http://www.bellinstitute.comCopyright ©2012 General Mills.5It has been about a year since the 2010 Dietary Guidelines were released which continued to promote the consumption of whole grain as part of a healthy eating pattern. As health professionals this was great news, since we know that most Americans do not eat nearly enough whole grain. In fact 95% of Americans fall short of the recommendation to make at least half their grains whole. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=93Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend people increase fruits and vegetables—for good reason! We know there are many associations to overall good health when people eat their produce. When it comes to veggies, even though getting people to eat them may still be a challenge (for moms and health professionals alike), the message that frozen vegetables are as nutritious as fresh has gotten a lot of traction. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=92Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMTThere’s a lot of focus on New Year’s Resolutions this time of year—and, for many, the resolutions are around weight loss. Perhaps you have clients who have decided to finally take those extra pounds off or maybe you’ve helped them reach a healthy weight and now they want to maintain their loss. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=91Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTWelcome to 2012! As we leave 2011 behind and embark on a new year, I can’t help but notice the longer line at the salad bar and overcrowded parking lot at the gym. While I secretly grumble about my delayed lunch and restricted use of the gym equipment, I confess I am among the millions of well-intentioned Americans who begin each year with a health-oriented goal (or two). http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=90Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTAs 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: http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=88Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=87Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTWe all know that live and active cultures are one of the benefits provided by most yogurt. But how do you know if they’re in the yogurt you choose? And are they still live and active in your yogurt by the time you’re eating it? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=86Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTHave 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=85Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTDid you know that 19% of Americans over the age of 65 live alone? Additionally, 10% of Americans over the age of 85 experience symptoms of depression. Part of fighting depression is ensuring older adults are getting enough socialization. November is National Family Caregiver Month and a great way to engage aging family members in a social activity is through cooking. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=84Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTI’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! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=83Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe 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... http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=82Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTThis 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:http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=81Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTIf 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? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=80Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTAs 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=79Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTA big thank you to all those who stopped by the General Mills booth at the 2011 American Dietetic Association (ADA) Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) and took part in our Get the Whole Story™ Art Project. Your participation generated a $25,000 donation to the ADA Foundation's Kids Eat Right Program to help fund the creation of a Family Meal Planning Tool kit! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=78Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Sandwich Generation was named because they are people, typically between the ages of 35 and 55, who are balancing care for a family of their own as well as their aging parents—-sandwiched between meeting the care demands from both young and old. It seems appropriate, then that many of their battles (on both sides) involve food. The challenges with senior nutrition however are much different and hold serious consequences. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=77Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTFrom coast to coast we always look forward to the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) and interacting with our fellow RDs. This year we have again put together a fun and interactive booth activity: the General Mills Get the Whole Story™ Art Project. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=76Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTSummer 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=75Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTIn 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=74Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMTI 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=73Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT“Nourishing Lives” is General Mills mission, and comes to life in many ways through the people that work here. From developing wholesome foods that nourish the body, to nourishing the environment through sustainability efforts, to volunteering our time and talents to help nourish communities around the globe. Volunteerism is woven into the fabric of General Mills. Through the General Mills Foundation Volunteer Match program employees can discover new ways to apply their skills and passions for the benefit of others in their local community. That’s where I found mine.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=72Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=71Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT“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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=70Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTTwo of my Bell Institute colleagues, Marilyn Werner and Ali Dorazio, and I had the pleasure of attending IMPACT 2011 – the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 39th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Las Vegas. The conference kicked off with an opening reception complete with Cirque de Soleil performances. Entertainment aside, AAPA was one of the most inspiring professional conferences that I have attended in the recent past. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=69Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTI have four nephews and two nieces. Of them, two eat any vegetable on their plate, two eat only a select few, one won’t touch anything he thinks might resemble a vegetable, and, the last one…well, she isn’t eating solid food yet, but we’re rooting for her to be a veggie eater like her older brother. So what’s a person to do when kids won’t eat things we know are good for them? Penn State researcher, Maureen Spill, might have a solution.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=68Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTUSDA is excited about the release of the MyPlate icon, the launch of ChooseMyPlate.gov, and the associated Dietary Guidelines for Americans messaging campaign, and the interest these have received from health professionals, media, and the public! We have also received many questions about the specifics of the MyPlate icon.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=67Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTWe 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=65Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTLike 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=64Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTThis past January, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the long-anticipated Proposed Rule on Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This rule proposes to revise the meal patterns and nutrition requirements for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program to align them with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=63Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTMay is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to help increase awareness and understanding of the disease. The Surgeon General’s report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis estimates that, “by 2020 half of all Americans over 50 will have weak bones unless we make changes to our diet and lifestyle.” http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=62Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTAs 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=61Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe area of scientific innovation and advancement is part of General Mills rich history. As a company committed to science and technology, we respect others’ endeavors and feel it’s important to support efforts and recognize those that are making significant scientific contributions. One of the ways General Mills does this is through an award sponsorship with the American Society of Nutrition. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=60Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTEvery April, approximately 13,000 scientists descend upon one chosen city for five days of intellectual stimulation, networking, and a bit of fun. The conference, called Experimental Biology, was held in Washington D.C. this year, which worked out well since it overlapped with the end of the cherry blossom festival. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=59Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTHaving recently served on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), we asked Dr. Sharon Nickols-Richardson from the Pennsylvania State University to tell us a little about her experience. Read what she had to say.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=58Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTWhat do you get when you join over 700 cardiovascular specialists, passion for heart disease prevention, cutting-edge education and speakers, and Minnie Mouse? The recent Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) Symposium held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=57Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTI had the opportunity to attend the 27th Annual SCAN Symposium this year and introduce John Ivy at a breakfast talk, sponsored by Wheaties and the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. As I thought about General Mills, SCAN, and John Ivy, my mind landed on one word: Championship! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=56Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTEvery 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=55Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe 2010 Dietary Guidelines urge Americans to not only increase vegetable intake but to include a variety of veggies in the diet, especially those dark-green, red and orange in color. To help meet this goal, they recommend making half your plate fruits and vegetables. Not only can vegetables play an important role in health, they can add color to meals, and provide nutrients for eating on the go.