Nutrition & Healthy Living
Evidence-based nutrition guidance translated into practical, real-world application for both individuals and healthcare professionals. Nutrition science, healthy eating, medical nutrition therapy, protein intake, supplements, preventative nutrition.
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Eating Healthy but Not Losing Weight? Here’s Why
If there's one question I hear over and over as a dietitian, it's, "I'm eating healthy, so why am I not losing weight?" It's one of the most common concerns raised by patients and clients trying to lose weight. Many are choosing nutritious foods, buying products labeled "natural" or "high protein," and following what they believe is a healthy eating pattern, yet the scale doesn't seem to budge. It can be frustrating for patients and challenging for clinicians to explain. The good news is that this doesn't necessarily mean the nutrition plan is failing. Eating nutritious foods is one of…
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3 Nutrition Trends Every Cardiometabolic Dietitian Should Watch in 2026
Nutrition trends come and go. As a registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist, I don’t pay much attention to trends simply because they’re popular. I’m interested in the ones backed by science, driven by changing consumer behavior, and beginning to show up in my patients’ shopping carts and questions during counseling sessions. Over the past several months, I’ve been following many of the products and innovations emerging across the nutrition industry, including those showcased at Natural Products Expo West. It’s been interesting to see which ideas appear to have staying power and which are likely to be passing…
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The 3 Best Websites for Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Meal Ideas and Recipes
One of the most common questions I receive as a registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist is, “What should I eat?” Closely followed by, “Where can I find healthy recipes that actually taste good?” The good news is that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are thousands of recipes available online, but not every recipe is designed with blood sugar management in mind. When I recommend recipe websites to my patients and clients, I look for meals that emphasize vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and realistic portion sizes. Here are the three recipe resources…
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Dietitian Abroad: Parma, Italy and the Culinary Trinity of Emilia-Romagna
My husband and I recently celebrated a milestone anniversary, 10 years together. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that any occasion is a good excuse to travel. So when Grandma offered to watch our kiddo for the week, we jumped at the chance. The stars aligned, and before we knew it, we were on a plane bound for Parma, Italy, a beautiful city about an hour and a half south of Milan. As a registered dietitian and nutrition expert, I am always fascinated by the relationship between food, nutrition, culture, and health. Travel allows me…
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Is Allulose the Next Big Sweetener?
Allulose is gaining attention as a sugar alternative for people looking to reduce added sugar, support blood sugar management, or manage weight. As a dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist, I’m increasingly asked whether allulose is actually healthier than sugar and whether the evidence supports the hype. And honestly, I understand the appeal. I still have a major sweet tooth myself. While I’ve been more consistent about reducing alcohol and caffeine, I still enjoy sweet foods and often use low- and non-nutritive sweeteners to satisfy cravings without completely derailing my health goals. Unlike many artificial sweeteners, allulose tastes and…
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Probiotics vs Digestive Enzymes: Which Is Better for Gut Health?
If you’ve ever searched for ways to improve gut health, you’ve likely come across both probiotics and digestive enzymes, often marketed for similar symptoms like bloating, irregularity, and poor digestion. This overlap can make it difficult to know which one is actually the right fit. One product that keeps coming up is Seed’s Daily Synbiotic, a probiotic and prebiotic supplement positioned for microbiome support. I usually scroll past these ads, but this one caught my attention, especially when I saw they offer clinician samples, so I decided to try it myself. After a few weeks of using Seed, I found…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: A Shift Toward Food Quality Over Quantity
March is one of my favorite months. Along with several family birthdays, it is also National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages individuals and communities to make informed food choices and build sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns closely with the direction of the American Diabetes Association 2026 Standards of Care. To celebrate, each week this month I will take a closer look at updates to nutrition guidance in the 2026 ADA Standards. This week, we will explore the continued shift away from rigid macronutrient targets…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: What’s New in the 2026 ADA Standards of Care
March is near and dear to my heart. Not only does it include several family birthdays, it’s also National Nutrition Month! Established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month encourages the public to learn more about making informed food choices and developing sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive. It also plays an important role in cardiometabolic health and chronic disease prevention. To celebrate the month, I’ll be taking a closer look at updated nutrition recommendations in the American…
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[Updated] Longevity Medicine Beyond the Messenger
Originally published November 4, 2025. Updated February 2026. As clinicians and scientists, we often engage with ideas, frameworks, and data that are communicated through books, podcasts, or public figures. It is critical to be clear about where our professional endorsement begins and ends. This article reflects a review of the scientific concepts presented in Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. It does not represent support for, or alignment with, the personal actions or conduct of Dr. Peter Attia. Recent reporting has raised serious ethical concerns, and I want to state clearly that I do not condone or excuse any…
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Dietary Guidelines vs. Diabetes Care: What Works, What Doesn’t
If you work in the nutrition, wellness, or public health space or honestly if you were just on the internet this week, you probably noticed the stir around the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2025–2030 update has arrived with no shortage of commentary, critique, endorsements, and of course, funny and creative memes. Love them or hate them, these guidelines are clearly fueling plenty of online chatter. But what does all of this actually mean for people living with diabetes? Are these new guidelines helpful or harmful? And how do they stack up against the nutrition guidance outlined…
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My Thanksgiving Menu (From a Dietitian Who Can’t Cook)
It’s true. I’m a dietitian who can’t really cook. That doesn’t stop me from trying, of course. Just be warned: I rarely taste as I go, and I almost never follow directions. I like to live on the wild side. So with that in mind, here’s what I’m preparing for Thanksgiving this year!
