Nutrition Notes: A Call to Save Seeds
Seeds are the foundation of our food supply. Having enough seeds and a variety of seeds in the hands of people (not controlled by corporations) is a necessity for people to have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food to optimize health and well-being. In observance of this year’s National Nutrition Month
Nutrition Notes: Nutrition Tips for Winter Months
As winter months approach and the temperatures drop, it becomes essential to pay close attention to your nutrition. The cold, icy conditions and longer hours of darkness can pose challenges to exercising and accessing food, healthcare, and social opportunities. These factors can magnify health issues, making it even more important to focus on a balanced
Nutrition Notes: The Growing Interest in Mushrooms
Interest in culinary and medicinal mushrooms has blossomed in recent years. Julia Coffey, founder and owner of Mycoterra Farm and Mass Food Delivery in South Deerfield, MA, has been keeping pace with expanded public interest through her mushroom growing and food delivery businesses. I met with Julia at her farm on a sunny, summer day
Nutrition Notes: Dietary Approaches to Support the Gut Microbiome
Did you know that trillions of microorganisms live in our bodies? These microbial communities, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are collectively known as “microbiota,” and in combination with their genes and environment where they live, make up our “microbiome.” The gut microbiome, made up of 100 trillion microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract including
Nutrition Notes: Eating for the Health of the Earth and Future Generations
What would our diets look like if we considered not just our own nourishment and health, but also the health of the Earth and our future generations? For me, this question is central to the theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month: “Fuel for the Future.” Since 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has
Nutrition Notes: Rising Food Prices—How to Eat Well In Spite of Them
I was shocked recently at the grocery store to see that my favorite cereal was $3 more per pound than a few months earlier. I’m sure most of you can relate, as the drastic rise in food prices this year is hard to ignore. The Economic Research Service of the USDA has predicted
Nutrition Notes: Is the Mediterranean Diet Right For Me?
Are you looking for ways to improve your health and brain function, prevent disease, and control your weight? You may want to consider the Mediterranean diet, still honored as the number one overall diet in America by U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking. The Mediterranean diet is not necessarily about cutting calories. It is
Nutrition Notes: Food and Mood—What’s the Connection?
When you’re feeling stressed, or after having a bad day, do you ever find yourself mindlessly eating chips out of the bag, ice cream from the container, or a very large piece of chocolate? You may have experienced this kind of stress eating, but do you think there’s a connection between your food and your
Nutrition Notes: Celebrate a World of Flavors for National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to focus attention on healthful eating and developing long-term, sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” It encourages us to celebrate flavors and cultures from around the world
Nutrition Notes: The role of nutrition in preventing inflammation
Did you know that inflammation is more than a swollen ankle or a cut finger after a fall or injury? Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, can be far more serious and may be the cause of serious health issues including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and more.
There are two types of inflammation, acute
Nutrition Notes: Food, the Perfect Gift for Seniors
Buying gifts for seniors can be a challenge. By the time you reach a certain age you don’t need any more “stuff” in your life. There are also many seniors who live alone and who may not have the strength to do much in the way of food preparation. Food can be the perfect gift