Your Professional Resource for Nutrition Education

Happy Celiac Awareness Month! Separating the Fact from the Fiction—and Dispelling the Hype Around Gluten
Posted 5/14/2013 by  Guest Blogger
As the awareness of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders grows, it is important to continue to separate the facts from the unknown to the media hype. First, let’s look at what we do know.  Read More >>
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Cooking with Yogurt – Easy Swaps for a Healthier Lifestyle
Posted 1/17/2013 by  Anh-Tram Pham MPH, RD
For many consumers, yogurt is popular as a nutritious mid-day snack or as part of a meal. It’s likely that your clients are no different. But the reality is that yogurt is versatile enough to be enjoyed alone or as a nutritious swap for other ingredients. Additionally, it can be used in a variety of recipes and meal occasions, from dinner to dessert.   Read More >>
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5 Tips for a Healthier You in 2013
Posted 1/4/2013 by  Blog Re-Post
With the whirlwind of the holiday season behind us, many cultures around the world have traditions to start in the New Year. In the U.S., many of us start with resolutions to create healthy habits and set new goals. The most popular New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, eating right, spending more time with family, managing finances, getting organized and volunteering.   Read More >>
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Consumer Acceptance Guides Responsibility Efforts
Posted 8/28/2012 by  Blog Re-Post
The relationship food companies have with their consumers goes beyond traditional parameters. Our consumers trust us with the food they put in their bodies, the food that nourishes and fuels them throughout the day. This gives us a unique connection to our consumers that we take very seriously.   Read More >>
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Is BBQ Season Up In Smoke?
Posted 7/19/2012 by  Brent Kobielush, PhD
If you’re like me, there isn’t a grilling season. Rather, grilling is a lifestyle. However, for most, grilling season begins in Spring and ends in Fall. You may have heard many rumors about the formation of carcinogens associated with grilling, but what are the facts?   Read More >>
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Don't Forget: Revisit Your Goals
Posted 7/5/2012 by  Guest Blogger
As health professionals, we all know how important goal-setting can be in helping our clients succeed with behavior change—it keeps them motivated, gives them small victories, and helps them progress. But sometimes, we may forget to engage in this practice ourselves...  Read More >>
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Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Posted 6/18/2012 by  Suzanne Skapyak MS, RD
I recently heard a commercial (unfortunately I can’t remember what it was for!) that had a joke that went like this: Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes….that way you’ll be a mile away and they won’t have any shoes! Ha ha ha! As health and nutrition professionals, we know how important it is to understand our audience’s point of view when we are educating and encouraging positive behavior change.   Read More >>
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Top Tips for Media RDs--or those aspiring to be
Posted 5/10/2012 by  Guest Blogger
Today we welcome Pat Baird, MA, RD, successful media dietitian and University of Connecticut professor, to our blog. In her post, Pat shares some of the things she’s learned in her journey as a media spokesperson.   Read More >>
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Nourishing Lives: Our 2012 Global Responsibility Report
Posted 4/20/2012 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
General Mills recently released the 2012 Global Responsibility Report and we’re delighted to share some of the highlights with you. Our company-wide mission is Nourishing Lives – whether we’re making strides in sustainability, responsible marketing practices or increasing whole grain in the food supply, our driving force is helping people live better.  Read More >>
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Using Your Resources: Benefits of the Bell Institute Community
Posted 3/23/2012 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
We don’t know about you, but as nutrition professionals, we stay pretty busy. In addition to the demands of daily life, we do our best to keep abreast of the latest in nutrition which, as we all know, is no small task.   Read More >>
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Happy Registered Dietitian Day!
Posted 3/14/2012 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
Today marks the fifth annual RD Day and it’s the perfect opportunity to recognize all the wonderful dietitians in our community. We’re thrilled to be connected to so many of you and would like to applaud your commitment to helping people follow healthier eating habits that lead to healthier lives.  Read More >>
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Celebrating National Nutrition Month®
Posted 3/1/2012 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
National Nutrition Month® starts today and provides us with a great opportunity to focus on “Get Your Plate in Shape.” While this means different things to different people, one thing is for sure – an “in-shape” plate follows the model of MyPlate, including a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups.   Read More >>
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The Next Big Leap
Posted 2/26/2012 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
I can’t quite figure out if Honda made up the Leap List or if it existed prior to their recent campaign. Regardless of its origins, as a goal-oriented, habitual list keeper myself, I sure liked the idea of it. For those who haven’t heard of it, a Leap List is kind of like a Bucket List—instead of your list relating to things you want to do before you die, it’s a list of things you want to do before your next big leap in life (i.e. before you have children, get married, turn 30/40/50, buy a house, …etc).   Read More >>
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What REALLY makes a heart happy?
