Michael Pollan's "Food Rules"

"Food Rules" by Michael Pollan - RSA/Nominet Trust competition from Marija Jacimovic on Vimeo.

Michael Pollan is one of the best-researched writers I know of in the Food/Agriculture/Nutrition arena.  I always find him to be thought-provoking and I like that he challenges people to look deeper at the world we live in and question the status quo.  Here is a quick and adorable animated video of him describing the use of our food supply.

I originally found this video from The Atlantic.

Media Headline: Salacious New It Food and Fast Weight Loss

Media Pulling on Your Health Heartstrings?

I find that I am constantly getting questions about the "superfood of the month", or that latest and greatest diet pill that will make all your health worries fade to dust.  As a professional trained in the art of reading scientific research journals and from that discerning the real implications of the findings, I wince a little bit on the inside when I know that all of these questions and concerns stem from what is passed down to the average person from the media.  It's not your fault though!  It took my year of graduate school e to learn how to wrangle with these published studies!

Don't get me wrong, awareness is power, even if it's just a liiittle bit off.  That awareness often drives the person to look into it further, which is a positive.  I'm glad that the next logical step for my friends and family is to ask me about the reality behind what they've just read about.  But here are some tips for you to think about next time you're reading about new health findings in your local paper or online.  And of course you can always feel free to e-mail me with specific questions or concerns!

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Was the original research study published in a peer-reviewed journal?  This way you know it's been looked over by experts in its respective field.  This will also require that authors reveal any financial incentives or sources of funding that may have had conflicting interests.
2. Was the target population similar to me?  There's a big difference between research done on a small agrarian group aged fifty plus in North Dakota and what it means for a thirty-something city dweller.  Think about what pieces could actually be translated in similarity to you.
3. Is this totally ground-breaking and brand new?  Scientific literature is a world of amassing data so one study won't break the bank.  Once professionals and medical organizations start getting behind a theory you can know there is a sound body of evidence behind it.

Hunger and the Holidays

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!

One of the causes closest to my heart is hunger in this country.  It is incredible to me that we have over 16 million children experience food insecurity annually.  [Food insecurity is defined as not knowing when or from where your next meal is coming.]  In duration of this recession one is six people is estimated to experience hunger.

Just a reminder to all in this holiday season that taking the time to address the issues that mean most to you is of utmost importance.  And if you're so inclined, please take a look at the work of these incredible organizations...

Personal Update

Exciting Stuff!

Well the reason I have been busy busy and not focusing on my blog (sorry all three readers!) is because I have been experiencing a major transition.  I have started a new job as a Clinical Dietitian at White Plains Hospital in New York, which I am loving.  I also was studying like a mad-person last month because I had my credentialing exam... So at the end of February I took and passed my registration exam and I am now officially a Registered Dietitian!!

Wooohooo!  More initials after the name!

Thanks for the continued support in the blogging-sphere.  I promise that once that I feel trained and settled in at the hospital I'll be coming back full force.  I'm excited that I feel able to focus on my personal endeavors and interests and hope to bring about more interesting content!

Kids Cooking Academy

Kudos to Frigidaire

I applaud private companies that work to improve the community.  Frigidaire has partnered with Save the Children (an incredible organization! I am consistently impressed with them - plus my mom works for them!) to create a children's Cooking Academy.  

          Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

An online vault with video tutorials, recipes and tips for safely including children into the kitchen helps to establish the importance of healthy foods, basic cooking skills, and the togetherness of family.  

If you have children of your own, want to enter for the chance to win a Free Range Oven (hello benefits of corporate sponsorship), or just want to check it out for the sake of supporting the cause, feel free to visit their site.  

We've reached the point where we need to make the time to change our kitchen habits.  Real food requires real kitchen actions in order to really enjoy it.