Nutrition

Do you ever have a half-used carton of buttermilk and wonder what to do with it? It seems like recipes call for it, but you always have a little left over. What is buttermilk and why is it so good for baking and our health?

With the start of another school year looming on the horizon, many of us are preparing for the “busyness” that we’ll once again call life. If thinking about the daily chore of packing lunches has you stressing already, here are 5 tips for simplifying the task of healthy back-to-school lunches…

How much and what should I eat before exercise?

We get this question a lot. It is important to eat right to fuel your body for an upcoming event, but the last thing you want to do is eat too much - or too little. The following recommendations are specific to how much time you have before an activity or between events:

One hour or less before your next activity (practice, game, match, race, etc.), choose foods that are a good source of carbohydrates. They help to provide energy:

As soon as it made its dairy-case debut, Americans fell in love with Greek yogurt (regular yogurt that has been strained, creating a thicker consistency). Since then, the yogurt aisle has exploded with other varieties from all over the world. Here is a quick guide to some delicious regional favorites:

Icelandic Yogurt – Skyr

What is it?

Mornings are busy at my house. Getting everyone fed, dressed and out the door can truly be a challenge. But as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I do prioritize getting breakfast on the table. Luckily, a simple bowl of cereal provides the nutrients you need to fuel your morning.

There have been many strides forward to help improve the nutritional quality of school meals over the years – including the removal of soft drinks, candy and other high sugar items from the menu at schools. However, some schools and activists are calling for another change that could cause more harm than good: removing chocolate milk.

We’ve all heard that breakfast is important, but the realities of a hectic morning can make it difficult. For many, eating a wholesome meal in the morning becomes an afterthought when rushing out the door. Let’s explore why you should eat it anyway – and go over some tips on making it as quick and effortless as possible.

Are your mornings rushed? Getting your kids out of bed, dressed and well-fed can feel like an impossible feat – especially when you have little or no time to prepare a wholesome breakfast. Overnight oats are the perfect solution for a quick, healthy breakfast (that you can take on the go!). Never heard of them? They’re simply rolled oats soaked overnight in milk and/or yogurt until softened. Toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or a dash of something sweet (such as honey or brown sugar) add variety and extra flavor to this delicious dish.

Many so-called nutrition experts tell you to cut out entire food groups or focus on just a few “superfoods.” While it’s true that some foods offer more nutrient bang for your buck, it’s really how we put all those foods together on a plate that makes the difference.

Healthy eating isn’t about a rigid set of rules; it can be quite flexible. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I neither preach nor practice perfection. My focus is on helping you find healthy changes that fit your life – small changes that stick.

Tailgating parties involve friends, fun and favorite football foods. Most of the foods we enjoy on game day include dairy, and for good reason; dairy is a fan favorite. Not only that, but milk, cheese and yogurt are high in protein, which will keep you fueled throughout the game. Plus, dairy is an important part of MyPlate. Here are three great ways to inclu