Posted 2/8/2012 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
I’ve always been a fan of February. It’s “all about the heart” month. With Valentine’s Day and Heart Health month in full swing, I began to wonder what REALLY makes a person’s heart happy? The heart often represents a symbol of “emotional” well-being because a lot of input is needed in both diet and social support to help it go pitter-patter. What kind of input? Well, as any scientist would, I started looking for answers and asking questions!   Read More >>
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Finding the Joy in Feeding Teenage Boys
Posted 1/3/2012 by  Amy Loew, MS, RD
As a mom of two active, teenage boys, I often find myself juggling my dietitian mom hat (have they met the recommendations for fruits and veggies today?), my working mom hat (how am I going to finish this presentation and get all the supplies for the erupting model volcano?), and my plain old mom hat (what is for dinner?). Here are some strategies that have worked at our house:   Read More >>
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Exchange It!
Posted 12/20/2011 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
The holidays are rich with traditions! They are often what we look forward to most as we celebrate with family and friends. One of my favorite traditions is enjoying creative gift and food exchanges. Through the years we have expanded far beyond the cookie swap! It has provided great memories, valuable treasures, and a way to share a bit of what makes each of us unique.   Read More >>
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Betty is "Healthified"
Posted 11/21/2011 by  Guest Blogger
Have you ever wondered how Betty Crocker approaches healthy cooking? Just in time for the holidays, we had a chance to get a sneak peek into “healthifying” recipes with Shirley Dolland, Manager of the Betty Crocker Kitchens.  Read More >>
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Mindful Grocery Shopping...
Posted 11/2/2011 by  Adalia Espinosa, MS, MBA
I’ve noticed that in recent times there is a collective emergence of the state of being aware. It’s this concept of cultivating awareness – i.e. being mindful of the effect that (insert your topic of choice) has on yourself, the community and the environment. So we have terms like mindfulness meditation, mindful eating, mindfulness education, even mindful asset planning!   Read More >>
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The Choice is Yours!
Posted 10/26/2011 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
The many food choices we have are something most people probably don't give much thought. But, if you stop to think about it, there are lots of food choices available to us--thanks to our modern food system. The blog post "Celebrate the Wonder of Food Production" on foodinsight.org this week is a reminder to take note and celebrate all the choices our modern food supply affords us. With that perspective in mind, I thought about my food choices this week...   Read More >>
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Celebrate the Farmer
Posted 10/19/2011 by  Blog Re-Post
This past weekend I returned to the family farm in Northern Kentucky to visit my 86 year old parents and reflect on their years of constant labor on the now cow-less dairy farm. All the while, I was appreciating that I’m one of the lucky ones to experience the farm to fork process! Growing up on a dairy farm was not deemed glamorous by me or my friends, but maturity brings wisdom, so as I look back, here are some of my reflections:  Read More >>
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Packaged, Local, Organic? ...oh, my!
Posted 10/11/2011 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
If there's one thing everyone is talking about these days it's food. In today's modern food supply, there are so many options and public awareness around the choices we have and make around food: eating out, packaged foods, buying local, purchasing organic,...etc. At the end of the day, the question I feel I am often pressed with as a dietitian is whether or not all (or any) of these options can be part of a harmonious and healthy diet?   Read More >>
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Risk-Taking and Food Allergies
Posted 11/30/2011 by  Brent Kobielush, PhD
As we enter the holiday season, most of us look forward to parties, family get-togethers, and great food. However, how many of us have ever stopped to think about how hard it must be to live with a food allergy during the holidays? A food-allergic individual is constantly considering whether or not a certain food may contain an ingredient that can cause serious harm. Going out to eat, the grocery store, the cafeteria, parties, a friend’s house suddely becomes a significant process.   Read More >>
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Back-to-School: Anxiety or Excitement For a Busy Mom?
