In general, dietitians advise pregnant women to avoid fish that are high in mercury, soft cheeses that are made from unpasteurized milk, lunch meat and raw/undercooked foods. Full Question: “I just found out I was pregnant. Are there any foods I should avoid when dining out?” First of all, congratulations! Usually moms-to-be have a lot of questions that …
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Q: I’ve been eating more ginger in my meals because of the flavor, but does ginger also have health benefits? Yes! Like so many other plants, ginger has been associated with some unique health benefits. Often found in Asian dishes, ginger has a distinctive flavor that can add a hint of sweetness and spice. It may be …
Q: Help! I don’t like whole grains, so how can I get used to them to take advantage of their health benefits? A: First, kudos to you for seeking out ways to increase whole grains in your diet! Whole grains are an excellent way to add nutrients such as folate, B vitamins, fiber and more to …
By Mary Parsons, MS, RD While any time is a good time to hydrate, we consider it a healthy habit to sip on a glass of water during your meal. Some people claim that drinking water during meals can hinder digestion, but there is no evidence that stomach acid or enzymes are significantly diluted by drinking …
By Rachael Derr, RD Q: How do I find sodium counts when eating out. A: Given the increased sodium values found in many restaurant meals, it is important to know how much sodium we are consuming when eating out. First, try to do some research about the restaurant’s menu prior to getting to arriving. Many restaurants …
Q: What’s the Best Way to Stay Hydrated as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle? Recently, studies have come out with reports that drinking a set amount of water each day might not be as important as previously thought. For many years, we have been told to drink 8 – 8 oz. glasses of water every …
By Rachael Derr, RD Q: “I love my barbecue but hate feeling guilty after I order it. How can you make barbecue healthier?” A: Summer is here and I know I can’t get barbecue off of my mind! Here are some tips to make your barbecue a healthier choice at restaurants, when the weather is too hot …
Consulting with a dietitian or your physician would be the first step in determining the best diet for you to follow. However, in general, following a heart healthy diet and limiting added sugars would be a good start if you have been told to watch your triglycerides. This means limiting saturated fat (which is found …
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Q: Is tea a good choice at restaurants? A: This time of year, as the weather cools off and cold and flu season heats up, tea can be an especially appealing choice when eating out at restaurants. Not only can it be soothing, but tea is also known to contain antioxidants—compounds that can help heal cells …
With Thanksgiving around the corner, many families across America are purchasing sweet potatoes (or yams) for their big meal. When at the grocery store, you might notice that the term “yam” and “sweet potato” are interchangeable, thanks to USDA labeling requirements. However, there is quite a big difference between yams and sweet potatoes, both physically and …
What’s the difference between a yam and a sweet potato? Read More »
