Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN

Sandwiches are the number 1 dinner entrée eaten at home according to a study reported in Progressive Grocer. Americans are into convenience. It’s the driving factor when it comes to food choices. And, nothing is simpler to make or eat than a sandwich. Didn’t most of us grow up on PB&J? Did you know there … Read More

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We love to try new foods. Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think. Dr. McDougall’s has expanded its soup line with five new organic, vegan flavors–Lentil Vegetable, Tortilla, Lower Sodium Black Bean, Lower Sodium Vegetable, and Lower Sodium Tomato. All flavors are gluten free and packaged in paper-based, BPA-free packaging. The soups cannot be microwaved in the carton. Lentil Vegetable — in a 1 cup serving there are 110 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol or saturated fat, 7 grams of protein, 20 grams of carb, 1 gram of sugar, 8 grams of fiber and 480 milligrams of sodium… … Read More

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To be healthier, eat more veggies and get off the sofa. A recent government survey showed that most adults eat only 2 servings of fruits and vegetables a day; and only 22% of us regularly exercise 30 minutes each day. … Read More

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Everywhere you turn there is news about Paula Deen’s recent revelation that she has been dealing with type 2 diabetes for the last 3 years. Some say they are not surprised given the type of food she cooks and recommends. Some say they expected it because she is so overweight. Others feel she should not … Read More

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We love to try new foods. Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think. If you like food with heat, this is a product for you. Hell Fire Pepper Jelly screams heat from the minute you open the jar and inhale the sweet, fiery chili aroma. The first taste is pleasantly sweet, followed by a kick of heat that will leave your lips tingling – a true blending of sweet meets heat. Hell Fire Pepper Jelly is vegan and gluten free made from organic sugar, pectin (for thickening), hot and sweet peppers, and cayenne, with no additives or preservatives. One tablespoon has 40 calories, no fat, 11 grams of carb, 10 grams of sugar, no fiber and 3 milligrams of sodium. This is a very low sodium food, which is great for someone looking for a punch of taste without a dose of sodium… … Read More

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Capers are  tiny but they are packed with powerful antioxidants. When added to meat and poultry dishes, even in small amounts, capers prevented the formation of harmful byproducts that increase your risk for heart disease and cancer. … Read More

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As parents our primary job is to protect our children and help them grow into productive adults. But we are failing at the job. If we do not stem the tide of childhood obesity and help children eat better and be more active, we could be a generation of parents who outlive our children. The … Read More

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Bet you didn’t know that too much take-out can be unhealthy. Meals prepared away from home are typically higher in calories, fat and sodium, and the portions are huge. Choose wisely and split an order. Save the leftovers for tomorrow. … Read More

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Most of us would automatically say, “No!” But a growing number of women and their doctors feel that an occasional drink during pregnancy does no harm. A number of health professionals and pregnant women are advocating for choice and commonsense, promoting the idea that a small glass of wine for dinner is okay. In fact, … Read More

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We love to try new foods. Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think. Pickles by nature are salty and the perfect companion to a sandwich or hamburger. Developing a reduced sodium pickle that still delivers taste is not an easy task. Vlasic has done it with two classic varieties – Kosher Dill Stackers and Kosher Dill Spears. … Read More

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