Posted 9/13/2011 by  Sarika Haris, PhD
Summer is over and kids are back to school. Nervous, anxious, excited, relieved, other? I’m not sure which emotions are predominant for most moms out there, but I, for one, sure am excited AND anxious.   Read More >>
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Cheerios - Celebrating 70 years!
Posted 8/31/2011 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
In 1941, Cheerios was introduced under a slightly different moniker as a new ready-to-eat cereal made from wholesome oats. This year, the cereal celebrates its 70th birthday and continues to provide many families with a great-tasting, wholesome cereal.   Read More >>
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My Internship at the Bell Institute
Posted 8/24/2011 by  Long "Dexter" Chen
I just finished my second summer internship at the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition! It was a great experience for my career and stands out as a highlight in my life because what I learned here exceeded my expectations.   Read More >>
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Champions for Healthy Kids – Finale and Future
Posted 8/3/2011 by  Jeff Peterson
The General Mills Foundation recently announced the recipients of its annual Champions for Healthy Kids grants to 50 youth-serving organizations with programs designed to promote both nutritious eating and physical fitness behaviors. This year’s recipients cover a broad range of youth nutrition and fitness programming, from urban farming to running clubs to mobile food pantries.   Read More >>
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Have You Eaten Yet?
Posted 7/26/2011 by  Dawn Chen, RD
“Have you eaten yet?” is a common greeting I heard over and over again during my recent visit to China. Typical Chinese grandmothers and mothers will immediately usher you into their home and offer some delicious traditional foods, comfort and company of family and friends. Meals are not just a time to refuel, but rather an occasion to gather everyone together among good conversation.  Read More >>
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Green Giant: Living the Green Life
Posted 6/14/2011 by  Pam Mason, MS
We often think about the “green movement” as an effort that’s gained a lot of attention and traction over the past few years. In fact, many of these efforts go way back. Sustainability efforts aren’t new to Green Giant either. “Green” is in their name. They practice being green everyday and have done so for decades.  Read More >>
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The New Food Icon: Changing the Landscape Of Our Plates
Posted 6/3/2011 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
Like many of you, I was excited to hear USDA’s announcement about the new food icon and tuned in to the live stream webcast this past Thursday for the much anticipated unveiling of MyPlate. Listening to the announcement and the Q&A session that followed, the intent of MyPlate was clear: Provide a visual example that will prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times, including awareness of portion sizes.   Read More >>
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The Gluten-Free Diet: Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity and More?
Posted 5/3/2011 by  Pamela Cureton, RD, LDN
As springtime arrives in Maryland, it also brings Celiac Awareness Month during the month of May. This gives me an opportunity to reflect on the advances that have been made in celiac disease (CD) since I entered the field in 1993. At that time, the gluten-free diet (GFD) was an extremely challenging undertaking.   Read More >>
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Unsung Heroes of the Human Body
Posted 3/21/2011 by  Jennifer Brulc, PhD
Every day, for every year of our lives, from the moment we are born onward, we are accompanied by 100 trillion of our best friends. They eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with us – in fact we couldn’t eat without most of them. Any guesses yet on who are our “special” friends? Microbiota – the unsung heroes of the human body.  Read More >>
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There’s No Time like the Present!
Posted 3/7/2011 by  Juli Hermanson MPH, RD
The fourth annual Registered Dietitian Day is March 9! As a registered dietitian myself, I feel a mounting sense of urgency. Our role is more vital than ever in translating science into practical advice. I especially feel that urgency in working with the food industry. The fact that our employers care so much about health and nutrition to hire registered dietitians speaks volumes. But do they listen, you may ask?   Read More >>
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Sharing Our Expertise to Nourish Lives: General Mills Efforts In Africa
Posted 2/21/2011 by  Indra Mehrotra, MS RD
Like many young professionals, my career started with a sense of purpose and idealism. I wanted to help prevent the scourge of malnutrition which was so prevalent in India. My dream came true when I was hired as a nutritionist by the Catholic Relief Services in New Delhi. Now, at General Mills, I have stumbled upon a similar path and am volunteering to help "nourish lives" in Africa. Read more...  Read More >>
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Expert Perspectives on Bone Health (Part Two)
Posted 1/17/2011 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
To continue the dialogue of bone health, we asked expert Connie Weaver Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Department Head at Purdue University, to discuss her perspective on this timely topic.   Read More >>
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Top Poll Results of 2010!
