KTK-Nutrition

Summer is here and hydration becomes even more important in hot weather.   Each summer I blog on hydration and this topic is one of my most popular posts.   From the list below, can you guess what beverage or food is best for hydration?     Water?   Juice?  Cow’s milk?  Eating some watermelon? Did you answer “water”?   Most people will answer “water” as being the best for hydration.   And most people would say drinking the 8 glasses of water a day is all one needs to do to stay hydrated.   But is water really the best beverage for hydration?   Are there other ways to stay hydrated like eating a slice of watermelon?   What about those electrolyte drinks?   Are these needed to stay hydrated?   What about kids?   Some kids are not the best about drinking water throughout the day.   What else can parents do to help keep their kids hydrated in hot weather? What is the first sign that you need more flu...

Are you being fooled by foods promoted as “healthy” that turn out to be not so good for your health?   Some foods marketed as “healthy” can still be high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.   To make informed choices one has to read labels and understand the nutritional content of foods.   What are some examples of misleading “healthy” foods?      Plant-Based Meat:   These have been the rage but now seem to have lost their popularity.   Good thing as many of the plant-based meat products are not so good for your health.   I had a student that was so proud of switching from eating a regular hamburger to a plant-based hamburger and really thought that this was so much better for her health.   Was it?   McDonald’s tested the McPlant burger based on Beyond Meat but it ended in 2022 and never went nationwide.   Burger King offered Impossible Burgers in 2019 as the Impossible Whopper.     The Burger King website says t...

Who doesn’t want healthier hair?   Almost everyday we are bombarded with commercials advertising products for healthier hair, for growing more hair.   My sister sent me some articles about foods to promote hair growth , strength and health.   Look around you today as you are out and about.   How many people do you see with shiny, thick, strong, healthy hair?   What foods could people with dull, thin hair add to their diet for healthier locks? What are some nutrients that promote healthier hair? Like any part of your body, your hair needs nutrients.   “Some nutrients that are particularly beneficial in promoting hair growth, strength, and thickness include protein, B vitamins (including biotin and riboflavin), vitamins C and D, omega-3 fats, collage, zinc, iron,”   says nutritionist Bianca Tamburello.   What vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are important for healthy hair and hair growth? The Cleveland Clinic has an excellent article on ...

Smoothies have become so popular.   Especially among young people who want to grab and go.   My daughters like to make smoothies for a quick breakfast that they can take with them on their commute.   If you are buying a smoothie from a Fast-Food establishment, which ones are a healthier choice?   What ingredients make a smoothie a healthier option? Consumer reports notes that smoothies can be very healthy and nutritious as a snack or a meal.   Especially if you make them at home and know the ingredients going into the smoothie.   Some Fast-food smoothies can be healthy but others not so much.   Consumer Reports , Delish and others offer some good advice and guidelines to follow when ordering a better-for-you smoothie. What is the ideal smoothie?   The ideal smoothie is made with whole fruits and vegetables, unsweetened dairy or plant milk or yogurt, and maybe some healthy add-ins like nut butters or seeds , according to registered dietit...