Category: Nutrition

As we come to the close of another year, I think about the stressors that our nutrition status has faced. COVID-19 caused long work hours making it hard to plan nutritious meals. The stress associated with the pandemic increased mindless eating. For many, the diagnosis of COVID-19 stressed bodies and increased the need for proper nutrition. When we needed it …

The last two months of the year traditionally involve lots of “food” events, as friends and family gather for holiday celebrations. Food tends to evoke memories and most families have favorite dishes that they like to prepare. Again, this year, there may be fewer large holiday gatherings and many families may not be getting together at all. Regardless, I encourage …

I’m sure that you know the familiar expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  This phrase was first created in 1913, and was based on a proverb that originated in 1866.  The original quote was: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” Eating more apples may not actually be …

Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips and sat down in front of the T.V. planning to eat a few chips only to discover 30 minutes later that you’ve devoured more than half of the chips?  Or maybe you have gotten up from the dinner table intending to put the leftovers away for another meal only to find that …

When I walked into Safeway on Sunday afternoon I was greeted by a huge display of fresh peaches!  How appropriate for the first day of August, after all, August is “National Peach Month.” Peaches are native to China and they have been cultivated for more that a thousand years. Peaches are called stone fruits, which means that they have a …

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), I frequently hear questions like “how do I know what to eat?” Nutrition is a complex subject.  Over the years guidelines for “good nutrition” have been written by various organizations.  You are no doubt familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid, My Pyramid, and My Plate.  These visual tools guide consumers to eat a balanced diet …

From the Kitchen of Debra Loder, RDN June is National Dairy Month! Originally established as a grocery/milk promotion in 1937, National Dairy Month now acts as a reminder of the health benefits that dairy products provide. They contain essential nutrients — including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein. Dairy products also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, certain cancers, …

From the Kitchen of Debra Loder, RDN – WCH Memorial Day Weekend will be here before we know it. This year, instead of the usual Burgers and Hot Dogs, try something new for your backyard cookout. Tacos are easy to prepare on a grill. Marinate some fish, shrimp, and/or chicken, slice it, and pop it onto grilled corn or flour …

From the Kitchen of Debra Loder, RDN – Wickenburg Community Hospital I love to garden.  There is just something about the miracle of life when a tiny dry seed springs forth with the addition of soil, water, and sunshine.  Gardening here in Wickenburg, AZ can be tough.  It seems that most years I do not get started early enough so …

By Debra Loder, RDN – Wickenburg Community Hospital It’s Spring!  When flowers start blooming, and trees start getting their leaves, my thoughts go to berries. I love berries!  Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries! They are sweet but a little bit tart and they go in everything. There’s nothing like a salad of baby spinach and tender greens topped with sliced …