After examining forecasts, here are the 10 key trends in food and nutrition for 2024 and beyond. These trends have enduring impact that will influence food and nutrition businesses and shape the way we shop and eat. One Health One Health promotes a balanced and healthy future by integrating the well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. One Health is a collaborative approach, aiming for optimal health outcomes at local, regional, and global levels by recognizing the ecosystem connections. Op ..read more

Q: I hear about intermittent fasting- what’s that about? A: Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity presenting several patterns of fasting. Below, we explore three patterns, address associated concerns, and provide recommendations for your consideration. What is Intermittent Fasting (IF)? Fasting involves abstaining from food and drink for specified periods of time. Traditionally fasting has been used at different times of the year in religious observances.  Recently, intermittent fasting has been popularized claiming metabolic benefits. There are a wide variety of approache ..read more

Q: I hear about intermittent fasting- what’s that about? A: Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity presenting several patterns of fasting. Below, we explore three patterns, address associated concerns, and provide recommendations for your consideration. What is Intermittent Fasting (IF)? Fasting involves abstaining from food and drink for specified periods of time. Traditionally fasting has been used at different times of the year in religious observances.  Recently, intermittent fasting has been popularized claiming metabolic benefits. There are a wide variety of approache ..read more

  I had the pleasure of collaborating with Osteoporosis Canada on December 7th to present a webinar on “The Importance of Protein.” Protein is a hot topic and there is much to discover about why protein is needed for good overall health. In the webinar, I explored the significance of protein for bone and muscle health, compared animal and plant proteins, highlighted the vital role of amino acids and offered practical tips for easily integrating protein into a balanced eating pattern. For those who missed it, the webinar recording is available at these links: • Osteoporosis Canada Replay ..read more

Health Canada aims to enhance your awareness of the revised labelling on supplemented foods, providing valuable information for making informed dietary choices. Understanding Supplemented Foods: Supplemented foods are prepackaged items with added specific ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or caffeine, for purposes beyond basic nutrition. Some may have consumption limits or may not be suitable for certain individuals, especially when combined with other supplemented foods or supplements containing similar ingredients. Examples include – beverages or bars with added vitamins ..read more

I’m excited to share with you a just released research that brings together my expertise as both a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a Registered Dietitian. The report on Wellbeing Through Cooking, done by Gallup and the Ajinomoto Group explores the connection between two simple things: cooking and eating together regularly with people you know. The report looks at this connection across different cultures and backgrounds. It also asks an interesting question: What kind of cook are you? You can get a taste of some answers in this summary blog. [1] If you want all the details and global ins ..read more

Health Canada recently unveiled an updated food label reading resource on it’s website, featuring clear graphics and simple 3 step process to understand food labels. Those who completed our n4nn course have gained valuable insights into interpreting food labels, empowering them to make healthier dietary choices. Using food labels can help you compare and choose products so you can make an informed choice. Below is the information on Health Canada’s new 3 step method to interpret food labels. If you are interested in learning more about label reading, our n4nn tutorials cater to lunch and lear ..read more

In the dynamic world of culinary professionals, menus and service are at the heart of the business. They not only reflect the essence of the establishment but also guide the guest experience. As a dietitian collaborating with chefs, I appreciate the challenges, opportunities and legal requirements to meet and accommodate diverse dietary needs. Here, I’m thrilled to share with you five top tips to help meet your guests’ diverse dietary needs. #1 Recognize the importance of food allergies Food allergies are more common than you may think! Over 3 million Canadians are affected by food allergy, a ..read more

What’s the issue? On July 26, 2023, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared aspartame a potential carcinogen with the mention that more research is needed to understand the health impacts. According to Francesco Branca, WHO’s director of nutrition and food safety, the ‘safe’ limit is roughly equivalent to nine to 14 cans of soda a day for an average-sized adult and the “occasional consumption of aspartame is probably not going to be associated with a health risk for most individuals.”  Reactions to WHO’s reports have been mixed, with some experts saying that aspartame is largely saf ..read more

  What is the body mass index (BMI)? The BMI is a ratio of weight-to-height. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. BMI is also a commonly used as a method of classifying body weight and identifying people with excessive body fat. What is the issue with BMI? Researchers find BMI is unreliable and can lead to misdiagnosis or mistreatment. For example, the BMI does not recognize culturally diverse bodies and varied presentations of body weight including gender differences. The BMI system may underestimate or overestimate health risks in certain adults ..read more