10 Non-dieting Resolutions to Try for 2017

Written by Hilary Rock BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Every year many people make weight related New Year’s resolutions, yet not many of these resolutions actually focus on being healthier. Many people will also give up on these resolutions, after the first few weeks. If your goals are too vague or too broad it can be really hard to stick to a New Year’s resolution, even with good intention. You are more likely to reach your goal if it is small, specific, realistic and measurable. The following are some non-dieting New Year’s Resolutions ideas and tips to try to make this year your healthiest yet:

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.

Healthy Eating Around the Holidays and Beyond

By: Dianna Yanchis, BScFN

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Beginning with Thanksgiving, the last few months of the year are a time of indulgence for many. From pumpkin pie to Halloween treats, turkey dinners and shortbread cookies, the temptations are endless. Following these festive, food-filled months comes the infamous New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, exercise, and get back on track to a healthy lifestyle.  But why wait until a certain date?  Developing healthy eating and exercise habits as part of your daily life will help you get through the holidays without losing track of your health. Here are some tips and tricks to keep on track before, during and beyond this holiday season!

Improving your Health with The Mediterranean Diet

Written by Evita Basilio BSc Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is not actually a “diet”, it is a lifestyle. It is the eating pattern followed in many Mediterranean countries. Research shows that these populations of people are healthier and have less risk for heart disease than we do in North America. This eating pattern focuses on plant-based foods including vegetables, whole grains, nuts & seeds; it limits or minimizes meat, sweet foods, and dairy products.

How to Eat Well While Eating Out

By Dianna Yanchis BSc (Nutrition)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Eating out at restaurants or fast-food joints is fun, sociable and convenient. However, dining out can lead to overeating and poor food choices as restaurant foods are often prepared with extra fat, sugar, sodium and calories. Here are some tips to make heart smart choices and stay on track with health eating while dining out!

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.

Eating Local During the Fall

Written by Hilary Rock BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Just because the summer season is coming to an end does not mean that there isn’t any more delicious local produce available. From September to November the autumn harvest brings a variety of healthful and delicious produce from pumpkins to pears. Fresh local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table and buying in-season produce helps sustain the environment and local economy. So why not dig into the following local produce this fall season:

All About Protein

By: Dianna Yanchis, BSc (Nutrition)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Protein is an essential nutrient that performs a variety of important functions in the body. This includes cell growth and repair, forming the structural component of tissues, producing hormones, building enzymes, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance as well as pH balance, producing antibodies to protect against disease and use as an energy source. Protein can also act as building materials for bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and organs.

The Truth About Gluten

By: Dianna Yanchis, BSc (Nutrition)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

“Going gluten free” appears to be a diet trend that has grown in popularity over the past several years. Grocery stores devote entire aisles to gluten free foods and celebrities and fitness enthusiasts promote its’ “health benefits.”  Health claims that are associated with a gluten-free diet include weight loss, a reduction in bloating, improving skin tone, increasing alertness, and many others. Is a gluten free diet as beneficial as it is made out to be? What exactly is a gluten-free diet?

Nutrition Book Reviews

Written by Sarah Chmielewsk BASc Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Looking for a reliable evidence-based nutrition book can be a huge challenge. Walk into any major bookstore and head to the nutrition and cookbook section and you are faced with literally hundreds of choices. Books written by celebrities, yoga masters, medical doctors, counsellors and ‘health coaches’ line the shelves. Trying to navigate through the countless choices, to find something that is both relevant, and reliable, is a bit like looking for Waldo.