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 • YouTu ..read more

What’s the issue? On July 26, 2023, The World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared aspartame a potential carcinogen based on a hazard evaluation with the mention that more research is needed to understand the health impacts. Another WHO agency named the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) focused on risk assessment considering exposure, and concluded that ‘there was no convincing evidence from experimental animal or human data that aspartame has adverse effects after ingestion.’ (WHO/JECFA) JECFA and Health Canada state the accepta ..read more

Drinking lemon water has been in the media touting many health benefits such as weight loss and detox. With so much information out there about food and nutrition, it can be confusing. As dietitians, we help consumers and clients make sense of the facts and fiction. The truth is that there is little research that adding lemon juice to water causes weight loss. While both lemon and water have benefits on their own, putting them together does not exponentially improve their health impact.  Here’s what you need to know. Drinking water is important to your health. It quenches thirst and hel ..read more

Focusing on your inner strengths is a great way to develop and build success, especially during these uncertain times. Are you ready to unleash your strength and personal brand? We can help! Our course and personal coaching sessions serve to provide you with a basic understanding of the strengths based philosophy. The importance of a strong personal brand based on your strengths can be the key to building a successful career, improve performance and a happier and healthier way to work. Leading from your strengths impacts you and the people around you. Discover the science of strengths and the ..read more

Percent Daily Value Meter Using food labels can help you compare and choose packaged food products so you can make an informed choice. Check out our top 3 tips to discover more about using the Nutrition Facts Table and how to make an informed food choice. Look at the amount of food All the information in the Nutrition Facts table is based on the stated amount, also called the serving size. Compare the serving size shown on the label to the amount of food you would typically eat. For example, if the serving size listed is 1 cup and you eat 2 cups, double all of the amounts listed. If you’re r ..read more

Health Canada is seeking your feedback on their policy update on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children before June 19, 2023. The policy update was published on April 25, 2023. For food makers, it’s time to start thinking about whether their ongoing and upcoming advertising campaigns meet the proposed regulations. Regulators at Health Canada want to hear from everyone including the public, health professionals, researchers, academics, organizations, governments, industry stakeholders, First Nations and other interested parties. The key questions for feedback include: Def ..read more

Yes, Vitamin D is important for strong bones. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D work together to help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps your muscles, nerves and immune system work properly.[1] How much vitamin D do you need? The amount of vitamin D you need depends on your age. [2] Ages 1 through 70 the recommended vitamin D intake is 600 IU (international units) every day Adults 71 and older need 800 IU every day. How can you get vitamin D? Your body uses sunshine to make its own vitamin D, and Vitamin D is f ..read more

At a time when consumers have more questions than ever about where their food comes from and how it’s produced, Dietitians are finding answers. Once again, we were invited to go behind the behind the scenes to learn more about farming and food production. Here is a brief story of the three local Ontario farmers we met, who are passionate about what they do – which is to grow Ontario food that we enjoy so much. Pristine Gourmet We met Jason, a 4th generation farmer who wanted to add value to the farm operation. He and his wife Linda bought another farm and built a grain drying and storage facil ..read more

Back-to-school is in full swing, including educational opportunities for dietitians and food professionals! We attended an international seminar on back-to-school success with USDA’s Team Nutrition.[1] As you may know the US funds school lunch programs and has a robust support system – both financial and practical – for feeding kids in schools. We discovered some amazing new content, lots of tips and highlights that you can use to nourish students whether you’re a parent, educator, or foodservice professional. Image: Health Canada Scientists and health professionals agree on the importance of ..read more