My Wife the Dietitian

With the new Canadian guidelines for alcohol consumption announced early 2023, it's a big change from the previous 2011 Guidelines. On today's episode we take a look at red wine, in particular, to discuss if it's helpful or harmful to drink. Do we need to abstain now? Reviewing concepts, such as the "French Paradox" and "Mediterranean Diet", along with the "Mind Diet" (ep. 14), we discuss the real...

There are populations in society who have a higher propensity of developing iron deficiency due to lifestyle and health issues. Women, children and seniors have an increased risk for having low iron stores and hence, may end up with iron deficiency anemia. Healthy men on the other hand, generally have adequate iron stores and too much iron can be detrimental for health, in terms of developing chro...

In today's episode, Sandra and Rob discuss 'everything avocado', including important health benefits and tasty recipe creations.  As avocados have come in and out of favour over the years, due to their high fat content, Sandra helps dispel the myths about avocados and discusses the reasons for their (much deserved) resurgence in popularity.  From head to toe, there are lots of incredible...

Gallbladder and bile health.  One of the most common surgeries in North America is removal of the gallbladder and it could be prevented. Many of the issues with the gallbladder stem from diet and lifestyle factors. Learn the 5 F's for risk factors with gallbladder issues as well as other lifestyle considerations. Common symptoms of gallbladder problems include - bloating/burping, pain, and st...

With so many people starting out their year with New Year's resolutions, which often tend to fail, we look at SMART goal planning for improved success at keeping those resolutions. SMART stands for  S - specific who, what, where, when, why and which M - measurable - from and to A - achievable - how R - realistic - worthwhile T - timely - when We discuss the top 5 New Year's resolutions relate...

We had fun with this final episode of the year. Today, we take a ride back through 2022 and remember some key highlights and memorable moments including -  body systems and health, foods & components, special guests, quirky 'homemade' jingles, practical tips, big words, and plenty of laughs. We wrap it up with 11 nutrition fundamentals to keep you going strong into the new year. Plus, we'...

It's that time of year again.....twelve days of Christmas. Rob and Sandra discuss some food related gifts that have nutrition and health in mind for family and/or friends. Perhaps Sandra was hinting to Rob some of the presents she would like Santa to bring to their household and see under the tree ;) For helping to procure healthy eating in the kitchen, some ideas are; spice grinder pepper mill co...

The holidays and Christmas time can be a wonderful time with holiday cheer and taking stock of your blessings. For many though, it can be the most stressful time of the year. Research shows that cardiac death rates are highest around Christmas and New Year's - the two weeks throughout the holidays (between Christmas and New Year's Eve) more people die of natural causes than what is normal for...

There are two undisputed facts when it comes to food. We all need it, and it's getting more expensive all the time. But, there are a few tips and tricks that might help with that. On this week's episode, we'll be discussing some practical ideas that'll help keep your weekly food costs down. Plus, we'll give you a budget friendly shopping list and some meal ideas to go with it. Check out the b...

On today's episode, we interview Scott Fickerson, from Ventura, California.  Scott has a Master's Degree in Human Performance and is currently an associate Professor of Health at Santa Barbara City College.  He is a multi-disciplined 'plant powered' athlete, and for the past seven years, Scott has followed a strict plant-based vegan diet. We discuss how to fuel yourself without animal pr...

Sandra throws Rob a curve ball this week, with a protein pop quiz :) A few of the questions asked include: What is protein and why do we need it? Are we getting enough protein in our diet?   Is the source of protein more important than the quantity?  See how Rob does on this quiz and test yourself with some of the important questions about protein! Resources include: Tim Cassettari - "El...

Vitamin K and Blood thinners - Warfarin Diet On today's episode, we talk to The Geriatric Dietitian , Katie Dodd, RD. This interview will help uncover topics relating to blood thinners and diet implications. Katie answers some critical questions regarding vitamin K and potential medication interactions. - What does Warfarin and other blood thinners do? - What's the relationship of vitamin K a...

