthy and absolutely delicious fall recipe with you all! These sweet and savory squash bowls are nutritiously filled with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Potassium. And if all that isn’t enough to convince you to indulge…

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I excitedly look forward to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ national conference every year. The Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo was held in Nashville, TN a few weeks ago and boy was it a nutrition lover’s dream! I sampled new foods, networked with other nutrition professionals, and heard…

Are you hypnotized by chocolate? Do you prefer to bypass dinner just to get to dessert that much quicker? While indulging in dessert on occasion is fine, we may be guilty of overindulging a bit more than we would like to admit. Because cutting out dessert is simply not realistic (I mean come on- it’s…

When it comes to losing weight and then keeping it off long-term, portion sizes are key. An issue that we tend to ignore is the alarming ways in which we eat extra calories numerous times throughout the day – a slightly larger slice of toast, an extra teaspoon or two of dressing or simply eating…

Are you interested in adding years to your life, and life to your years? Well then, I have the perfect solution for you – physical activity! Regular physical activity can provide health benefits for people of all ages, shapes and sizes by reducing both your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sounds like a pretty good…

It doesn’t matter who you are, even with the slightest mention of “airplane food,” a collective groan or general look of disgust is bound to emerge. I get it. It’s easy to grab a quick burger from a fast food joint while you’re shuffling between terminals or driving in the car, but let’s be honest,…

Summer is here and beach season is upon us! Cookouts and picnics are longtime summer traditions, generally a time for family and friends to socialize and have fun while enjoying food and sunshine. Since these gatherings most often occur outside, food safety is very important. Hot summer temperatures can easily cause food bacteria to multiply…

We all need protein, but how much is enough? Most people (ages 9 and older) should eat 5 to 7 ounces of protein-rich foods each day. What does 5 to 7 ounces look like? Well to keep things simple here are some common portion size equivalents: – 3 ounces of meat, fish or poultry is…