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Tabouleh and gluten-free grains

There's not a week that goes by where I don't get at least one email or face-to-face question about gluten-free and grains. I always learn an incredible amount about the human body, every single time that I step into the Baptist Medical Center beaches (where I work as a PRN clinical dietitian). Since becoming a RD, I have a new found respect for the body and how irrational it is to think that one must avoid certain foods without having an underlying reason to do so. Working with patients who have serious reactions to gluten due to the diagnosis of celiac disease, makes me appreciate my body and how amazing it is on a daily basis. It is apparent, however, that the human body is not like what it once was in decades past....nor are our food choices. Due to the high intake of processed foods (specifically high sugar, high fat and high sodium foods as well as artificially flavored, "diet" foods), the body is constantly fighting foods that are consumed in an un-natural form...

Passionate about nutrition?

Or, are you in need of some nutrition guidance/help. Have you ever been placed on a diet, been given (or ordered) a meal plan or told what not to eat by a nutritionist, health coach, triathlon/running coach or nutrition-passionate individual? More so, did you pay that person money for their service? Some say they are too busy or don't want to spend the money on obtaining the Registered Dietitian credential....some don't consider the risks (ex. healt...h of the consumer and individual possibility of being subjected to prosecution for practicing without a license) of providing nutrition advice without having the proper qualifications, education and knowledge. Although we have very strict laws (which I hope will get stricter in the new year) in the state of Florida, do yourself a favor... 1) be aware of who you are obtaining advice from if you are in need of dietary help (including "sports nutrition") 2) If you giving out advice, why not become a RD? You will NOT regret ...

Ironman World Championship airs TODAY!!!

"You learn you can do your best even when it's hard, even when you're tired and maybe hurting a little bit. It feels good to show some courage. ~Joe Namath." Ironman World Championship on NBC @ 4:30pm EST TODAY! The broadcast of the NBC Kona Ironman never disappointments me. For I think for many of us, the viewing of this 90-minute hard-as-nails, ever-inspiring, oh-so-motivating event is the REASON that we aspire to cross a finish line after racing for 140.6 miles. Regardless if you are an aspiring Ironman athlete or look forward to your first running or triathlon event, never, ever, EVER give up and always enjoy the journey. Feel free to check out my race report from the Ironman World Championship if you happened to miss it back in October, starting with Kona-eve...

HELP! Reconsidering a new decision on obesity

There is an ever-growing number of nutrition experts in our society. It doesn't surprise me that our society is getting more and more unhealthy as people take advice from self-proclaimed "helpers" to all nutrition-related problems. If you haven't heard the news, there was a recent decision by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) that has really upset a lot of RD's. As a recently credentialed RD, who spent the last 3 years obtaining the necessary accredited coursework and hours to sit for the National Registered Dietitian exam, it saddens me that RDs are not included in Obesity Therapy, under this new decision. Feel free to write to your members of Congress and tell them to urge CMS to reconsider its recent decision that excludes RDs from direct billing and limits services to the primary care setting. After reading this article that commercial weight loss programs are more effective (and cheaper) than doctor-based services for weight loss, I immediately signed ...

Biggest Loser and desire to be a RD

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” -George Sheehan I recently read a blog post about the Biggest Loser show , which was posted on facebook by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Thinking back a few years ago, I remember writing a similar post (yet not as detailed) on the Biggest Loser show. I have not watched the show since 2009 but I assume that not a lot has changed and if anything, it has likely gotten worse in terms of more dramatic weight loss, more sponsors and more yelling....I am only making an assumption because this is likely what people want to see and the Biggest Loser show is open to anything to gain more attention. I do not like to waste my energy on issues that I can not directly control. As an educator, however, I have knowledge and licensed ability to offer nutrition advice to those seeking weight loss/maintenance and performance changes. Therefore, I believe that my voic...

Tempeh Egg Roll - tastes like a restaurant???

On Friday evening, Karel, Campy and me were making our 3 1/2 hour drive down south to visit my parents in the Tampa Bay area. I always enjoy talking to Karel about his youth, while growing up in Czech Republic. Karel has lived in the US for a good chunk of his adult life but after meeting Karel in 2006, I suppose I helped "Americanize" him by introducing him to wonderful things like peanut butter. Karel mentioned that his mother just finished baking several batches of holiday cookies. Although his mom always makes gingerbread cookies, these cookies are not your typical sugar-coated "Christmas" cookies. I can't even describe the work that goes into making these cookies as she makes dozens and dozens (for weeks and weeks), all hand made, with a touch of love and holiday traditions. If you can't tell already, we absolutely LOVE this gift of love, all the way from the Czech Republic. Sadly, however, getting mail to and from the Czech Republic is not as easy as ...

Product review - winter training gear

A lot of athletes have been emailing me about training in the cold. Today in Florida, we have a high of 79 degrees. On Thursday, our high is in the mid 50's and low is 39. Although we don't get snow days here in the south, we certainly get a taste of what it feels like to train in winter temperatures. In the Dec 2011 issue of Consumer Reports on Health there was a great article titled "Heat up your winter workouts". One thing that has advanced tremendously in the past few years, is the number of reputable companies that offer quality "winter" gear. Just like training in the heat, proper clothing is essential in keeping you comfortable as you exercise or train. According to the article, January is usually when people in the U.S. exercise the least, according to the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. But according to the American College of Sports Medicine, you can burn up to 40% more calories while exercising when it's cold. A few tips in improving ...