Are you a coffee person or a tea person? If you don't like coffee, it may be related to your genes. Coffee is the most widely used psychoactive substance that is legal and big business. Is it healthy or can it be harmful? There's a difference between sensitivity and tolerance, when it comes to caffeine in coffee. What are the side effects of 'too much' and benefits of cutting back on coffee. Grab...

How do food and mood influence each other? Does it really matter if you have that donut instead of the apple?  There's more evidence showing that what we eat is related to our brain health, including our moods and how we feel. Plus, if there's deficiencies with specific nutrients, this can negatively impact our brain neurotransmitters and feelings. Today, we discuss :    -&nbsp...

Today, we are joined by special guest, Meredith Cushing, RD (Registered Dietitian). Sandra and Meredith have known each other for twenty six years, since they were interns together in Vancouver, BC.  Meredith currently works in pediatric nephrology at BC Children's Hospital. For the past decade, she has been working with children with renal disease and kids who are on kidney dialysis. To help...

In today's episode, we cover everything 'bean'.  What are beans and legumes? Why are they important for health? What are the general nutrients in legumes? Why are they important for longevity? Legumes are a staple in cuisines from all around the world, are sustainable for the environment, and are easy on the budget. We discuss five simple and easy bean recipes to help incorporate more legumes...

It seems that most households have a container of protein powder in the pantry for everyone to use, but does everyone need protein powder? On today's episode, we'll be answering that question and more.   - Who would benefit most from the addition of protein powder in their day?   - Are protein powders safe and healthy?   - What are the regulations around protein powde...

Today, Rob and I discuss :  What is celiac disease? What proportion of the population is affected and what are the general symptoms and aspects of diagnosis that a person can expect. Plus, importance of healing the gut after contact with gluten, and the resulting injury to the intestinal lining. Why eating gluten-free products isn't the best way forward with celiac disease.  What are the...

Today, we discuss:   -  What is fatty liver, otherwise known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ?  - Why is it a growing epidemic?  - As 1/10 children have it, it's not related to alcohol intake, but our diet and lifestyle.   -  What are the aspects of diet and lifestyle that can lead to fatty liver?  - Is fatty liver reversible, onc...

Protein bars, spinach dip, veggie crisps, yogurt and sweet potato fries.......what do these foods have in common? They have a 'health halo', an illusion of health and assumption that they are a better choice than their counterparts.....but.....are they? Buzz words or health claims, such as 'gluten-free' or 'all natural' can lead you to believe the item is naturally a better choice to buy than food...

Good nutrition is a pillar to health and quality of life as we age. In Canada, it's estimated that more then 50% of hospitalized people over the age of 65, are clinically malnourished.  On today's episode, we'll take a look at some simple self assessment tests that help you recognize malnourishment. We'll also give you 9 tips on how to improve your diet and nutrition.  Many of the effect...

On todays episode: - why salt isn't necessarily the main problem for people with high blood pressure.  - how diet quality is critical for improving circulation and preventing hypertension. - why hypertension is called the 'silent killer'. - lifestyle factors, including diet that help reduce blood pressure. - 5 Dietary Strategies to help with blood pressure management. Enjoying the show? Consi...

Meal kits are starting to pop up on more and more doorsteps these days, but what are they exactly?  On today's episode, we'll discuss everything you need to know about this growing industry. We'll cover how the service works, what's in the box, how to make them a bit healthier, as well as some pros and cons based on the service we tried.  There are a lot of benefits, so if you've been cu...

It's that time of year.....back to school, which means, you guessed it.....packing lunches!  On today's episode, we'll give you some great tips on packing a healthy nutritious lunch. Learn everything you need to help your kids not only pack their own lunch, but make it healthy and exciting.  Not going to school? No problem, there's still some good healthy advice in here for everyone else...

Seeds are such an important part of our diet but they are often overlooked. They are the beginning of life and as such, have loads of nutritional benefits such as omega 3 and 6, fibre, protein, calcium, and prebiotics. Seeds are also a lot more affordable than nuts which is an important factor with today's rising food costs.  On today's episode, we'll be discussing a variety of different seed...