Posted 1/4/2011 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
The Times Square ball has dropped, the horns have been blown, and all the polling results from bellinstitute.com have been tallied! What questions got your top votes last year? Here’s a sample of what you had to say…   Read More >>
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It wouldn't be a holiday without....
Posted 12/20/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
We all have at least one favorite holiday tradition. As a foodie, mine typically revolves around culinary experiences that help define my festivities. What has fascinated me over the years is the persistence of maintaining these traditions, no matter how absurd! Take my husband’s family for example…   Read More >>
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Reaping the Benefits of Processed Foods
Posted 12/13/2010 by  Suzanne Skapyak MS, RD
I love a good garden just like the next girl. Despite our 0.021 acre lot in Minneapolis, we diligently till, plant and tend our small plot each year. To get the premium piece of dirt with maximum hours of sunlight, we dug up the best part of our lawn carefully situated between the reaching shadows of the neighboring houses, garages and gorgeous yet sun-blocking boulevard trees.   Read More >>
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Charity Starts At Home
Posted 12/6/2010 by  Jeff Peterson
'Tis the season of giving! Whether driven by holiday-inspired benevolence or year-end tax planning, the next few weeks will produce a spike in individual charitable giving, and according to a recent PR Week/Barkley poll, the most popular causes in America are once again those related to children’s education (20%), health (18%), and poverty (12%). All are noble causes...  Read More >>
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Expert Perspectives on Bone Health (Part One)
Posted 11/22/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
New Calcium and Vitamin D intake recommendations will be announced by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on November 30. In anticipation of this announcement we asked expert Robert P. Heaney, M.D., Vice President for Research at Creighton University, to discuss his perspective on bone health.  Read More >>
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Cereal at Breakfast: A Strong Way to Start the Day
Posted 11/8/2010 by  Juli Hermanson MPH, RD
November is in full swing! The holiday season, with its threat of adding pounds from the endless feasting, approaches. Are you tempted to skip breakfast? Think any of your clients are tempted to do the same? If they are skipping, it’s up to you to point out what they’re missing! The latest data continues to lay out a compelling story for starting the day with a cereal breakfast and how it can help manage weight.  Read More >>
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Soup's On
Posted 10/12/2010 by  Anh-Tram Pham MPH, RD
Fall is officially here! As the cool air creeps in, I enjoy the changing fall colors, hooded sweatshirt weather, and time for warm, delicious soup. Nothing is better than the smell of a slow simmering pot of homemade soup over the stove. Soup can be a breeze to make, budget-friendly, and nutritious.   Read More >>
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To Trick or Treat...that is the question?
Posted 10/4/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
As a dietitian and mama of two school age kiddos, this time of year often brings commentary on my giveaway habits at Halloween. Either to my face, or whispers behind me, I hear other parents say, “I bet you don’t believe in handing candy out at Halloween?”   Read More >>
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Food Insecurity in America—A Challenge for All of Us
Posted 9/27/2010 by  Michelle Tucker, MS, RD
I’ve read several articles recently on the issue of food insecurity in America. This month the American Dietetic Association released an updated position paper on food insecurity and ADA President, Judith Rodriguez, contributed to the USA Today supplement, A Hunger-Free America, which addresses this enormous problem. How enormous? In 2008, it was estimated that 49 million Americans experienced food insecurity, many being children.  Read More >>
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Dressing Room Dilemmas
Posted 9/13/2010 by  Tamara Schryver PhD, MS, RD
Super heroes or sports heroes? Light pink or hot pink? Closed toe or strappy sandle? Common decisions when shopping for school clothes. But what happens when....   Read More >>
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The Diabetes Difference
Posted 8/15/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
“Changing Lives, Building Knowledge, and Creating Opportunities.” This was the theme of the August 2010 American Association of Diabetes Educators Conference. In a growing and multifaceted disease, I was inspired by the approaches these educators employ to enhance the health of their patients.  Read More >>
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The Whole Grain Puzzle
Posted 7/12/2010 by  Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, RD
Have you wondered why we are being asked to eat more whole grains? Does it really have a significant impact on our health? I was honored to be part of the Putting the Whole Grain Puzzle Together: Health benefits Associated with Whole Grains symposium, at the Experimental Biology meetings in April, that addressed these very questions.   Read More >>
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Champions for Healthy Kids!
