BIG Announcements: New website, Zumba classes & more...

I've got some big news and today, good things are happening in threes!

Fancy new diggs: The Piece o' Cake blog has moved to a new website that you can find here. I needed a place to offer my nutrition services and post my Zumba® schedule and had been dragging my feet on building a new website for the longest time. It's finally here, so go check it out! Never fear, I'll still be blogging about nutrition, health, food & fitness. That includes the juicy stuff I know you love, like inexpensive or truly unique workouts, new recipes (including tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes) and my views on the latest diet trends. 

Zumba® summer event: Next month, I am offering two half-price, hour-long Zumba® classes down near Astor Place at 440 Studios (in Manhattan). 

I've got some big news and today, good things are happening in threes!

Fancy new diggs: The Piece o' Cake blog has moved to a new website that you can find here. I needed a place to offer my nutrition services and post my Zumba® schedule and had been dragging my feet on building a new website for the longest time. It's finally here, so go check it out! Never fear, I'll still be blogging about nutrition, health, food & fitness. That includes the juicy stuff I know you love, like inexpensive or truly unique workouts, new recipes (including tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes) and my views on the latest diet trends. 

Zumba® summer event: Next month, I am offering two half-price, hour-long Zumba® classes down near Astor Place at 440 Studios (in Manhattan). 

Don't Wait: Cherries!

One of my favorite things about summer is the return of sweet cherries. Plump, juicy, firm and delicious, cherries don't just make you feel like a kid again, they also come with a number of health benefits.

One cup of raw sweet cherries, with pits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (16% DV or daily value) and fiber (12% DV) and a good source of potassium (9% DV). Cherries also are a great source of antioxidants, which fight inflammation and disease. In particular, those deep reddish purple Bing cherries most of us are familiar with, are loaded with anthocyanins, a type a flavonoid. If flavonoids sound familiar it is probably because you've heard about the heart healthy benefits they bring to red wine and dark chocolate.

One of my favorite things about summer is the return of sweet cherries. Plump, juicy, firm and delicious, cherries don't just make you feel like a kid again, they also come with a number of health benefits.

One cup of raw sweet cherries, with pits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (16% DV or daily value) and fiber (12% DV) and a good source of potassium (9% DV). Cherries also are a great source of antioxidants, which fight inflammation and disease. In particular, those deep reddish purple Bing cherries most of us are familiar with, are loaded with anthocyanins, a type a flavonoid. If flavonoids sound familiar it is probably because you've heard about the heart healthy benefits they bring to red wine and dark chocolate.

Making Old Favorites Minus the Milk, Eggs or Meat

Recently I've been doing a lot of reading about food allergies and food intolerances. I also found myself craving some childhood favorites: rice porridge (mine) and sloppy joes (my sister's). But I've been trying to amp up my vegetarianism, including eating vegan foods half the time, so the childhood faves were going to require some creativity. Between all the researching diet restrictions and my own choice to avoid certain foods, it feels like "ingredient substitutes" has become the theme of the past week.  

If there are foods you are avoiding because of a medical condition or for personal reasons, or if you've ever tried to throw a party where some of the guests follow special diets, you know what I'm talking about. Just because there are certain foods you (or a friend or family member) aren't eating, doesn't mean you want to give up on some of your favorite dishes. 

Recently I've been doing a lot of reading about food allergies and food intolerances. I also found myself craving some childhood favorites: rice porridge (mine) and sloppy joes (my sister's). But I've been trying to amp up my vegetarianism, including eating vegan foods half the time, so the childhood faves were going to require some creativity. Between all the researching diet restrictions and my own choice to avoid certain foods, it feels like "ingredient substitutes" has become the theme of the past week.  

If there are foods you are avoiding because of a medical condition or for personal reasons, or if you've ever tried to throw a party where some of the guests follow special diets, you know what I'm talking about. Just because there are certain foods you (or a friend or family member) aren't eating, doesn't mean you want to give up on some of your favorite dishes. 

5 Tips to Avoid Coming Home from Vacation with Souvenir Pounds!

At this time every year I just can't help but write about travel. Not only is everyone planning and setting off on vacation, not only do I have a major passion for seeing the world, but I also love sharing my tips for eating well and staying in shape while having an adventure and not feeling like you are missing out on anything.

