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Diane Lofshult

Diane Lofshult

Article Archive

corny advice

May 18, 2010

While it may be tempting to shuck corn on the cob while still in the grocery store, doing so may be hazardous to this veggie’s nutrient content. Better to buy and store corn in the husk, then shuck it (i.e., pull back and remove the husks) right before cooking. If you will not be using it immediately, store corn in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The corn is past its prime if the silks turn brown or dark.

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do vitamin & mineral pills make kids smarter?

May 18, 2010

With the steadily rising cost of a college education, who doesn’t want their child to perform optimally in school? Can you help your kids land a full 4-year scholarship by simply giving them a vitamin and mineral tablet each day? According to a recent study, you had better keep funding that college savings account, because there is no magic pill to make kids smarter.

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defeating diabetes

May 18, 2010

Results from a long-term study on the association between diabetes incidence and weight loss show that there is hope for stemming the tide of this rapidly growing disease. In this 10-year randomized clinical trial, researchers tracked the incidence of type 2 diabetes in more than 3,000 overweight or obese participants enrolled in an intensive lifestyle…

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got grape juice?

May 18, 2010

Older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment may be able to enhance their ability to function by drinking more Concord grape juice, according to a study published in the December 23, 2009, issue of the British Journal of Nutrition. Concord grape juice contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that influence brain signals. Previous studies have shown…

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ADA favors food over pills

May 18, 2010

According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), about one-third of Americans currently take some kind of dietary supplements, especially nutrient supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. Because this appears to be a growing trend, the ADA recently released a position paper on nutrient supplements to inform consumers about the safety and efficacy of these unrestricted products.

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Watermelon Salad With Pickled Onions and Feta Cheese

April 21, 2010

Here’s a quick salad with different flavors that will explode in your mouth:
the sweetness of the watermelon is a perfect balance for the sharpness of
the pickled onions and feta cheese.

1 cup vertically sliced red onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon (tsp) kosher salt
11/2 tablespoons (tbs) white
balsamic vinegar
1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Is it true that taking B vitamins can help “cure” a hangover?

April 21, 2010

answer: Our bodies definitely pay the price after drinking too much alcohol, and the sobering fact is that there is no real cure for a hangover. While B vitamins are essential for the metabolism of food and normal functioning of the nervous system, there is no good scientific evidence to suggest that popping a vitamin is an effective remedy for a hangover.

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blueberries gone wild

April 21, 2010

It isn’t always easy to find fresh blueberries when you need them without paying a princely sum. But don’t worry: frozen blueberries are actually more nourishing than fresh, so long as they are wild. Research has shown that sweet wild blueberries, which are smaller than the fresh fruit, contain the highest level of antioxidants.ask the RD

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water-dense foods for rehydrating

April 21, 2010

According to the September/October issue of Nutrition Today, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III reveal that individuals get approximately 19% of their total daily fluid intake from foods; other studies have estimated this number may be as high as 25%. Here’s a look at the water content of some commonly consumed foods that can help you stay properly hydrated throughout the day:

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healthy & tasty salt substitutes

April 21, 2010

Most Americans get far too much salt in their daily diet, thanks to our nation’s high consumption of processed foods. While no one wants to eat bland food, there are ways to enhance dishes without resorting
to salt. Here are some tips to cut your family’s sodium levels without
sacrificing flavor.
Herbs, dried or fresh, can accent a host of recipes. Use dried herbs for sauces, soups and chili, but remember to first crush the herbs
between your fingers to release their flavorful
aromatic oils.

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a cherry on top

April 21, 2010

Next month is the start of cherry season, which extends to August. This stone fruit, a relative of apricots, peaches and plums, comes in two species: sweet cherries and sour (also called tart or pie cherries).

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delaying solid foods can cause allergies

April 21, 2010

It seems that more kids are being diagnosed with allergies these days, and this may be the result of how old the children were when they were introduced to solid foods, according to a recent study published in the January issue of Pediatrics.

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PE classes in low-income areas

April 21, 2010

According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (November 2009), physical education (PE) classes can make a real difference in the weight status of teens who live in low-income areas. The study examined physical activity opportunities linked to fitness and weight status among adolescents enrolled in 19 public schools participating in the California Endowment’s Healthy Eating, Active Communities program.

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stop gobbling your grub!

April 21, 2010

People who eat greedily and quickly should slow down if they want to keep off the pounds, says a study published in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on October 29, 2009. Although previous research has suggested that the rate at which people eat may contribute to obesity, this study was the first to measure how appetite and hormonal
responses after meals affect weight gain.

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feed clients the information they are craving

April 21, 2010

According to the results of a recent study conducted by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), consumers are hungry for accurate nutrition information. The ADA researchers determined that while nearly 8 in 10 of the people surveyed are interested in locating reliable online sources of nutrition information, more than 60% have trouble finding what they need on the Internet.

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diet is linked to depression

April 21, 2010

Looks like healthy meals make for happy lives. This adage appears to be in keeping with the findings of a study published in the November 2009 issue of The British Journal of Psychiatry.

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Curried Lentils

March 16, 2010

This spicy blend of crisp apples, brown rice, tomatoes, curry and ginger will make your
family view lentils in a new light. Plus, this dish can be served as a hearty main dish or
as a side. Best of all, you can make this ahead of time and freeze individual portions.

1 cup green or French uncooked lentils
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1/4 cup canola oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon (tbs) grated ginger
1 tbs curry powder

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eat well online guide

March 16, 2010

A nifty website now allows users to plug in their ZIP code or city and—presto—find
real-time sources of locally grown healthy foods at farmers’
markets. This online guide (www.eatwellguide.org)
contains links to nearby
restaurants, bakeries and
caterers, along with news
articles and recipes.

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guide to a greener oven

March 16, 2010

For those without a self-cleaning oven, this odious chore usually requires nasty and toxic sprays that should only be handled by a fully outfitted HAZMAT squad. But there is a better and greener way to keep your oven sparkling clean. Here are a few tips taken from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning, by Mary Findley:

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