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=54Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe 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? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=53Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTQuick question…what does a cup of yogurt, a fashionista, a dietitian, and facebook have in common? At first glance, not much. As a dietetic student (many moons ago), I always knew part of my profession would be to communicate nutrition information. I had no idea it was during the dawn of a communication revolution!http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=52Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTLike 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...http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=51Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTHappy Valentine’s Day to all! This holiday happens to be one of my favorites…what’s not to love about a holiday focused on love and affection? And, while I enjoy a decadent molten chocolate cake as much as the next chocoholic, this year, I wanted to honor heart health month in a healthier way. So, in the spirit of love and armed with nutrition knowledge and a little flair for creativity, I thought of ways I could embrace the heart health theme and let others know that I heart them and their hearts. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=50Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTWe are all familiar with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the advice they provide, but the process of how they come-to-be every five years is a bit of a mystery to most of us. To help us understand a little more about the process we asked Dr. Joanne Slavin from the University of Minnesota to tell us about her experience working on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=49Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTAs I was reading through the Great Big Whole Grain Idea! Sweepstakes entries yesterday, I was struck by the amount of whole grain education going on across the nation. There are a lot of whole- grainiacs out there touting the benefits of whole grain! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=47Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTTo 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=46Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe 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… http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=45Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTWe 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… http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=44Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTI 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=43Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT'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...http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=42Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTMom sure was right about the importance of eating breakfast, as I learned in preparing for last week’s media briefing to my colleagues at the American Dietetic Association Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. What surprised me most was the world-wide agreement on how much breakfast matters, particularly related to body weight in children. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=40Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTNew 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=39Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTBeing among over 11,000 of my professional colleagues attending educational sessions in Boston at the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference was fantastic. Nutrition is an evolving science and keeping up to date is essential for all practicing registered dietitians. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=38Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTNovember 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=37Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTIf you are attending ADA FNCE next week in Boston we hope you will stop by the General Mills booth (#3331) to Get the Whole Story™. Participate in our fun and interactive presentation, visit each of our story stations and receive a leather journal* to record your whole story. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=36Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTI just got back from the American College of Gastroenterology meeting held in San Antonio Texas. This annual conference was an impressive gathering of the latest in technologies, research and clinical care all meant to help us on the journey of understanding digestive health. This got me thinking, what actually is digestive health? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=35Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTThere’s less than three weeks until the American Dietetic Association’s Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (a.k.a. FNCE) and the countdown is marked by a flurry of last-minute preparation at the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. While I’m excited about all the Bell Institute activities I’ll be involved in, I’m also excited about a few other items on my itinerary this year....http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=34Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTFall 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=33Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTAs 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?” http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=32Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTI’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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=31Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTSuper 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.... http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=30Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTIt’s that time of year again, and by “that time” I mean, of course, that it’s Whole Grains Month. I haven’t been in clinical practice for several years, now, but I remember how monthly themes like this could inspire me to educate my clients. Board displays, tip sheets, trivia questions for the bold and the brainy, and presentations to employees were all part of my arsenal to get people fired up about the nutrition topic of the month. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=29Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTIt’s back to school time! For those who work in school foodservice there can be some steep challenges in feeding hundreds, maybe even thousands, of kids a healthy breakfast and lunch every day. So what is a great solution for meeting both health and happiness at school meal time? The answer…adding whole grain kid-favorites to the menu. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=28Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT“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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=27Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTFiber is generally accepted as a nutrient that is important to overall good health, but for many, our knowledge of fiber stops there. I recently attended the 9th Vahouny Fiber Symposium, which was a great opportunity to learn of new developments in this exciting field.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=26Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMTHave 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=25Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMTHow 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=24Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTYesterday 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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=23Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTRecently 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! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=22Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTTo thank you for being on the front lines of nutrition education, the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition is pleased to announce FREE online access to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior for the next three months! To access this month’s dedicated WIC supplement and other valuable JNEB resources click "read more" below.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=21Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTIf 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? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=20Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMTI’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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=19Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTToday 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! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=18Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTMarch 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!http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=17Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTWhether you are a care provider or trying to negotiate care for yourself or a loved one within our current health-care system, healthcare reform is on everybody’s mind. What is a Patient Centered Medical Home and can it be the answer to more cost effective and enhanced care? http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=16Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMTI’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.http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=14Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMTAt 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?” http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=13Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMTIt’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?http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=12Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMTThis month the Bell Institute will be speaking with Dr. John Ivy, exercise physiologist and Department Chair of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin. For the past thirty years he has researched simple, healthy options for building strength, endurance and muscle mass. The best part is you get to ask Dr. Ivy the questions! Submit your questions this week and tune in for the answers on bellinstitute.com!http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=11Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMTInformation overload is everywhere. As experts in the field of nutrition and health, we are suppose to be “on top” of the latest research. I don’t know about you, but that feels daunting in a science that is constantly evolving. At the October 2009 American Dietetic Association conference in Denver, I had the opportunity to learn, listen, and educate. One area of confusion I noticed was around the benefits of whole grain. I had several colleagues ask, “Why isn’t the fiber content similar in all whole grain products and what are the positives to increasing dietary whole grains?” http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=10Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMTOne 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. http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=9Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMTI 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! http://www.bellinstitute.com/Blogs/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogId=5Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT