Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Talk turkey and family health this Thanksgiving

Chronic disease affects many Americans. There are some contributing factors we can control such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, etc.; however, there are also risk factors we cannot control such as age, gender, and family history. Most people have increased risks for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Coffee, healthy or not?

Whether coffee is healthy for you or not, more than half of Americans over the age 18 are consuming coffee each day. According to the National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends 2015 report, 27 percent households own single-cup brewing machines which is up from 7 percent in 2011. Over …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Food banks and primary care - a natural partnership

Access to healthy food, regular physical activity and checkups with primary care providers are critical components of wellness and longevity. However, many adults in Idaho live in low-income communities with high rates of food insecurity and lack of access to the foods needed to maintain their health or treat their …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

The power of the pumpkin

The holidays are upon us. Tis the season for pumpkin! Pumpkins usually make their appearance in October in time for Halloween festivities. Pumpkins are used for carving, decorations, and endless recipes, making them one of the most versatile fruits in the world. Yes, pumpkins are classified as fruit. They are …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Fiber is your friend

We’ve all been told to get more fiber in our diets. How does fiber help us and how do we get enough? Fiber is not only found in whole grain foods such as brown rice or whole wheat bread, but also in fruit, vegetables, and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils).
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fueling for optimization

When you are a competitive athlete, highly trained and highly motivated like everyone else in your event, what can push you beyond your competitors is diet. According to Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, sports nutritionist for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Chiefs, nutrition can make …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Nuts for nuts (and seeds)

Various proteins and healthy fats are recommended for an all-around healthy diet. Both nuts and seeds are healthy sources for protein, and monounsaturated and polyunsatuarated fats (termed the “healthy fats”). Eating nuts and seeds can be good for your heart. Here’s why.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Berry refreshing!

We’re right in the heat of berry season this summer, so don’t skimp on these little nutrition goldmines next time you visit the farmer’s market or grocery store. We’ve all heard that berries are good for us, but what exactly do they do?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week 2016 runs from August 1st to August 7th. The theme for this year is about how “breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our well being from the start of life, how to respect each other and care for the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

All olive oils are not created equally

One of the key ingredients to a long and healthy life is olive oil. For years dietitians have been promoting the use of olive oil as a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Because of its rich source of tocopherols, carotenoids and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties olive oil has been shown to …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Food safety for summertime fun

Summertime in North Idaho gives way to some of the most beautiful days, allowing us to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Gatherings almost always include food and beverages. Nothing would ruin a party more if one of your guests or you got sick from the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Why do we need vitamin E?

Vitamin A is good for your eyes. Vitamin C boosts your immune system. Vitamin D supports bone health. Consumers are generally aware of the basic benefits of certain vitamins because they have been drilled into our brains. One vitamin that doesn’t get much attention is Vitamin E.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Tart cherries: A functional food with many functions

Tart cherries have gained momentum as a “superfood” in recent years, most recognized as aiding athletes in exercise recovery. Although we can’t pinpoint foods as “superfoods,” we can talk about properties of foods and their proposed benefits.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Farm-to-table in your own backyard

Farm-to-table is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. restaurants. What is farm-to-table? It can hold a different meaning depending on how one looks at it. A blanket meaning is the production process from harvest to consumption, and everything in between such as packaging and sales. However, some …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Health and fitness for our employees

May is a great month to celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day, which is third Wednesday of this month. The weather is getting warmer, and it is a great reminder of all the fun outdoor activities we can take advantage of — a great way to kick off health …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

What's in your supplement?

