Category: Lifestyle

Do I "need" to eat vegetables?

2/22/2020

If you feel like you don’t eat enough vegetables each day, you’re not alone. According to the most recent data from the CDC, only 1 in 10 Americans actually eat the recommended 2-3 cups of vegetables per day. There are many reasons it’s a challenge - cost, access, food waste, increased preparation time, limited knowledge / skills, and taste preferences are all known and real challenges.

But what’s the big deal? Can you replace the value of vegetables with other foods or a supplement? The answer boils down to food chemistry and health research.

Trick or Treat!

10/29/2019

Halloween fun is supposed to be about ghosts and goblins and bumps in the night. But for some, the candy and the upcoming weeks of treats can feel more frightening.

If that’s you, consider the following tips ...

Running during pregnancy

9/14/2018

Exercising terrified me when I was expecting Tucker (my 1st kiddo). My doctor gave me the green light early on but I wanted limits about speed and distance to keep my little bundle safe. I searched for research but there were no formal guidelines about how far or how fast I could go. Reading other mom blogs about exercise calmed my nerves, so I thought I'd share my experience. If you're expecting or hoping to be, here's what I learned in the last 5 years.

Family norms - a case study

8/29/2018

While continuing education, supervision, and working with clients teaches me a lot about eating behaviors, my most interesting experience has been exploring my own relationship with food compared to my husband's. We come from very different backgrounds - especially when it comes to how our families approached food. As a result how we view when to eat, what to eat, and when to stop eating is SO different! Click below to read more...

"I don't have self-control"

8/27/2018

One of the obsession with nutrition over the years has been the tenet of "self-control" or "willpower." Similarly, most patients initially complain that their problem is, "I just don't have any self control." It leaves me wondering, what exactly IS this oh so elusive "self-control" we all desire? And how do we strengthen it?

The value and variation of dietitians

8/7/2018

Research demonstrates that people estimate they make 15 food and drink related decisions each day. But in reality, people make OVER 200 decisions (220 to be exact) to figure out “what,” “when,” “where,” “how much,” and "with whom."

With so much attention to food and a ridiculous amount of food information in the world, it's easy to assume we "get it" and don't need support. So what can a dietitian do for you and why exactly are they helpful?

How to help others eat better

7/31/2018

It's easier than ever to find an article about "healthy eating." A quick search on Google provided over 860,000,000 results...and another 35,800,000 videos (yikes).

I recognize and appreciate that people are passionate about nutrition. I also recognize that once we find something that "works" for us, we want to shout it from the roof tops! I truly believe that many professionals should talk about food to with their clients - it's a cornerstone to health. However, it's important to recognize whether the "truth" you preach to your clients is helpful or harmful.

What's up with weight loss?

9/12/2017

We live in weight focused society. In a typical week as an outpatient dietitian and personal trainer, I see between 20 and 30 patients a week (that’s 960-1440 / year). Most want to adjust their weight (usually down) in a quest for health [and the others struggle with disordered eating...] The majority have been losing and/or gaining weight for most of their lives. So why can’t we “get it right?”

I became a dietitian and a personal trainer because I wanted to know the “secret” to weight. I assumed there must be a reason why some people are smaller than others. But over 15 years of counseling has taught me the true secret, and it's not what I expected.

So read on to understand how food and movement affect our body and what we can do about it.

When do I need a sports drink?

7/26/2017

Summer is upon us in New England. That means soaring temperatures, sunshine, and plenty of humidity.

With all of the hot weather, when do you need to start adding a sports drink instead of plain water? Read on for the answer...

Snack Attack

3/13/2017

People are designed to eat every 3-4 hours. When you go more than 4 hours without eating, you tend to get overly hungry. When you get really hungry, you’re more likely to overeat. You’re also most likely to crave “junk food.” Snacks keep your hunger in check, however not all snacks are created equal.

(also published on the Cambridge Health Alliance Blog)

Should a body run on Dunkin Donuts?

3/13/2017

It’s no secret that New Englanders love Dunkin Donuts. With a shop on most corners, it’s a convenient place to grab a snack, meal, or a coffee. But how does it affect your health and what are the best choices? I took a look at their nutrition information to find the answer.*

Are you getting in your own way?

2/22/2017

We all have a set amount of time and energy to spend each day. And we each have a choice in how to spend some of it (admittedly, some “energy suckers” are non-negotiable). It can take some serious creativity and a different thought process to spend those resources wisely.