tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14551593987403324262012-01-27T11:59:25.322-08:00A dollop of wisdom with a splash of inspiration from a Registered Dietitian.Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.comBlogger1731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-55973575282214288412012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:59:25.330-08:00

Baked Beet Chips - Copyright 2012 Michelle Loy - Go Wellness Over the last year I've developed a special fondness for beets.  Although my all-time favorite way to enjoy them so far is roasted, I have enjoyed them in other ways as well.  One of the latest ways I've had fun with beets is by making baked beet chips.  These are great because they're really easy and they can satisfy that craving

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-38453963262945211552012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:40:05.115-08:00

Roasted Cabbage If there's one family of veggies that I believe everyone should consume nearly everyday, it is the cruciferous vegetables.  This family of veggies includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, chard, kohlrabi, and kale.  Everyone's favorites, right?  To be honest, I know a few people for whom some of these veggies can be a tough sell, but it can be done.

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-50878557433815299412012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T08:57:58.188-08:00

Asian Meatballs About a month ago, I had the pleasure of tasting a sample of grass-fed ground beef prepared by the very ranchers that helped raised the cattle that produced that ground beef.  That one bite was one of the most delicious bites of ground beef I've ever had. I had to ask how it was prepared, and the rancher-chef answered,  "Just a little bit of salt and pepper. That's it!"  I was

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-2772830525836836242011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T08:28:14.802-08:00

Image Credit:  William Brawley (Flickr) We're smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season, and I'm sure that you'd like to avoid catching the bug, right?  Aside from practicing good hygiene, there are four key lifestyle behaviors that have been determined to be true guardians of health during this time of year.  Practice these behaviors and you'll better protect yourself from the misery of

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-19553577441339231822011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:08:03.051-08:00

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough As we've coasted through this holiday season, I've been hearing people sharing about their holiday baking traditions.  Baking was never a tradition in my home growing up, so the holiday tradition never really caught on with me.  Don't get me wrong. I do bake every now and then, and I do enjoy baked goodies on occasion.  I'm just not much of a baker.  With

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-8514495394264743942011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-30T10:59:06.337-08:00

Commit to be fit this holiday season.  Photo credit: o5com via Flickr Congratulations on surviving yet another post-Thanksgiving food coma.  If you are one of those people who finds it hard to get back on track with eating and physical activity after said food coma, then I challenge you to consider moving one thing to the top of your to-do list this holiday season.  That thing is physical

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-52081093590996265122011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T14:16:47.458-08:00

Roasted and Pureed Cauliflower I have a confession. I love mashed potatoes.  They have been a favorite dish of mine ever since I was a little girl, and I'm pretty sure I'll always enjoy them.  It's probably the Midwestern part of me that's responsible for that.  When it comes to the holidays, mashed potatoes are also one of my favorite holiday foods, but last Christmas I decided to take a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-54664550574663386252011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-16T06:00:11.637-08:00

Today's guest blog post is written by Vanessa Bautista, Dietetic Intern with Oakwood University.  Thanks for sharing with us, Vanessa! Vanessa with Martha Stewart A week ago, I was beyond delighted to meet Martha Stewart at Macy’s South Coast Plaza.  Martha Stewart and her deputy food editor of Martha Stewart Living, Sarah Carey, teamed up to create a seafood stew.  After they made their

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-62417288926517942672011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T17:44:29.519-08:00

Apple Chips ©Michelle Loy - Go Wellness When I think of fall foods, apples definitely come to mind.  They just somehow fit in perfectly with the foods, herbs, and spices traditional to this season.  If you've ever wondered if the old proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." holds any truth, then wonder no more.  It does!  Apples assume a great deal of nutritional and health-yielding

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-82606154624387068822011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:39:31.408-07:00

I just returned from my daughter's Halloween celebration at preschool and I am reminded that we are embarking on National Eating Season. This is the parade of food that begins with Halloween and wraps up with Super Bowl Sunday.  Following this season of eating, many Americans find themselves a little bit heavier.   Even with the best of intentions and New Year's resolutions come January, 

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-47990663433423072342011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:29:51.812-07:00

Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash © Michelle Loy, 2011 Did I mention that I'm in love with butternut squash in the fall?  Yes, I have a crush on butternut squash right now.  I'd label this dish as a comfort food side dish.  It's got bacon's cousin, pancetta, in it, so it only makes sense, right?  When I first tried this out on my family, they ALL loved it.  So it's definitely going into my

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-14725657961263752762011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:15:24.720-07:00

I've come to love seasonal foods, and one fall food that I am embracing now is the butternut squash.  I love that this winter squash can be prepared so simply and in a variety of ways.  I've found that it is fabulous baked, roasted, grilled, or pureed into soups.  It has a delicate sweetness to it that pairs really well with the season's herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage.  Not

