For the most part, Canada’s new food guide, finally unveiled today, was designed with cardiovascular disease prevention in mind. A background document, Canada’s dietary guidelines , notes that “cardiovascular disease is a serious public health concern.” Many of the scientific reports used for the “what to eat” aspect of the guide were focused on cardiovascular health, such…
I had the pleasure of doing my “Eating for Energy” workshop this week at a corporate health fair, but ran out of time to answer one of the questions that had been posed at the start: “What are my thoughts on 100% unsweetened fruit juice?” Since I wrote up the answer…
Did you make a New Year’s resolution/goal/intention/wish to (re)commit to healthy eating? Whether it’s just a post-December course-correction or a decision to tackle extra weight, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or sugars, you won’t be alone. (I mention weight because people do it, but I should add that weight isn’t a…
In the ideal world, your freezer is packed with homemade ready-to-eat goodness and your fridge brimming with healthy grab-and-go snacks. In the real world, sometimes fast food feels like your only option. If you’re otherwise going to hit a drive-through on the way from work to a show or the mall for last-minute gifts, this is for…
If you or a loved one has had a heart attack, stent, bypass, or other heart problem, you might be interested to know that Calgary’s Heart to Heart Support Society now has a Facebook group to facilitate ongoing support, encouragement, and friendship for those adjusting to life after a cardiac event. History of the Heart to Heart…
Dietitians love food. We love to break bread with loved ones, especially at the holidays. And while we might savour some shortbread or egg nog, our not-so-secret superpower is making vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and even legumes truly shine. Even after a cardiac event, even if you have type…
Whether it’s new or years in the past, having a heart problem presents unique challenges during the holidays. From negotiating piles of treats to an overloaded schedule or relatives offering unsolicited advice, here are a few tips for keeping the joy in the season: Flex your “no” muscles. You now have…
(I first published this in November 2016 and again last year. I’ve just added six new gift ideas and updated the rest with current links and prices. Happy shopping!)