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What’s the Deal with Protein Powders?
Protein is an essential macronutrient for everyone, but for people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels while maintaining a healthy diet is especially important. Supplemental protein can be a convenient way to boost protein intake, particularly for those with active lifestyles or who struggle to meet their daily protein needs through food alone. But what’s the deal with protein powders? Are they really necessary, and how do you choose the right one? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know. What are Protein Powders? Protein powders are concentrated forms of protein derived from various sources, such as: Whey (a byproduct…
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It’s Game Time! Healthy Snacks for Football Season
It’s that time of year again—game time! As an avid Broncos fan, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to watch the game with friends and family. However, it’s tempting to reach for snacks that aren’t the healthiest, especially for those managing diabetes. Here are three of my favorite diabetes-friendly options to keep your blood sugar in check while you enjoy the action. #1 Veggies and Hummus Veggies and hummus make an excellent snack for people with diabetes because they offer a perfect combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, all of which help regulate blood sugar. Non-starchy vegetables like…
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Is the “Diabetic Diet” a Thing of the Past?
If I had a dollar for every time I received a referral to provide education on the so-called “diabetic diet,” I’d be a very wealthy lady! While I understand the good intentions behind these referrals—helping patients develop sustainable eating patterns that support effective glycemic management—I can’t help but wonder what referring providers believe this magical “diabetic diet” really is. The term “diabetic diet” often implies a one-size-fits-all approach, but the reality is far more nuanced. Join me as I explore some of the most common dietary patterns for managing glycemia. Common Diabetes Eating Patterns Before the discovery of insulin, people…
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The Many Benefits of Breakfast
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. A nutritious morning meal can set the tone for the rest of the day, providing the energy and nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Irregardless of your plans for the day, making time for breakfast can significantly impact your health, mood, and productivity. Enhanced Cognitive Function Studies have shown that eating breakfast can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive function. For students and professionals, this means better performance at school or work. A balanced breakfast that includes whole grains, fruits, and proteins can…
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3 Foods to Eat Less of as You Age
As we age, our nutritional needs and metabolism change. Making mindful adjustments to our diet can help us maintain good health, prevent chronic diseases, and improve overall quality of life. Here are three foods you should consider reducing as you get older. Alcohol As we age, our body’s ability to process alcohol can change dramatically. Liver function declines, leading to slower metabolism of alcohol, which means alcohol stays in the system longer and has more pronounced and prolonged effects. Additionally, decreased production of enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism (such as ADH and ALDH) puts older adults at higher risk of…
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Three Diabetes-Friendly Lunches for the Office
Packing a lunch for the office can feel time-consuming and daunting, especially when you have a million other things to do in the morning. Try these recipes for a healthy and filling midday meal in the office. #1. Wraps and Sandwiches a diabetes-friendly lunch, it’s essential to focus on meals that help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Wraps and sandwiches can be excellent choices if prepared with the right ingredients. Focus on whole grain breads that a high in fiber, lower fat condiments, and amble veggies and protein-based filler! Classic Turkey Opt for a hearty whole wheat bread with this…
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Protein and Weight Loss: What’s the Big Deal?
You may be wondering lately what the deal is with all these high protein diets for weight loss. Atkins, Carnivore, Paleo, the list goes on. Can all that protein really be the solution to weight management? The truth is—there is some compelling evidence to support increased protein intake for weight loss
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Non-Nutritive “Artificial” Sweeteners and Weight Loss
A new study recently presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that replacing regular table sugar with non-nutritive or “artificial” sweeteners can help adults maintain weight loss with no added risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, this recommendation is at odds with the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises against using sugar substitutes for weight loss. So you may be wondering how you can best maintain weight loss while minimizing the health risks associated with sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners? Navigating these Recommendations The conflicting recommendations highlight the complexity of dietary science and individual health needs.…
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Eating Out with Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms, with the primary treatment being adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. Despite the well-known sources of gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye, malt, and some oats, cross-contamination in restaurants can pose significant challenges. However, with advance planning, it is still possible to enjoy a night out with friends. Finding Gluten Free Restaurants For individuals who dine out regularly, cross-contamination is almost unavoidable. The key is to minimize exposure by choosing restaurants that prioritize gluten-free customers and…
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Protein and Healthy Aging
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the significance of protein intake in preserving the health of older adults. This is particularly important for middle-aged and older females, who are more prone to experiencing muscle decline after menopause. Keep reading to discover the crucial role of protein as we age. How Does Protein Support Healthy Aging? Protein plays a crucial role in both the cognitive and physiological functions of the brain. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, important for regulating mood, focus, memory, and cognition, are synthesized from amino acids. Proteins serve as essential building…
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Macronutrients and Aging
A recent study revealed that macronutrients, particularly protein intake during midlife, are linked to enhanced brain function in older age. This underscores the long-term impact of dietary choices on cognitive health and reinforces the importance of a balanced diet throughout the lifespan. How do Macronutrients Affect Brain Health? Carbohydrate, fat, and protein play distinct roles in promoting overall brain health. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose, which serves as the brain’s primary fuel source. Opting for complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables ensures a steady energy supply, supporting optimal cognitive function. Individuals transitioning to a lower-carb diet may…
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Is Glucose the New Gluten?
