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High-protein breakfast foods often seem like a smart, nutritious choice to jumpstart our day. They're hailed as morning heroes, offering sustained energy and keeping you full until your next meal. From protein shakes to egg white omelets, there are a variety of options that make it easy to add more protein to your mornings. But despite all their benefits, some high-protein breakfast foods can have hidden pitfalls that may compromise our weight loss efforts. Many high-protein foods that seem healthy often hide ingredients…

Growing up in the Midwest, it should come as no surprise that cheese is one of my favorite foods. Americans share this love of cheese, consuming about 42 pounds per person per year, according to Statista. The US is one of them top cheese producing countries globallywith Wisconsin, California and Idaho leading US production. While many consider cheese a healthy dairy food, some advise against it due to its saturated fat and sodium content. With over 1,500 types of cheese, the nutritional content can vary greatly. Here's a…

You've probably heard the motto "Everything in moderation." This of course applies to all foods and (unfortunately) also cheese. As a dietitian, member of a family that owned a New York City cheese shop, and a wholehearted cheese lover, I understand that it can be hard to resist this beloved dairy food. However, since most cheeses are higher in saturated fat and sodium, they may not be the best choice for those dealing with high cholesterol. According to Centers for Disease Control and Preventionabout one in 10 Americans has…

Americans love their peanuts. Last year alone, a staggering 5.9 billion pounds were produced in the United States, according to Extras. Whether roasted or salted as a snack, spread on toast or added to recipes for extra flavor, peanuts are a beloved, versatile food. But are peanuts good for you? In addition to their deliciousness, Peanuts pack a nutritional punch. Rich in protein, healthy fats and various vitamins and minerals, they can support everything from heart health to muscle recovery. However, like all foods, peanuts…

When it comes to choosing a healthy oil for your kitchen, avocado oil and olive oil are often at the top of the list. Both are rich in heart-healthy fats and offer a range of health benefits, making them popular choices for the health conscious. But while both oils have a variety of culinary uses, there are some key differences. Whether you drizzle them over salad or use them in high-heat cooking like stir-fries, understanding the differences between these two popular oils can help you make more informed choices. So when it…

Carbs often get a bad rap for contributing to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. However, not all carbs are created equal. Refined, simple carbs, such as table sugar, syrups, candy, white flour, and baked goods, are considered low-quality because they lack essential nutrients and fiber, often causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. On the other hand, healthy carbs—those that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds—can help prevent chronic conditions and will even support weight…

Tea is the world's second most popular beverage after water, with about 80% of American households having it on hand, according to US Census Bureau. While black tea is the most consumed tea, accounting for about 84% of all tea consumed in the United States, green tea is next in line, making up about 15%. With such a wide gap in consumption, you might wonder: is one of these teas really healthier than the other? We're here to break it down and explore the science behind the benefits of black tea versus green tea. FAMILY: What…

Overnight oats have gained popularity as a portable and nutritious breakfast option. According to a Prophecy Market Insights Reportthe market for store-bought, ready-to-eat overnight oats in the US reached $11.8 million in 2020, with projections to grow to $17.8 million by 2030. However, you don't have to rely on store-bought options—you can easily make overnight oats at home, just prepare them the night before before to wake up to a ready-made breakfast filled with fiber and important nutrients. From aiding weight…

While turkey bacon and deli meats are popular lunch items, choosing ground turkey may offer greater health benefits. First, fresh ground turkey comes in leaner varieties than ground beef, making it a low-fat, high-protein protein alternative. Plus, turkey is generally a super healthy food, and ground turkey doesn't have the health risks associated with many processed turkey products. "Processed turkey products can potentially save you calories, making them a popular choice, but they're usually super high in sodium. One…

Studies show that cutting calories to 1,200 per day is a very effective way to lose weight. But when you're used to eating an average amount of calories (which usually falls somewhere in between 1,600 and 3,000 per day), a 1200 calorie meal plan can seem quite restrictive. At this lower intake, it's crucial to make every bite count by choosing nutritious foods that will keep you full and help you meet your nutritional needs as you shed the pounds. As a nutritionist, I'm here to assure you that creating a balanced and…