September 2016 marks the 6th anniversary of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Did you know that obesity now affects 1 in 6 children and adolescents in the United States? That means more than 30 percent of our children are overweight or obese.  However, the good news is that the numbers of childhood obesity have been…

Wednesday is National Trail Mix Day! If you’re like me and my team here at BRG Health, then you must love trail mix! Trail Mix isn’t actually the technical term for the delicious treat, the word ‘gorp’ is. Gorp is often used by hikers for trail mix which stands for ‘good old raisins and peanuts’;…

It’s that time of year again, back to 6 am wake ups, rushing to the bus, extracurricular activities, sports, and the dreaded homework. With all the hectic schedules, meals and snacks might be the last thing on your mind. However, proper nutrition can help your children succeed in and out of the classroom!   Breakfast…

Today is National Eat a Peach Day and who doesn’t love a juicy, delicious peach?  I happen to love them!  They make the perfect on-the-go healthy snack that keeps you full in between meals.   Did you know that there are many varieties of peaches?  You may think of a peach with an orange interior…

Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the new nutrition labels that will be on every packaged food item.  The new changes are based on updated scientific information, recent dietary recommendations, and input from the public.   Appearance   Although the new label still has the black and white, 2 column look to it,…

Sandwiches are the classic lunch time food but they often get a bad rap because of the myth that bread is bad. However, when a sandwich is made right it can be the perfect complete meal containing each main food group all packed together in a yummy portable way. Since August is National Sandwich Month,…

Oatmeal is an old traditional breakfast food that’s popularity has grown once again over the last few years. This hot cereal is a great alternative to sugary breakfast cereals and makes for a power-infused, high-energy breakfast that is perfect for starting your day.   Oats are a whole-grain that provides you with many vitamins and…

Getting the whole family to sit down to a family meal can seem like next to impossible with everyone’s busy schedule. Good thing this month is National Family Meal Month, a month that recognizes the importance of taking time away from your busy schedules to come together and eat a healthy family meal.  With the…

Oh boy, do I love the month of August. Why do you ask? Because it’s National Coffee Month!  Thomas Jefferson once said, “The coffee bean is to become the favorite beverage of the civilized world.” And he was right.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), coffee is the second most-traded commodity, globally, behind…

Kids Eat Right Month By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern August is the month chosen by the academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to celebrate Kids Eat Right Month.  How fitting is it, that as children are continuing to enjoy their summer break, as well as prepare for the upcoming school year, that we highlight the importance…

When you think of summertime, what fruit comes to mind?  For me, it’s watermelon!  Watermelon is a sweet, refreshing fruit made up of 92% water, making it perfect for summertime.  Because watermelon coincides so well with summertime it makes sense that National Watermelon Day is this Wednesday, August 3rd!   According to the National Watermelon…

The debate between using artificial sweeteners or sugar in coffee, tea, desserts, etc. has been going on for quite some time.   Artificial sweeteners gained their popularity for being a low-calorie alternative to sugar, while still being just as sweet or sweeter.  However, when they first gained popularity, little was known about any possible side effects…

Sometimes, all you need is a good hearty burger. Its juicy middle, paired with fresh toppings, cooked at exactly the right temperature, with nice soft and fluffy buns just has a way of making some people smile from ear to ear.  If this is you, then you’re in luck because National Hamburger Day is coming…

National Salad Week is next week! Salad makes a great meal on a hot summer day.  Any way you toss it, a salad is always a great option as a meal or even as a side dish. So to celebrate this foodie holiday I encourage you to whip up some fancy salad creations this week. …

July is National Baked Beans Month and for good reason.  Baked beans are a favorite during the cold months but they’re also the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues.   Baked beans are most commonly made with navy, pinto or kidney beans, and they come in a range of flavors.  Many commercial brands now…

This Sunday, July 17th, is National Ice Cream Day!  Not many people know this about me (although after reading this blog, thousands will) but I love ice cream.  Ice cream can be a year-round favorite, but it is enjoyed the most during the warm summer months.  With summer’s heat at its peak, this is the…

In recent years, pasta has gained a reputation of being unhealthy, fattening, and a little heavy on the carbs for weight loss. You likely consider pasta as “empty” carbs that provide no nutritional benefits. So why do Italians use pasta as a basis of their eating patterns? Now that got you thinking, huh?!   Studies…

July is National Berry Month, so what better way to celebrate than learn all about the benefits of berries and different ways to incorporate them into your daily eating pattern?   Berries, like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain a wide variety of antioxidants, which can help in preventing cancer. They are very nutrient dense without…

Eggplant’s Excellence By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern There’s no mistaking those shiny purple oblong shaped veggies for anything else besides eggplant! Eggplant, or aubergine, as it is referred to by our friends “across the pond, is extremely in season during July through October. Because of its meaty texture, it is often used as a vegetarian…

With summer in full swing and July 4th upon us, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to grill!  July is National Grilling Month and the warm summer nights make for an enjoyable night perfect for grilling.   According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, outdoor cooking remains more popular and easier…