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…

You probably always hear that it is best to steer clear of sugar-filled drinks such as soft drinks and juices. Sugary drinks like these have been linked to the growing rate of obesity in our country as they contribute to a high sugar diet. Did you know that a typical 12 ounce can of cola…

It may be smelly but garlic sure is healthy! Today is National Garlic Day and what better way to celebrate this medicinal herb then by incorporating it into your favorite dish?   Dating back to at least 6,000 years ago, garlic has been a staple in many different cultures. Garlic can be used as a…

Yesterday, April 16th, was the Day of the Mushroom! These days, mushrooms are becoming an increasingly popular food. Although they are typically categorized with vegetables, mushrooms are actually fungi.   These fungi have a long history of use as food and medicinally. Mushrooms have been used for several thousand years, dating back to ancient Egypt,…

Soy has gained a lot of attention in recent years, as it is a healthy alternative source of protein for those who maintain a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.  However, soy foods are not just for the vegetarian, it can be incorporated into anyone’s meal plan, whether you eat meat or not.  To help people become…

April is Stress Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the causes and coping methods related to stress. Stress affects everyone in some way or another. Whether you feel stressed over a deadline at work, the responsibility of planning a party, or long-term stress over things you have trouble coping with, stress…

There’s No “Beeting” Around It By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern There’s no “beeting” around the bush when it comes to beets! Both the beet root and its greens are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and heart healthy components.  Many people shy away from beets because of its bright color and somewhat intense and sweet taste. However…