Have you ever taken a fish oil supplement because you heard it was good for your heart? How about a vitamin C gummy when you feel a cold coming on? According to the CDC, over half of American consumers use supplements regularly, but there are a few things to be …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Dairy and alternative milks - a look inside

More and more people have been switching out their cow’s milk for non-dairy alternatives. It used to be that soy milk was the only non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk. With many more alternative milks on the market today, there is a substantial benefit for the vegan and lactose intolerant populations …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

The latest news about fat

Low fat, high fat and low carbs, no trans fat, limit saturated fat, you’ve probably heard it all! As a nutrition expert, I provide evidence-based information on nutrition topics to provide the most accurate information to consumers. Over the years, recommendations for certain nutrients may change. This doesn’t mean false …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Eat to keep your colon healthy

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, which leads into a great discussion on things you can do to lower your risk of colon cancer. Although colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer among men and women in the U.S., it remains one of the more preventable cancers …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Spice it up!

As we continue to celebrate National Nutrition Month®, we will continue with 2016’s theme to “savor the flavor of eating right.” Part of savoring food is to use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Did you know that herbs and spices aren’t just for flavoring, but …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Get your greens this St. Patrick's Day

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and the wearing of the green, let’s shed some light on leafy greens — the superstars of your salad fixings. Packed with folate, fiber, beta-carotene, B vitamins, and phytochemicals that help fight heart disease and cancer, leafy greens are a nutrition powerhouse.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Savor the flavor of eating right

March is National Nutrition Month® in which the theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” What does this mean to you? Eating slowly to savor your dish? Reducing portion sizes? Using savory spices and herbs to try new dishes? The overall intent of National Nutrition Month® is to create …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Eat wholesome with whole grains

Grains have been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years, providing nourishment along with a rich history of culinary and agricultural traditions. You may have heard claims from the USDA supporting more whole grain consumption or seen food labels designating “made with whole grains.” However, on the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Baby-led weaning: Is it a solid method for feeding?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for introducing solids to infants without the use of pureed food or spoon feeding. This method of feeding was developed in the United Kingdom. In the United States baby-led weaning refers to the gradual decrease of breast or bottle feedings.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kick-starting weight loss in the New Year

• Stay hydrated! Often times, when we think we are hungry, we are actually dehydrated. Most people need at least eight cups of water daily. Carry a water bottle with you when you go places to ensure you are staying hydrated throughout the day.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Edible? Yes. Incredible? That's up to you.

If you want to know trends at the grocery store just ask a cashier. While many different items come through the checkout line, there is an old trend that is new again and in almost everyone’s basket. Here is your hint: they come by the dozen and shoppers are very …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Bones crave calcium and vitamin D to stay healthy

‘Tis the season of ghouls, goblins, and skeletons. Skeletons — a reminder to keep your bones healthy! Calcium and vitamin D are essential for a healthy skeleton.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Bears are not the only worry!

Summer time in Coeur d'Alene is filled with fun, family and camping. The great outdoors offer plenty of opportunity for fun, and food is almost always close by.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Building a better breakfast

September is National Breakfast Month, and when kids head back to school and parents are left to juggle busy schedules, it is sometimes easier for both adults and kids to reach for less nutritious convenience food items (think donuts and pop tarts) or to skip breakfast altogether. It is estimated …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Celebrate whole grains

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap in the recent years. I've heard, "Carbohydrates make me fat" and "I'm on a low-carb diet" or "I'm cutting out bread." What many people do not realize is how important carbohydrates are for brain and body function. Generally speaking, 130 grams of carbohydrates per …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Eating to 100 - balance your protein throughout the day

Koretaka Ueda was waiting for us in the distance as we drove through the rice paddies to his modest home. As he welcomed us into his home his enthusiasm and energy for life was contagious.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

The ins and outs of oils

What oils do you reach for when you cook your favorite meal? The emergence of trendy culinary oils such as grapeseed, hemp, or pumpkin seed oils and the claims about their various health benefits can be overwhelming for consumers.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Breastfeeding benefits baby, mom

Breastfeeding your baby provides the complete nutrition he or she needs in the first stages of life for proper growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations recommend and strongly encourage mothers to breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months of life, with continuation until …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Eating like cavemen: Paleo diet analysis

