The effects on the body after having regular soda

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Most of us already know that soda provides no nutritional value and has an enormous amount of refined sugar. However, there are some other interesting consequences. Below is a list of what happens in the body 1 hour after drinking a regular soda.   1) In the first 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system (100% of RDI). You don’t immediately throw-up  from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down. 2) 20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar … [Read more...]

Seaweed

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My baby loves seaweed. It sounds strange but he just loves to hold those little slices of black/green paper-like substances in his little fingers and chomps away. Maybe it’s the texture, the crunch, maybe it is that sea-like flavor or it could possibly be the nutrient content that he is craving. It’s a good thing too because having a mom as a nutritionist, you’re lucky if you like seaweed as snack since it will be a looong time before you get to have cookies! You know I’ll be one of those moms that offers the kids seaweed and quinoa croquettes after school as a snack rather than … [Read more...]

New Mama looking for inspiration?

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As a new mom myself, I am constantly looking for new recipes to make for my little man, Leo. I came across this great recipe that not only seems to make it into the mouth of my picky eater, but also meets the high nutritional quality criteria for his Nutritionist mother! They are great for a meal or even for transporting with you while you're out and about. They can definitely be eaten either warm or cold so that makes them extra easy for busy moms on the run. Honestly, it doesn't matter what your age is...these amazing croquettes are good for everyone.   QUINOA AND PEA SPICE … [Read more...]

5 weight loss tips

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  Are you doing these 5 tricks to keep your weight down over the holidays? Don’t skip breakfast! This is crucial to successful eating throughout the day. The way your start your day will dictate how you end your day, so get started right and keep your blood sugar and hunger under control. Combine protein and carbohydrates for meals and snacks. For example, eat a handful of nuts with your apple to feel more satisfied and hold off hunger. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Thirst can make you think you’re hungry! Consume at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Try one … [Read more...]

Our Global Kitchen

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    Here is just one more reason to love the American Museum of Natural History... Their latest exhibit is called Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture. If you have children, this would be a perfect way to get them exposure to new and exciting foods as well as interesting facts surrounding them. It may be perfect for your picky eaters. If you find yourself struggling to get your little ones to eat their fruits and vegetables try making food fun whenever possible. Through constant and repeated exposure you may eventually see results. Don't give up and remember, it … [Read more...]

Homemade Fruit Leather

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This is by far my new favorite snack. Check out how easy it is to make your own fruit leather. I always assumed this was one of those foods that I was going to have buy forever. Caution: This is highly addictive and you can easily eat the entire tray in one sitting. Try not to! It is too much fruit and sugar for one snack. Eat it as a dessert after a balanced meal or with a protein source. (That's the nutritionist in me speaking) Ingredients Fresh fruit (I used strawberries and kiwis for this one but feel free to use your favorite- mango, berries, apples, apricots, etc) Water I … [Read more...]

Kale Chips

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Turn leaves into chips... This seems like an impossible task but actually it's quite simple and so delicious. Finally a snack I can enjoy without watching my serving sizes, what a relief. I learned to love kale when I attended the Institute for Integrative Medicine and haven't stopped loving it since. It was relevant in every topic as its health benefits are immeasurable plus it is so easy to cook.  You can add it to soups, pasta dishes, sautéed with garlic as a side dish- you get the point.  It also comes in several different varieties so I recommend trying them all to see if you like … [Read more...]

mushroom soup

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Most of the time, during the winter months, I am making soup almost daily to keep the chill out and nourish me. This year is different.  It seems as though we have skipped winter this year and I honestly am loving it, even though the environmental implications are scary. I feel somewhat lucky to have had a baby right before the most mild winter we've had in a long time. It means that we can go on long walks and enjoy the cool, brisk air without fighting the stormy weather. I am loving it. But that doesn't mean I haven't made soup at all. This mushroom soup is one that you can enjoy year … [Read more...]

Kaniwa

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I have fallen in love with Kaniwa lately. It is my latest discovery and now most frequent breakfast. It is not very different from quinoa in its nutritional profile, however, the nutty crunch and texture have me hooked. Like quinoa, it is actually a seed rather than a grain, as we use it, so it is high in protein. It also packs on a hefty amount of fiber and antioxidants. I usually eat it as porridge in the morning. It cooks up in about 10 minutes and will sprout a little white tail, similar to quinoa. Add some almond milk, honey, chia seeds, fruit and cinnamon and you have a perfect and … [Read more...]

Artichokes

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Isn't this painting beautiful? See more of this artist's work on her facebook page: Graciela Castro Artichokes may be one of my very favorite foods. I find myself rushing to get to that delicious heart and smother it with my Parmesan, lemon, olive oil dip. Not only is it delicious but it has so many health benefits as well. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, panthanoic acid, Vitamin B6, magnesium, chromium, folate, biotin, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, soluble fiber, inulin. Healing properties: Helps to improve liver function and lowers cholesterol. … [Read more...]