Sodium
Why We Need It Sodium is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts. It is found in foods mostly as sodium chloride, which is another name for table salt. One teaspoon of salt contains...
Author: Katherine L. Cason
Reading the New Food Labels
A smart shopper reads food labels to find out more about the foods they eat. How many calories or fat grams are in a serving? Does this food contain trans fat? Is it low in sodium? Is it a good...
Making Mealtimes Pleasant
Family mealtime used to be a core daily activity in the United States, but it is becoming a lost art in many homes. Families often are too busy to sit down together around the dinner table, partly...
Feeding Your Infant
Food for Baby’s First Year Baby’s first food is breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula. Breast milk is the perfect food and is made especially for your baby, but infant formula will provide...
Picky Eaters
Is Your Child a Picky Eater? Are you concerned that your child refuses to eat vegetables or any green food? Sometimes a child won’t eat an entire meal if a single green pea is on the plate. Does...
Feeding Your Preschooler
MyPlate for Preschoolers Are you and your preschooler having problems at mealtimes? Then you are not alone in the challenge to get your child to eat well! It’s hard to know what to do when your...
Introducing Solid Foods to Infants
Is Your Baby Ready for Solid Foods? Solid foods can complement the nutrition from breast milk or formula. When ready for solid foods, your baby will: be between 4 and 6 months old have good head...
Breast Milk or Infant Formula?
Both breast milk and infant formula will help your baby grow. However, breast milk is the best first food for babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dietetic...
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Nutritional Needs Pregnant and breastfeeding women and teens have special nutritional needs. Eating well is especially important to help mother and baby stay healthy. Every pregnant woman should...
Fluid Needs
Why Beverages are Important All beverages are mostly water, which is a nutrient that is essential to life. Every person’s body function is dependent on water, and you can live only a few days...
Losing Weight is More Than Counting Calories
In January many people make a New Year’s resolution to improve their health by losing weight and/or exercising on a regular basis. However, any time of the year is a good time to reach a healthy...
When it Comes to Chocolate, Choose Dark
Craving some chocolate? Who can blame you? It tastes delicious, has a pleasing aroma and texture, and adds appeal to some nutritious foods. Chocolate can fit within a healthful eating plan, but only...