A New Habit for a New Year-Make Prunes Part of Each Day

Written by: Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

DISCLAIMER: This post was developed in sponsored partnership with the California Dried Plum Board ; however, as always, all opinions are genuine.

Happy New Year! I hope the holidays brought you peace, rest, and happy memories with friends and family.  As we ease into a New Year, many of us begin by making resolutions to improve our health. I love this idea and often set annual health and nutrition goals for myself. One of my favourite nutrition goals and one I encourage for my clients, is to add a new and healthy food to their daily routine. This year, I am going to make that new food California prunes. Eating just one daily serving of 5-6 California prunes supports bone health, heart health and digestive health.

Easy Slow-cooker recipes!

Created by Sharon Charles BSc Nutrition (Candidate)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

As the days get colder here in Canada, all you may want to do is snuggle up in a blanket and keep yourself warm. Well, a healthy and nutritious way to keep yourself cozy this season is by warming up to some meals made in the slow cooker! Here are three recipes which I can personally say are crowd pleasers and will have you eagerly awaiting the next time you can whip up a batch. Included in the post are two links on how to make apple sauce and chili in the slow cooker.

Eating Well for the Busy Student- From a Busy Student!

Written by Sharon Charles BSc Nutrition (Candidate)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Health is truly wealth and it is something that students need to keep top of mind. Regardless of how hectic a schedule can get, overlooking one’s health can result in negative consequences that may directly affect academic performance! Without adequate nutrition, students often feel tired, sluggish and have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork. We often look to external factors, when evaluating health and academic performance. We suggest, before blaming the workload, sleep, or other factors- evaluate your nutrition. Remember- food is medicine! And meal planning is key!

Back to School Nutrition

Written by Hilary Rock BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Before you get into the busy routine of going back to school, add nutrition planning to your schedule. By making nutrition a priority and being proactive in planning ahead, you can avoid the excuse of “not enough time” to eat healthy. Eating a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks helps to keep you and your children healthy and ready to learn. Whether you are going back to school yourself or your children are, use the following tips to minimize stress and maximize time management for a successful school year.

10 Healthy Barbecue Tips

Written by Hilary Rock BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Warmer weather, longer nights, barbeque season has arrived! Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and start using the grill more. This summer think beyond the typical steaks, hamburgers, sausages, and hot dogs. Try grilling fish, fresh fruit, and even tofu for a change!  First things first, remember to heat up that grill for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to kill off bacteria and other pathogens leftover from past grill sessions to reduce the chances of foodborne illness. Below are ten tips to remember to make this barbeque season a healthy one:

An Indian Reinvention of the Traditional Turkey Dinner

Written by Evita Basilio BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Four years ago, my family moved from Dubai, U.A.E. to North America. My brother and I are now in Canada and my parents in the States. We have grown accustomed to the North American culture but blend in our Indian traditions, particularly around food. The holidays bring the family together, as well as old friends and new. Our annual holiday dinner is the main event taking inspiration from different parts of India, while keeping elements of a traditional turkey dinner.

Shift Work and A Healthy Lifestyle

Written by Evita Basilio BSc Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

1 in 4 Canadians work shifts, which comprises work patterns that do not follow the conventional 8-hour daytime working period, including night shifts, rotating shift work, and/or irregular working hours.

The Circadian Rhythm
Shift work puts your body in conflict with its natural rhythm. During the daytime our biological processes are working at their peak, and in the evening it gradually slows down causing a reduction in strength, alertness, and digestion. Shift work affects eating habits, our sleep patterns and energy levels.

Camping and Eating Well

By Dianna Yanchis BSc (Nutrition)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

With the summer season quickly approaching, many people are booking their vacations and are ready to enjoy the beautiful weather. Camping is a great summer activity that allows friends and family to spend time with each other while enjoying the outdoors. With few resources and little time it can be difficult to prepare healthy meals and snacks.  Here are a few tips on how to eat well, during your next camping trip!

Healthy Holiday Eating

By: Dianna Yanchis, BSc (Nutrition) Candidate
Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Holidays bring family and friends together to celebrate traditions and spread holiday cheer. They also bring many opportunities for socializing and festive feasts. This makes sticking to your healthy eating plans very challenging. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy your favourite foods while saving some room for healthy eating.