I was bitten by the travel bug when my husband (then boyfriend) and I celebrated our college graduation by backpacking Western Europe for four weeks. Over the years, I've learned that I get the most out of a trip, and come home feeling the best, when I take a whole mind & body approach to my travels by combining the adventure of seeing the world with the rejuvenating benefits of healthy eating and staying active. Here's how to discover new cultures, get some R&R and still make healthy choices.

At this time every year I just can't help but write about travel. Not only is everyone planning and setting off on vacation, not only do I have a major passion for seeing the world, but I also love sharing my tips for eating well and staying in shape while having an adventure and not feeling like you are missing out on anything.

I was bitten by the travel bug when my husband (then boyfriend) and I celebrated our college graduation by backpacking Western Europe for four weeks. Over the years, I've learned that I get the most out of a trip, and come home feeling the best, when I take a whole mind & body approach to my travels by combining the adventure of seeing the world with the rejuvenating benefits of healthy eating and staying active. Here's how to discover new cultures, get some R&R and still make healthy choices.

Crazy Easy, Super Tasty Chickpea Salad

One of my favorite salad toppings is marinated chickpeas. I used to search for them every time I'd have lunch from one of those cold buffet bars...until I realized, "why don't I just make them myself?" This is one of those recipes that you can slap together whenever you have some downtime and then store in the fridge to pull out later for a quick take-to-work lunch, a dinner side dish or an anytime snack! It's also one of those things that tastes better after it sits a little while (in the fridge, anywhere from an hour or up to a day in advance) so the flavors can meld.

One of my favorite salad toppings is marinated chickpeas. I used to search for them every time I'd have lunch from one of those cold buffet bars...until I realized, "why don't I just make them myself?" This is one of those recipes that you can slap together whenever you have some downtime and then store in the fridge to pull out later for a quick take-to-work lunch, a dinner side dish or an anytime snack! It's also one of those things that tastes better after it sits a little while (in the fridge, anywhere from an hour or up to a day in advance) so the flavors can meld.

My Own Mastectomy Experience

Last week, Angelina Jolie's announcement of her preventive bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction, after finding out she carried the BRCA1 breast cancer gene, was met with mostly positive reaction. But some questioned whether this information was helpful or would just result in a surge of young women requesting genetic testing, which is not recommended for everyone and may result in unnecessary financial, emotional and possibly physical costs to pay.

I'm no stranger to controversial discussions around breast cancer. After my own mastectomy I came to understand that (my diagnosis) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), can be a source of heated conversation for many people, particularly for DCIS patients and those women who have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Last week, Angelina Jolie's announcement of her preventive bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction, after finding out she carried the BRCA1 breast cancer gene, was met with mostly positive reaction. But some questioned whether this information was helpful or would just result in a surge of young women requesting genetic testing, which is not recommended for everyone and may result in unnecessary financial, emotional and possibly physical costs to pay.

I'm no stranger to controversial discussions around breast cancer. After my own mastectomy I came to understand that (my diagnosis) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), can be a source of heated conversation for many people, particularly for DCIS patients and those women who have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

FREE Workouts all Summer Long in NYC

I love summer in the city. I love that the weather is finally comfortable enough for me, someone who is always cold, to skip the subway and walk all of Manhattan, from downtown to uptown, morning to night. I love August, when tourists and locals alike leave town and suddenly the city is quiet and peaceful. Most of all, I love all the great free events that return each May. I feel so connected to my city when I'm enjoying an evening Jazz performance or yoga class in one of our public parks.

One of the best things about these summer offerings is the free outdoor group exercise classes. Offered all summer long, they are a great introduction to a new fitness activity and an opportunity for starting healthy new habits in a stress-, judgement-, and commitment-free environment, surrounded by the energy and beauty of NYC.

I love summer in the city. I love that the weather is finally comfortable enough for me, someone who is always cold, to skip the subway and walk all of Manhattan, from downtown to uptown, morning to night. I love August, when tourists and locals alike leave town and suddenly the city is quiet and peaceful. Most of all, I love all the great free events that return each May. I feel so connected to my city when I'm enjoying an evening Jazz performance or yoga class in one of our public parks.

