Let’s be real: Whole-fat milk, cheese and yogurt taste better than the low-fat versions because they tend to be creamier and more satisfying. Yet many have thought that low-fat dairy is healthier for us – especially for our hearts.
Ever heard about grocery shopping “in season”? Ever wondered what that really meant? Most fruits and vegetables seem to be available all year round – not just canned and frozen, but fresh! So what is seasonal or “in season” eating, and what are the benefits?
Seasonal eating means eating food during the time of year it naturally grows. For instance, berries in the summer and pumpkins in the fall.
An eight-time “Best Diet Overall” in U.S. News & World Report, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a flexible, balanced eating plan that’s great for everyone – especially if you’re concerned about heart health.
Following the DASH eating plan doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with small changes and follow these guiding principles:*
The short answer is “absolutely!”
You don’t have to give up delicious dairy foods in the name of heart health. In fact, countless studies and decades of research link dairy foods – like milk, cheese and yogurt – with numerous health benefits, including benefits for your heart.
Following the DASH Eating Plan Can Help Protect Your Heart
The early years of life are extremely important in a child’s overall growth and development – and adequate nutrition can help decrease the risk of nutritional deficiencies, illnesses and diseases now and for years to come. Additionally, good nutrition in the initial years can help kiddos develop healthy eating habits for a lifetime – which is why, as a mom of three and a registered dietitian nutritionist, I have always placed high value on the importance of child nutrition and getting my kids involved in the kitchen.
We all wish there was a magic pill that would help us meet our health and wellness goals. And while those trendy diets your friends are sharing on social media may promise that quick fix you’ve always wanted, these diets often focus on the elimination of one or more food groups – a far cry from the overall healthy eating I strive to promote as a registered dietitian.
If you watch the news or scroll through your social feeds, you’ve likely noticed how easy it is to get lost in conflicting nutrition recommendations or overwhelmed by the latest wave of popular vitamin and supplement trends. It can be difficult to know if you’re meeting your body’s needs through food, and if not, which nutrients you should take as supplements. And there is one vitamin in particular that has gotten a lot of attention during the pandemic – vitamin D.
Each winter, we reflect on our actions from the past year and consider personal resolutions for the one to come. Often, these resolutions include adopting healthier habits, such as eating more nutritious foods, exercising more or getting better sleep. While big, overarching goals are easy to identify, research shows that to successfully make change, we should set more specific goals.
Are your meals missing that “wow” factor? Whether it’s pesto on your pasta or caramel cream on your brownie sundae, adding a drizzle of savory or sweet sauce can be a simple solution to take your meals from good to great. As a registered dietitian and mom, I enjoy a good, flavorful sauce – and I love finding ways to make it just as nutritious as it is delicious. Want to know my secret? Check out these tips and tricks.
More families are cooking at home during this pandemic, so why not do it together and support a great cause at the same time? That was exactly what the Dairy MAX team had in mind when we joined Bravo “Top Chef” Tiffany Derry for a live #QuarantineCooking webinar.
