Healthy You

As we move through the rollercoaster ride of what’s been the last year and take on this third wave of increasing COVID-19 rates, immunity has been on many of our minds. A quick Google search for “immune boosting” yields nearly 38 million search results, revealing a lot of information – AND MISINFORMATION. Most articles skip over vaccines to suggest some variation of eating miracle foods and supplementing vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics. But what should we really be doing to keep our immune systems in top shape? The reality is that keeping a strong immune system follows the same advice we use for general healthy living: eat a variety of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins; sleep seven to nine hours per night; exercise at least 150 minutes per week; and manage your stress levels. When it comes to nutrition, there are many nutrients that are involved in immune function: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate, zinc, selenium, copper, and iron. While these are necessary for immune health, a balanced diet can provide enough of all of them (except for Vitamin D in some cases; speak with your doctor or dietitian about a supplement). Beware of companies trying to recommend super-doses of vitamins. Nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, often touted as miracle cures for cold and flu season, have virtually no evidence supporting their supplementation helping to decrease the length or likelihood of illness. It is important to get enough – deficiency can weaken the immune system – but more isn’t necessarily better. Nutrients like zinc can also have some nasty side effects if taken in large quantities, including nausea and vomiting. Listen in as Andrea and Drew share more details about how to include these things in your diet, what to steer clear of (and save your money on), and how to recognize a red flag so that you maintain peace of mind instead of second guessing your nutrition choices.  Your immune system will thank you.   Prepared by: Emily Rodford, Dietetic Intern

The uncertainty of COVID-19 has impacted everyone differently, but from a food security perspective, many shifted into survival mode. Despite the food industry and government reassuring Canadians there is no shortage of food, many people began panic buying items at the start of the pandemic. Stats Canada provided us with a lot of data when COVID first hit — something that our government and retailers are keeping on top of as we live through the second wave. Seeing empty grocery store shelves led to a snowball effect in which the masses of people were purchasing food in quantities much above their needs. Was there just not enough for everyone to go around, or did the “early bird” just take what they needed for four months and then some? During this stressful time, it is important for us all to look out for and support one another. It is no surprise that many people have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Stats Canada has closely examined the relation between finances and food security since the start of the pandemic. Are the government’s efforts in providing financial relief enough for all Canadians? Has the second wave of “panic buying” hit our economy as hard? These are all valid questions, and those of so many through our nation.  Listen in as Andrea dives into the information with more detail and shares many of the stats to keep you well-informed so you can feel at ease by knowing the facts.

Where are grocery bills going? How does yours tally up?  Grocery prices change each year.  An important survey, Canada’s Food Price Report, along with the launch of Canada’s New Food Guide in 2019 had many people questioning how we could eat well within budget?  The food guide seemed to have many people questioning how much more their food bill would increase.  Listen up as Drew and I chat about this report and how you can eat well within a reasonable budget!  Even for your Cannabis!

Have you heard about Nutrigenomix?  It looks at our individual genes and how external factors (including nutrition) can impact them.  It’s a pretty cool phenomenon coming out of U of T.  It’s been around for a number of years, but there are many questions surrounding it.  Listen in as Drew and I chat the facts and what you need to know to better your health and nutrition.

Oh it’s a touchy subject for me, but Drew and I dive into the conversations around weight, nutrition, diet, and so much more and speakingto children. What we do, as adults, around our children are modeled every day to them. How we speak to our children is always filtered through THEIR lens, so let’s get down to it and try to understand how we can be the best positive role models in our food and weight driven world.

Celery Juicing is NOT new, but this past year with the ridiculous rise in the price of celery, so many were wondering WHY?  What does celery all of a sudden have in it that makes it incredible for our health?  Or is it all another fad and money grab?  You don’t want to miss this one.

Have you ever tried something as a “lifestyle change” but then realized there were too many restrictions?  Check in as Drew and I chat the difference between healthy lifestyle habits vs. diets, trends, fads and more.