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-79632452945808611312011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-07T11:26:03.117-07:00

Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Vinaigrette © Michelle Loy - Go Wellness, 2011. I often feel pretty blessed to live where I do with access to so much fresh produce and seafood year-round.  My husband and I finally finished our stash of Alaskan goodies, so he decided to head to a local fresh fish market that he'd heard about to stock up on more seafood.  One of the fresh goodies that he returned

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-53105372086696821962011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T06:00:09.523-07:00

Today's Foodie Friday recipe is a special post from Bowling Green State University dietetic intern, Jennifer Michelle, who worked with me during her wellness rotation over the summer.  I thought this would be a great cooler-weather recipe, so here it is for you on the first day of Fall.  Thank you for sharing with us, Jennifer! Rainbow Vegetable and Chicken Soup We all know it is important to

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-65917851774628287202011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-16T11:49:45.344-07:00

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal I may be jumping the gun by introducing this Fall recipe before the official start of Fall, but for me, Fall somehow always starts when school starts.  While I do love Summer, I also love everything that is Fall...colorful, changing leaves, cool, crisp air, football, and comfort food.  A food that says Fall like no other to me is pumpkin.  When I discovered this recipe for

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-79303989034981964532011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-09T06:00:11.405-07:00

Lettuce-wrapped tacos What do you get when you cross a person who loves to try new recipes with a little guy with newly discovered food allergies and sensitivities?  Me trying even MORE new recipes!  My poor little guy has suffered from eczema for some time, and after conducting a special diet and allergy testing, I've finally discovered that there are several trigger foods.  One of those items

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-71461678564154661222011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-07T08:56:31.650-07:00

CrossFit Fever Games 2011 (via Flickr) Do you CrossFit?  Have you heard of it?  If you haven't heard of it yet, then you will because this form of activity is taking off.  I first learned of it a few years ago because a CrossFit "box" (aka, workout location) had opened up in a garage down the street from my home.  As I looked into it a little more, I learned that this whole CrossFit thing was a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-76807148270922175832011-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-02T06:00:09.838-07:00

Veggie Quiche Cups High quality protein for breakfast is a must for two main reasons.  It will satisfy that morning hunger after a long night of fasting.  Plus, it helps sustain energy levels throughout the morning, providing a steady source of fuel for work, school, or play.  One amazing source of high quality protein is the egg due to its amino acid composition and ease of digestion in the

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-41406576530439814102011-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-26T06:00:02.859-07:00

Blackberry Sorbet I'm a sucker for a homemade dessert because I love knowing exactly what goes into it.  So when I saw a recipe for a simple homemade blackberry sorbet from Nourished Kitchen, I could not refuse to try it.  Blackberries are still in season, so this is a great use for them.  I think this quick and easy dessert is sure to cool you down during these dog days of summer.  It's

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-27373318938456808812011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T10:02:39.448-07:00

Breakfast -- a back-to-school essential Backpack? Check!  Pencils?  Check!  Loose-leaf paper? Check!  Breakfast?  If you're a parent getting your student ready to go back to school soon, then you may want to consider adding breakfast to the checklist of back-to-school necessities.  A daily breakfast will help prepare your child for school in many ways that books, pencils, and papers cannot.

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-61652535734096339712011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T10:23:12.204-07:00

I've worked with many clients who find meeting their fluid needs challenging because they just don't like plain water.  While I don't have a problem drinking plain water myself, I get it.  Food and beverage companies get this.  That's why you see an entire aisle in the grocery store solely dedicated to selling a variety of flavored waters or water flavor enhancers.  In fact, research suggests

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-15504639495069171472011-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:00:01.086-07:00

Red Cabbage Rolls Several months ago I saw a recipe for cabbage rolls, but honestly, they looked unappetizing to me.  However, they stuck in my mind.  As I was searching for new recipes to try more recently, I stumbled on cabbage rolls again, but this time I saw them wrapped in red cabbage. Suddenly, they looked 100 times better, and I was ready to try them.  While the recipe sounded good, I

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-48084607509446273182011-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-15T07:51:24.366-07:00

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Sweet Potato Frosting As a mom of two young children, I'm always looking for fresh ways to make food fun and appetizing for my kids.  Earlier this year I learned about this fun twist on good old meatloaf from Registered Dietitian, Joy Bauer, a frequent guest on the Today Show.  This is definitely something I've rotated through my family menu on a regular basis

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-60349798031125335032011-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:39:49.822-07:00

Are anti-energy drinks the new way to relax? Could anti-energy be the new energy?  Numerous beverage companies seem to think so, and that's why we might be seeing more anti-energy drinks, or relaxation beverages, spilling onto the market.  From Slow Cow to Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda, these new beverages are intended to help you unwind, de-stress, and in the word of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-2261507563419484182011-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-08T06:00:10.373-07:00

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake I've been testing some new cooking waters lately in order to explore what else is out there...at least outside of the "traditional" stuff.  I'd bought a package of almond flour at Whole Foods a while back with the idea in mind that I'd use it to bake something.  However, I just didn't have the recipe yet. I'd like to say I'm an innovative baker, but I'd be lying.  

