When I first became a dietitian, I had a glamorous idea of what providing nutrition education and counseling might look like. I envisioned working with patients who were motivated, ready to change, and interested in everything I had to say. Fast-forward to today, and I now know this was an unrealistic outlook. No matter what […]
With the start of a new year brings social pressures and expectations for clients to cut X, Y, and Z out of their lives and adapt a whole slew of new eating patterns and behaviors. While there may be good intentions behind these goals, they’re often unrealistic and can set our clients up for disappointment. […]
You can tell it’s going to be a rough session when a new patient sits down with their arms crossed and tells you the only reason they came is “because my doctor told me to.” As a diabetes educator and outpatient dietitian, I’ve seen quite a few patients who are angry about having to see […]
Whatever rifts may exist in the field of nutrition, one thing all health professionals can agree on is that including more produce in the diet is a simple way to improve health and well-being. Some believe that many of the benefits of plant-based diets in research aren’t due so much to excluding animal products but […]
While it may seem to us nutrition professionals that smoothies have “had their moment,” many of our clients still see them as a quick and easy meal or snack to increase nutrient intake—and they can be! But clients may still lack knowledge about building a balanced smoothie and therefore may not be getting the appetite […]
“I was bad. I ate a burger and fries. I know I should have gotten the salad.” How many of us have heard this from clients? And therefore we talk about how to frame the decision next time, how there’s no such thing as “good” and “bad” food, and how the foods we choose to […]
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability with a defined set of behaviors. A diagnosis of ASD now includes Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. ASD affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Scientists have yet to figure out what causes ASD and why those with ASD communicate, […]
We’re almost four weeks into the new year, and we probably already have encountered many clients who have made lists of resolutions they hope to keep. Most clients begin January with statements such as: “This year I will make sure I … [fill in the blank].” Unfortunately, these declarations usually are no more than a […]
As RDs, there’s no doubt in our minds that there’s more than one way to eat healthfully. But there’s also no doubt that eating has become a confusing matter for many people. Consumers receive more messages about food and eating than ever before. Hundreds of advertisements for every food from snacks to breakfast cereals to […]
Beans, peas, and lentils are all classified as legumes, which means they’re the seeds or pods of a plant. They have a rich flavor and are packed with a variety of nutrients, including magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and iron. What makes them unique is their rich protein and fiber content. One 1/2-cup serving of black beans […]
Home-delivered meals can be a valuable tool for dietitians to recommend to their patients. Under some circumstances, individuals may find themselves unable to cook or prepare nutritious meals on their own. Connecting them with a home-delivered meal service can help bridge the gap between limited cooking ability and adequate nutrition. This article will discuss a […]
My mother-in-law called me recently to tell me about a new salad dressing she’d bought. “It’s a low-fat Mediterranean vinaigrette,” she said. “What an awful product,” I replied. I told her the dressing likely contains more sodium and sugar than a full-fat vinaigrette. I went on to explain that the traditional Mediterranean diet is a […]
