Written by Taylor Quigley, UConn Dietetics Student It appears every time you go to the grocery store, there is another choice for a plant-based beverage. They now are shelf-stable or refrigerated. Despite having so many choices, these drinks are not created equal! They vary in key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Some common […]
Produce Picks: Frozen/Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Written by UConn Dietetics student Kristen Rossi We all can use an extra serving of fruits and vegetables in our diets! They provide an array of vitamins and minerals and help the body fight against many chronic diseases. However, fresh fruits and vegetables tend to be expensive and will spoil if they are not used […]
Earth Day- Fun Recycling Activities for Families
Written by UConn Dietetics student Krupa Parekh Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day brings the world together to celebrate and express thanks to our planet. It’s a perfect time for parents to educate their kids about the 3 ‘R’s concept1 – reduce, reuse, and recycle to protect our environment and reduce unnecessary waste. There […]
Root Veggies Rock!
Written by UConn Dietetics student Joseph Oliva What are Root Vegetables? Root vegetables are vegetables that grow underground and serve as the base for the plant. Some other common names for root vegetables include bulbs, roots, and tubers. While they are called “roots”, this does not imply that they are actual roots, but instead, they […]
Why “Eat the Rainbow”?
Written by UConn Dietetics student Alison David It’s well known that it’s an important health practice to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible, everyday. Did you know that the variety of colors matters? By ‘eating the rainbow’, you get the benefits of many vitamins and minerals that are unique to these foods. The […]
Tips for Feeding Picky Youngsters
Written by UConn Dietetics student Rebecca Mowrey As children begin developing food preferences during toddler and preschool-aged years, it’s normal for picky eating behaviors to arise when exploring new foods.1 Picky eating is often characterized by an unwillingness to eat new and/or familiar foods. These behaviors can make mealtimes a struggle, but there are a […]
Get the Low-down on EGGS!
Written by Julia Gaiser, UConn Dietetics Student What’s a cost-effective and nutrition packed way to start your day? Have some eggs! Whether you like them scrambled, over- easy, poached, boiled, or in an omelet, they are an eggs-cellent food to add to your diet. For years, egg intake was questioned, mainly due to the cholesterol […]
Juicy Facts: Why Whole Fruit is Better than Juice
Written by UConn Dietetics student Emma Harvey When adding fruit to the diet make sure to grab a whole fruit instead of the juice. While a 100% fruit juice can be a convenient and tasty way to get some vitamins, minerals, and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in the fruit, the juice contains less fiber, is […]
Sleep Quality and Healthy Diet
Sleep is important for getting through the day. It helps you to think more clearly, to improve your overall mood, and to maintain a strong immune system 5. But there’s even more to it than that! Adequate sleep encourages the body to support a strong but sufficient appetite2, which translates into energy for bodily functions. […]
The Link Between Nutrition, Brain Health and Mental Health
Eating a balanced diet is not only crucial for your physical health but for your brain and mental health as well! Higher fruit and vegetable intake have been shown to increase happiness and well-being1. Antioxidants in plants can affect our bodies in a very healthy way at a cell level1. How is food connected to […]