The Blue Zones Diet and the Role of Whole Grains 

In pockets of the world, select groups of people are successfully improving their longevity and maintaining their health, compared to the rest of the population. Known as “Blue Zones,” these areas support health-boosting lifestyles primarily due to what and how the populations eat, move and socialize, according to a growing body of research.    Researchers […]

Lunch Box Fatigue…Here Some Healthy Food Options to Shake it Up 

Children’s bodies are constantly in a state of growth. Even with small changes, such as growth spurts, kids need more nutrients and calories than what they burn to fuel that growth. That’s why getting the right nutrition is so important.   The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages nutrient-dense grain foods, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and […]

12 Benefits of the Blue Zone Diet/Lifestyle

The Blue Zones living has everyone wishing for that high quality longevity and living healthier lives. What exactly is the secret of their longevity success? Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones, extensive study uncovers how these centenarians managed to not only live longer but live a healthy high-quality longevity.  As someone who grew up in […]

World Menopause Month – The Most Common Diet Mistake Women Make in Menopause

Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD October is World Menopause Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering conversation about menopause to empower women to lead their healthiest lives. In the United States alone, approximately 6,000 women enter menopause every day, while millions more are navigating perimenopause, also known as the menopause transition. Although every woman […]

Family Meals Month: The Importance of Making and Sharing Meals Together

In celebration of Family Meals Month, we’re highlighting the positive outcomes shown from families making and sharing meals together. Research shows that eating together as a family improves family connection, communication, expressiveness, and problem-solving . Seventeen studies also identified a positive relationship between a higher frequency of family meals and better nutritional status, food consumption, […]

Unveiling The Hidden Gems: 5 Lesser-Known Benefits Of Whole Grains

Co-authored by Charlotte Martin, MS, RDN, LDN, CSOWM, CPT and Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD Grains have been a staple in human diets for centuries, providing sustenance, nutrition, and versatility to countless cultures across the globe. While the health benefits of whole grains are widely recognized, there are several hidden advantages that might not be as […]

Refreshing Summertime Sandwich Recipes

As the end of summer is nearing, Americans are enjoying the remainder of their sunny days with family, friends, and fun – and most importantly food! With much of their time spent outside and on-the-go, sandwiches are the perfect meal to easily whip together and customize for any occasion. We’re sharing some of our favorite […]

National Sandwich Month: Building a Better Sandwich

Despite 42% of people saying bread is the most important ingredient in a sandwich1, many choose to opt out of using bread on sandwiches to cut carbs and calories. However, a 2017 study2 of children and adolescents showed that all grain foods, including breads, not only contribute less than 15 percent of all calories in […]

Think of Refined Grains in Two Categories

Think of refined grains in two categories: Staples and Indulgences

What are Refined Grains? All grains are made up of three parts – the endosperm, bran, and germ. During the milling process, refined grains are made by removing the bran and germ, thereby removing dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Milling the grain creates a finer texture that is more palatable and extends shelf […]