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-5494671759291616392011-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:40:09.568-07:00

Are you drinking enough of this before your workouts? If you'd like to make every workout the best one possible, then make sure you're well hydrated before you even start.  I find that people often put fluid intake toward the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to pre-exercise nutrition.  However, that's a big mistake because it is one key element to taking your workout to the next level.  

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-20248984521385436102011-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-01T08:52:30.775-07:00

The very delicious and very easy-to-make Very Cherry Bar If you've ready my blog before, then you may know how much I value planning in achieving and maintaining nutrition, health, and fitness goals.  If you've taken a look at our environment lately, you'll see that we have a multitude of less nutritious food options available to us.  So when we're caught in a bind and we haven't planned ahead,

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-59716504420419621302011-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-13T06:00:08.183-07:00

Credit:  bgottsab (Flickr) Today's guest blog post is written by Jennifer Michelle, Dietetic Intern at Bowling Green State University's Dietetic Internship Program.  Thanks for sharing with us, Jennifer!   When trying to reach any goal, planning is an important step. This is especially true when it comes to weight loss. There are so many variables involved in reaching weight loss goals that a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-62023537001853973102011-06-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T09:13:14.486-07:00

Photo credit: gotosira (Flickr) In my work with athletes, I find that one of the most often misunderstood areas of nutrition for physical performance involves carbhydrate loading.  The goal of carbohydrate loading is to maximize glycogen stores, a major source of fuel in the muscles during endurance activity.  Optimizing these glycogen stores, in turn, allows an athlete to compete at his/her goal

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-21028332711711885042011-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-06T06:00:04.484-07:00

Do you eat like food matters?  Seasoned journalist, food writer, and cookbook author, Mark Bittman, poses this question to his readers in his book Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating.  However, he takes the question a step further by challenging readers to consider the impact of what they eat on the environment as well as their health.  He starts with a discussion about how government food

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-25754876445807667172011-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-03T06:00:21.758-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I'm not sure any other fruit says summer more than watermelon.  What do you think?  It's one juicy fruit that can really quench the thirst.  When my daughter eats watermelon, she'll often say she's "drinking" it.  Watermelon is one juicy source of the antioxidants vitamins C and A as well as lycopene, so why not drink it?  Bottoms

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-52449892132085255852011-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-20T06:00:11.079-07:00

 Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. At the request of my husband, I have been exploring Swiss chard lately.  As I searched for ways to prepare it, I decided on this recipe, which plays with the sweet and savory flavors that work so well with greens. I also thought it would be one that would appeal to my kids, who can still be skeptical of green veggies.   When it

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-69505227892428321562011-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:002011-05-13T10:45:34.831-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I have a little bit of a love affair with crepes.  It started when I was a tweenager.  During summer breaks from school, my sister and I used to watch craft and cooking shows.  (I know, what was wrong with us?)  I often enjoyed trying some of the recipes that we'd see on a show, and once I took a stab at crepes.  While they tasted

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-57655090205297602462011-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-29T06:00:06.612-07:00

Photo credit:  Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. We are heading into May and the start of raspberry season.  Yum!  Plus, where I'm at, we're also already heading into higher temps, which also calls for foods that help you stay cool.  What better food to enjoy the season with than a creamsicle, right?  I make a variety of popsicle treats for my kids, and they always enjoy them.  I

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-8620873089460091832011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-27T06:00:07.271-07:00

Photo credit:  A Askew (Flickr) If you haven't been on one yourself, then you've probably had a family member or friend on one.  Otherwise, maybe you've at least seen ads for products, programs, or books for them.  They're detox diets.  They're hot. They're happening.  They're one of those things that I think will never die.  While I understand that the body is regularly exposed to a laundry list

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-52612381245339341292011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-22T06:00:15.447-07:00

Photo credit:  Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. As you may know, I sort of like farmer's markets, and last week, I finally purchased and prepared my first batch of beets and beet greens.  I'd had beets before, but it was always the pickled kind on salads.  Not a fan!  However, every week at the farmer's markets, the gorgeous beets were always calling my name.  I finally took the

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-23786124466742182832011-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-18T06:00:10.702-07:00

