Healthy Eating

If you ask me, snack time is one of the best times of the day. When the mid-morning slump or afternoon crash hits, nothing is better than being perked up by a yummy sweet treat or a satisfying salty crunch. While snacks can certainly fit into a healthy lifestyle, and when selected appropriately can help fill important nutrition gaps, there are some choices that do absolutely nothing for you in the health department. And in some cases, certain snacks can actually work against your health goals. As a registered dietitian, I…

Most people wouldn't consider beer to be a healthy drink, right? As it turns out, there may be some benefits of sipping on this beloved beverage beyond helping you unwind after a long day. According to new research from Oregon State University, a pair of compounds that originate from hops—the plant that gives beer its flavor and color—can help prevent hepatic steatosis. Also known as fatty liver disease, it occurs when there's a dangerous buildup of fat in the liver. An estimated 25% of adults in the U.S. have nonalcoholic…

Ready to boost your H2O IQ? Read on, friends, and get ready to fill up a tall, cold, refreshing glass of water—that's even more beneficial with the help of these hydration supplements. "Proper hydration balance is essential for proper body function and good health. This not only includes getting enough water but also maintaining a balance of electrolytes," explains Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, CT. "When you sweat either through exercise or because you live…

Many Americans require at least one cup of coffee to start their day, however, others may drink double or triple that amount. Historically, drinking numerous cups of coffee has been frowned upon, since research has shown that consuming too much caffeine can cause headaches, anxiety, and even reduced fertility in women. However, a new coffee study condones drinking three to four cups of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee a day. According to the study, which was published in the journal BMC Public Health, finds that…

While fiber is well known for its regularity effect in the bathroom, its downstream payoffs get overlooked. Namely, adequate dietary fiber can positively impact cholesterol in the bloodstream. In fact, consuming 25 grams of fiber per day if you are a woman or 38 grams of fiber per day if you are a man (recommended from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans) can significantly lower blood levels of cholesterol. Most Americans are not eating enough fiber. With some simple changes, eating enough fiber might not be as challenging…

Taking energy supplements like energy drinks, shots, or green tea pills can be par for the course for sleepy-eyed folks who need a little jolt mid-day. Instead of taking a nap, cracking open a can of a caffeine-fueled beverage, or popping a pill chock-full of energy-inducing ingredients seems to be the way many of us are going thanks to our jam-packed lifestyles. In fact, energy drinks are now the fastest-growing product in the beverage industry, highlighting just how many people are jumping on this vitality bandwagon. Most…

How many times did you hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day while growing up? Chances are, too many times to count. However, new research out of The Ohio State University suggests that old saying holds some truth. The study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, found that adults who skip breakfast are more likely to miss out on several key nutrients and make unhealthier choices throughout the day. After analyzing data from more than 30,000 American adults, it became…

Your gut is responsible for carrying out a lot of key functions in your body, from breaking down the food you eat to absorbing nutrients that help with hormone balance and skin health. It goes without mention that taking care of your gut is of utmost importance, which can primarily be done through diet choices and regular exercise. However, if you think you may be in need of a little extra support, there are some supplements that could benefit you. But first, let's talk about how to go about choosing the right supplement.…

You're probably asking yourself, what are pulses? Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Pulses tend to grow in pods, and they come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors—and you've probably been eating them your whole life. Common varieties of pulses include dry beans like black, kidney, and pinto beans, as well as other legumes including chickpeas, lentils, split peas, just to name a few. Pulses have found their way into all types of cuisines because they are easy to cultivate in a range…

It's no secret that when it comes to drinks, soda is not the healthiest choice. From an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, and obesity, there are plenty of ways soda negatively affects your health. But it can also impact the health of your liver. To back up, you should first know the function of the liver in your body: "The liver aids in metabolizing the carbohydrates, protein, and fat we consume, and then stores them as glycogen, vitamins, and minerals for later use," says Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN,…