Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN

Kids are always labeled as hating vegetables, but adults aren’t much better. Barely one-quarter of US adults eat 3 or more vegetables a day. To help families rediscover some yummy vegetables choices, Birds Eye has teamed up with two registered dietitians, the Meal Makeover Moms (www.MealMakeoverMoms.com) to offer delicious recipes the whole family will love. … Read More

{ 0 comments }

Weighing too much increases women’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Being overweight can damage blood vessels, including those in the brain, which play a role in the development of the Alzheimer’s. … Read More

{ 3 comments }

At most restaurants, drink refills are free. You’ll quickly get more soda and coffee without even asking. You get more, so you drink more. You’re thinking, It’s free, why shouldn’t I drink it? One reason: Liquid calories may be making you fat. They may be making the entire country fat. The Centers for Disease Control … Read More

{ 0 comments }

It’s a myth. Research has shown no connection between eating up to 1 egg a day and heart disease. High blood cholesterol is more likely caused by diets high in saturated fats and low in fiber than diets that include a moderate amount of eggs … Read More

{ 1 comment }

We love to try new foods. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think. We prefer to use fresh lemons and limes whenever possible but sometimes find we need a dash of lemon to add to a recipe with no fresh lemons in the kitchen. We’ve never been crazy about bottled lemon or lime juice. So we were pleasantly surprised to try Volcano Lemon Burst. Made by Dream Foods, both the Volcano Lemon Burst and the Volcano Lime Burst come in 6.7 oz fruit-shaped, plastic squeeze bottles. … Read More

{ 2 comments }

Who knew? Rich in healthier fats and antioxidants, dark chocolate not only tastes food but is good for you, too. Dark chocolate provides more satisfaction and reduces your craving for sweet, salty, and fatty foods. … Read More

{ 3 comments }

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. Meatless meals and folks who define themselves as quasi-vegetarians (those who eat animal foods sometimes) are becoming more mainstream. Meatless Monday, going meatless one day a week, is gaining popularity. Some towns and cities are promoting this idea as a way to get their citizens more interested in health. It is no wonder that meatless meat substitutes are showing up in traditional supermarkets and being offered by more companies. Harmony Valley is a supporter of Meatless Monday and posts numerous meatless recipes on their website to provide resources for consumers. The company produces Vegetarian Hamburger Mix and Vegetarian Breakfast Sausage Mix … Read More

{ 0 comments }

We enjoy trying new kitchen gadgets.  Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think. We honestly did not think this product would work but we were pleasantly surprised. Spin ‘n Stor is a reusable plastic bag that spins salads and herbs dry and stores them for use. The plastic bag which is approximately 12 X18 inches is large enough for a head of Romaine lettuce or 2 bunches of parsley. You simply rinse the salad or herbs, place them in the bag, hold the top closed and spin the bag 10 to 12 times. The water collects in a specially designed reservoir on the side and bottom of the bag. It is easy to drain. The salad is ready to use or the company suggests that you “fluff” it in the bag and store it for future use. … Read More

{ 0 comments }

Yes, binge drinking bad for your bones. By itself binge drinking is unhealthy but research has shown that alcohol decreases bone mass and strength, and increases the risk for osteoporosis (bone thinning). … Read More

{ 0 comments }

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. Mom’s is a great name for this tomato sauce because it does taste homemade. As you pour the sauce from the jar you’ll see chunks of tomatoes, whole basil leaves and whole gloves of garlic. The garlic is sweet and mild, because it is simmered slowly to make the sauce. Don’t be afraid to eat a clove or two. … Read More

{ 0 comments }