Do you often feel ready for a nap or by 3pm have trouble concentrating? Well, you are not alone. Food plays a major role in regulating our energy levels throughout the day. Refined carbohydrates which consist of mostly sugars and processed grains (pastries, white bread, pizza dough, etc.) are easily broken down by the body, […]
Fall in Love with Lentils
What are lentils? Some of the most versatile and nutrient-rich pantry-staples are lentils, and they have been around for quite some time, back to 8000 BC in what is now modern-day Syria1. Since their initial usage, they have spread to many different areas across the globe and are prominent features of Middle Eastern and Indian […]
What is the Dash Diet?
Written by UConn Dietetics Intern Laura Scarfone What is the DASH Diet? The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet refers to an eating pattern designed to help prevent or treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The eating pattern focuses on whole foods higher in nutrients that have shown to lower […]
Gut Microbiome Health
Written by UConn Dietetics Intern Isabella Pratt The topic of gut health has been rising in popularity over the past few years and for good reason! Our gut microbiome is full of bacteria (both good and bad) that are the basic makeup of our health. There is so much more to learn about gut health. […]
Added Sugars vs Natural Sugars
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Caitlyn McDonagh There continues to be confusion about natural and added sugars in foods. Read on to become an expert! What are natural sugars? Natural sugars are the sugars that occur naturally in whole foods. Most natural sugars found in fruits are fructose, and in dairy products like cheese and […]
Holiday Party Tips to Avoid Mindless Eating
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Isabelle Wlodkowski The holiday season means gathering with friends and family, but it can also mean eating more than we usually do. At holiday gatherings food is often at arm’s length and one can easily be consuming more than they even realize. The food served is typically, higher in sugar […]
Fact or Fad? Exposing the Myths Behind Fad Diets
Written by UConn Dietetic Intern, Valerie Mason What is a fad diet? Fad diets come and go as new research and new trends start to come out. Diets that claim, “rapid weight loss” or “no exercise needed”, or “see results fast” are likely fad diets and making false claims. These diets are often promoted and […]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – What might a cancer prevention diet look like?
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Danielle Straub Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated during October each year. During this month, you may see the selected color pink adorning the uniforms of your favorite professional football team, or you may see road races highlighting participant survivors of the disease. Your own town might be decorated with a […]
What are artificial sweeteners? And should I use them?
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Natalie Cyr What are artificial sweeteners? Artificial sweeteners are synthetic, or man-made sugar substitutes, and can be made from naturally occurring substances, such as herbs or sugar itself. These types of sweeteners are known to be more intense versions of sugar — meaning, they tend to be 50-200x sweeter than […]
Outdoor Food and Grilling Safety
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Sarah Anderson As the days get longer and the warmer weather is approaching, grilling and outdoor dining is right around the corner! Food safety is especially important when considering the warmer temperatures which provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. It is key to keep food out of the […]