This blog post was written by Marina Vigil, a California State University, Long Beach Dietetic Intern.  She is one of my former students with whom I had the pleasure of working with during her self-select rotation.  Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Marina! Photo credit:  pittaya (Flickr) Vitamin D: What Do You Need To Know?Vitamin D has been receiving a lot of attention lately. Why

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-83647793241624091262011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-15T06:00:00.802-07:00

Today's Food Friday recipe is a treat from California State University-Long Beach dietetic intern, Marina Vigil, who worked with me during her self-select rotation.  Thank you for sharing the recipe with us, Marina! Photo credit: Marina Vigil. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Last month I participated in a health fair and I was delighted to find that one of the booths was giving away free

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-35729088518027676342011-04-11T06:00:00.001-07:002011-04-11T22:11:58.064-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I have a confession.  I'm a glutton for farmer's markets!  I'm really grateful that there are so many farmer's markets within a short distance of where I live so that I can get my fix on a regular basis.  My experience with farmer's markets goes all the way back to my childhood when my mom would take me to our small town farmer's

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-40608482760986213802011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-08T06:00:12.425-07:00

Last Fall, I gave a nutrition talk with a couple of colleagues to a mom's group.  We wanted to prepare a quick and easy dish that incorporated some of the nutritious foods that we were encouraging them to eat.  Enter the Sunburst Salad with Green Goddess Dressing.  Not only did the moms enjoy this dish, but I've also since made it for parties and the bowl is always left empty by party's end.  

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-20480509400427060202011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-04T06:00:07.339-07:00

Photo credit:  little blue hen (Flickr) A staple food in the diets of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, chia seeds are making a strong resurgence due to their favorable nutritional profile.  Just one tablespoon provides nearly 4 grams of fiber and 63 milligrams of calcium along with a variety of other valuable vitamins and minerals.  They're also an excellent botanical source of omega-3 fatty

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-91160979750277256012011-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-30T07:37:49.665-07:00

Photo credit: Incase (Flickr) Spring is here! When spring rolls around, I always seem to get into spring cleaning mode. How about you?  If you plan on getting rid of the dust bunnies and clearing out the clutter, you may want to spruce up your pantry, too.  Conducting a pantry makeover could be one of the best things that you do for your health and well-being.  Stocking up on key kitchen staples

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-27643078428326313472011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:00:12.422-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Being married to an Alaskan, I am lucky to have family in Alaska.  One of the perks of this lovely relationship is that they will send us home with some fabulous fresh Alaskan goodies, like wild salmon, wild halibut, or caribou.  On our last visit, we were blessed with some caribou sausage.  Unfortunately, I had no idea what to do

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-42040750368985500602011-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:00:10.562-07:00

 Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. If you didn't already know it, I kind of love quinoa.  I love to make up big batches of quinoa in my lovely rice cooker to use in a variety of ways throughout the week.  Quinoa also freezes well, so extra portions can be frozen in small, freezer-safe containers for later use.  It reheats nicely by microwaving, steaming, and

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-17692093886899956412011-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:00:18.799-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I was cruising through Whole Foods the other day and was bombarded by several vendors, including one for kombucha tea.  I've been wanting to blog about this trendy beverage for a while, and if this wasn't a sure sign that I needed to do it now, then I don't know what would be.  Listen to the vendor's spiel and you'd think this is a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-15003359232579356992011-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-11T07:51:45.436-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Several weeks ago  a few friends and I decided to check out a tea lounge called Tranquil Tea Lounge for a weekend lunch.  This place was amazing!  Each of us enjoyed our own tea. I opted for the Madagascar Vanilla Rooibos, which was absolutely delicious!       Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Not only

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-73485815482005245432011-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-04T08:55:10.030-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Guess what time it is?  It's smoothie time!  I love smoothies. They're always so fresh, delicious, and can be made to taste.  My kids love smoothies, and they really enjoy making them with me, too.  I enjoy experimenting with smoothies, and I recently stumbled upon this great one that I call "Orange-alicious".  I was immediately

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-21417343394902705392011-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T06:00:16.395-08:00

Photo Credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. We are heading into strawberry season, and I couldn't be more excited. I love berries, especially when they're in season.  I love to get those fresh, bright red strawberries from the strawberry farm stands that will start popping up soon.  This recipe would be perfect for those strawberries!  I must admit that when I was a kid I

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-57003704811472117592011-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:40:28.122-08:00

Photo credit: Mykl Roventine (Flickr) Would you be surprised to learn that the food industry spends over $1.6 billion each year marketing to our American youth?  If you've ever spent a half hour watching The Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, you've probably seen plenty of examples of the types of foods that are marketed to kids.  They are typically calorie dense, nutrient poor processed foods, like