Busy Long weekend? A bit too many adventures out of the house? More processed foods?  Didn’t sleep as well?  Or maybe you just “can’t get the sleep thing right”?  Did you know that the sleep and rest you get directly impact the nutrition choices you make? How you fuel, feed and feel throughout the day?  Listen in as Drew and I chat about how to take the little steps to get you on track and support a healthy sleep routine.

Oh! We’re going there. It’s been a long time coming since we could sit to chat about the Keto diet. Definitely NOT new in the world, but all of the nonsense around this fad diet needs to be heard. A quick weight loss? Absolutely! But the other side effects! Do you even know what they are? Or what you’re putting your body through? Tune in as I explain this all to Drew for everyone to understand.

We’re going backwards a bi with this one as Drew and I chat about nutrition during pregnancy. Have you ever considered what additional nutrients you should pay attention to to help support your growing baby? Tune in as we chat the basics, and always remember all nutrition plans are individual! Everyone should sit down with a dietitian to find out what’s best for them!

Drew and I realized over the years of Podcast-ing that our pre-tape chats need to stay in! So enjoy the “unedited coles notes” leading into this topic, which I question, “in our fast-paced busy lives, do you apply the same speed to eat your meals and snacks? Or do you slow down?” The rate at which you eat your food can have an impact on your overall health. How? Listen in as I explain this with Drew’s expert questions to keep the convo going!

Did you know the Infant Feeding Guidelines changed a few years back? Are you confused about what solid foods to start your child on when they shift from a liquid diet to solid foods? Check in as Drew and I discuss the best strategies to start your child on solid foods, which foods to introduce first and some simple solutions to get your kids to be great eaters!

As a new Mom I am constantly bombarded with questions about “what I did with my baby”….especially what I’m feeding her. It can become overwhelming when you constantly feel judged about what decisions you are making for your child, especially how you decide to feed them. Whether you decide to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is your decision based on a NUMBER of factors, including overall nutrition, supply, cost, and mental health! Drew and I chit chat about this all in our 30th episode to give you the facts in order to make your OWN decision! Remember, at the end of the day, it is YOUR child and Your decisions are the most intuitive for him or her.

Energy drinks are not new to the market, but the stories about their consumption is causing concern amongst consumers, and especially in children. Listen in as Drew and I talk about what makes an energy drink, the concern with consuming them and too much, and especially the hazards associated when kids get near them. Be in the know as we bring forth the new facts and research for the better of your health! Check out this additional article to read up on some more research surrounding Energy drinks and consumption in kids. #EnergyDrinks #KidsNutrition #KidsHealthTips #DietitianTips #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

As we continue to strive towards a world free from dieting, another one streams the news feeds. Intermittent Fasting has been around for a number of years now, but we continue to hear about it in new forms and different approaches. What is it? Well it’s not quite a magic weight loss pill, but have a listen as Drew and I chat up the different styles of Intermittent Fasting and if it is something you think will fit into your lifestyle. That’s what it comes down to – will this work for me for the rest of my life and all that goes on in my life? Check in and get serious with yourself, your life and your goals!

Canada’s Food Guide is about to get an overhaul, and this is so needed for many reasons. The last installment of the Food Guide was released in 2007 and I think you and I can both agree our food industry has changed drastically over that decade. What will the changes be though? I mean, in my opinion, FOOD IS SIMPLE, but many are not making it seem that way and much of society has become confused about what choices to make for their health and their family’s health. Join Andrea and Drew as they chat about all of the forecasted changes, and when we can expect to see Canada’s newest “Food Guide” edition.  

Are your dietary choices throughout the day so good and balanced and then the evening hits sending you into snacking or munching fest? What do you reach for? What is triggering these choices? Listen in as Andrea and Drew tap into the reasons why and some great strategies to help you get over that late night munching!  

