Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
Dreading the holidays because of the food? Or maybe you’ve been following a healthy diet and worried the holidays will disrupt your new lifestyle. Below are helpful tips about how to eat, but not feel stuffed, around the holidays. 1. Maintain Your Weight – Holidays are a time to enjoy. It is hard enough to…
As a dietitian, I see firsthand the impact that small changes have on people’s health. I work primarily with people with diabetes, but many of them have other conditions as well, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, hypothyroidism, PCOS, or obesity. Each condition has different diet recommendations, but one thing is constant for all of…
Fat is often seen as the villain in the world of nutrition. This is not true, as it depends on the type of fat. Saturated and trans-fats (also called hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats) are often added to processed foods such as potato chips and baked sweet items to preserve their shelf life. Saturated and…
Read any popular diet advice and you’ll find the never-ending question, “Are grains good or are they bad?” The answer is that grains are essential for a balanced diet! The USDA MyPlate illustration defines grains as either whole or refined. The goal is to make at least half of the grains that you eat daily…
We find blue, indigo, and purple at the end of the rainbow, and we find those at the end of our “eating in color” series too! The deep blue and purple colors in fruits and vegetables are due to the presence of anthocyanidins. These are powerful antioxidants which support the immune system. They may also…
Let’s celebrate the bright colors and sweet flavors of orange and yellow fruits and vegetables! Orange produce is full of Vitamin C that provides an immune system boost, sweeps out free radicals, and is important for healthy skin and bones. They also provide Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which boosts eye health and…
Fruits & Vegetables: Is Fresh the Best for Your 5 a Day? Current USDA guidelines recommend that fruits and vegetables make up the core of the American diet. USDA food consumption surveys find that the average American falls far short—consuming only 0.9 cups of fruit and 1.4 cups of vegetables per day. Cost, in…
Everyone loves a snack! Snacks should be a planned part of your child’s daily food intake. A good snack can help them to make it from one meal to the next, serve as a little treat, or even give a burst of energy before an activity. Here are some tips for making the most…
The focus this month is to raise awareness about key steps to prevent you and your loved ones from getting sick. Currently, one in six people gets sick from food poisoning annually. Here are 4 key rules to help keep you healthy by avoiding food borne illness. Clean- Wash your hands often with warm soapy…
Vitamins and other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables play important roles in maintaining healthy eyes and good vision. Antioxidants in our diet, like vitamins A and C, zinc, and other nutrients, can help protect our cells from becoming damaged over time, leading to age-related eye diseases and cataracts. The benefits of a diet high…