Healthy gift ideas for Christmas

18 Christmas gifts promoting health and wellness all year long

Discover Christmas gift ideas that inspire and motivate loved ones to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2024   The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your loved one, I’ve got you covered with some great ideas. This list is not about mundane items like socks, underwear,…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Dec 7, 2023
Pomegranates and pomegranates juice

Pomegranates – Protector of your health

The fruit’s seeds and natural juice are a wealth of nutrients beneficial for your health. Right about now, you may be overlooking an extraordinarily nutritious fruit. And it’s not the usual apples, oranges, or bananas.  While all fruits are good for us, the “jewel of the winter,” better known as pomegranates, protects your health.  Usually…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Dec 2, 2023
Thanksgiving pies

How to enjoy Thanksgiving food guilt-free using three empowering approaches

  Feeling anxious about weight gain this holiday season? Here’s how to stop Thanksguilting and start enjoying Thanksgiving.   This year, don’t allow worries about overeating ruin your Thanksgiving celebration with loved ones. It’s a once-a-year occasion that should be enjoyed without reservation. Instead, recognize that this holiday has several healthy opportunities to take advantage…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Nov 15, 2023
Alarm clock reminding to eat healthy and exercise

Finding Time For Healthy Behaviors

  Taking time to plan, prioritize, and problem-solve can help you reach your behavior change goals   Achieving behavior change goals, such as healthy eating and exercise, requires planning, prioritizing, and problem-solving. Putting these three “P’s” to work will help you stay on track and overcome any obstacles that may hinder your success. Beginning a…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Oct 24, 2023
Soft Pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Flavorful and pillowy soft, these pumpkin cookies are an irresistible fall treat!   Every household should have a top-notch recipe for soft pumpkin cookies. This recipe will become a family favorite when the leaves change colors and there’s a crisp, autumnal feeling in the air. Serving a plate of these soft pumpkin cookies with chocolate…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Oct 1, 2023
Feet standing on a weight scale

Sneaky reasons you’re struggling with unexplained weight gain

If your clothes are getting tight or the number on the scale is going up, one of these issues could be the reason why Here’s a common scenario when attempting weight loss:  You think you’re doing everything right – you’ve cut calories and increased exercise – but the pounds keep piling on, making it a…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Sep 24, 2023
Breakfast omelet

Jump-start weight loss with a protein-packed breakfast

Adding more protein to your diet is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. And the best time to begin starts in the morning by eating breakfast.    Starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast can be an effective strategy if you’re looking to lose weight. Research has demonstrated that a high-protein breakfast…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Aug 13, 2023
Pouring a cup of tea

Flavan-3-ol-rich foods: Why a daily dose may reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes

Why these dietary compounds are important for reducing risk of our most widespread and serious chronic health complaints of our time   Are you wondering what flavan-3-ols are and why they matter? You’re not alone. As a nutrition writer and outpatient clinical dietitian working with both cardiac rehab and diabetes patients, my goal is always…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Jul 8, 2023
Arugula in a wooden bowl

Bitter foods – The taste of good health

Instead of scrunching up your nose at bitter foods – embrace them!   Many people do not enjoy the taste of bitter foods, preferring sweet, salty, or sour flavors instead. However, those who have avoided bitter-tasting foods may miss vital nutrients and compounds essential for gut and digestive health and significant bone, brain, and liver…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | Jun 24, 2023
Woman wearing a yellow sun hat drinking water

This summer, quench your thirst to avoid the dangers of dehydration

In summer’s heat, you need to stay hydrated for your health.   As temperatures rise, so does your chance of becoming dehydrated.  Dehydration happens when water loss exceeds water intake.  If the percentage of water loss escalates too much, you can be in grave danger of significant health effects and even death. Water is that…

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By Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD | May 30, 2023