As more information and documentaries are shared through the world wide web, confusion and inconsistency results about the food choices we should or should not be making. Protein is so incredibly important throughout the whole day, but where should we get our protein from? Andrea and Drew dive deep into this one to help you understand the difference between proteins, why we need it for our health, and why all of the hype has bubbled into the world. This is one you’ll want to save to ensure your health is in tip top shape throughout your whole life. #PlantProtein #Protein #AnimalProtein #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

We work so hard to maintain a balanced lifestyle and diet throughout the year, and then we work up to that well deserved vacation! How do we maintain that balance while on vacation? Andrea and Drew chat about the fears and concerns that so many have before going on vacation and what to do to support your health goals while you’re away too, and remove the guilt! #VacationEating #Vacation #HealthyTips #FoodForThought #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

It would be nice if we all had access to a mini fridge stocked with great nutrition to have throughout our day in our cars, on the road or at the office. But most of us aren’t. With fast-food and convenient food vendors at every corner of our streets, and busy schedules preventing us from packing that lunch every morning, this goal can be hard…..but is it? Turn up the volume in your car to learn the simple solutions of how you can pack a few things and a quick lunch, OR make the right choices while out and about for your health. #EatingOnTheRoad #RoadTrip #FoodForThought #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Is your nutrition your real problem? Or are there other things going on in your life that may be wreaking havoc on how your body processes and uses the nutrition you feed it? Understanding sources of stress, and how important sleep is for our overall health is KEY to ensuring you are staying healthy from head to toe. Listen up as Andrea and Drew explain this fascinating science and share the foods you should aim to include in your diet when that stressful time hits. #StressEating #EmotionalEating #SleepWell #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat #FamilyNutrition

Should you go sugar-free? The Good, the Bad and the Unknown. With so much talk about sugar being the evil of today’s health concerns, learn where it is, how to identify the hidden sources, and how much to have for you and your family. #SugarFree #Sugar #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

What is the deal with Milk? Should we drink it? Steer clear of it? What about milk and dairy alternatives? Are they all cut out to what the marketers make them seem? You’ll want full volume on this one as Andrea and Drew give you the answers about which ones to choose and which ones to simply avoid! #MilkAlternatives #GotMilk #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat #FamilyNutrition

Are you an adult picky eater? What exactly categorizes this and what’s the difference between simply not enjoying a food and being picky towards your choices? Listen in as Andrea and Drew dive into the science and provide some great tips and solutions to support you and your family’s health #AdultPickyEater #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat #FamilyNutrition

Is your child a picky eater? Is pasta with butter on the menu 5 nights a week at your house just to make sure your child/children eat? How do you expand your family’s palates while keeping yourself sane by only preparing one meal? Andrea and Drew bring reality into this one and give you the solutions to make this happen TONIGHT at your dinner table. #PickyEater #ChildNutrition #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

What the heck do all of the numbers mean on a nutrition facts panel? What do you look at first? Where should you actually look first? Learn what the changes are to food packages and what you should look at to make sure you are smarter than the food manufacturers! #FoodLabels #NutritionLabels #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

The New Year brings a few new food trends! Legit! Learn what the new trends are for 2017! Which ones are worth sticking onto and adding into your lifestyle and which ones are not? Andrea and Drew dive through a whole list so that you aren’t second guessing what the marketers are feeding you. #FoodTrends #FoodSustainability #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

When did Food become a fad that’s in one year and out the next? The end of the year usually brings along the fads and trends that are coming up the pipelines. Know what the red flags are before you head out to spend your grocery money on the wrong foods. #FoodFads #NewFoods #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

New research is in!! Everything in Moderation right? But what does it mean to you? We find out what the latest research says and how you can then work this definition into your lifestyle. Battle of the defining terms with this listen, but check out what Andrea and Drew leave you with to give you piece of mind. #Moderation #ModerationMovement #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do you gravitate to the same foods and recipes each week? How do you become a little more adventurous in the kitchen while ensuring you are making something satisfying. Listen up as Andrea and Drew give you that push and motivation to think outside the box and make something delicious that you may not have given second thought to before. #TrySomethingNew #NewFood #ExpandYourPalate #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