The Paleo diet has become popular in the last several years, especially among athletes. Paleo is short for Paleolithic, which is the era of the caveman. The Paleolithic era is also known the hunting and gathering period and came before the agricultural revolution. That means that the Paleo diet only …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

'Tis the season for organic

The summer season presents a great opportunity for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and supporting your local economy. Purchasing in-season, local produce can be a healthier way to enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables as the time from farm to table is reduced and foods may retain nutrients longer …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

July is National Grilling Month

National Grilling Month is here! I'm not sure who comes up with these declarations, but I sure enjoy the celebrations.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Power up with plant proteins

The benefits of plant-based diets for the prevention of heart disease and cancer are well known in the health community, but are often challenged for being low in protein. Humans do not synthesize nine of the twenty amino acids required as building blocks of protein, and therefore must obtain them …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Supplements: Friend or foe?

Dietary supplements are widespread and easily available in today's market with consumers asking a lot of questions: Do they really work? Which supplements would benefit me the most? How much should I take? Are they worth the money?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Locally grown foods: Better for everyone

It may not always be possible to choose foods that were locally grown (depending on the season and your need). However, choosing them when you are able can benefit your health and supports your local community in a variety of ways.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Nutrition must-haves for cyclists

Ah, spring and cycling. They go hand and hand. Whether you are a roadie or mountain biker, this nutrition advice is for you!
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Worksite wellness: Sustainable changes for a healthier workforce

Promoting healthy habits in the work setting benefits both employers and employees. A healthier workforce contributes to reduced absenteeism due to illness and injuries, and increased productivity. More directly, healthier employees may reduce an employer's health care costs on premiums and worker's compensation claims. In order to control health care …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Planting healthy habits

Every year, Kid Healthy Week is celebrated in the last week of April, recognizing health and wellness efforts made by schools and their community partners to improve nutrition and physical activity habits in youth. There is a link between health status and learning. Those who engage in regular physical activity …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Public health: Building healthy communities

This week celebrates National Public Health. Each day focuses on a theme. Monday was "Raising the Grade," to spark talks about the health of our nation and measures of good health. Tuesday was "Starting from Zip," with the idea that the zip code may have a lot to do with …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Eating for endurance

'Tis the season for triathlons, marathons, and other endurance events, but before you hit the course, take a look at what is in your kitchen cupboards. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned athlete, nutrition and proper hydration are keys for sustained performance and injury prevention.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Pro fat or low fat?

From the low fat, low cholesterol craze in the '80s to the pro fat, low carb phenomenon sweeping grocery shelves today in the form of coconut oil and "fat burning" supplements, consumers may once again be confused. The research on high fat versus low fat diets is inconsistent. No wonder …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Why we heart February for kids

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. About 81 million people in the United States have some form of heart/cardiovascular disease. That's about 35 percent of the population, and it is starting at younger ages.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Beating the winter blues with vitamin D

Do you frequently feel fatigued, or experience muscle soreness, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and feelings of apathy - especially during these winter months? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D has long been known as the "sunshine vitamin," and for …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Love your heart this Valentine's Day with a plant-based diet

February is American Heart Month, so don't forget to give your heart some love this month with a little extra nutrition boost! According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. But here's the good news: heart disease is …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

This Thanksgiving - remember Buckwheat?

Whatever happened to Buckwheat? No, we are not referring to the Little Rascals! In America, buckwheat can be unfamiliar to the general public simply because it is not a staple crop like it is in other parts of the world. The name might lead you to believe it's a cereal …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Savvy ski snacks

It's getting to be that time of year when everyone is putting away their bikes and pulling out their skis. What better way to spend a weekend enjoying the fresh mountain air then hitting the slopes with friends and family?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Beans: They're not a fruit, but they are magical

As the weather has cooled off over the past few weeks, it is nice to take comfort in warm, savory foods that heat you to the core. Those cool, crisp salads that refreshed us in the summer are no more - it's time for warm, hardy dishes! The most humble …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Pumpkin harvesting time