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-49555429518368013992011-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T06:00:01.965-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Almost five years ago, my husband and I traveled to Thailand where we met some of my family for the very first time.  We only knew a few basic Thai phrases, like "Hello!", "Thank You!", and "Where's the bathroom?".  My family there knew little English, so communicating was a challenge.  Let's just say we did a lot of smiling, which

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-86024439759327705172011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T06:00:05.382-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I am no baker, but I do enjoy giving it my best shot on occasion. I was recently browsing a fave baking blog of mine, Bakerella, for some new ideas.  I stumbled upon these pancake muffins, which are the inspiration for my Banana Surprise Pancake Bites.  These are amazingly quick and easy.  I also love that they're light, fluffy, and

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-76874512675314663672011-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-11T06:00:10.611-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I am so excited about today's Foodie Friday recipe for two reasons: 1) It's SO easy! 2) It's SO satisfying!  I grabbed this idea for banana ice cream from pro photographer, Kristin Eldridge.  (Check out her work. It's amazing!)  This dish really hits the spot for me.  It's also a favorite with my kids, too.  I've also shared this

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-22629926484378083262011-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-10T10:03:38.721-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. My daughter's preschool class celebrates Valentine's Day today with a Valentine's Exchange.  I knew that I wanted to share an extra little treat along with her Valentine's Card, but it wasn't going to be candy or sweets.  When it comes to holiday celebrations for the little ones, I always try to think outside of the "sugary goodie"

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-81518091081583562722011-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-08T08:13:11.032-08:00

Photo credit: YGX (Flickr) Lately, I've been finding that frankenfats keep showing up in some unexpected places in children's diets.  Given all of the evidence of the potentially harmful effects of industrially produced trans fat in the diet, I'm surprised that we're still finding it lurking in the food supply, especially in foods that children commonly consume.  Don't be fooled by labels that

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-21292958518702814332011-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-04T06:00:05.833-08:00

Photo credits: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.  This month I'm focusing on how we can love our children through high quality nutrition and positive feeding.  While I'd like to say that doing this is a cinch with my own children, I cannot.  I'm always looking for fresh, fun ways to get my two little {occasional} rascals to eat well.  One thing that I like to do is put a twist

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-15968227649383182232011-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-04T00:23:08.995-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy (top) and Kristin Eldridge (bottom).  Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.  As I contemplated a topic or theme for my blog this month, I could only think of one - love.  How cliche, right?  Love for February?  Well, I thought I would focus on love for our littlest sweethearts, our children.  I have two little angels of my own, and I love them to pieces.  If I've learned

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-52184190459084682252011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-28T07:55:43.492-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. I was introduced to the lovely kabocha squash or Japanese pumpkin by my mom, who's from Thailand.  I remember it vividly because in Thailand they call it "fak thong", which in English sounds like a 4-letter word,   so she was a bit embarrassed talking about it over dinner.  The kabocha is fairly new on the scene in the U.S., so it's

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-75280661990646569192011-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-26T06:00:07.551-08:00

Photo credit: CFleenor (Flickr) One of the first things that I ask of my clients to do before I even meet with them is to keep a food and activity journal for at least 3 days.  What I love about this is that not only will these records help me in my nutrition assessment, but they also serve as a powerful starting point for a nutrition intervention before I even meet with my client.  It's a great

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-88796181445137373962011-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-21T07:08:01.781-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Earlier this week, I wrote a post about "dry" foods, and how these foods can sometimes sabotage the diet. If you ever crave savory snacks and want a more nutritious and satisfying alternative to what you've been eating, you may want to try out Cauliflower Popcorn.  I love the ease of this dish.  It's great as a side dish for a main

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-45156814004728998892011-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-19T06:00:11.842-08:00

Photo credit: kmohman (Flickr) If you find yourself noshing on foods, like pita chips, baked chips, or whole grain crackers and you're trying to lose weight or eat healthier, you may want to perk up your ears...I mean, eyes.  Although possibly better options than what you were previously consuming for snack time, these foods could be sabotaging your diet.  So, how can this be?  First of all, "dry

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-21904253882731702492011-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-14T06:00:03.106-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Could 2011 be the year of the sweet potato?  Some predict that it could be. Why not?  This bright, velvety, and sweet-tasting tuber is chock full of nutrients, including vitamin A, C, B6, and fiber.  I've enjoyed exploring this lovely root vegetable, so I thought I'd share a simple sweet potato soup recipe this week.  Maybe it'll be

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-33750158682986597202011-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T06:00:14.847-08:00

Photo credit: EvelynGiggles (Flickr) Yes, you read that title right. I said plan to fail your New Year's resolutions.  I'm not trying to be a pessimist. I am trying to be a realist here.  First of all, if you have a detailed plan for your New Year's resolutions, then good for you.  I truly believe that the skill of planning is a must when it comes to making lifestyle changes.  When most people

