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In honour ofFood Allergy Awareness month, I will address a very common question. You may have asked yourself,what is the differencebetween afood allergyand afood intolerance? These terms have importantdifferencesand mustnotbe used interchangeably. What is a Food Allergy? Food allergy occurs when the body’simmune systemresponds negatively to a specific food (known as the ‘allergen’). The offending […]

What is the Low FODMAP diet? Well, it’s an emerging, scientifically-proven and effective diet for those suffering withIrritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Common symptoms of IBS include: abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits. However, for a long time, the frustration has been that there is usually no clearfood-symptom link. TheLow FODMAP dietoriginated in Australia, […]

Celiac Awareness Month May 1st marked the start of Celiac Awareness Month!  Celiac disease is a form of food allergy where the body’s immune system reacts negatively to gluten (protein in wheat, rye, barley) causing severe damage to the small intestine.  There are many nutritional implications since the ingestion of gluten decreases the absorption of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are all vital for health!  A strict […]

Welcome to part two of my blog series on coffee and caffeine.  This topic has been inspired by many of my clients in private practice who have expressed legitimate concern wondering if they drink too much coffee. Therefore, today we will delve into Health Canada recommendations for daily caffeine limit and I’ll breakdown the caffeine content in common store-bought beverages! Enjoy your coffee but unsure […]

I am writing this blog with sunlight streaming in and a piping hot coffee in hand.  If you are also a fan of coffee, one of the most popular beverages in the world, you may already be familiar with the noted health benefits or you may have sat puzzled when news stories raised concern for its possible […]

In effort to cut down on total calories and total fat, it is not uncommon for ‘health-conscious’ consumers to forgo their yellow yolks and instead opt for merely the egg whites. Have you ever wondered if this is actually an advantageous practice for cholesterol lowering? Today, I will explore the ‘whole egg truth’. First Let’s Compare: Egg (large) […]

Would you like to add tofu to the menu but are unsure how?  Today, we will explore the tremendous versatility or ‘chameleon qualities’ of tofu along with its nutritional profile. First, we must define tofu.  Tofu is made from soybeans, water and a curdling agent that is used to extract the solid proteins before it is pressed into a […]

Have you heard through the ‘grape vine’ that red wine is heart healthy?  Well, this may be attributed to a type of naturally occurring antioxidant (aka polyphenol) called resveratrol.  Today we will explore resveratrol, how it works along with the possible health benefits! What is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a type of antioxidant that is found in the skin of red grapes.  Red wine contains more polyphenols than […]

This is a follow-up to my previous blog post entitled, the Scoop on Inulin.  We have already discussed how inulin is a type of fibre that food manufactures use to achieve a “high fibre”claim on their products.  Today, I will delve into how inulin works in the body. Also, why some people experience symptoms of intolerance (ie. gas, bloating, stomach pain or diarrhea). How inulin […]

With all the hype on high fibre foods and their associated health benefits, it is no wonder that we are seeing more and more products emerge on grocery shelves boasting the extremely sought-after high fibre claim. This blog will explore one of the most common ways that these high fibre claims are achieved, which is often through the use of an ingredient […]

March is Nutrition Month– a time for Canadians to celebrate healthy food choices and the positive impact these have on our health and personal well-being. During March, we need to join together and talk about nutrition in order to raise awareness on the link between healthy eating and disease prevention.  Nutrition plays a crucial role in many chronic health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity etc.  Nutrition Month is also a time to promote […]

What is better: cow milk, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk or coconut milk?  Are they nutritionally equivalent – meaning they have the same amounts of calcium, fat and protein?   If you have asked yourself these questions you have come to the right spot! First, before doing a nutritional comparison, it is important to mention […]