One of the best things about these summer offerings is the free outdoor group exercise classes. Offered all summer long, they are a great introduction to a new fitness activity and an opportunity for starting healthy new habits in a stress-, judgement-, and commitment-free environment, surrounded by the energy and beauty of NYC.

2 Apps Take the Guesswork Out of Healthy Grocery Shopping

So, you may have noticed that I completely skipped over last week's blog post. I have been taking some time to do some major soul searching and consider the best way to communicate my passion for fun and easy healthy living to the masses. To make it up to you, today's post has got it all: it's short, sweet, fun & functional! I'm sharing with you two awesome resources that make healthy grocery shopping a little less overwhelming. I had been planning to install these apps on my phone for awhile now and finally got around to it. Don't wait like I did!

Do you go to the super market with the best of intentions, planning to make healthy choices, brain bursting with nutrition information from magazines, TV segments and friends, only to find yourself completely confused once you're standing in the aisles comparing food labels? Fooducate aims to eliminate that confusion.

So, you may have noticed that I completely skipped over last week's blog post. I have been taking some time to do some major soul searching and consider the best way to communicate my passion for fun and easy healthy living to the masses. To make it up to you, today's post has got it all: it's short, sweet, fun & functional! I'm sharing with you two awesome resources that make healthy grocery shopping a little less overwhelming. I had been planning to install these apps on my phone for awhile now and finally got around to it. Don't wait like I did!

Do you go to the super market with the best of intentions, planning to make healthy choices, brain bursting with nutrition information from magazines, TV segments and friends, only to find yourself completely confused once you're standing in the aisles comparing food labels? Fooducate aims to eliminate that confusion.

I Won't Leave Home Without THIS...

Before I became an RD I was doing the same thing everyone else is: trying to balance work, school, family and a social life with taking care of my body and mind. Heck, I'm still trying to do all those things! I used to load up on all the free health and fitness magazines that I got from my media jobs and I'd tear out pages about 15-minute workouts and fast healthy snacks.

My friends and co-workers saw my passion and would always ask me to share my secrets. As a dietitian, I still get that question: "What do YOU do?" People always want to know what I eat, where I work out and how I fit cooking and exercise into my own busy schedule. 

Today, I'm taking another page from my favorite magazines to show you what I do to stay healthy & fit even when things get hectic. 

Before I became an RD I was doing the same thing everyone else is: trying to balance work, school, family and a social life with taking care of my body and mind. Heck, I'm still trying to do all those things! I used to load up on all the free health and fitness magazines that I got from my media jobs and I'd tear out pages about 15-minute workouts and fast healthy snacks.

My friends and co-workers saw my passion and would always ask me to share my secrets. As a dietitian, I still get that question: "What do YOU do?" People always want to know what I eat, where I work out and how I fit cooking and exercise into my own busy schedule. 

Today, I'm taking another page from my favorite magazines to show you what I do to stay healthy & fit even when things get hectic. 

Gratitude.

Since yesterday's attacks at the Boston Marathon I have been procrastinating on writing a next blog post. No topic seemed appropriate. Then today, I read an email newsletter from BCL Fitness founder Melissa Carter. Melissa has asked her readers to share what they are grateful for. This resonated with me.

This morning I started my day with my regular yoga class. The class seemed more crowded than usual and I took a spot in a back corner of the room. I don't know if it was yesterday's explosions or the packed room but I found myself distracted. I couldn't help but think how lucky I was, right there in that moment. Lucky to have the freedom to be in that room doing something that makes me happy: physical and financial freedom, as well as the freedom to decide how to spend my own time. 

Remembering to count our blessings and honor those things we are grateful for can refuel us with the strength we need to achieve our goals or get through a difficult time.

Since yesterday's attacks at the Boston Marathon I have been procrastinating on writing a next blog post. No topic seemed appropriate. Then today, I read an email newsletter from BCL Fitness founder Melissa Carter. Melissa has asked her readers to share what they are grateful for. This resonated with me.

This morning I started my day with my regular yoga class. The class seemed more crowded than usual and I took a spot in a back corner of the room. I don't know if it was yesterday's explosions or the packed room but I found myself distracted. I couldn't help but think how lucky I was, right there in that moment. Lucky to have the freedom to be in that room doing something that makes me happy: physical and financial freedom, as well as the freedom to decide how to spend my own time. 