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: What about Protein and Fat?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I want to share a preview of my key findings on the role of fat and protein. Does fat and protein impact glycemic? What is the ideal amount? Does it require additional insulin? I hope this sneak peek sparks curiosity and encourages you to consider adding this valuable resource…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: Do Carbohydrates Matter?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I’d like to share a preview of some key findings on carbohydrates. Is carbohydrate counting still relevant today? Does the type of carbohydrate make a difference? And how do approaches like low-carb or keto eating fit in? My hope is that this sneak peek sparks curiosity and inspires…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: A Four-Part Series
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on medical nutrition therapy for the management of diabetes. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and substantially rewriting a chapter focused on nutrition therapy recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. This was by far one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I’ve taken on, rivaling even my graduate thesis (which included over 110 citations!). The chapter is deeply researched and reflects countless hours of work, reflection, and revision, though at this point, it all feels like a…
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Is Full-Fat Dairy Back on the Table?
I’d be lying if I said the thought of drinking milk didn’t make my stomach grumble, and not in a good way. Admittedly, I’m one of the growing number of Americans who has mostly phased dairy out of my routine (for the comfort of myself and those around me; if you know, you know). But that doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed the rising trend of full-fat dairy products popping up on store shelves and social feeds. After what feels like decades of low-fat everything, including yogurt, dips, buttery spreads, and salad dressings, we seem to have come full circle, welcoming…
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Food Connects Us: A National Nutrition Month Celebration
It’s March already, which means it’s National Nutrition Month—a time to celebrate the power of food and nutrition and recognize the vital role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in promoting healthy eating through expert guidance and resources. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights how food brings us together—linking us to our cultures, families, and communities. Sharing a meal is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to learn about its preparation, the people who made it, and where the ingredients come from. Here are a few meaningful food connections that resonate with me! Creating Connections in the Kitchen Cooking at…
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Book Review: Saturated Facts by Dr. Idz – A Deep Dive into Nutrition Myths
This may come as a surprise—but I’m not much of a book reader, at least not when it comes to novels. After working through 2-3 peer-reviewed articles, reading daily nutrition briefings, sorting through countless emails, and keeping up with the news, my eyes need a break. More often than not, I turn to podcasts instead. However, I genuinely enjoyed Dr. Idz’s new book, Saturated Facts. His casual and frank approach to busting diet and nutrition myths, along with his breakdown of trending nutrition research, made for an enjoyable and informative read—something I actually looked forward to at the end of…
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Do Food Warning Labels Really Work?
On a recent trip abroad, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of food warning labels on items at the local mini-mart. Bold, bright labels reading “Danger: High Fat” or “Excess Sugar” were stamped across the front of snack packaging. I wasn’t surprised—I knew full well that the bag of chips I grabbed wasn’t the healthiest choice, but I really wanted to try them. When in Rome! Still, it made me wonder—do food warning labels actually deter consumers? Do they influence purchasing behavior, or do people, like me, simply ignore them when cravings strike? Let’s explore when and why food…
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Blood Sugar Supplements: Backed by Science or Driven by Hype?
The start of a new year often brings an influx of private practice clients eager to tackle their health goals, and one of the most common topics of conversation is the potential benefits of supplements for glucose control. Many people hope that supplements might provide the extra boost they need to achieve success, especially when the prospect of overhauling their entire diet and lifestyle feels overwhelming. I frequently find myself addressing questions about which supplements, if any, are truly effective for managing blood sugar. Adding to the confusion is the sheer size of the global wellness industry, valued at an…
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Banning Artificial Food Dyes: Health Risk or Overreaction?
Lately, I’ve been fielding more questions than usual about food dyes, and I can’t help but wonder if the recent ban on six harmful food dyes in California schools is sparking more concern. Many of my clients are increasingly worried about how these dyes might affect their health goals—whether it’s weight loss, diabetes prevention, or overall wellness. The conversation around food dyes is gaining momentum, and it’s clear that people are paying attention to the potential impact on their health. For a long time, my mindset was, “If it’s on the market, it must be safe.” But since having a…
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