Both soluble and insoluble fiber are extremely beneficial to the body. Though they both can aid in weight loss and promote healthy digestion, research shows that soluble fiber has the potential to protect the body against various fatalities. For starters, soluble fiber can protect the body against cardiovascular disease by binding to cholesterol and excreting it out of the body. Soluble fiber also binds to substances such as sugar, which can prevent or slow its absorption int

I'm sure you all have heard of simple carbs, complex carbs, "good" carbs, "bad" carbs... it all gets quite confusing, right? Truthfully, carbohydrates are not all that complicated. Complex carbohydrates, which often times are referred to as "good" carbs, require more energy for digestion, which will in turn burn more calories than simple carbs. In addition, complex carbs will provide the body with additional vitamins and minerals unlike simple carbohydrates. They are also h

There is current research stating that there is a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and obesity. Sleep deprivation alters circulating levels of certain hormones which regulate hunger. For example, lack of sleep will increase levels of the hormone Ghrelin which will increase appetite, and will decrease levels of the hormone Leptin which will increase appetite as well. These hormonal shifts lead to increased hunger and preference for high calorie, high fat, and high

The obesity epidemic is growing at a rapid rate, and it is affecting people all over the globe. Obesity has become the direct link to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and in worst cases, death. Obesity is defined as “a state of excess adiposity that presents a risk to health such as increased risk of chronic diseases ... and is the consequence of sustained positive energy balance over time.” Obesity rates have been progressively increasing wi

Everyone knows that person who can eat just about anything, and still be thin. They don't think twice about what they're eating, and they don't even consider getting a gym membership. Why? Because they are a "healthy weight." But, what really is a healthy weight? Everyone has heard of the saying, "you are what you eat." As I experienced my Undergraduate Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and am now reaching the end of my Dietetic Internship and Masters Degree, I realize that

My workouts heavily depend on my mood, my energy level, and the time of day. Am I energized? Am I tired? Am I hungry? Is it morning? Is it night? I personally have the best workouts in the morning, about an hour after I wake up. I wake up, wash up, drink water, have a cup of tea or coffee (only if I really need the energy), I have a high-carb breakfast (unless I am doing fasted cardio), and then I head straight to the gym. I typically begin my workout with 10-15 minutes of ca

If you are craving chili, a burger, or your grandma's famous meatball recipe, perhaps you can make one small change to increase the health benefits of your meal. Within the last few years, their has been extensive research on the effects of red meat intake on the body. While consuming red meat in moderation is okay, the over-indulgence of red meat has been linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, replacing ground me

With interest in nutrition on the rise, becoming a Registered Dietitian is becoming more and more popular. Personally, I find that there is nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their nutrition goals. Whether it be battling weight loss, becoming more active, preventing chronic illness, or reaching the self-confidence that you've always hoped for, I can go to sleep each night knowing that I have positively influenced all of the clients I spoke with that day. There