Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D

by andream Published May 10, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

By: Dianna Yanchis, BSc (Nutrition)

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

May 9, 2016

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a very important role in our body. It is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine” vitamin, as our body is able to make the vitamin when exposed to the sun. It is necessary for bone, teeth, muscle and immune health. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium, which allows for proper bone and teeth development. It also lowers the risk of infection by helping immune cells to function properly. Vitamin D plays an essential role in muscle and nerve function. Recently, Vitamin D has been found to lower the risk of diseases and some cancers.

The Importance of Eating Mindfully

by andream Published April 28, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

April 2016

Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking. It involves paying attention to the colors, smells, textures, flavors, temperatures, and even the sounds (crunch!) of our food. Many social and environmental factors can stand in the way of being able to eat mindfully. Mindfulness helps us break free from routine eating habits by examining the thoughts, feelings and internal pressures that affect how and why we eat.

Smart Shopping: Tips for eating well and saving money

by andream Published April 1, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

April 1, 2016

By: Erin Ross BSc Nutrition

Reviewed by: Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

No matter what your budget it, saving money on groceries is a smart choice as the cost of food continues to increase. In 2015, Canadian consumers saw an increase in multiple food categories and this increase is predicted to continue into 2016. Researchers forecast that the cost of meat will increase another 2.5-4.5% and vegetables will increase another 2-4% . Eating on a budget does not mean sacrificing health, nutrition or flavour. Here are some helpful tips to use the next time you go shopping to help you save more and become a smart shopper.

Take a 100 Meal Journey to Health

by 368durham Published March 7, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

Andrea Miller MHSC, RD
March 2016

The Dietitians of Canada, Nutrition Month 2016 campaign is dedicated to supporting Canadians to make small changes to their eating – one meal at a time. The slogan for the 2016 campaign is Take a 100 meal journey: make small changes, one meal at a time. The goal of the campaign is to provide information and guidance to make it a little easier for Canadians to choose, eat and enjoy healthy food.

Healthy Holiday Eating

by 368durham Published March 2, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

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.

How to Read Nutrition Labels

by 368durham Published March 2, 2016 November 25, 2016 Leave a comment

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

Grocery shopping can be a very overwhelming experience for many of us! With so many aisles, millions of food products and so much confusing nutrition information to navigate through! To make healthier food choices to achieve overall good health, understanding nutrition labels is very important.

Fat: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

by 368durham Published March 2, 2016 November 23, 2016 Leave a comment

By: Sarah Chmielewski, BASc (Nutrition) Candidate
Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSc, RD

Why You Don’t Need to be Fat-Free

There seems to be a lot of misconception that fat isn’t good for you. Fat has been getting a bad rep since about the 1980’s, when we heard that eating fat would basically, well, make you fat. But whether you’re trying to lose weight, or just simply trying to eat a little healthier, the answer isn’t to cut out all fat, but to just choose wisely.
Although it might be hard to believe, fat is actually good for you. Our body uses fat to store energy, insulate tissues and organs, as well as absorb and transport fat-soluble vitamins. Some fats – the good ones – can actually help to increase your HDL (your good cholesterol) and therefore reduce your risk of heart disease.

Eating Healthy While on Vacation

by 368durham Published March 2, 2016 November 23, 2016 Leave a comment

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

A vacation is a time to relax, explore new places, try new foods and spend time with friends and family. Vacations are a much-needed break from our daily routine, however breaking from routine can make it difficult to eat well and stay on track with your health goals. A little planning before you leave can go a long way in helping you to make healthy food choices. Here are some tips on how to eat healthy while on vacation.

Whole Wheat vs. Whole Grain

by 368durham Published March 2, 2016 November 23, 2016 Leave a comment

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

Whole Grain or Whole Wheat?

Grain products, one of the four food groups, are foods that are made or derived from barley, cornmeal, oats, rice, wheat, or any other cereal grain. Grains are often the seeds of certain plants. The bran, the endosperm and the germ are the three main parts of the seed, or kernel. All three parts contain valuable nutrients that play an important role in the diet.