Remembering to count our blessings and honor those things we are grateful for can refuel us with the strength we need to achieve our goals or get through a difficult time.

Are You Back-Loading Your Protein?

I recently read that while most of us Americans get plenty of protein in our diets, we tend to back-load our days with protein so that we eat the largest amount at dinner, a little less at lunch and a lot less at breakfast. The problem with this is that our bodies can only use a limited amount of protein at a given time, so it's important to spread out our protein throughout the day, getting plenty at each meal and snack.

The article, from the March 2013 Today's Dietitian, Milk Proteins: Packing a Powerful Nutritional Punch by Karen Giles-Smith, MS, RD,  focuses on the idea that:

"evidence shows high-quality proteins, such as milk proteins, promote satiety, weight maintenance, muscle synthesis, and blood glucose control"

I recently read that while most of us Americans get plenty of protein in our diets, we tend to back-load our days with protein so that we eat the largest amount at dinner, a little less at lunch and a lot less at breakfast. The problem with this is that our bodies can only use a limited amount of protein at a given time, so it's important to spread out our protein throughout the day, getting plenty at each meal and snack.

The article, from the March 2013 Today's Dietitian, Milk Proteins: Packing a Powerful Nutritional Punch by Karen Giles-Smith, MS, RD,  focuses on the idea that:

"evidence shows high-quality proteins, such as milk proteins, promote satiety, weight maintenance, muscle synthesis, and blood glucose control"

Stop Saying "I Can't"

It's over. I would say it's finally over but actually, it wasn't so bad! We just spent the past month and a half following a vegan diet. I know what you're thinking: Why?! But those 6-ish weeks taught us so much more than just how to survive eating nothing but plants. The biggest lesson? 

Stop saying I Can't!

The biggest surprise I got from going vegan for Lent was that, if you pay attention, major life lessons can be found everywhere. In this case, veganism reminded us that sometimes the biggest obstacle to achieving a goal is yourself. Don't get in your own way!

I can't remember where I saw this quote but I recently read something like (I'm paraphrasing here): 

The biggest obstacle to achieving something is believing that change is possible. 

It's over. I would say it's finally over but actually, it wasn't so bad! We just spent the past month and a half following a vegan diet. I know what you're thinking: Why?! But those 6-ish weeks taught us so much more than just how to survive eating nothing but plants. The biggest lesson? 

Stop saying I Can't!

The biggest surprise I got from going vegan for Lent was that, if you pay attention, major life lessons can be found everywhere. In this case, veganism reminded us that sometimes the biggest obstacle to achieving a goal is yourself. Don't get in your own way!

I can't remember where I saw this quote but I recently read something like (I'm paraphrasing here): 

The biggest obstacle to achieving something is believing that change is possible. 

One Taste & You'll Happily "Eat Your Greens"

You know, you know... dark leafy greens are supposed to be so good for you. But no matter how healthy a food is, if you don't like it, you aren't going to eat it. Enter Bok Choy, a type of Chinese cabbage. Prepared properly, this stuff is so good, I ate a giant bowl last night and couldn't wait until lunch today to polish off the leftovers!

Why it's good... & good for you!
The mild flavor, crunchy stalk and tender leaves of Bok Choy make it fun to eat and a versatile side dish. Bok Choy is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as a very good source of vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, fiber and folate.


What to look for
At the market, look for Bok Choy that has tightly packed, firm white stalks and crisp, bright green leaves. Avoid wilted, bruised and discolored Bok Choy. I prefer the bite-sized "baby" Bok Choy.


How to clean it
Don't wash your Bok Choy until you are ready to prepare it. (Bok Choy will typically last 3 days to a week in your vegetable crisper.) This article from eHow.com, How To Clean Bok Choy, explains how to wash your new favorite "green" in 5 insanely easy steps.

How to cook it
My favorite way to enjoy this vegetable is to order Baby Bok Choy, sauteed with a little oil and garlic, at my favorite traditional Chinese restaurant but you can make your own using this super simple recipe from Martha Stewart: Baby Bok Choy with Chile and Garlic. The red pepper flakes and soy sauce are totally optional. You can also choose to use low-sodium soy sauce.

