Tag: nutrition

Nutrition Rx: Portable Food for the Whole Family

August 25th, 2015 by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC

vegetable-wrapsAs we fit in last-minute travel excursions and summer day trips, it’s easy to stray from the healthful choices we’ve made all summer. The good news is that eating healthfully – in the air, on the road, or at the beach – is now easier than ever.

Here are five tips for packing portable food that provides stable energy and an abundance of nutrients.

1. Colorful Vegetable Wraps

All you’ll need to make your favorite wraps is a handful of ingredients: whole wheat tortillas, low-fat hummus, and your favorite vegetables. Try grated carrots, fresh spinach leaves, and radishes or bean sprouts for an extra crunch. Wrap up and take on a family or poolside picnic, include with fresh fruit for a healthful lunch, or keep on hand for a grab-and-go meal. Continue reading “Nutrition Rx: Portable Food for the Whole Family”

Read More

Smart Juicing Tips

July 20th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

juicingJuicing is very popular right now. One of the reasons is that juicing is a simple and effective way to get your daily allotment of fruits and veggies, especially if you have trouble with this. Combine the fruits and vegetables with a greens powder, and you have an antioxidant-rich drink.

One of the fun aspects of juicing is that you can experiment with all sorts of food. The combinations are endless, as are the nutritional benefits. Here are some juicing tips to help you get the most nutritional value.

1. The right juicer:  Juicers can be a major investment. It helps to do some thorough research before deciding on your purchase. Good construction, juice quality, and the amount of juice you actually get are important considerations. Quality juicers extract as much as 25% more juice from fruits and vegetables than lower-end models. There are also some great blenders that can do double duty as juicers (but blenders do a different type of work because they use the whole fruit or vegetable, so the fiber and pulp remains in your “juice”). Continue reading “Smart Juicing Tips”

Read More

Change in Dietary Guidelines for 2015

June 1st, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

eggs + spinachFor years, we were told to stay away from eggs, butter, shrimp… well anything that was high in fat and contained cholesterol, to protect heart health and prevent heart disease.

In the past, the U.S. dietary guidelines advised people to eat less than 300 milligrams (mg) per day of cholesterol, even though research had shown that cholesterol levels in food did not have much to do with cholesterol levels in your body.

Well things are about to change in the dietary guidelines for 2015!

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), a panel under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is about to release their 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and they are recommending that limits on dietary cholesterol be removed. According to Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen, “It’s the right decision. We got the dietary guidelines wrong. They’ve been wrong for decades.” Continue reading “Change in Dietary Guidelines for 2015”

Read More

A Green Light for Healthful Eating: Is 2015 the Year for Preventive Medicine?

April 13th, 2015 by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC

farmers-marketThe Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to follow a plant-based template to reach and maintain optimal health. This method of healthful eating is the easiest way to increase consumption of vitamins and minerals that we often fall short on. A plant-based model also serves as a guide for how to curb intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt.

How do we get there? First, let’s start an open dialogue with patients, family, and friends about foods to favor: nutrient-dense, plant-based varieties.

Here is a list of dietary staples that fit in with almost every age group, budget, and season.

Whole Grains

Steel-cut oats, brown rice, quinoa, and pasta are naturally low on the glycemic index scale and provide a healthful source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium. Due to their high fiber content, whole grains help reduce the risk of early death from chronic disease. Whole grains double as a prebiotic and work with probiotics, such as kimchi and tempeh, to help stabilize insulin, turn off ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” and strengthen the immune system. Instead of thinking “low carb,” go for whole grain. Continue reading “A Green Light for Healthful Eating: Is 2015 the Year for Preventive Medicine?”

Read More

Prenatal Health Series: Nutrition During Pregnancy

March 24th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

prenatal-nutritionCongratulations, you are pregnant! Now what? Over the next few weeks we will look at nutrition, exercise, sleep habits and more regarding women’s health during pregnancy. This week, we’ll look at nutrition.

Nutrition during pregnancy usually requires an increased need for vitamins and minerals. Deficiency or excess of any of a number of nutrients can lead to birth defects and/or complications during pregnancy.

Diet – Eating a diet that is nutritious diet will not only keep you healthy, but it will also help the baby growing in you. Focus on whole fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, quality protein (eggs, nuts, chicken and fish), and keep hydrated. Read food labels carefully and try to avoid foods that contain trans fatty acids and partially hydrogenated oils, including margarine, shortening and most processed foods. Studies have shown that the higher the intake of trans fatty acids, the greater the risk of delivering a premature baby. These fats interfere with fetal development, especially in the brain. Avoid soft, unpasteurized cheeses, raw or smoked fish, and pates and deli meats. These can all contain bacteria that would be harmful for the baby. Continue reading “Prenatal Health Series: Nutrition During Pregnancy”

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

May 2024
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031