Food

Leanne McCrate, RD, LD, CNSC Dear Readers, Just in time for many New Year’s resolutions, the US News and World Report has ranked the best diets. Coming in first for overall health (not just weight loss) was the Mediterranean Diet; the Flexitarian and DASH Diets tied for second place. A panel of nutrition experts ranked…

Dear Dietitian, I have just been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and have been told to follow a low-salt diet. I have been trying, but it seems almost impossible. Can you help? Frustrated Dear Frustrated, It’s normal to get frustrated while adjusting to a lifestyle change. We are accustomed to adding salt (sodium chloride) to…

Leanne McCrate, RD, LD, CNSC Dear Readers: Chances are, many of you are taking some type of herbal supplement. People are turning to natural remedies for their health, such as ginseng for better energy, saw palmetto for prostate health, or echinacea to boost the immune system. In 2019, Americans spent about $9.6 billion on herbal…

Local program highlights the importance of companionship during mealtime for seniors Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of human connection; but few realize how a lack of connection affects our daily behaviors, especially for older adults. In fact, a survey from Home Instead, Inc., found that older adults who eat most meals alone…

There has been a long debate between family and friends over which there can only be one side. Mayo, not Miracle Whip. It actually shouldn’t even be a question. One is an ingredient and the other is merely a sandwich spread. -Miracle Whip does have its place in the bologna white-bread lunch-box sandwich of the…

Dear Readers, By now, you probably know someone who has adopted a vegetarian diet. Estimates put vegetarianism at around 5% of the American population. (1) That may not sound like many, but it comes to roughly 16.5 million people. People cite different reasons for converting to vegetarianism, from better health, to environmental factors, to better…

Leanne McCrate, RD, LD, CNSC Dear Dietitian, I’ve been experiencing a lot of digestive problems like stomach cramping and bloating. My friend has celiac disease, and she thinks I may have it, too. I have an appointment with my doctor and have been reading up on celiac disease. I don’t understand the differences in gluten…

By Sandy Holthaus Two years ago, I decided that our local farmers market had a far better product than I could grow in my garden boxes. The farmers were experts, and I was just winging it. By the time I bought all the seeds and plants, weeded and watered, I had spent more time and…

Summer is almost here, and I love it! Beautiful, warm weather. School is out so kids can relax and be kids again for about 90 days. I have three children of my own, so I know the challenges of keeping young ones occupied. I like to write a column at this time of year to…