September 2015 Favorites

Thank you for all of the love this month! September has been a busy month. We are all adjusting to the start of school. I'm finishing preparations for Spring classes and completing some consultation work. If you missed any of the posts this month, here are the top five favorite posts you visited this month. Enjoy!

Five Tips for Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

3 Steps to Eating Healthier

The A, B, C's of Produce

Produce Spotlight: L-W

What's in season for Fall?

Let me know if there are any nutrition-related topics you would like to know more about. Please comment below. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

3 Steps to Eating Healthier

Did you know September is Fruit and Vegetables Month! This month, we are focusing on one healthy habit, eating more fruits and vegetables. We will discuss what's in season, what nutrients we get from each of the featured fruits and vegetables, and creative ways to work fruits and vegetables into our diets. We are taking small steps to big results!

Today, we are discussing a healthy habit, which is . . . eating more fruits and veggies! We know that fruits and vegetables are important. I'm sure you've been told to eat more fruits or vegetables in your lifetime. But how do you turn this knowledge into an action. Here are 3 simple steps to make eating fruits and vegetables daily habit.

1) Budget Buys
Everyone has a budget and time constraints. Many of my school students, patients, and their families tell me that eating healthy is expensive. I know that you can eat healthy and stay on a budget.
Make sure you eat in season, when produce is extra tasty, full of nutrients, and low in price. Check out this post that tells you what's in season in Fall.

2) Purchase Produce
You have to have fruits and veggies accessible if you want to eat them. For more on picking great produce, enjoy the A, B, C's of Picking Produce and my Produce Spotlight.

3) Prep Your Produce
As a registered dietitian (RD), I know the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Like everyone, I get busy, stressed, and distracted. I want an easy way to grab a healthy snack while I'm on the go. So, I prep my produce on the weekend. I choose a slower weekday to wash fruits (except berries, which need to be washed just before eating) and portion them in zip-top bags. I wash and chop veggies, so they are ready to go for snacks or tossing into meals.

Since it's football season, check out my recipes for Easy Empanadas that pair perfectly with fresh carrots and celery. This chipotle dip will definitely encourage you to eat your veggies!

Check out more from me including 5 Easy Tips to Eat More Fruits & Veggies.

Here's to a great month!
For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

What's in Season for Fall?

There is a huge trend in food - eating local! The best way to eat local is to eat in season. So, what fruits and vegetables are in season for Fall?

• Acorn Squash
• Asian Pear
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Butter Lettuce
• Butternut Squash
• Cauliflower
• Cranberries
• Date Plum
• Daikon Radish
• Endive
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Grapes
• Hearts of Palm
• Huckleberries
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Jerusalem Artichoke
• Key Limes
• Kumquats
• Muscadine Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Passion Fruit
• Pear
• Persimmons
• Pineapple
• Pomegranate
• Pumpkin
• Radicchio
• Sweet Potatoes
• Swiss Chard
• Turnips

Thank you to More Matters for this seasonal produce list. This month I am highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We'll learn how to pick the best produce and ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Here's to a great month!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

The A, B, C's of Produce

This month I am highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain  a plethora of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. There are many health benefits to consuming adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals including promoting good health and disease prevention. Today, we're also learning the A, B, C's of how to pick the best produce.

Apples

• There are a variety of types of apples: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, the list is almost never-ending. The different varieties of apples have different textures, tartness, and sweetness.
• Selection: The key to picking a good apple is to pick a firm apple and avoid bruises that create mush spots.
• Storage: Refrigerate apples in a plastic storage bag; keep away from strongly-odored foods. 
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and a good source of dietary fiber

Bananas

• Selection: Choose bananas that are slightly green near the tip and stem. Bananas should be firm; avoid bruises.
• Storage: Bananas continue to ripen at room temperature. You may also store banana in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The skin of the banana may darken.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Beets

• Selection: Choose beets that have smooth, firm skin. Look for fresh leaves that are not wilted.
• Storage: Remove leaves, but leave about one inch of stem. Store in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Use within 3 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of folate
• You can eat the beet and the leaves!

Bell Peppers

• Selection: Chose firm, brightly colored bell peppers. Avoid dull or shriveled peppers.
• Storage: Refrigerate in a zip-top plastic bag; use within 5 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, high in vitamin C
• Fun Fact: Pepper, including bell peppers, originated in Central and South America.

Broccoli

• Selection: Choose broccoli with bluish-green florets and tight heads. Choose broccoli that does not have an odor.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Use within 3-5 days for maximum flavor and freshness.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, high in folate, and a good source of fiber and potassium.

Blueberries

• Selection: Choose firm, plump blueberries with a dusty blue color. Avoid shriveled or moldy berries.
• Storage: Refrigerate for 10-14 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: low fat and a good source of vitamin C and fiber
• Fun Fact: Early American colonists made grey paint by boiling blueberries in milk!

Cherry Tomatoes

• Selection: Choose tomatoes that are plump and firm with bright, shiny skin. Avoid mold.
• Storage: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. 
• Nutrition Benefits: high in vitamin A and C and a good source of potassium

Grapes

• Selection: Choose grapes that are plump and firm. Avoid mold.
• Storage: Grapes can be refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and very low in sodium

Stay tuned for more on picking produce in the remainder of the alphabet. Throughout this month, I will share ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Eating Local Year-Round

There is a huge trend in food - eating local! Eating local gives you fresh produce packed with micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals. The best way to eat local is to eat in season. So, what's in season year-round?

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell Peppers
• Broccolini
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cherry tomatoes
• Leeks
• Lemons
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Olives
• Onions
• Papayas
• Parsnips
• Pearl Onions
• Potatoes
• Snow Peas

Thank you to More Matters for this year-round produce list. This month I will highlight a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We'll learn how to pick the best produce and ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Here's to a great month!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

September is Fruit and Veggies Month

Happy Fruit and Vegetables Month! This month, we will focus on one healthy habit, eating more fruits and vegetables. We will discuss what's in season, what nutrients we get from each of the featured fruits and vegetables, and creative ways to work fruits and vegetables into our diets. We are taking small steps to big results!

Today, we are discussing a healthy habit, which is . . . eating more fruits and veggies! We know that fruits and vegetables are important. I'm sure you've been told to eat more fruits or vegetables in your lifetime. But, why is it important? 

Importance of Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients. Every color in fruits and vegetables represents a different micronutrient, vitamin or mineral, that helps nourish your body. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber serves many purposes including: filling us up (satiety), aiding in regularity of bowel movements, and fiber can help lower cholesterol and mediate blood sugar levels.

This month I will highlight a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We'll learn how to pick the best produce and ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Here's to a great month!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Television Appearance and Healthy Snack Series Roundup

The last television appearance I did was on healthy snacking. I wanted to share some of the tips that I shared in the interview. There are also some bonus tips for healthy eating. Check out the all of the television tips below.

Here are three tips for a successful, professional television appearance.

Check out the first segment for tips on eating healthy.

Click here for some examples of healthy snacks. 

And, how can can you eat healthy on the go?

I hope this is a helpful serious for you. My goal is to encourage healthy, easy, tasty snacks throughout the day. I hope you remember to E.A.T healthy year-round. And, I hope you remember to make healthy choices when you are busy and on-the-go. For even more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Healthy Snacks T.V. Segment Part 2

The last television appearance I did was on healthy snacking. I wanted to share some of the tips that I shared in the interview. And, there are some bonus tips for healthy eating as well! Check out the first segment for tips on eating healthy.

What are some examples of healthy snacks?

            Planning a healthy snack is just that; it takes just a little planning. So, buy fruits and veggies at the store at least weekly to make sure you have healthy snacks easily accessible.

I start planning a healthy snack by thinking of a fruit or vegetable that I like. Any fruit or vegetable can be a healthy snack. If you feel like a fruit or vegetable by itself will not fill you up. Try pairing your produce with something that compliments its flavor. For example, pair fruits with light yogurt, peanut butter, or cheese. Pair vegetables with a light dressing, vinaigrette, hummus, or cheese.

