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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it really all about one little (or big) number?

With more Americans eating out and consuming portion sizes astronomically larger than before, cooking and family meals have been swapped for convenience and frenzied eating on the go. It is no wonder that one third of Americans are obese, and two thirds are overweight or obese.
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, 6 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

Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

As fresh organic farmers' markets wind down and we head back to the grocery stores for our produce, we have a choice: organic or conventional? When shopping, people are always looking for bargains and ways to stretch their dollar as far as possible. With the cost of food steadily rising, …
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, 8 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, 12 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 12 YEARS 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, 1 MONTH 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

Everybody knows somebody

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men have suffered from an eating disorder at some time in their life. Feb. 24-March 2 is National Eating Disorders Awareness week. Changing our society's unrealistic views on body image is critical. Early diagnosis and intervention is the key.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Designing a beautiful and bountiful balcony

Spring is lurking around the corner and now is the time to be thinking about planting your garden. For those trying to become more health conscious or trying to consume more organic foods, gardening has become increasing popular. You don't need a huge yard to have a bountiful garden this …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Heart healthy ways to show your love this Valentine's Day

February is an important month. It represents American Heart Month and also Valentine's Day.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Ramen Noodle make over

Ah, Ramen Noodles. These little bags or cups of dried noodles with soup-flavored powders are cheap and easy to prepare, making them a favorite must-have for most college students. Ramen is an ideal food for the dorm room because you just add hot water and have an instant meal in …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Time to focus on fiber

January is Fiber Focus Month! Really, we don't make this stuff up. If eating healthy is at the top of your resolutions list for 2013, then consider fiber. Most Americans do not get enough. We know we should eat more fiber, but why is it good for our health?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Coo-Coo for coconut water?

Every New Year brings a plethora of new trends in nutrition, but a few 2012 trends are still hanging around and one in particular seems to be continuing on its demand trajectory-coconut water. What exactly is coconut water?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS 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, 4 MONTHS AGO

Navigating New Year parties with diabetes

If you have diabetes, drinking alcohol can be especially dangerous. The action of insulin and diabetes medications is to lower blood glucose. Since alcohol is metabolized by the liver, when you drink, your liver has to work to remove the alcohol from your blood instead of helping the pancreas to …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Healthy holiday shopping starts at home

Holidays and food budget are often contradictory. Sometimes just the thought of food planning can put a damper on the holiday spirit, but it doesn't have to! With just a few minutes of planning at home and following a few strategies for the grocery store, you will not only have …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Slow and steady wins the race with preventing holiday weight gain

Increasing your pant size may seem inevitable this winter season as so many of us seem to munch our way through the holidays. At parties and days of celebration, we often find ourselves grazing throughout the day or eating plates and plates full of mouthwatering classics. By the end of …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

World Diabetes Day

Today, Nov. 14 marks World Diabetes Day. It was created by the International Diabetes Federation to promote diabetes advocacy and awareness. This year's slogan is Diabetes: Protect Our Future.
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

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, 7 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

Cow's milk substitutes: Truly healthy or just plain trendy?

While cow's milk has been a staple of the American diet since at least the invention of the chocolate chip cookie, there are now many alternatives to milk, most of which are made from plant based sources such as soy beans, almonds, rice and coconuts. For those who are intolerant …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Nutrition challenge: Can you eat on $3 a day?

Watching groceries ring up in the supermarket line can make anyone lose their appetite. As you look for new ways to save a buck, maybe it's time to consider your daily food bill. Simple strategies and tricks can stretch your food dollar and bring you a sense of satisfaction.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Back to school survival skills

Crowded hallways, nervous students, and the chatter of people seeing their friends for the first time is the usual scene at any school this time of year. Finding the right classes and looking their best is on the mind of every student, but among the chaos, eating right tends to …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Calorie-conscious summer sipping

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

Food or fantasy?

Ready to try adding some fantasy to your diet? Try the new and trendy dragon fruit. Also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya Fruit, dragon fruit is a beautiful tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Israel. A type of cactus, with an intense dragon like …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Gene type doesn't always determine jean size - you do!