Recently, a news media outlet asked me whether glucose is becoming the new gluten, hinting at whether nutrition trends have led to an unjustified fear and preoccupation with blood sugar. The media outlet referenced the impact of social media influencers like #GlucoseGoddess and Signos Health, that promote a hyperawareness of blood glucose outside the setting of diabetes. Are they on to something? Should we be tracking our glucose in an effort to prevent diabetes and promote optimal health? Does Blood Glucose Matter Outside of Diabetes? Understanding the connection between blood sugar levels and our mood, energy, and food cravings can encourage healthier…
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Misconceptions About Immune Health
Our immune health is closely linked to our body’s capacity to fend off germs and bacteria. A robust immune system can effectively shield us from foreign invaders. Chronic illnesses, stress, specific medications, and life stage transitions (such as pregnancy) can compromise our immune health, rendering us more susceptible to common viral infections. Diabetes and Immune Health Diabetes can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and impairing wound healing. High blood sugars interfere with immune cell function, leading to a higher susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Chronic inflammation in diabetes further compromises immune health. Proper management,…
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Behavior Change and New Habits
As the new year begins, many people start new diets to improve their health. After a month or so, they often feel frustrated and find it tough to stick to these eating behaviors. This can lead to a sense of wanting to give up, even though they haven’t given themselves enough time to develop these new routines. How Long Does it Take to Form New Habits? The speed at which new habits form hinges on our willingness to embrace change. Initially, we assess how our actions align with our short and long-term health objectives. We weigh the advantages of maintaining…
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Prenatal Vitamins Beyond Pregnancy
I am frequently asked about prenatal vitamins by my pre- and postpartum clients. Both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) recommend using prenatal vitamins during preconception, throughout pregnancy, and during lactation—whether nursing or pumping. Occasionally, I encounter clients who continue taking prenatal vitamins long after their baby has weaned. I caution against this practice because our nutritional needs are distinct during pregnancy. Instead, I recommend considering either a multivitamin or supplementing with specific nutrients as needed. What are Prenatal Vitamins? Prenatal vitamins are tailored to meet the unique needs of…
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Dietitian Abroad: Southern Italy & Meal Timing
I am often asked by my clients for recommendations on meal patterns and timing. Is it ok to skip breakfast if I’m not hungry? Will skipping breakfast cause me to gain weight? Is it unhealthy to eat after 8pm? What about intermittent fasting? With such diverse eating patterns in the United States, it’s not surprising that many need guidance on this topic. A recent trip to southern Italy had me rethinking my own preferences for meal timing and the importance of consistency, especially with kiddos at home. In this post, I’ll walk through some unique features of meal timing in…
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Ketogenic vs Mediterranean: A Dietary Face-Off
“What should I eat now?” is by far the most common question I hear from the newly diagnosed. The answer is both simple—and complex. Eating for good glucose management can vary greatly. Age, gender, baseline metabolism, taste preference, and even elements of nutrigenomics shape how our bodies respond to food. The two most commonly adopted eating patterns for improved glycemic control is a variation of the Ketogenic diet and the well-known Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean Diet Largely plant based, the “Medi diet” promotes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil and herbs. Fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt…
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Graduate School: Fall Semester, Defense, Graduation
There is a running light-hearted joke in my family that I am the “eternal student” always enrolled in either a degree, continuing education class, or certification program. It’s not to avoid getting a job, as I’ve worked full time along the way, but what can I say? I love to learn! Career development takes time and I find I do best in structured learning environments. Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to post an update on the completion of my graduate coursework, Plan B Thesis/Defense, and conferral of my degree. After almost two years working and studying full time, weekends…
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Graduate School: Spring/Summer Semester
As much as I’ve enjoyed my coursework this spring and summer, I am glad to be on to my last semester this fall. FSHN 506: Nutrition & Human Performance South Dakota State University | Professor Elizabeth Droke This course is designed for students to develop an understanding of nutrition based upon knowledge of the biochemical and physiological process and functions of specific nutrients in meeting nutritional requirements. The course emphasizes the relationship of optimal nutrition and physical efficiency and performance. EDRM: Principles of Quantitative Data Analysis University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Professor Charles Ansorge Students are introduced to statistical methods applied…
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Debunk the Junk: The “Keto” Diet
If you’ve stood in the grocery checkout line sometime in the last year, then I am sure you’ve noticed the ketogenic diet on the cover of almost every health and wellness magazine. Promising weight loss, improved acne, neurological repair, and the reversal of type 2 diabetes, the keto diet has many reported health claims. But what is the keto diet? Does it really work? Should I try it?
