Practical Nutrition

A few weeks ago, we talked about challenges related to eating out and the psychology behind social eating. We gave you 4 take home tips: have a plan, be mindful, strategize, and try to be social without eating. Today we are going to take it one step further and give you tips on ordering when eating at restaurants. First and foremost, a disclaimer: You CAN order whatever you want, however, we know...

Today on Practical Nutrition, we are switching things up! We have someone very special with us, Alix's husband a former MSU football player, Riley Shantz. He is joining us today to share his experiences and journey with nutrition, health, exercise, etc. As we know, everyone has a different experience and goals with their health. Whether it's decreasing their risk of chronic disease, adding more mu...

Turmeric is used as a spice and natural food color that gives food yellow or orange colors. It is in the ginger family and has also been used medicinally all over the world, especially traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, for thousands of years due to its antioxidant, anticancer, anti mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric is also used all over the world in currie...

Healthy eating can certainly pose a challenge when you’re around certain people or in a certain place. Think about the last time you went out with your friends or family. Did you make choices that were in line with your healthy lifestyle goals? If you didn’t, did you feel guilty or restrict afterwards? Eating behavior is strongly influenced by social context. We eat differently when we are with ot...

Wearable fitness devices have been continuing to grow in popularity. There are TONS of different types of wearables, ranging from smart watches (more so small computers that are an extension of a smartphone) to tracking devices that provide more basic functions. What all of these devices have in common is that they facilitate some sort of monitoring in an attempt to elicit activity and tracking fr...

Much of the focus has been put on controlling Covid-19 and minimizing infection rate. We also can’t forget to look at how you can protect yourself from hospitalization, intubation, and death if you get Covid-19. Unfortunately, there are some risk factors that you have no control over. The good news is that there are many risk factors that you DO have control over. Trying to avoid getting sick is o...

When it comes to bettering your health, you probably think of things like portions, calories, macros, maybe you think about fruits and vegetables, but do you ever consider the quality of ingredients in the foods that you’re eating? Do you ever turn products over to examine the ingredient labels? Today our dietitians discuss why you the quality of ingredients really DOES matter! Tune in to find out...

If you’ve been to the doctor or talked to a healthcare professional, you have probably heard the term “BMI”. Body Mass Index (aka BMI), is a value derived from your weight and height and is used as an indicator of body fat. BMI is an inexpensive alternative compared to direct measures of body fat, such as UWW, DEXA, seven site skinfold, etc. As mentioned, it does not directly measure body fat. How...

Have you been told that the pH of your body can be changed through what you eat and drink? Is there any truth to that? Today, our dietitians discuss what alkaline water is and the science behind it's ACTUAL effect on your body and health. Tune in to find out more!   Follow us on social media:  Facebook - Achieving Your Best  Instagram - aybspringfield

Not too long ago, the only thing you could drown your cereal in was whole cow’s milk. Now cow’s milk comes in all sorts of varieties: whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and even lactose-free milk. And now there’s even more options: soy, pea, hemp, flaxseed, oat, coconut, rice, almond, cashew, peanut, banana, macadamia, pistachio, hazelnut, pecan, buckwheat, chia, and quinoa…just to name a few. In fact, a 2018 s...

Since we were young, we have heard the phrase, "Eat your fruits and vegetables". Whether we were taught the Food Pyramid or MyPlate, we are probably all aware of the importance of the items from these food groups. However, we know that it can be difficult at times to meet your daily recommendations. Today, registered dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick explain the why you s...

Are you a woman? Is there an important woman in your life? Then this podcast is for you!    Today, our dietitians are talking about what the hell happens to women in their 40s and 50s! Learn a little bit more about why you need the AC turned down to 60 with the fan turned on once menopause hits.    Now, men don't let this topic deter you. We are providing great information on s...

Today, our dietitians discuss the question, "Are food sensitivity tests legit?"   In short, the answer is no. Instead of wasting your money and buying into more of the quack that this society has put out for us, we recommend that you bring up your symptoms to your doctor while working with a dietitian. In this setting you can go through your food history and work to subtract and then slo...

With summer just around the corner, what better to talk about than diet trends? We see lots of people interested in quick weight loss so they can be "swimsuit ready" on their vacation or while hanging out by the pool. We get it! The promises that some of these diet trends make are enticing. Tune in to find out what trends our dietitians can get behind and what trends are totally whack!   Foll...

There is a lot of information out there about protein, and it can get really confusing, so we are going to go over what the science says and hopefully clear up how to make sure you are getting what you need to achieve your goals. Tune in to find out more!   Follow us on social media:  Facebook - Achieving Your Best  Instagram - aybspringfield

Exercise and activity are good for just about everyone. In fact, research shows with a doubt, no matter what your current physical abilities are, you can gain a lot from staying active and exercising. Lack of activity actually present more problems and health issues than the act of being active. Physical inactivity can lead to more visits to the doctor, more sick days, more hospitalizations as you...

We know you've all thought it... Many people hear the word dietitian and automatically assume that we are the food police, social gatherings turn into Q&As, friends and colleagues feel that we are judging them, and much MUCH more.    It is common that clients come to our offices and think we are going to tell them all the foods they can't have, restrict foods they love, and pass judg...

Low testosterone levels in men can lead to some very unpleasant symptoms, and proper steps can be taken when addressed with a physician. But what about the hormone boosters you see at supplement stores? Those should do the trick, right? Today, registered dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick discuss the risks and benefits of testosterone supplementation, and what lifestyle ha...

Do you find yourself wondering what exactly you should be eating around your workouts? There's so much that has been put out there, it seems almost impossible to know what you should and shouldn't do. Today, registered dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick tell you all you need to know to refuel, recover, and replenish after your activity. Tune in to find out!   Follow u...

Did you know that the average American is dehydrated more than they are hydrated? In fact, over 75% of us are dehydrated at any given time.    Water is arguably the most important nutrient due to the fact that your body can only withstand about 2-3 days without water before you start experiencing symptoms of organ failure and subsequent death.    Today, registered dietitians Ca...

Statistically speaking, you are more than likely going to experience periods of poor body image. Sometimes, we are able to overcome these periods, but sometimes it leads to periods of low self-esteem, depression, and disordered eating.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  This episode will dive deep into what body image is, how having a negative body image affects your overall health, and what you can d...

Today we answer the age old question of, "Should I be taking a supplement?". To no surprise, this is one of those questions that we get asked ALL. THE. TIME. Do supplements have their place? Find out as registered dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick with special guest Danielle Farmer give you the 411. Let us know if there's any specific supplements you want us to talk about...

One of the most common questions we get as sports and wellness dietitians is, "What should I be eating before I workout?". Today Registered Dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick are here to answer that question for you. Tune in to find out!   Here is our list of dietitian recommended pre-workout fueling options:  Banana with peanut butter  PB&J sandwich&nbs...

As dietitians, we hear a lot about the term organic. Should I buy organic? Or does it even matter? The term "organic" is used regularly and often. You'll see it plastered all over grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, etc. Understanding what it means can help consumers (like you!!) make informed choices about the food they are eating. So the question stands…does it really matter to buy or...

You are not crazy. Today, Registered Dietitians Cassie Dimmick, Alix Shantz, and Sara Kostelnick are here to explain why weight loss followed by weight maintenance seems more like an impossible fantasy. BUT - we are also here to tell you that it is, in fact, possible. If it was easy....over 50% of the population wouldn't be overweight.    We also offer you some great motivation, teach yo...