One of the visible signs that autumn is approaching is the arrival of those bright orange orbs we all know as pumpkins. Pumpkins have been in our food supply for thousands of years. The word "pumpkin" comes from the Greek pepon, which means "large melon." While most of us associate …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Falling for soup

There's something about autumn. Crisp breezes set the trees ablaze in vivid colors. Boots and scarves come out of hiding. Rainfall causes umbrellas to bloom like flowers in May, nudging people indoors in search of comforting fall staples: warm pastries, piping hot tea, frothy espresso drinks, hot cocoa, and of …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

The forgotten fruit

No one likes to talk about prunes in public. Long the objects of jokes, prunes (dried plums) are the forgotten child when discussing the abundance of fruits and vegetables available for us to eat each day. Although the season is ending, they are still available in some farmers markets and …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Farmers markets always a good choice

Those who read last week's article regarding organic foods may enjoy this week's topic about the farmers market.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Medicaid Expansion or Medicaid Re-Design - What will it be?

Personal accountability is written all over the Affordable Health Care Act. When it comes to Medicaid Expansion, how is personal responsibility factored in? Being responsible for one's own health is part of the health care cost equation, but not always easy to create. Accountability is normally viewed as being responsible …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

The blues are back: Huckleberries and blackberries

Berry season is in full swing and two of the most nutrient packed varieties of berries couldn't be farther apart. Blackberries are found everywhere and the bushes grow like weeds. Huckleberries, on the other hand are the jewels of North Idaho and in fact the state fruit. The small round …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Weight Management: The solution is part of the problem

Weight management and the overeating cycle is a very complex phenomenon. Unfortunately many health practitioners are quick to prescribe something that they know only works for 5 percent of the population, a DIET. What does this mean? True, long term weight management is about a mindset. When specific diets are …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

The importance of mealtime for seniors

Meals are so important to seniors - something that they very much look forward to. They provide an important psychosocial function as well as a sense of olfactory and taste pleasure. Mealtime is social time. For many seniors, it may be the only time they get human contact in their …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Does your diet include dinosaur eggs?

If your children add dinosaur eggs to your shopping list, fear not. This is a really good thing. Pluots, or Dinosaur Eggs as they are often referred to, are a relatively new fruit that combines the plum, and apricot. Some pluots are more plum than apricot and some are more …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Why we crave summer time foods

Ever wonder why do we crave salads, juicy fruits and white wine in the summer? Most restaurants know about the changes in food preferences as a result of consumer demand. That is why they often change the entire menu for summer. There are far less orders for chili and beef …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Grill time: Which is best?

Nothing beats the smells and tastes of summer time barbecues. Whether it's chicken, beef or pork, somehow open grill cooking always makes food more succulent. So, what is the healthiest choice, chicken, burgers or hot dogs? The answer depends upon what you are looking for. A burger on a bun …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

U-Pick: Great for kids and adults

This weekend I took myself on a field trip to one of the local u-pick farms on a quest to find the world's best strawberries! I just may have found them, along with a dozen children who were visiting the farm too. Watching these kids running up and down the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Defending the flexitarian

True confessions - I am a vegetarian. I have been one off and on since I was in college. My children on the other hand would argue that I am a "flexitarian." They say that true vegetarians DO NOT cheat - you either are one or are not one, sort …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Fueling for successful performance

When you are a competitive athlete, highly trained and highly motivated like everyone else in your event, what can push you beyond your competitors is diet. According to Amanda Carlson, sports nutritionist for Athletic Performance, "Nutrition can make a good athlete great or a great athlete good."
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Savvy sippy cup advice for young and old

I have a love hate relationship with sippy cups. On one hand I love them because they keep toddlers from spilling, staining and making big messes. And I am certain that on many occasions they have kept me from getting into a car accident as my toddlers have hurled their …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

What do you do when your child has a bottomless stomach?