We are all given a set of genes thanks to the generous donation from our parents. Some of these genes we like and some we are not so fond of. Accepting your genetic blueprint is the first step to living a life of health and vitality. If your shoe size …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Growing healthy pea pickers

Sunshine and summer are upon us, this is a perfect time to start planning your garden! This year don't hesitate to get your child involved with the planning. Letting kids partake in the gardening process can increase fruit and vegetable intake. Growing fruits, vegetables or herbs can help show children …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Taking care of your totes

If you are the one out of six people who wash their grocery totes - kudos to you. If you are not, you are so busted! As we all try to be a little more eco-friendly, reusable grocery totes have become increasingly popular when it comes to transporting groceries. A …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Pros, cons of 'pink slime'

Social media networks have been eating up Pink Slime recently - no pun intended. Lean, finely textured beef (LFTB), also known as "pink slime" that is found in many of our beef products, is the hot new nutrition topic of interest this spring. LFTB is a low fat, high protein …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Planting your garden by the moon

When you are sipping that much deserved glass of wine, do you ever think of what makes it taste just so crisp or smooth? Is it how long it was aged? Is it the type of wine? Is it how hard and long you worked that day that makes wine …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Is obesity the government's business?

How much does the obesity epidemic in this country influence government and health care? That is the question currently being debated by decision makers, health-care providers, politicians and consumers.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

On RD Day and every day, registered dietitians celebrated as leaders in improving America's health

March is National Nutrition Month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthy eating. It is also a time when the academy celebrates registered dietitians as the food and nutrition experts.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Get your plate in shape for national nutrition month

March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is about getting your plate in shape! Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your bowl. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Flamingo feathers for inflammation?

Inflammation - is it friend or foe? Inflammation is essential for our survival. It's the body's immune response to fight infection and repair damaged tissues. It shows up in many different ways, from swelling of a sprained ankle, to the red knuckles of arthritis to red skin from sunburn. Temporary …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Renovate with red

As February comes to an end we say goodbye to hues of red, maroon, pink and white, dangling heart decorations, chocolate and love. Why not continue to embrace the festivities of February and focus on your love for you this month by simply focusing on RED?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

It's all Greek to me!

So what IS Greek yogurt? Many people are still in the dark when it comes to this dairy product that is gaining immense popularity. Greek yogurt is a healthy option that can offer great nutritional benefits, and it has an edge over traditional yogurt when the two are compared (although …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

A blast from the past

The ancient grains are back with a bang. Grain varieties such as amaranth, millet, quinoa and buckwheat have been around for centuries but have experienced a comeback in recent years. In contrast to many modern grains that have been bred selectively over thousands of years, these varieties are virtually unchanged …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Spicing up the New Year

Add some spice to your diet this year. Using herbs and spices in daily cooking not only adds flavor to meals but is also beneficial to your health. Herbs and spices are flavorful sources of antioxidants and may be protective against cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

A new year's resolution for your kids!

How many commercials do your children watch per year? We know that TV watching has been positively associated with obesity in children. Obviously the more time spent in front of the TV, the less activity that children are engaged in. That's a no-brainer. But what is the influence of the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Will 2012 be your healthiest year yet?

With 2012 right around the corner, it's the time for New Year's resolutions. If you are looking for a new reason to lose a few pounds - how about this? For every 2.2 pounds of fat on your body, you add two to four miles of additional blood vessels. These …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

This winter quench your skin from the inside out!

For glowing, vibrant and younger-looking skin, what you put on your plate is just as important as what you put on your skin. Everything that you eat contributes to the inner and outer you, so why take chances when it comes to healthy skin? A balanced diet is the best …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Got the winter blues?

Wondering how you can add some color to your life and diet during the winter months? Try some winter greens. Not only are they packed with nutrients to perk up your body, they'll also perk up your dinner table. Winter greens are green leafy vegetables that are seasonally available during …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

The nutritionfountain of youth?

The legend of the fountain of youth has been around for thousands of years. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," the narrative of the search for the fountain of youth captivates the minds of audiences young and old. The question of whether the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Ch-ch-ch-chia, watch me grow!

