by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 19, 2012
I don’t know if this is good or bad but the topics of this week’s off-site posts read like the cover blurbs on a popular magazine! This week’s Nutrition Diva podcast reviews a product that claims to keep you from losing muscle tone as you age (and offers tips on how to stay strong). Over on the What’s Cooking blog, I review an amusing research study finding that adding 3 extra servings of certain fruits and vegetables to your diet can give you a rosier, healthier looking complexion in just a few weeks. On the Quick and Dirty Blog, I tackle claims that eliminating grains will cure, well, everything. Finally, the Huffington Post picked up my piece on how to break a weight loss plateau.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 15, 2012
Is farm-raised fish safe?
Q. I have seen a lot of conflicting information about the safety of farmed-raised fish. I stopped buying farm-raised salmon years ago because of the concern. How does farm-raised trout stack up to other fish in terms of nutrition and safety? Where does most of the supply come from in USA?
A. Unfortunately, this issue is a moving target. Exponential growth in aquaculture and the pressure to control costs means that procedures are constantly evolving. If watchdog groups make enough noise about a safety or nutrition concern, the industry often changes practices in response. So, something that was a concern a few years ago may no longer be a problem. (See, for example: Farmed salmon gets an anti-inflammatory makeover.) However, newer concerns may have cropped up in the meantime.
The best resource I’ve found to keep up with these issues is Seafood Watch. These guys are working hard to stay on top of all of these issues and to provide up-to-date resources for consumers trying to make safe and responsible choices. They have a number of tools for consumers, including a mobile app for your smart phone or a low-tech wallet card, as well as in-depth reports on individual fish. According to the fact-sheet on farmed trout, most of the farm-raised trout in the U.S. is produced in Idaho, with a minimum of negative environmental impacts. They consider it an excellent choice.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 12, 2012
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on March 4, 2012
You’ll usually only find carob at health food stores or in the “healthy food” aisle of the regular grocery store. So, what are the advantages of substituting carob for chocolate? How do the two compare nutritionally? Find out in this week’s show.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on February 27, 2012
I’ve gotten half a dozen requests from readers to weigh in on krill oil, an omega-3 supplement that’s supposed to be even better for you than fish oil! Of course, it’s also more expensive. So let’s take a closer look at what advantages krill oil might (or might not) offer and whether it’s worth the premium price. Read or listen to it here.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on February 12, 2012
We hear a lot about the importance of eating a varied diet, but is it truly essential? Why couldn’t you just eat the same healthy meal plan every day? I discuss the advantages (and potential disadvantages) of a varied diet in this week’s episode. Read or listen to it here.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on February 10, 2012
It’s a lot easier to change your eating habits when everyone in the family is on board. But they often aren’t. In this week’s episode, I have tips for how to stick to your program even if others in the household are not being supportive. Read or listen to it here.
by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN on January 29, 2012
When the news of Paula Deen’s Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis first broke, I was hopeful that it might provide a “teachable moment” for the millions of fans who cherish Paula and relish her over-the-top brand of culinary naughtiness. Instead, Paula seems to be sending a very different message; one that I find quite dangerous. Read or listen to more here.
I don’t know if this is good or bad but the topics of this week’s off-site posts read like the cover blurbs on a popular magazine! This week’s Nutrition Diva podcast reviews a product that claims to keep you from losing muscle tone as you age (and offers tips on how to stay strong). Over on the What’s Cooking blog, I review an amusing research study finding that adding 3 extra servings of certain fruits and vegetables to your diet can give you a rosier, healthier looking complexion in just a few weeks. On the Quick and Dirty Blog, I tackle claims that eliminating grains will cure, well, everything. Finally, the Huffington Post picked up my piece on how to break a weight loss plateau.
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 
