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June 3, 2015
Blog

Restaurant Labeling Laws Are Changing!

It is with great satisfaction that I announce that the Ontario government passed the Making Healthier Choices Act, which will require eateries with 20 or more establishments to post caloric information on their menus! In my opinion, this is a step in the right direction to enable consumers to make informed food choices. Today we will review what will change on the menus, how this could benefit you and when this law will come into force. DID YOU KNOW? According to a 2011 Ipsos Reid study, approximately 95 per cent of Ontarians support requiring fast food restaurants to list nutrition information on their menus.   [bctt tweet="DYK 95% of Ontarians...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
1 Comment
May 25, 2015
Blog

The Healthiest Brunch Options at Cora’s

Have you ever wondered what are the healthiest brunch options at Cora’s?  Today, I'm excited to showcase Chelsea Allen, Registered Dietitian from Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen.  I greatly admire Chelsea's superb culinary skills (surprisingly, she's not a trained chef) and I commend her on  a refreshingly simple approach to healthy eating!  This is Chelsea's second guest blog on Dietetic Directions.   A few weekends ago I was out for brunch at Cora Breakfast and Lunch (a Canadian breakfast chain) with a bunch of friends when we noticed the most insane breakfast special: banana chocolate morning cake. Despite being called a morning cake (which sounds healthy), it was essentially just chocolate cake topped with...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
2 Comments
May 18, 2015
Blog

Should Juice be banned from the Food Guide?

Last week, the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) published an article entitled “Food Guide under Fire at Obesity Summit”.  One of the main issues was how fruit juice (125mL) is counted towards a fruit and vegetable serving on the Food Guide.  With this logic, having a couple cups of juice daily could help you reach your daily requirements.  The worry is that consumers are given the false impression that fruit juice is as healthy as a piece of fruit!  This is not the case.  In fact, one glass of juice can provide above the daily limit of sugar provided by World Health Organization and Heart and Stroke Foundation.   [bctt...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
4 Comments
April 29, 2015
Blog

Three Keys to Weight Management

Did you know that two out of three adults are either overweight or obese?   Moreover, every one of us is at risk for gaining weight. In fact, the average adult gains one to two pounds each year. These small (often unnoticed weight changes) can accumulate and may increase risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and several cancers, especially colon and post-menopausal breast cancer.   The good news is that changes to our diet and lifestyle can help prevent weight gain, help us to lose weight or to keep off the weight we’ve already lost. Remember that changing our lifestyle and making new healthy habits takes time, concerted effort and consistency....

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
3 Comments
April 12, 2015
Blog

Time for “Spring Cooking”!

Thankfully, spring is in the air! We finally have warmer weather, flowers blooming and a renewed zest for achieving our healthiest lifestyle. For many, the onset of spring means that it is a time to prioritize cleaning. For others, spring is a time to start up (or re-start) an exercise regime. These are great ideas; however, this spring, I want to inspire people to get "Spring Cooking" as one of the most powerful ways to improve their nutritional intake.     Our Current Challenges: According to an Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Dietitians of Canada, 43 per cent of Canadians say they do not cook balanced meals for themselves or their family...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
4 Comments
March 29, 2015
Blog

When Easter eggs are too easy to find!

Easter is less than one week away; this means that we will continue to be subject to the visual temptation of pastel-coloured chocolates until then. For some, Easter candy is a happy sight.  However, for many, the sight of over-abundant candy only serves to sabotage our most noble “healthy eating intentions.” The real question is: What can we do about it?  Inevitably, seasonal aisles will fill up with treats and our workplaces will contain cakes and other sweets to celebrate birthdays or work anniversaries. It is safe to say that we can’t run away from food temptations because they will find us.  Therefore, it is important to first...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
3 Comments
March 18, 2015
Blog

Tackling Lunchtime Challenges

Nutrition Month is all about inspiring Canadians to eat better and to make healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes. In my last blog, I explored rushed mornings and missed breakfast; today, I will tackle the tricky lunch meal. I will address top 3 lunchtime challenges, why this is a health concern and then I will provide some tips.   Workplace Lunch Obstacles: Challenge #1:  Most Popular Meal to Eat out Lunch is the most popular meal to eat out and lunch is least likely to be prepared at home. According to Tracking Nutrition Trends Survey, only 37% of Canadians prepare lunch at home (vs 48% for dinner and 52% for breakfast).  When not equipped with a...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
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March 10, 2015
Blog

Rushed Mornings = Missed Breakfast? #NutritionMonth

Does the morning mayhem cause you to jet out the door without first fueling yourself?  The reality is that almost 40% of Canadians skip breakfast according to the latest Tracking Nutrition Trends report.  As a dietitian, this is a major concern since skipped breakfasts lead to weight gain, decrease in appetite control and decrease in key nutrients like calcium, fibre and potassium.  Today you will become aware of why breakfast REALLY IS the most important meal and my top 3 strategies to overcome the time-crunched morning rush and actually fit your breakfast in!     Sumo Wrestlers and the Breakfast Story: I remember during my dietetic internship, my dietitian-preceptor sharing the...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
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February 26, 2015
Blog

It’s #NutritionMonth: Eating 9 to 5!

Is it easy for you to make healthy choices during the typical 9-5 working hours? Take a second and really think about this question. The reality is that 45% of Canadians say that eating healthy meals and snacks while at work is challenging (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2014).  This is understandable seeing that we are faced with numerous challenges.  We are rushed in the mornings, faced with commuter cravings, often over-worked causing us to miss meals, and tempted by food-filled meetings and celebratory treats.  Many of my clients also find it a struggle to overcome the mid-day slump where their energy level drops yet their cravings...

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by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD
4 Comments