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-79168883673105838152011-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-07T06:00:12.498-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Are you off to a strong, healthy start this year?  I bet you are, and good for you!  As I pondered about what recipes to share this month, the word "simple" came to mind.  So simplicity it is this month!  These kale chips offer a perfectly simple and nutritious alternative to salty and crunchy snacks, like potato chips.  Kale is a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-47977237157435795002011-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:00:00.219-08:00

Photo credit: kansas_city_royalty (Flickr) If you're at all a football fan, you may know that we're heading into playoff season.  I won't tell you who I'm rooting for, but their name {might} start with the letter C.  As these teams are heading into the playoffs, we know their goal is to end up winning the ultimate showdown, the Super Bowl, right?  But is that goal enough to really get them there?

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-9112930185885964142010-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-31T06:00:07.132-08:00

Photo credit: Grand Canyon NPS (Flickr) When I started training for my first marathon several years ago, I learned a very valuable strategy...start slow.  If you've ever competed in any kind of a race like this, you know that this can sometimes be hard to do.  I often enter each race with a lot of energy and excitement just waiting to be unleashed.  Then there are all of those other people around

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-49987117155863284242010-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:27:19.671-07:00

Photo credit: Chris Costes (Flickr) I firmly believe that one of the first lines of defense against the cold and flu season starts in the grocery cart.  What are you putting in your cart lately?  While many of us are bombarded by a milieu of cold and flu-fighting products this time of year, there's nothing like heading into the season with a well-nourished immune system.  No, that doesn't mean

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-6702183945706624692010-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-15T11:55:15.565-07:00

 Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I've had my fair share of veggie burgers in my life. However, I can't say that I've been very adventurous with my homemade veggie burgers.  Usually, they've consisted of a portabello mushroom with lots of other veggie toppings.  How's that for taking a walk on the wild vegetarian side?  It's not too bold at all, I know.  I must

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-32914493175237666512010-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:33:25.735-07:00

Photo credit: catsper (Flickr) First of all, if you're reading this because the post title hits close to home, then kudos to you!  I'm always excited to see people taking charge of their health by eating more nutritious foods.  Regardless of what the number on the scale says, this is one of the most amazing lifestyle changes you can make for yourself.  Your body thanks you for it, too! I've

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-31247828246989657822010-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-08T17:44:43.615-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. As we head deeper into fall, I am excited to get reacquainted with some of those fabulous fall foods. Over the last month or so I've been a pumpkin junkie including pumpkin in breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a variety of ways. One of my favorite uses for pumpkin is in pumpkin pancakes. What could be better than eating a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-14379371842799773522010-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-06T06:00:04.947-07:00

  I've spent most of my professional practice as a dietitian working with clients on weight management, and one of the questions that pops up frequently is, "Which matters most for weight loss - diet or exercise?"  People want to prioritize their efforts, so I understand why they'd ask the question.  Most studies, as well as my experience, provide evidence that dietary changes alone produce

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-13879937613957844402010-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-01T08:06:39.107-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.If you've been a reader of my blog, you know I am a strong believer in planning when it comes to food. I can almost always be accused of having a granola or energy bar in my purse, bag, or car at any given moment. Why? This strategy helps me set-up my environment so that I have a nutritious food option available when I'm in a pinch

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-73170365534302400222010-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:44:49.630-07:00

Photo credit: L*u*z*A (Flickr) I had my first sip of coconut water several years ago on the beautiful Saona Island in the Dominican Republic. My friend and I were hanging out on the beach when we noticed a vendor selling fresh-from-the-coconut water. My friend couldn't believe I hadn't tried it before, so she persuaded me to give it a go. My hopes were high for the stuff, but unfortunately, I

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-73865694995073543302010-09-24T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:53:07.455-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.In search of something new and savory for breakfast, I recently turned to something old as it turns out...Egg in a Basket! I spotted the idea in one of my fave cookbooks Ellie Krieger's So Easy: Luscious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week. I tried her tasty version, Egg in a Basket with Turkey and Asparagus, but I decided

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-27781879355518201642010-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:20:14.988-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I wish that I could say physical activity comes easy for me, but I'd be lying.  Because I'm a dietitian, it seems like some people believe that something in my genetic code makes me immune to having challenges with being physically active.  Unfortunately, that's wrong.  I've heard that they (whoever they is) say that physical

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-53656253511788815302010-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-20T06:00:13.924-07:00

 Photo credit: Veganbaking.net (Flickr) Sprouted grains are going mainstream these days. These used to be something that only "health nuts" consumed, but now I'm seeing more people purchasing sprouted grains or products made with sprouted grains, such as sprouted wheat, barley, millet, or spelt.  Some are even taking it a step further and sprouting their own grains at home.  You go!  Sprouting is

