health

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 […]

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 […]

It’s All About Balance: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Written by UConn Dietetics student Olivia Ford Good nutrition, physical activity and a healthy body weight are all important parts of a person’s overall health and wellbeing. What is good nutrition you may ask? Good nutrition means you are eating a variety of whole foods that you enjoy like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, […]

Fermented Foods and their Benefits

Written by UConn Dietetics Student Amy Corcoran Fermented foods and drinks have been around for thousands of years, and they’re making a comeback! Fermentation is a process where microorganisms (think yeast, bacteria, and mold) break down the sugars in food to release acids, gases, nutrients, and alcohols. It’s how milk turns to tangy yogurt, cabbage […]

Do You Want to be a Label Reading Detective?

Written by UConn Dietetics Student, Leah MacFarlane How often do you check the back of your box, can, or package to read the nutrition facts label? Shortly, all food packaging with have the latest version of the nutrition facts label. Here are some quick pointers to help you read these labels! Download the article.

Holiday Party Tips to Avoid Mindless Eating

Written by UConn Dietetics Student Lilly Tartsinis Who doesn’t love the holidays? The decorations, the cheer, the family, and the food! And oh the food! The holiday goodies and traditional recipes! It is possible to forget how much you are snacking and eating during the holidays, so here are some tips that may be helpful […]

Jump on the Whole Grain Train!

Written by UConn Dietetics Student Hanna Caridad Do you know what the difference between a whole grain and a regular old, run-of-the-mill refined grain is? Let me give you the scoop! Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel: the bran, the germ, and the starchy endosperm. All those parts are important and […]

Traditional Holiday Recipes Made Healthier!

Written By UConn Dietetics Student Anthony Duong As the holidays approach, it is easy to lose track of the importance of a healthy diet. Whether the holidays are spent with family in person or through a webcam, everyone can bond through new experiences of making their traditional dishes healthier! Many traditional holiday dishes include high […]

The Mediterranean Diet: Top 5 Benefits

Written by UConn Dietetics Student Leah Pfrommer You’ve probably heard bits and pieces of information about the Mediterranean Diet, but what is it all about? For the third year in a row this diet has garnered the top spot because it’s simply about eating healthy, increasing healthy fats, and maintaining a well-balanced diet. More specifically, […]

What are Cruciferous Vegetables and Why are They So Good For You?

Written by UConn Dietetics Student Josie Hare Can you say cruciferous?  Unusual, right? Funny enough, this word actually comes from the informal classification for members of the mustard family! It comes from the word cruciferae in Latin, meaning cross bearing. But we refer to cruciferous as a delicious group of vegetables that pack a great […]