Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. - It’s true. There’s room for chocolate in any healthy diet, not only because new research indicates that it’s actually good for you thanks to disease-fighting flavanols in the darker varieties, but also because it tastes good and you love it.   The key to including indulgences like chocolate in your diet without blowing your calorie limit is to eat them in moderation. ... Read more...

Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. - Here are five simple food swaps that can help you lose more than 10 pounds in the next six weeks.  1. Stick to one serving of cereal. For most people, a typical pour of breakfast cereal is equal to two servings. If you're trying to lose weight, trim calories by accurately measuring one serving into your bowl (usually that means ¾ - 1 cup, however, cereal serving sizes vary so you must regularly check the package labeling on your favorite brands and varieties). ... Read more...

Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. - People with larger stomachs in their 40s are more likely to have dementia when they reach their 70s, according to a study published in the March 26, 2008, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. ... Read more...

Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. - In the perfect world, everyone would get the nutrients they need by eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. But because many people have poor/finicky eating habits, allergies and medical conditions, that’s not always the case. Here’s my opinion on supplements for the general healthy population. ... Read more...

Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. - Check out these practical, everyday ways to keep your appetite under control: Get  Enough ZZZZZ Sleep deprivation causes an imbalance in certain ... Read more...

Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - This week, my husband offered to make the weekly trip to the grocery store. In addition to our usual staples, he brought home a surprise for me: a widely advertised yogurt. He explained that the product had been on sale and that he had remembered seeing a TV advertisement claiming that this type of yogurt was good for digestive health — so why not give it a try?  What he was referring to was the claim that Bifidus regularis , a type of bacteria that is being ... Read more...

Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - As you fly the friendly skies this summer or head to the ballpark, you may want to say "Yes!" to peanuts. Recent research has not only shown that peanuts and peanut butter are good for us, but has also credited these popular foods with reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ... Read more...

Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - If you are looking for a new menu option as part of your weight-loss or weight-maintenance program, you may want to consider — or reconsider — soy. Adding soy to your diet can have advantages, such as providing fewer calories, less saturated fat, and more fiber than other more traditional, high-quality protein sources. ... Read more...

Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - You've learned to steer clear of the whipped cappuccino and the other creamy and delightful modern-day coffee drinks. But other nutrition pitfalls are lurking in most coffee-serving areas, in the form of cookies, cakes, brownies, and muffins. What you may not realize is how many calories you are actually opting for when you select one of these sweet baked goods. ... Read more...

Cheryl Koch, M.S. R.D. - Many of us have spent years skipping breakfast in an attempt to reduce weight and avoid extra calories. Maybe, however, there was some truth to the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact, studies have indeed shown that breakfast is crucial to the weight-management process. Researchers have discovered that individuals who have successfully lost weight and kept it off are more likely to eat a good breakfast, usually in the form of a breakfast cereal. ... Read more...