What do the food labels actually tell you? Are you distracted by the big words, fancy colouring, and mis-information that may be on food packages? Look beyond what’s on the surface and know where to lock your eyes with these tips to make sure you make the purchases that are best for your health! #FoodLabels #LabelReading #FoodPackaging #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Seasonal Affective Disorder is quite common in the gloomy colder months. How can you get yourself through it, while keeping your mood up and motivation high? Food plays a huge role in mental health. What are they? Andrea and Drew go over the list and how they can help you fuel the mind in a positive healthy way. #MentalHealth #FoodAndMood #ComfortFood #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? What do they often entail? Weight loss and being healthier tends to top the list, but how do YOU make that happen so that you will be successful this year! Listen up as Andrea and Drew set you up for this New Year and give you the tools to be successful. #NewYear #Resolutions #Goals #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

What exactly is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist? How do you know if you are signing up for the best support for your health and lifestyle? Have a listen as Andrea and Drew chat the difference and what you want to look out for before choosing your nutrition professional to lead you towards your goals. #Dietitian #DietitianApproved #Registered #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Have you ever tried a diet? Was it successful? How did you feel while on it? The dieting industry is a $32 billion dollar industry that seems to grab everyone at some point in their life. But what is YOUR diet? Andrea and Drew chat about what makes a diet successful and what it can do to someone emotionally. What is the solution? Listen up to know what red flags to be aware of Today! #Diet #Dieting #FadDiets #CelebrityDiets #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

What goes on in your body when you have caffeine? Where exactly is it found and how much should we have in a day? Andrea and Drew play a little guessing game of just how much we can have and how much is actually in certain foods. The dynamic duo will elude to certain groups of people who should be mindful of the amount they have in a day too. Listen in to be in the know! #Caffeine #WheresCaffeine #DietAndWeightLoss #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do you restrict certain foods from your diet? Are you only “allowed” to eat certain foods on certain days or occasions? How do we celebrate food for what it is and what it gives our bodies without feeling guilty? Andrea and Drew go through different times of the year when food may be in more abundance and give you tips to help you stay on track and not feel you are restricting yourself. #CelebrateFood #FoodinModeration #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do we need to detox or cleanse? Are they the same thing? This one is HUGE and there are always so many questions with a ton of confusion out there about what our bodies need to run optimally. Check in and let Andrea and Drew explain the pros and cons of what exactly you may be doing to your insides! #Cleanse #Detox #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do we all need to be taking Multivitamins and Supplements? It seems so many are buying bottles of pills or trendy food particles, but do you really need them? Andrea and Drew go through the list of ‘maybe’s’, ‘no’s’ and “yes’s” to make sure you know where to start!

How much water do we actually need in a day? What are the sources of food and liquids that hydrate us, and what are those that deplete hydration from our bodies? It can be confusing with so many options out there, but get in the know as Andrea and Drew give you a list to get you on track. #Hydrate #Drink #Fluids #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Do you meal plan? Are you constantly spending time in the kitchen, or do you move through your week in a smart way so that you can have your meals ready to go when your stomach starts to ask you for that food? Where do you start if you want to start meal planning? Andrea and Drew share the small steps to get you into planning more of your meals and snacks to get you on top of meal planning. #MealPlan #SmartFuel #SmartPlanning #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat

Our first Episode of “Healthy You with Andrea & Drew”!! How do we aim for a healthier lifestyle? What are your priorities? Get ready as Andrea and Drew give you the tips and solutions to taking the little steps starting TODAY to get you on that path. #StartHere #StartSomewhere #BeTheChange #HealthIsWealth #HealthPriority #FamilyNutrition #HealthyYou #HealthyMind #HealthyBody #DietitianPodcast #RDChat