Beyond the Nutrition Facts Label: Ingredients Matter

by Sabra Leomo, RD

There is no denying that reading the Nutrition Facts Label is important when you are shopping for food. With nutrition facts focusing on serving size and nutrients such as calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate and protein, the actual ingredients that go into food items are often overlooked. A food item may fit into your requirements for calories or other parameters but may be filled with highly-processed or artificial ingredients.

Fall in Love with Avocados

by Sabra Leomo, RD

It is only fitting that February is American Heart Month. With Valentine’s Day being celebrated in February, hearts receive a lot of attention. The most important heart, the one beating in our chest, definitely deserves some extra attention. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The great news is that a healthy lifestyle and eating habits protect against and also reverse heart disease.

Find Your Sweet Spot: Reducing Added Sugar in Your Diet

by Sabra Leomo, RD

Most of us are looking to establish healthy eating habits in the New Year. Most people consume more sugar than they realize. The obvious sources of added sugar are candy, cookies, and pastries as well as sugar-sweetened beverages like juice, soda, and sports drinks. Added sugar also lurks in seemingly innocent foods like peanut butter, bread, marinara sauce, and salad dressing. It’s no wonder people are consuming more sugar than they think! Added sugars are sugars or syrups that are added to foods during processing.

Managing Food Cravings

by Sabra Leomo, RD

We have all been there—it’s the middle of the day or after winding down after dinner and you just can’t stop thinking about a certain food. Food cravings can be intense; the very definition of a craving is a strong desire. There can be nothing stronger than the desire for that certain sweet or salty food that is stuck in your thoughts. Typically food cravings center on foods that are high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. When ingested these types of food release feel-good chemicals that temporarily boost our mood.

Plant-Based Diets: Current Research Supports its Vast Health Benefits

by Sabra Leomo, RD

How many people do you know are enjoying plant-based diets? Plant-based diets (PBD) have continued to gain popularity and awareness over the past few years. This popularity is more than the latest diet fad since accumulating research supports the health benefits of a high-quality plant-based diet.

Research to support PBD is plentiful because of what they include: phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What PBD are low in also provides health benefits, this includes saturated and trans fat, added sugars, and highly processed foods.

Four Tips to Fuel Your Workout

by Sabra Leomo, RD

Making the right choices to fuel your body doesn’t have to be difficult. There is an abundance of information available about what, when, and how to eat to fuel your workouts. While athletes such as marathon runners have more specific guidelines to follow, these 4 tips will help fuel the “everyday athlete”. 

5 Tips for Back to School Sleep

by Sabra Leomo, RD

Are your kids prepared to go back to school? Summer is winding down and school is on everyone’s mind. Prepping for back to school usually involves new clothes, shoes, and school supplies but often we don’t think about prepping for a back to school sleep schedule. Going to bed late and sleeping in may have become your child’s summer sleep pattern. While that schedule works for lazy summer days, when school starts up again being well-rested is incredibly important for a successful school year. Children that are well-rested have fewer behavior issues and are able to focus better in school. Face it, we all get cranky when we are tired. To help you get your kids on track for the school year, here are 5 sleep tips.

5 Steps to build a Healthier Smoothie

by Sabra Leomo, RD

Summer is here!  As the temperatures rise, break out the blender to cool yourself off!

Smoothies can make quick, healthy meals or snacks, and they can keep you cool when the sun is blazing. Summer is also a busy time and portable, healthy meals and snacks are in demand for all members of your family. Unfortunately, when you are out and about picking up a conventional smoothie can be a sugar and calorie-filled disappointment. Learn how to beat the heat and create your own healthy smoothies with these 5 tips:

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