Posted 6/21/2010 by  Anh-Tram Pham MPH, RD
How do we help our youth live healthy, balanced and active lifestyles? It takes initiative, bright ideas, and passionate commitment! I was once again impressed with the over 1,000 applications submitted for this year’s General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Grant. These are the people willing to drive change so our children can have a healthier tomorrow.   Read More >>
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Seasonal Eating
Posted 6/11/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year! Nope it wasn’t my birthday, or anniversary, it was the first day of my Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick-up. It’s a glorious day each late spring that the first box of vegetation bounty arrives at my local drop site.  Read More >>
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And the Winner Is.....
Posted 5/25/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
Recently I wrote a post discussing the first Minnesota Idea Open Challenge contest. Over 400 ideas were submitted to tackle the issue of: How could your community use $15,000 to help people eat smart and be active? So what was the winning concept? What is this ‘Idea Open’ anyway? So glad you asked!   Read More >>
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Being Part of the Solution!
Posted 4/19/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
If your community had $15,000 to help people eat smart and be active, how would you use it? There has been plenty of discussion recently concerning the best approach to growing public health challenges in America. How are we finding solutions?   Read More >>
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Sixty-Six Days
Posted 3/30/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
I’ve often heard it takes 21 days for a new habit to form. As we approach spring, how many New Year’s resolutions have actually sprung into action? A study published in the July 2009 European Journal of Social Psychology found that daily events like eating fruit at lunch or running for fifteen minutes took an average of sixty-six days to become a habit.   Read More >>
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The Mighty Mint Sprig
Posted 3/16/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
Today I ran outside with short sleeves on. This may not sound impressive, but mid-March in Minnesota is not known for tropical breezes. I came home and noticed that my entire garden was free of the snowy blanket that had engulfed it only days ago. On further inspection I noticed something amazing…a mint sprig shooting out of the dense black soil!   Read More >>
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The Great RD Adventure!
Posted 3/8/2010 by  Juli Hermanson MPH, RD
March 10 is Registered Dietitian Day! For the many RDs who visit this site each day, we salute you! I am curious if you RDs remember as vividly as I, taking the registration exam? That was the beginning of the the Great RD Adventure!  Read More >>
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Food Package Flexibility: A Picky Eater's Mom Plea For Help
Posted 2/16/2010 by  Tamara Schryver PhD, MS, RD
I’ve spent a good chunk of my career working with the Women, Infants, and Childrens (WIC) program. One thing was always missing—practical experience—until recently when we added our daughter Gia to our family. The WIC Food Package Final Rule is being heavily debated for the 9,000,000 mothers, infants, and children in who participate. As a mother, I finally have a frame of reference.  Read More >>
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A Comforting Thought
Posted 2/8/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
At a recent girlfriend gathering the discussion of, “events and the favorite foods that go with them”, was an exciting topic. We went down the line from holiday feasts, Super Bowl party snacks, and Valentine’s Day desserts. After I stopped dreaming of chocolate truffles, I considered the notion, “Can comfort foods actually be good for our health?”   Read More >>
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Good Day Sunshine!
Posted 1/27/2010 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
It’s that time of year (especially if you live in the tundra north like I do) in which the daily shot of sunshine seems elusive. With the warmth and glow of the sun also comes a soaking dose of Vitamin D. Last year was a big “media” year for the usually low key D. So what's the breakdown of the recommendations and how should we be guiding our patients on Vitamin D intake?  Read More >>
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Moving the Dial
Posted 12/22/2009 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
One of my favorite teaching tools is the “Stages of Change” for modifying health behavior. Early in my career, I would get discouraged when I didn’t see enough “progress” in some of my patients as they endeavored to make better choices. I loved how this model taught me there are victories even in the small progressions people make everyday.   Read More >>
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Welcome to Our New Website Home
Posted 11/11/2009 by  Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD
I have a guilty pleasure of watching home improvement TV shows. I think the biggest thrill is seeing how the end result of these shows really improves the lives of the people who actually live in these houses! They have more useable space for their daily needs and for hanging out with family and friends. At the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition we are so excited to show you our new website home!   Read More >>
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