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-41513400074458928592010-09-17T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T08:53:33.055-07:00

We're approaching fall, and while my all-time favorite season is summer, I must admit that fall comes in at a close second. I love the cool, crisp, fresh air that we get as we head into fall. It also reminds me of football season and the upcoming fall holidays.  I also love the seasonal foods and SMELLS of fall.  That brings me to today's recipe. Several weeks ago I was on Mission: Apple Butter

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-73101607379714763302010-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T22:51:30.240-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. When my family returned from Alaska this summer, we came back with some lovely Alaskan goodies.  One of those Alaskan goodies was some wild caught Alaskan halibut.  Thank you, Father-In-Law Loy!  I was excited because I tend to favor salmon when preparing fish dishes, so I welcomed the change.  I knew exactly how I wanted to serve

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-18837417264481644172010-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-09T06:00:02.809-07:00

 Photo credit: Canon in 2D (Flickr) It's National Yoga Month, so Happy Yoga Month!  I thought I'd share some yoga love by telling you about my personal yoga experience.  Ever since I can remember, I've always been more of a "cardio" girl.  I've always preferred to "feel the burn" and sweat and raise my heart rate.  While I'd tried out yoga here and there in the past, I usually preferred to focus

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-67161943070965981422010-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T22:54:18.928-07:00

 Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I.love.hummus!  Sometimes I like to leave the hummus-making to the pros.  My favorite is any almost any hummus from Mom's Specialty Foods, which I find at a booth at our local Huntington Beach Farmer's Market, or Trader Joe's hummus.  Sometimes I want hummus, but I don't have any on hand.  That's where this recipe comes in to play.

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-15417557577820350222010-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T22:56:43.326-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I've mentioned in a previous post that I have a bit of a liking for Food Network shows. In fact, if I had a default channel, that'd be it.  One of the shows that I enjoyed the summer was The Next Food Network Star  Throughout this last season, I found myself becoming a huge fan of Aarti Sequeria, and on the last episode, she

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-24076572209432247932010-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-25T06:00:06.514-07:00

 Photo credit: Bruce Tuten (Flickr) There you are in the dining room stadium preparing for a mealtime showdown. It's you, the caring, health-conscious parent versus your challenger, a willful, anti-veggie eating child.  If this sounds at all like your meals, you are not alone. I've worked with many parents who vent frustrations about the battles they have with their children over eating...usually

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-46112627081667946632010-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T06:00:07.155-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Beyond pureed baby food, I've found that many parents seem stumped about what to feed their older babies (9-12 months of age).  When parents begin to experiment with finger-feeding, I often find that they start with some of the typical foods, such as Cheerios or puffs.  While these choices provide a developmentally-appropriate and

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-43794610991509083552010-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T22:58:27.746-07:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. One of the  major areas of opportunity that I see in so many people's diets is breakfast.  Many of the clients that I work with simply skip it, and one of the main reasons is TIME!  I sure can understand that one, especially now that I have two young children.  At the same time, consuming breakfast can help get you off to a smart

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-79282056510534651532010-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T23:01:07.385-07:00

You may or may not know that I've been working with one of the brides-to-be, Patty, for the People Magazine Weight Loss Challenge. I am so proud of Patty's accomplishments.  At the publishing of the last article in July, 2010 (after 6 months), she'd lost 25 lbs, which is 12.5% of her start weight!  (She's since lost more, but I'm not at liberty to share just how much yet.)  She's really made a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-83942659546387719512010-08-11T12:43:00.001-07:002010-08-11T13:03:27.263-07:00

 Photo credit: thebittenword.com (Flickr) Look for my quotes in this great article about foods that promote healthy skin in Coast Magazine.  Enjoy!

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-63838522935331366732010-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-10T06:00:11.163-07:00

  Photo credit: erix! (Flickr) Jaeger Bombs and Cherry Bombs...I imagine you may have heard of these popular mixed drinks. They're a fusion of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages that have been all the rave with young party goers for years.  But have you heard of Four Loko and Joose?  These are a couple of the up and coming pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks.  I only recently learned of them at

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-35310938053239926172010-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T23:04:09.066-07:00

I picked up some steam on my blogging through July, but I took a little break because I was doing a little of this last week... This is me with the second rainbow trout that I caught while flyfishing on the Kenai River in Alaska.  I didn't get to keep the little guys though since it was all catch and release there with the rainbows.  However, my husband was able to snag us some lovely wild

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-38828793910714014752010-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-09T19:38:09.824-08:00

Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. We're going to Thailand this week.  I'm taking you back to {half} of my roots by sharing with you one of my favorite Thai dishes.  Although my Mom is Thai, I must admit that I wasn't a fan of Thai food growing up.  It almost seems criminal to me now!  But now that I've come to my senses, I L.O.V.E. Thai food. It's seriously one

