Written by UConn Dietetic student Lisa Joyner Premade spice mixes and rubs are convenient, but are also usually loaded with extra salt, sugar, and other chemical compounds. Making your own is good for your health and your wallet. You may be surprised at how easy it can be to make your own spice blends and […]
health
Strength Training: 7 Reasons to Lift Weights
Written by UConn Dietetics Intern Jami Pliego Let’s talk strength training! There is a common misconception that only body builders or those looking to gain weight need to practice strength training. However, this is not true! Regular strength training is important to keep your muscles working properly and maintaining body strength. Anyone can strength train, […]
A Closer Look at Vitamin A!
Written by SNAP-Ed Summer Intern Anna Santoro What Is Vitamin A? Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means it needs fats in the diet in order to be absorbed by the body. Vitamin A is stored in the body’s fatty tissue and in the liver. There are two main forms of vitamin A in […]
Did You Know Garlic is Good for You?
Written by UConn Extension Summer Intern Jenna Zydanowicz Garlic, a root vegetable, has many benefits when included in your diet. It’s not only flavorful, it is also packed with a lot of antioxidants that can keep our bodies their healthiest! According to Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, garlic has anti-inflammatory and microbial benefits. Garlic’s health […]
Tips to Reduce Your Grocery Bills
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Brooke Bosco There are many different factors that can affect our grocery bills, whether they are personal or world events like the pandemic. The following strategies may help you to spend less, waste less, and save more! Cut back on strict meal-planning Although meal-planning is suggested as a strategy to […]
Intermittent Fasting: Is It Safe?
Written by UConn Dietetics student Caitlin Smith What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting has been highly popularized for the last decade and continues to gain buzz as new research emerges. So, what is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting (fasting is abstaining from all or some kinds of food […]
Why is Exercise so Important?
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Alison Soucy Physical activity can do wonders for you and your health! Those who exercise are less likely to have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and obesity. Additionally, exercise strengthens bones and muscles, offsetting some of the loss that comes from aging and reducing the risk of bone fractures1. In […]
Why is Vitamin B12 Important?
Written by UConn Dietetics student Nina Seok Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin meaning that it dissolves in water.¹ It plays an important role in nerve/brain functions, the formation of your red blood cells, and DNA production.¹ Vitamin B12 is generally rich in foods that have high amounts of protein or products fortified with vitamin […]
Importance of Vitamin D in the Winter
Written by UConn Dietetics student Lauren Pinto When it comes to colder climates and the winter months, Vitamin D deficiencies can occur. Why is that a concern? Humans get 95% of their vitamin D from the sun!1 In the Northern Hemisphere, during our winter months, Vitamin D deficiencies are an issue due to lack of […]
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 […]