Do you worry that your child's appetite is setting them up for weight struggles in the future? Every child is unique and it is often not easy to know if they are born with insatiable appetites or if they have learned to eat large quantities of food from their environment.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Food habits may start in the womb

What a mother eats while she is pregnant may have permanent consequences on the food preferences of her child and not always in a good way. Several studies coming out of the University of Washington, Princeton University, the Yale University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Drug Abuse …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Garlic: Love it or hate it

April was National Garlic Month, better late than never! What a pity something so good for you has such a bad reputation for bad breath. As William Shakespeare noted in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Most dear actors, eat no onions nor garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath." What …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Teaching your little bean about gardening

Whether you're a master gardener or a novice, growing your own vegetables is a great activity for the whole family. This growing season take advantage of the excellent opportunity to teach your child the responsibilities involved in the cultivating, growing, and harvesting process. Remember, vegetable gardens can come in all …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

And the Healthiest Beer is...

When you're a dietitian you can never go out to dinner with friends without nutrition questions entering into the conversation. Last night's question: What is the healthiest beer to order? This, of course, is a loaded question and especially difficult to answer if you are a wine connoisseur. The answer …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Kids' Menus: Times they are a changin'

Move over chicken nuggets and fries. New regulations for healthier restaurant menus are not just for adults. Traditional kids' menus are about to get a makeover as well. Children love having their own menus at restaurants. This is not just because they usually have coloring sheets or word puzzles on …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Using sugar substitutes in recipes

If you have diabetes and want to learn to cook without sugar, you're in luck. There are a variety of non-nutritive sweeteners that the FDA has approved for home use. While they provide a sweet taste, most of these products lack the browning, tenderizing and moisture-retaining properties of granulated sugar. …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Another cup of green coffee please?

We have heard about all of the antioxidant benefits of green tea, but now green coffee beans? Coffee beans actually are green. They are the green seeds inside a bright red berry. It's the roasting process that turns the seeds brown and creates the characteristic aroma and flavor coffee lovers …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Celebrate Registered Dietitian Day

March 13th marks Registered Dietitian Day - a celebration that occurs during National Nutrition Month. When you need reliable food and nutrition information rely on qualified professionals in the field. Licensed, registered dietitians (RD's) draw on their experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. They …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Celebrate National Nutrition Month and diversity by eating right, your way

March is National Nutrition Month and this year the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day." When it comes to eating healthy, there is no one-size fits all. The United States is becoming increasingly diverse and so is our food supply. By …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Caution: High protein diets may pose problems

In our society today, weight and appearance seems to be the main focus on people's minds. After all, who doesn't want six pack abs or great arms? So, in order to reach this ideal perfect body, people will often turn to quick fixes also known as fad diets.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Cinnamon may be an answer for controlling blood glucose levels

Cinnamon is a favorite spice to add to a variety of dishes and drinks around the holidays, including coffee. Besides being low in calories, cinnamon also contains other health benefits including being an anti-inflammatory, boosting brain function, and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides levels. And on top of that, cinnamon is …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

The forbidden fruit

The apple has been a huge symbol in our life for centuries. It was known as the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden, the logo for the company Apple, the gift you gave to your teacher on the first day school, and the food that poisoned Snow White. There …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

What to do with all that pumpkin

One of fall's favorite pastimes is picking out a perfect pumpkin. You take it home, and carefully carve a jack-o-lantern to display on Halloween. But what happens to the rest of the pumpkin? Often it ends up being discarded. However, the seemingly useless insides of your pumpkin are actually very …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

School lunch: What's cooking?