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-11403924499380410742010-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:41:46.604-07:00

 Photo credit: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Are you thirsty? If so, then you are most likely mildly dehydrated. Drink up -- or eat up!  The average adult male needs about 3.7 liters of water daily while the average woman about 2.7 liters of water each day.  While drinking water is a great way to meet most of your body's fluid needs, we can also obtain water from food.  This

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-24662664607198343172010-07-20T06:00:00.001-07:002010-07-20T06:00:02.185-07:00

Photo credit: ~~Tone~~ (flickr) Have you ever felt like checking out early during a workout?  Or maybe you feel like picking up the pace, but you just can't seem to bring yourself to do so?  One thing that gets me through those workout humps is music.  Music drives my workouts, so one of the best workout-related investments I've ever made was my iPod nano.  The great thing about the iPod or other

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-61784064763299216332010-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:30:49.532-07:00

 Photo courtesy of: Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I adapted this recipe from one of my favorite foodie celebs, Rachael Ray.  I spied an all grilling Everyday With Rachael Ray magazine in May, and I just had to have it.  Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook.  I love the fact that this is a colorful, tasty, and easy vegetarian option.  I'm all about cooking with ease. 

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-33184549692212994852010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-12T06:00:03.457-07:00

Photo courtesy of Suzie T (flickr). Agave nectar or agave syrup seems to be one of the latest celebrities in the world of sweeteners.  Agave syrup has a slightly thinner consistency than honey and is considerably sweeter than regular table sugar, and it has been touted as a more superior alternative to refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  It's often acclaimed for being a more

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-83322936959824863442010-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T23:08:38.542-07:00

Photo courtesy of Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.  I fell in love with quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) while I was in undergrad and had to make a quinoa pilaf for a food prep class.  It looked like birdseed, so I didn't know what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its slightly crunchy texture and hearty, nutty flavor.  This pseudocereal seed prevails as a

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-68056107346274604052010-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-07T06:00:02.103-07:00

Photo courtesy of Robert S. Donovan (flickr) With the onset of summer, we often look for ways to feel refreshed ...a trip to the beach, a dip in the pool, or sometimes a nice, cool drink.  While some of those beverages can help us beat the summer heat, others can bust the calorie budget. When it comes to those summer libations, you may want to ask yourself this question first: "Do I want to drink

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-21349988015427638342010-07-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-06T06:00:07.900-07:00

Used with permission by the American Dietetic Association. The food manufacturing industry has unloaded an arsenal of products boasting a high fiber content.  I'm sure you've seen them.  Not only can we get "double fiber" bread, but now we can also consume foods that aren't typical sources of fiber, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and even water!  When these products first started invading the

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-32465672807623446842010-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-02T08:53:16.734-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Thank you to all who submitted entries for the $40 e-card giveaway from CSN Stores!  And the winner is... SAMANTHA ...#10 entry using the True Random Number Generator at Random.org.    Thanks again! Please check out my guest interview at Fooducate and the new "Foodie Friday" recipe for the best chicken tacos ever that I posted for 4th of July weekend.

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-88824271251864707632010-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-19T23:10:42.550-07:00

 Photo courtesy of Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I've decided to start sharing more recipes and food/cooking info on my blog. So I am going to start what I will call "Foodie Friday" for which I will contribute nutritious and tasty recipes or discuss the health benefits of specific nutritious foods and practical ways to incorporate more of them into your diet.  To send you off

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-43628524491400117692010-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-30T06:00:00.276-07:00

Photo courtesy of Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. I've noticed some interesting and exciting changes on the menu boards and menus in restaurants lately...at least in California.  Have you?  Menus are beginning to get a total menu makeover since our governator approved a bill in 2008 that made California the first state to require larger restaurant chains to post the caloric

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-14471583113368875902010-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-29T06:29:22.003-07:00

 Photo courtesy of Michelle Loy. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. So I finally succumbed to one of the latest trends in nutrition...Greek Yogurt.  I'd heard clients, students, and others rave about it; however, I really dragged my feet when it came to trying it out myself.  While I'm much less of a food neophobic than I used to be, I guess I held off because I am admittedly pretty picky when

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455159398740332426.post-15424961391363740752010-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-23T13:06:44.681-07:00

Sometimes I talk to clients or students who really don't think sodium intake matters because they don't have high blood pressure, but from the perspective of someone who highly values disease prevention, I think it does matter.  We do actually need a small amount of sodium daily since it performs many vital functions in the body, such as aiding muscle contraction, assisting with nerve

Michelle Loy, MPH, MS, RDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573717514804891127noreply@blogger.com2