by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on May 8, 2013
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on April 28, 2013
Researchers made a fascinating discovery this month about diet and heart disease–and we all learned a new word: Carnitine. Unfortunately, there was the usual rush to translate complex research into a 30-second eat-this-not-that sound-byte for the evening news. Now that the dust has settled–and we’ve turned our attention to over-simplifying this week’s research findings–here’s my take on the significance of carnitine and red meat.
From the mailbag, a reader wonders what caused her veggies to become carbonated. (If you’re thinking lactic acid, you’re on the right track!) Another wants to know if there’s any such thing as a wholesome processed food. (Absolutely!) Here, also, is a round-up of what to look for when selecting a protein powder.
On Newstands now: Subscribers to Oxygen Magazine can check out my article on Eating Seasonally in the May Issue. Readers of Baltimore Style will find the first of a new monthly column I’ll be writing for that magazine in the May/June issue.
Second DietBet Game Announced: After a recent podcast on the pros and cons of social dieting and diet wagers, the popular DietBet website hosted a game just for Nutrition Diva fans. I wasn’t actively involved in the game but apparently it was a huge success. By request, they’ve set up another one beginning May 1st. Click here to learn more.
Podcast Listeners: Can you spare 5 minutes to give us your candid opinions about podcasts, sponsors and advertising? This survey is quick and painless–and includes a link to the results thus far, if you’d like to see how your views line up with everyone else’s. Thanks for your input!
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on April 12, 2013
Some people are always looking for a loophole…like this reader who wondered whether he could undo the effects of a high-sodium diet by drinking extra water. I’m afraid that strategy won’t get you too far. But I do have another strategy that could get you further. You can read about it here.
I’ve been “tweeting” nutrition news and notes for almost five years now but this recent tweet broke all previous records for “re-tweets.” (Click here to see what the fuss was about!)
Along the same lines, this reader question about low-carb diets for endurance atheletes sparked a lot of discussion, both within the Paleo community as well as among the long-distance running crowd.
Another reader wonders whether it’s possible to get too much vitamin A from vegetables. And finally, from the “Weird Facts” file: Turns out that hikers are savvier about nutrition marketing claims.
Coming soon: My response to the recent findings on carnitine in red meat!
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 27, 2013
After stalling for months (and dozens of requests), I finally waded into the Paleo pile-up with my take on the primary advantages and disadvantages of this approach. Happily, no angry cavemen have arrived on my doorstep (yet)!
As you may know, Paleo enthusiasts avoid dairy products entirely. But for others who consume dairy, this week’s newsletter entertains the question, “How much milk is too much?”
As warm weather approaches (here in the Northern hemisphere anyway), magazines and websites are trotting out their predictable features on diet and foods that supposedly melt belly fat. Find out whether there any truth to these “flat-belly” foods. And if you’re trying to trim your tummy, you might want to think twice about thumbing (or clicking) through those cooking magazines and websites. Not surprisingly, pictures of yummy foods can stimulate your appetite. Sadly, pictures of low-calorie vegetables don’t seem to have quite the same crave-inducing properties.
Have a great week!
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 15, 2013
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 12, 2013
What have you always wanted to know about coffee? I’ll be on the TODAY show this Thursday (3/14) to talk about America’s obsession with coffee and how it may be helping (or harming) our health. Tell the TODAY how you feel about your coffee and tweet your questions to the producers using the tag #caffeinatednation. We’ll be answering many of those questions during the segment, which should air about 8:20am (ET).
While you’re waiting, check out this week’s Nutrition Diva episode on diet-betting.A surprising number of people are finding success by signing up for programs that use financial rewards—or penalties—to motivate them to achieve their goals. It might be just the thing to jump-start your efforts, or to boost you across the finish line.
In fact, the folks at DietBet.com have set up a special game for Nutrition Diva fans to support each other in a friendly weight-loss wager. Check it out here. (Disclosure: DietBet.com is a new sponsor of the Nutirtion Diva podcast.)
And if you’re trying to watch your weight, you won’t want to miss this quick tip on the foods that are LEAST likely to satisfy your appetite.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 8, 2013
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 5, 2013
The annual observation of Heart Health month always triggers a predictable parade of articles endorsing the same “heart healthy” foods: almonds, flax, salmon, red wine, chocolate. This year, I decided to go rogue with five heart-healthy foods that you probably didn’t see on anyone else’s list, along with the reasons they deserve a place on your cardio-conscious diet. But maybe I shouldn’t assume that everyone has gotten the memo on diet and heart health. This reader’s doctor actually suggested that she start using powdered creamer in her coffee to help bring down her high cholesterol levels. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I made a different suggestion.
At your request, I also put together a comparison of flax, chia, and hemp seed. Are all high in fiber and omega-3s–but there are also a few important differences. Find out how these three seeds stack up nutritionally and how to use them.
Calcium was also in the news this week, with a new study linking high dose calcium supplements to heart disease. Read my recommendations for balancing bone health and heart health. Also, find out how much calcium is absorbed from various foods. Also, a tip on what to do with the liquid that sometimes forms on top of yogurt.
Thanks for all the great questions and topic suggestions. Coming up soon: Wagering on Weight Loss, and a review of the Paleo Diet!
True confessions: I recently noticed that my dietary choices of late have been…well…less than optimal. What’s a Nutrition Diva to do? In this week’s podcast, I remind my listeners (and myself) of the power of planning. So often, the reason my day doesn’t quite as planned is because I really don’t have a plan. See if any of these tips might help you get back on track.
"I'd rather crusade for commonsense than feed the media's insatiable appetite for content," says Monica in this frank interview with Today's Diet and Nutrition Magazine
Monica sets the record straight about diet and breast cancer on TheDailyMeal.com 
Is weight loss a losing battle? Monica responds to Tara Parker-Pope's New York Times piece "The Fat Trap." 
Who says eating right has to break the bank? Monica tells financial writer Amy Fontinelle which foods offer the most nutrition for the money. 
Seven Good-For-You Foods: Why they're healthy and how to prepare them.
Are grains really essential to a healthy diet? Oxygen Magazine asks the Nutrition Diva for advice. 
How does an opera singer end up dishing out nutrition advice? Entrepreneur Magazine's SecondAct.com profiles the making of a Nutrition Diva. 
Moms have enough to worry about. Monica dishes on "Five Dumb Nutrition Rules Worth Breaking" on The Stir Blog on CafeMom.com 