Schools nationwide will be celebrating National School Lunch Week Oct. 15-19. This year's theme is "School Lunch-What's Cooking?" The Coeur d'Alene School District Nutrition Services has a week of festivities planned which will include events to promote the benefits of eating a healthy school lunch. This spotlight will put a …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Health and nutrition begins with family

Last week the University of Idaho's Women's Center sponsored Gloria Steinem to speak at the Women's Leadership Conference. Over the last 40 years, Ms. Steinem has played a pivotal role in the women's equality movement and is the co-founder of Ms. Magazine. In 1995 she was listed as one of …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Help for parents of picky eaters

"I don't like that." Does this sound familiar? If so, you are not alone! Children are born with more taste buds than adults, which mean that children are more sensitive to flavors than adults. They also are born with a preference for sweet tastes. This could be the reason why …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Do you REALLY know what's in your cup of Joe?

According to recent studies, Americans' receive most of their disease fighting antioxidants from a somewhat surprising source: coffee. With the seemingly endless lines at local coffee stands, it is a wonder that any of us ever get sick! Due to our close proximity to Seattle, and the birthplace of Starbucks, …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

10 ways to make good on the mint takeover

So you planted mint this year and now you know what "caution: may take over your garden" means. What do you do with it besides use it to freshen the garbage disposal? While I am unaware of any good recipes for "Stirfried Mint," I do have some ideas to share …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Earning an 'A' in lunch

Summer break is often when your child's healthy eating plan takes a vacation. As summer comes to a close, it's time to refocus your efforts to make sure your child is healthy and ready to learn to make those all important grades. Providing healthful meals and plenty of physical activity …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Off to college? Tips for preventing the Freshman 15

For those venturing off to college for the first time, it is a time of transition and new beginnings. Breaking away from familial routines, favorite foods and evening barbecues means time to establish independence. For many this also means the dreaded "Freshman 15" referring to the 15 pounds many young …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

August is a Peach of a Month

Ah, the peach - a classic sign of summer, that shows up in desserts and salads, an anticipated addition to farmers' markets and stands across the country from June through August. August is actually National Peach Month! You may love this sweet, juicy fruit, but how much do you know …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

If you like pina coladas...

Nothing says summer like sipping on a cool beverage in the backyard or while looking out over the lake. But when it comes to cocktails, these can be real calorie hogs. For example, a 16-ounce pina colada can clock in a whopping 880 calories. If you're looking for something to …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Summer road trip survival

Summer vacations are here and so are the long and sometimes dreaded road trips. Regardless if your children are toddlers or teens, keeping road trips healthy is always a challenge. Typical road trip food consists of convenience store calorie laden cuisine such as chips, sodas and candy. Simply, a 16 …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

The happiness diet - high in omega-3's

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids , found in cold water fish such as salmon, have long been considered positive additives to the diet because they protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Now there may be another benefit to omega-3's which have been linked to reducing …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Foods for survival - camping, hiking or any wrong turn in the wilderness!

Whether you are packing for a hike, camping trip, an emergency or simply stuck on a desert island, there are basic foods that we all need to be aware of for survival. Depending upon body size, genes and other unique factors, the average person may be able to survive without …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Summer meals for kids kick off

Summer vacation means the Summer Food Program is back in gear. The USDA wants to ensure children have easy access to Summer Food Service Program sites across the state. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program supports free breakfast, lunch and supper meals, as well …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Avoid food poisoning by keeping fruits, vegetables safe

Summer is a great time for eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whether they come from the local farmer's market, grocery store or your garden. Fresh produce may become contaminated with harmful pathogens that can cause food poisoning. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, one in six Americans get …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Justify that daily java

A recent article in Nutrition/Diet News gives us "Java Junkies" a reason to continue with our daily dose of goodness. Many studies have shown that heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The studies show that people who drink four or more cups of …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Breastfeeding is always best!

University of Idaho One of the first big decisions new parents make is how they will feed their newborn. When it comes to feeding infants, breastfeeding still reigns as the best. Breast milk is perfectly formulated for human babies, just as cow's milk is perfectly formulated for calves, bear's milk …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO