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Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Can eating more often help you stay thin?
Can eating more often help you stay thin?

A study in this month’s  Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that people of normal weight eat more frequently (5 times per day on average) than overweight people (who average 4.2 times per day), suggesting that eating more frequently may be a key to maintaining a healthy weight.  At least, that’s what all the headlines will say–and this will fuel the popular myth that eating more frequently “revs up your metabolism.”

See also: Metabolism Myths

But let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?   Continue reading “Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?” >

Is MSG Bad for You? Part 2 of 2.

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThe FDA and EU consider MSG to be a harmless flavor enhancer; critics claim it’s a dangerous toxin. Who’s right? Last week, I explained what MSG is, how it acts in the body, how it’s used in the food supply.  This week, I take  a closer look at charges that MSG causes headaches (“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”), neurological damage, or has harmful effects on insulin, diabetes risk, or even obesity.   Read or listen to Part 2 here.

My Take on the Potato Wars

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Should potatoes be classified as vegetables?

One of the proposed changes to the National School Lunch Program is to limit the amount of “starchy” vegetables like corn and potatoes to no more than two servings a week.  Turns out that potatoes (mostly in the form of French fries) constitute 75% of the vegetables eaten in our school cafeterias.   The idea is that cutting back on potatoes might compel kids to consume other vegetables.  French fried carrots, presumably.  Continue reading “My Take on the Potato Wars” >

Is MSG Safe? (Part 1 of 2)

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThe FDA and EU consider MSG to be a harmless flavor enhancer; critics claim it’s a dangerous toxin. Who’s right? In this article, I take a look at what MSG is, how it acts in the body, how it’s used in the food supply.  In Part 2 , I’ll take a closer look at charges that MSG causes headaches (“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”), neurological damage, or has harmful effects on insulin, diabetes risk, or even obesity.   Read or listen to Part 1 here.

Stocking a Healthy Kitchen on a Budget

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThis week’s podcast is for recent college graduates and others who are new to the business of food shopping, meal planning, and preparation. To be honest, even experienced householders often struggle with these tasks.  If you’ve ever unloaded 8 bags of groceries only to discover that you don’t have the makings for a single meal, you know what I mean—and these tips can help. Read or listen to it here.