Let's take a walk down memory lane back to 1983. A time when MC Hammer pants were in, hair was big and the shoulder pads were even bigger. But let's not forget about the beginning of the animal-shaped terracotta figurines used to sprout "chia" to resemble the animals fur or …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Holiday Travel: A weighting game

Does holiday travel leave you feeling tired and heavy? You are not alone. An estimated 42.5 million Americans will travel this holiday season. During the holidays, shopping, packing and traveling to and from holiday destinations are top priorities. Eating often becomes an afterthought, leading to unhealthy food choices while on …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

The power of 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 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Enjoying the holidays with diabetes

The holidays are filled with joyous gatherings, traditions and many delicious treats. The holidays may also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Stresses can include traveling, preparing for a large gathering, shopping, decorating and cooking. Busy schedules can also lead to lack of physical activity. Holiday …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Dining out with diabetes

November is American Diabetes. Nearly 26 million children and adults in America have diabetes. An additional, 79 million are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This disease is taking a huge physical and financial toll on our country. Diabetes Month isn't just about making people aware of the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Kicking themulti-vitamin habit

To use vitamin and mineral supplements or not? That is the question of the hour. If you have been keeping up with the news lately, vitamin supplementation has come under scrutiny as a result of some large longitudinal study findings. Unless you are likely to have a serious deficiency in …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

October is National Farm to School Month

Did you know Idaho exports more than 50 percent of its wheat crop and more than 86 percent of its lentils? The Idaho Farm to School Program works toward having Idaho grown food served to those participating in Idaho Child Nutrition Programs - The School Lunch and Child and Adult …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Time to ditch the diet?

Sweets and other snacks may be the downfall to anyone's plan to lose weight, but new research is contradicting that claim. A recent article in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association detailed a study about weight loss in overweight and obese premenopausal women. In this …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

How foods fight cancer

On a weekly basis, we are bombarded with information about the latest, greatest cancer-fighting super food or supplement. While many of the featured items may not do all they're cracked up to, there is some truth to the message: food really can make a huge difference in the prevention and …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Savvy budgeting, shopping strategies that will feed your family... and you're wallet

Getting the most for your money when it comes to shopping for healthy food isn't rocket science. There are several savvy tactics to use. The more angles and resources used, the more potential dollars saved. Begin with a little bit of planning. There are several websites designed to help the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Healthy 'bytes' from your phone

Instant nutrition gratification... that's what you get with a touch of a button on your smart phone. These new phones provide immediate access to a smorgasbord of health and wellness information, so no more excuses about not having access to health information.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Faring well with fair food

The fair is almost here and with it food temptations lurk around every corner. It may seem impossible to find healthy foods at the fair but if you look hard enough the fair offers some delicious and somewhat healthy options.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

The high costs ofeating healthy - NOT!

Some people like to claim that eating healthier is more expensive. But, the true cost of eating lies in what it will cost you from a health standpoint. From this perspective, most of us cannot afford to NOT eat healthy because poor diet is linked to risk factors for so …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

What to do with all those plums: Dry them!

What do you get when you mix holy water and prune juice? A religious movement. Yes, the poor prune has been the butt of jokes like this for decades. Well now thanks to some new research, prunes may have the last laugh.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Health comes in all sizes

We live in a society that rejects any body shape or size that doesn't match an impossible ideal, but is there really an ideal? Tuning into your own bodies, focusing on health, and finding your own personal fitness level is the key to lifelong wellness.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Dealing with reluctant men and health

Men's health issues don't affect only men. They can significantly impact everyone around them. Women live longer than men, and consequently they see their fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands suffer or die prematurely.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sports nutrition to speed up performance

Eating to give maximum performance for sports events can be tricky, but not impossible. Leslie Bonci, RD, sports nutritionist for the Pittsburgh Steelers suggests that most athletes can detract from performance by making the following common mistakes:
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Summer barbecues & picnics

Summer is here at last! It's time to break out the grills, picnic baskets and party music. Summer picnics and barbecues can be an extremely dangerous time when it comes to foodborne illnesses. They are breeding grounds for bacteria and food-borne illness because of the way the food is prepared, …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Are your social networks making you fit or fat?

Families, friends and other social networks have the ability to largely influence a person's fitness level. The reason is that people tend to take on the attitudes, behaviors, obesity acceptance of their networks. A new research reported in the July 2007 Edition of The New England Journal of Medicine suggested …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Introducing 'My Plate'

Goodbye "Food Guide Pyramid" and hello "My Plate." Last week the USDA unveiled a new icon to replace the complicated and confusing pyramid. The new icon is a plate divided into four sections, with fruits and vegetables on one half and protein and grains on the other. A circle for …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Understanding the role of curcumin in Alzheimer's

The link to healthy diets and brain health is well established. The link to diet and Alzheimer's Disease is less clearly established, but new information on curcumin (found in turmeric) may prove to be helpful.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Family gardening: The solution to hunger is in your own backyard

As day to day living costs continue to climb, now is a great time to supplement your family's diet with food grown in your own yard.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO