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Diane Lofshult

Article Archive

How to Make Quick, Healthy Meals at Home

May 1, 2011

How many times have you found yourself driving home from work with no idea what to make for dinner—or not even a clue as to what’s in the fridge? These are the times that test our resolve to eat well, and they often leave us making a beeline for the nearest fast-food joint.

If you are the chief cook and bottle washer in your family, take heart: here are some simple but effective tips that will have you whipping up healthy fare at home in the time it would take to have a pizza delivered to your door.

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10 foods always to have on hand

June 25, 2010

Have you ever tried to stretch a meal when guests arrive unexpectedly at dinnertime? According to a book published by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, anyone can whip up a meal fit for a king, provided that they have these staples in their pantry at all times:

pasta sauce
dried pasta
frozen vegetables
salad dressing, including
one vinaigrette dressing
mixed salad greens
frozen meatballs
russet potatoes
frozen fish fillets
chicken breast halves
pork chops

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better skin through food

June 23, 2010

Although some skin conditions are best treated by a dermatologist, you can enhance the appearance of your skin by improving the content of your diet. According to the editors at Reader’s Digest, here are the foods that can make your skin do an about-face:

Eggs, Legumes, Avocados, Nuts and Soybeans. These foods contain an essential vitamin called biotin, which is vital for the metabolism
of carbohydrates and fats; a deficiency can cause dry skin.

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cheap tricks: save money on special diets

June 23, 2010

People who suffer from conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, food allergies, diabetes and other gastrointestinal disorders are often required to be on a restrictive diet. While special diets are effective in treating these conditions, they also can be quite expensive to maintain over a long period of time. That’s because gluten-free products and other special foods typically cost more than conventional items.

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new citrus fruits debut in stores

June 23, 2010

Coming to your supermarket this summer is a bevy of citrus fruits that should sweeten and surprise your palate. Here’s a look at five rising stars in the citrus family:

Buddha’s Hand Citron. This pale yellow, 6- to 12-inch fruit has a thick rind and is split into segments that
resemble fingers. But don’t be put off by its strange appearance; this sweet-smelling variety is used by
innovative chefs in marmalades and crème brûlées.

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Weight Control Behaviors in Female Adolescents

June 23, 2010

Little is known about the effectiveness of behavioral strategies to prevent long-term weight gain in female adolescents and young adults. That’s why researchers set out to assess the connection between diet and physical activity in weight-control strategies (alone and together)
and in subsequent weight gain.

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green tea & ginger granita

June 17, 2010

What could be more refreshing on a sultry summer day than a frozen, no-fat, low-calorie ice treat made from healthy green tea and ginger? Finish this delightful dessert with a garnish of thinly sliced lemons. You can also use other types of brewed tea for this recipe. 3 cups boiling water 4 regular-sized green tea bags

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ask the RD

June 17, 2010

Question: I am a vegetarian who is anemic and taking iron supplements prescribed by my doctor. But I hate the side effects and would rather get my iron through whole foods. Which are the best plant sources of iron, and how often should I eat these foods each day? Answer: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)…

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the benefits of basil

June 17, 2010

Did you know that there are more than 60 types of basil, all members of the mint family? This fresh herb is a powerhouse of flavor that can be used in myriad ethnic cooking styles, from Italian to Asian dishes. While sweet green basil is the most ubiquitous in markets, spicy purple and peppery Thai varieties are becoming more popular in America.

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top kids’ food trends

June 17, 2010

Marketing experts who studied current food trends among children say that “natural” foods are “here to stay” and that kids today have become more independent in their food choices. According to the market research organization Mintel, there has been “a huge amount of activity” in terms of foods being promoted directly to kids; this is particularly true in terms of the candy and soda products that are now available to children. A senior analyst at Mintel reported these other notable food trends affecting kids:

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alcohol & insulin levels

June 17, 2010

Adding to the literature on the potential health benefits of alcohol is a new study suggesting that drinking may improve insulin sensitivity. While this was a small-animal study, the results are interesting.

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frozen diet foods improve in taste

June 17, 2010

If frozen diet dinners tasted better, would more people avail themselves of these products? According to the editors at Consumer Reports, food manufacturers have made great inroads in improving the taste of prepared diet entrées while still maintaining their low-calorie profile.

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do junk food taxes work?

June 17, 2010

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether levying taxes on sodas and other unhealthy foods would help Americans make better food choices. The reasoning behind “junk food” taxation is that putting their money where their mouth is may entice people to eat a more healthful diet. However, with scant research to date…

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Raw Moroccan Red Salad

May 18, 2010

Who wants to cook on a sultry summer night? For those of you who did not raise your hands, here is a quick salad that will draw applause from vegans and meat eaters alike. 2 tablespoons (tbs) olive oil 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) sea salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 tbs minced garlic 4 cups seeded and diced tomatoes

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food journals go viral

May 18, 2010

Experts agree that recording what you eat each day makes people more aware of their calorie intake, which in turn can help expedite and even maintain weight loss. Advise your tech-savvy clients to e-mail themselves real-world descriptions of what they ate at each meal.

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we don’t want no stinking gluten!

May 18, 2010

Clients with celiac disease and other special dietary needs now have an online source for restaurants, hotels and cruise ships that offer a gluten-free diet. The website www.glutenfreetravelsite.com lists and shares dining resources and recommendations based on input from the “gluten-free community around the world.”

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cheap tricks: shop your pantry

May 18, 2010

How many times have you come home from the market and gone
to put away a new can of pinto beans, only to realize you already had three cans lurking in the farthest regions of your pantry? Main­taining order inside your pantry is one easy way to save time and money in this trying economy.

Organizing the food in your pantry can help you easily see what
you have and what you need to put on your grocery list. (Another way
to save money is always to travel with a list!) Here’s how to make your pantry pay off:

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a mélange of melons

May 18, 2010

Juicy melons are synonymous with the start of summer. They travel well to picnics, are beloved by children and adults alike and are the perfect solution for those with a sweet tooth.

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the dirt on prewashed lettuce

May 18, 2010

A recent study by Consumer Reports found traces of bacteria in packages of salad greens, even in bags that claim to be “prewashed.” While these bacteria traces usually do not pose a health risk to most people, experts say that they are a sign that not enough is being done to ensure that the produce is as safe or clean as the package labels allege.

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