Ask the Dietitians

Courtesy of The Washington Post I was curious about which numbers my fellow dietitians consider the most important. I sought feedback from 20 experts who work in either hospitals or private practice. Here are the data that have the most clinical importance, and the ones they tell their patients to ignore. The numbers that matter …

Calories, Macros and BMI Don’t Count. Here are the Numbers that Really Matter Read More »

Question: Are salad bars really a healthy choice at restaurants? Yes!  Salad bars can be a great healthy choice at restaurants when you know how to navigate them.  Here are a few tips for a delicious and nutrition-packed salad that our dietitians would be happy to recommend: Stick with the fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit or …

Are Salad Bars Really a Healthy Choice? Read More »

By Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN Since ancient times, people have been interested in what components of a diet are good for us. Which foods will give us maximum benefits? Which may prevent disease? Which will help us lose weight? But we all differ from each other genetically, which means that we will each respond differently …

Nutrigenomics: The New Frontier of Nutrition Read More »

By Mary Parsons, MS, RD Question: What’s the best kind of bread to order? Without a doubt, sandwiches are a favorite option for Healthy Dining on the go. We especially love when restaurants offer the opportunity to customize our sandwiches, choosing our favorite nutritious foods for every layer from the ground up. What could be …

What’s the Best Kind of Bread to Order? Read More »

Question: I am eating out with friends at a tapas restaurant.  What do you recommend I order? These small bites originated in Spain, where meals are thoroughly savored and enjoyed, and restaurants and bars specializing in these delicacies have become common across the United States. Tapas restaurants are all about smaller portion size and sharing. Instead …

What Are the Best Choices at a Tapas Restaurant? Read More »

Question: I’ve been advised to limit my sodium intake, and I now always check restaurant nutrition information before ordering.  Why are so many restaurant menu choices high in sodium? You pose a great question, as many people are paying closer attention to nutrition labels both in the grocery store and at restaurants. Salt — the biggest …

Why Are Many Restaurant Menu Choices High in Sodium? Read More »

Gut microbiomes have come into the media’s spotlight over the past few years. But have you ever wondered what your gut’s microbiome actually is and why it’s important? A microbiome is defined as microorganisms in a particular environment, in this case, your intestines. Not everyone has the same types of microorganisms in their gut. Some …

Studying Poop Samples, Scientists Find Clues on Health and Disease Read More »

Question: Our family is going out for Easter brunch this weekend.  What are the best choices at the brunch buffet for a healthy diet? A weekend brunch is always a delicious way to spend time with friends and family, but navigating the brunch buffet can be tricky when your goal is healthier choices.  The good …

What Are the Best Choices At the Brunch Buffet? Read More »

In this day and age of social media, there is a growing concern among health and nutrition experts about the integrity and accuracy of information available.  Individuals are increasingly trusting in and following recommendations by celebrities or “nutrition experts” with little to no training.  These recommendations are often more hype than science.  While these “experts” …

Whose Nutrition Advice Should I Follow? Read More »

Courtesy of Food & Nutrition Going gluten-free can be a big turning point to greater awareness and healthier eating. All of a sudden, people need to start reading labels, and many begin to wonder why there are all of these ingredients they can’t pronounce and why high fructose corn syrup seems to be in everything. …

Celiac Awareness Month: Gluten-Free & Healthy Read More »