You may have heard the buzz about the elimination of artificial trans fats, specifically partially hydrogenated oils, from foods. Are you scratching your head wondering what in the world all that means?   There are two kinds of trans fats: naturally formed trans fats and artificially formed trans fats. This decision to remove trans fats…

By Jackie LiPera It’s National Ceviche Day! What better time to celebrate the existence of a refreshing and flavorful dish than in the heat of late June?   Ceviche, also spelled seviche, is a South American staple that is sure to be a crowd pleaser this summer. With so many different varieties and array of…

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with National Papaya Month!   Papayas are easily the most underrated food; it’s not every day you add this tropical plant to your fruit bowl. Unbeknownst to most, papayas are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that combat a countless number of diseases. Not to mention,…

Ahh, there’s nothing as refreshing as a cool glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. With the start of summer upon us and this being National Iced Tea Month, we know that there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy this perfect summer beverage.   Tea is a great alternative to water that…

It’s National Men’s Health Week! Time to really zone in on your health and make some lifestyle changes. This week started in 1994, which is celebrated in countries all over the world, and is meant to bring about awareness for men’s health and steps that can be taken to improve overall health. Small steps everyday…

June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!   Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?   In my practice, I come across a lot of adults who don’t like and therefore don’t eat fruits and vegetables. This is often due to the fact that they were not served these wonderfully healthy foods as a…

Happy National Diary Month! Do you remember those Got Milk? Ads that were popular in the 90’s? Those advertisements were published with the intent of promoting the consumption of cow’s milk so that production in California would increase. These ads were on the right track to encouraging the consumption of milk. I am here today…

Tomorrow is National Trails Day, a day created in 1992 by The American Hiking Society. The purpose of this day is for people to go out and explore the various trails in their state. There are hundreds of trails throughout the United States that don’t get the attention they deserve!   Hiking is a great…

“Pass the Peas, Please!” By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern When you think of green peas, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Does it stir up those childhood memories of being “force fed” these small green spheres along with their little orange carrot counterparts?   When cooked well and paired with the right foods,…

Time after time, you hear the recommendation to eat more vegetables and fruits. I’m sure you have also heard, and maybe used, a slew of excuses as to why this recommendation isn’t realistic. “It’s too hard” “It’s too time consuming” “It’s too expensive”   I know I have heard these “reasons” a thousand times. Apparently,…

Are you a coffee drinker? Hot, iced, latte, cappuccino? Or do you go for those dessert-type beverages like the Frappuccino?   If you like the more decadent specialty drinks, you probably are aware that they come with some “extras”, such as a hefty amount of calories and fat grams.   If this is you, you’ll…

The Memorial Day Holiday is meant to celebrate the lives lost from the armed forces; people who gave their life for the freedom and liberty of this country. Let’s salute them!   This long weekend is always a tough one for many chronic dieters. So many parties, so much food, it never ends! And who…

May is National Salad Month and while this may not excite many people, I am a huge salad fan, especially this month. I feel like this year the weather went from snow days to beach days practically overnight. During these warm days I notice my appetite changes my body wants more cold dishes than hot…

“Gluten-free” foods may just seem like a whole new fad and the coolest new food trend to follow, but for some people gluten-free is a non-negotiable lifestyle.   This month we celebrate Celiac Awareness Month. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to…

This week, May 10 – May 16, is the 16th annual National Women’s Health Week. This week-long observance was initiated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. It encourages and empowers women to put their health as their top priority.   The Office on Women’s Health provides women of…

This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Give your mom a gift every mother deserves: relaxation and meaningful together-time. I’m sharing below a few gift suggestions to show your mom how much she means to you!   Spend time together. Now that you have a busy life of your own, you probably don’t see your mom as…

Sweet, Sweet Strawberries By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern The tantalizing aroma, bright red color, and alluring flavor of strawberries is allowing me to believe that spring has truly sprung. How appropriate it is that May is the month we celebrate these robust berries? This is the time of year that strawberries are at their peak…

It’s National Herb Week! National Herb Week is celebrated each year in May. It is a week to really appreciate and discover new and old herbs!   Many clubs, organizations, and societies of herbs celebrate and spread the word about all different herbs and their wondrous values. An herb is a plant that can act…

Each May is Osteoporosis Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak bones. Bones are live, growing tissues which must be cared for and maintained like other tissues in the body. They become weak as a result of bone loss, too little bone being made, or a combination of both.   There are some…

April is National Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. IBS is an intestinal disorder that causes a range of symptoms including cramping, bloating and pain in the abdominal area as well as gas, diarrhea and constipation. If you are someone who suffers from IBS know that you are not alone – up to 20% of…