If you need more examples, see below. 

Apples and peanut butter

• Bananas and almonds
• Cucumbers and hummus
• Strawberries and light yogurt
• Bell pepper slices and Italian vinaigrette
• Broccoli and light string cheese
• Peaches and light yogurt
• Fruit bowl
• Tomatoes and cucumber in Italian vinaigrette

I hope this will be helpful to you and encourage healthy snacks throughout the day. I hope you remember to E.A.T healthy year-round. And, I hope you remember to make healthy choices when you are busy and on-the-go.

For even more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Spring Salad Recipe: Fresh Fruit and Spinach Salad

I love Spring! Everything seems green, new, and alive! I even love the rain . . . it's good for naps (hahaha). And, we all know April showers bring May flowers.

This year, I started a small herb garden. We will see if I have my grandfather's green thumb . . . or not. Let me know if you have any tips for growing herbs in containers. I would love to hear from you.

I love herbs! They are a great way to add flavor to dishes without adding fat, sugar, or salt. Since I am a clinical dietitian (aka I work mainly in a hospital setting), I have many patients who are trying to limit added fat, added sugar, or sodium in their diet for various health reasons. 

So this week, I plan to share some healthy recipes that are limited in added sugar, added saturated fat, or sodium. These recipes are healthy and full of flavor! How can that be?!? Well, we are using some fresh, seasonal ingredients. We are also going to be using local herbs (out of my garden) and aromatic vegetables to bring tons of flavor without all the fat, sugar, and salt. Stay tuned!

Today, I am featuring one of my favorite salads. It reminds me of Spring and provides fruit and vegetables in one dish! I made this for my family on Easter, and it was a hit!

Ingredients
Strawberries
Blueberries
Pecans
Spinach
Mint
Vinaigrette (I used a raspberry vinaigrette; it was delicious)
*Feta 
(*Optional: you may omit the feta if you don't like this cheese, or if you are watching your sodium or saturated fat intake.)

Wash all fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Toss all the ingredients together. Dress with vinaigrette before serving. Enjoy!

If you've never tried a salad that mixes fruits and vegetables, this is a great one to start with. If you have a friend or family member with a sweet tooth, this is also a great salad to make for them. Try it!

For even more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter .

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 10

How are you doing with the #HealthyRD Challenge? I hope you are doing well! 

What is the Healthy RD Challenge?

This is my challenge for each of us to take one step a day on the road to being healthier . . . the healthy road or #HealthyRD if you will. If you participate in the #HealthyRD challenge, make sure you use the hashtag #HealthyRD. Tag me on Instagram and or tweet me, @RDtipoftheday, for a chance to be featured! I am sharing the five healthy choices I'm making each day this week.  Here's a reminder of what I did for the Healthy RD Challenge last week: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and Day 7, Day 8, and Day 9. Check out the links to get ideas on living a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 10

Today, I am going to try a new food and eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies today, which is my #HealthyRD Day 10 healthy choice. One healthy dietary obstacle most people face is eating enough fruits and veggies. Many people state that the taste of fruits and vegetables is the number 1 obstacle to meeting the #5aDayChallenge. So, I encourage you to try a new food. If you have tried a food before and not liked it, try the food cooked in a new way. My sister in law makes sauteed Brussels sprouts that are a Thanksgiving favorite. One of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants makes roasted cauliflower that are so delicious. If I did not try these foods, I would be missing out on some deliciously healthy foods. So, try a new food; you might just like it!

Today, I am going to meet the #5aDayChallenge. I first issued a #5aDayChallenge last summer as a way to encourage myself and others to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. I am taking the #5aDayChallenge to become a #HealthyRD (healthier Registered Dietitian). Who's with me?

How will you choose to be healthy today?

Check with your personal RD or MD before starting a new diet or exercise program to make sure it is healthy, safe, and the right choice for you.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter . You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy:

Healthy RD Challenge Roundup

3 Hummus Recipes

Lasagna Bake Recipe