Weight of the Nation: Reversing the Trend
Posted by
Karen Kafer, RD @ 1:53 PM
Did you know U.S. obesity rates among adults are predicted to reach 42 percent by 2030? This data led authors to suggest that the U.S. health care system will be burdened with 32 million more obese people within two decades. Did you know that preventing obesity rates from increasing could save nearly $550 billion in medical expenditures over the next two decades? Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Weight of the Nation: Reversing the Trend conference―a three-day State-of-the-Nutrition-Union event that analyzed our nation’s progress in the prevention and control of obesity through policy, systems and environmental strategies. Read the rest of this entry »
(Guest Post) The People Behind our Dairy Foods
Posted by
Judy Barbe @ 2:39 PM
This is a guest post written by Judy A. Barbe, MS, RD, who has worked with Western Dairy Association since 1992. Judy holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in food science and human nutrition from the University of Wyoming, and serves as a current spokesperson for the Wyoming Dietetic Association. To learn more about Judy, check out her full bio here.
People have enjoyed nutritious dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt for years. One of nature’s original functional foods, dairy is simply wholesome and delivers great taste along with nutrients vital for good health. From fat-free to lactose-free, dairy foods are available in a variety of options and play an important role in consumers’ health and wellness.
March on Meals
Posted by
Teresa Wagner, MS, RD, LD @ 8:27 AM
Did you know that Meals on Wheels cooks, packages and delivers more than 2,000 meals each weekday in just one county alone? It is true in my home county, Tarrant County, Texas, as I learned recently at a reception for their annual March on Meals campaign, designed to raise awareness about the program. Read the rest of this entry »
Champions of Change
Posted by
Karen Kafer, RD @ 12:07 PM
Through its Champions of Change initiative, The White House recently honored thirteen local leaders who are inspiring and empowering America’s youth to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Cindy Coughlin, a teacher from Alice B. Beal Elementary School in Springfield, Mass., was chosen from more than 600 nominees as one of the individuals recognized with this honor!
Fuel Up to Play 60 Makes Positive Changes in Nearly Three-Fourths of U.S. School Districts
Posted by
Jean Ragalie, RD @ 9:51 AM
As health professionals, thought leaders, schools and parents across the U.S. continue to work together to help ensure a healthy future for our nation’s youth, we now have clear data that shows Fuel Up to Play 60 is making real strides in helping to achieve positive, sustainable changes in the school environment. Since launching in 2009, Fuel Up to Play 60 has become one of the largest in-school nutrition and physical activity programs of its kind. Read the rest of this entry »
Flavored Milk Back on the Menu in Cabell County Schools
Posted by
Karen Kafer, RD @ 11:56 AM
For many children in West Virginia’s Cabell County School District, the breakfasts and lunches they are offered at school are their main meals of the day. So when flavored milk was removed from the schools’ lunchrooms last year, students not only lost a school menu favorite, but also access to a valuable source of nutrients—nutrients they might not be receiving at home. Read the rest of this entry »
Recognizing Sustainability Achievements in the Dairy Industry
Posted by
Judith Jarvis, MS, RD @ 2:53 PM
As consumers and health professionals alike have taken an increased interest in learning where their food comes from, it’s ever more important for dairy farmers, processors and manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to healthy people, healthy products and a healthy planet. In addition to nutrition and health benefits of foods, responsible food production practices are playing an increasingly larger role in how health professionals view food and what they communicate to consumers. Many dairy farmers and their families live and work on their farms ―some families have for generations―so they understand the importance of protecting our natural resources, and companies across the dairy industry have a long history of doing more with less.
Nature’s Sports Drink
Posted by
Gregory Miller, PhD, MACN @ 9:33 AM
Chocolate milk has been in the news recently — and part of that focus has been on its popularity as a recovery beverage for elite professional and endurance athletes. A growing body of scientific research has identified chocolate milk as an effective workout recovery solution, prompting athletes and those who advise athletes on nutrition to take notice.
Empowering Students to Make Healthy Decisions
Posted by
Jean Ragalie, RD @ 9:15 AM
As I’ve written about previously, the national dialogue on improving child health and wellness has taken center stage this year with the release of the new standards for school meals – standards that emphasize portion control and the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat and fat-free milk in children’s diets. While the ruling was a positive step toward ensuring children have access to nutritious meal options, it’s no secret that just because we give children access to healthy choices doesn’t mean they will choose them. Read the rest of this entry »
Appreciate Your Breakfast Plate and Help Manage Your Weight!
Posted by
Barbara Baron, MS, RD, CDN @ 8:51 AM
“…Five, Six, Seven, Eight, AppreciATE Your Breakfast ‘Plate’!”
March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Get Your Plate in Shape.” While many may look at their dinner plate as the place to begin shaping up their eating plan, in my opinion, healthy food choices start with breakfast and therefore we should appreciate our breakfast plate first.