Cheers!
Diane


Image: MarthaStewart.com

You know, you know... dark leafy greens are supposed to be so good for you. But no matter how healthy a food is, if you don't like it, you aren't going to eat it. Enter Bok Choy, a type of Chinese cabbage. Prepared properly, this stuff is so good, I ate a giant bowl last night and couldn't wait until lunch today to polish off the leftovers!

Why it's good... & good for you!
The mild flavor, crunchy stalk and tender leaves of Bok Choy make it fun to eat and a versatile side dish. Bok Choy is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as a very good source of vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, fiber and folate.


What to look for
At the market, look for Bok Choy that has tightly packed, firm white stalks and crisp, bright green leaves. Avoid wilted, bruised and discolored Bok Choy. I prefer the bite-sized "baby" Bok Choy.


How to clean it
Don't wash your Bok Choy until you are ready to prepare it. (Bok Choy will typically last 3 days to a week in your vegetable crisper.) This article from eHow.com, How To Clean Bok Choy, explains how to wash your new favorite "green" in 5 insanely easy steps.

How to cook it
My favorite way to enjoy this vegetable is to order Baby Bok Choy, sauteed with a little oil and garlic, at my favorite traditional Chinese restaurant but you can make your own using this super simple recipe from Martha Stewart: Baby Bok Choy with Chile and Garlic. The red pepper flakes and soy sauce are totally optional. You can also choose to use low-sodium soy sauce.

Cheers!
Diane


Image: MarthaStewart.com

Piece o' Cheesecake: A Gym Membership for Under $5 A Week!

Are you hungry for a second slice o' cake? Because I've got a bonus blog post for you this week, from my New York City-focused series, Piece o' Cheesecake. I've got a hot tip on one of my favorite things: cheap workouts! This deal may be ending soon so I couldn't wait until next week to share it with you.

I knew that Planet Fitness had partnered with one of my favorite shows, NBC's The Biggest Loser. I also knew that they had recently arrived in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan at 158 W 27th street between 6th and 7th avenues. What I didn't know was that they offer insanely low deals on gym membership at their clubs!

Are you hungry for a second slice o' cake? Because I've got a bonus blog post for you this week, from my New York City-focused series, Piece o' Cheesecake. I've got a hot tip on one of my favorite things: cheap workouts! This deal may be ending soon so I couldn't wait until next week to share it with you.

I knew that Planet Fitness had partnered with one of my favorite shows, NBC's The Biggest Loser. I also knew that they had recently arrived in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan at 158 W 27th street between 6th and 7th avenues. What I didn't know was that they offer insanely low deals on gym membership at their clubs!

"My Doctor Says I'm Low on Vitamin D"

Add that to the list of Top 10 Things People Say When They Find Out I'm A Dietitian. It is usually followed by some version of "So, what foods have vitamin D in them?" or "So, how do I get more vitamin D?"

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus work together to build and remodel bones. So, vitamin D is important for the health of your bones and teeth.

Vitamin D is unique in that our bodies can make it following exposure to the sun. The catch is that while the amount of sun exposure we need may be as little as 5-30 minutes on arms and legs twice a week, experts are still trying to figure out how much sun is enough, especially since the efficiency of sun exposure is affected by time of day, season of year, geography, sunscreen and even skin color.

Add that to the list of Top 10 Things People Say When They Find Out I'm A Dietitian. It is usually followed by some version of "So, what foods have vitamin D in them?" or "So, how do I get more vitamin D?"

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus work together to build and remodel bones. So, vitamin D is important for the health of your bones and teeth.

Vitamin D is unique in that our bodies can make it following exposure to the sun. The catch is that while the amount of sun exposure we need may be as little as 5-30 minutes on arms and legs twice a week, experts are still trying to figure out how much sun is enough, especially since the efficiency of sun exposure is affected by time of day, season of year, geography, sunscreen and even skin color.

Justin Timberlake Goes to Veganville!

Hello Friends,

This week I'm keeping it short and sweet.

I'm so excited to share that my first official writing gig as an RD is now live on the website of Kids Eat Right, a part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that describes itself as "your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy."

Hello Friends,

This week I'm keeping it short and sweet.

I'm so excited to share that my first official writing gig as an RD is now live on the website of Kids Eat Right, a part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that describes itself as "your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy."

Mistakes Were Made (Veganism is a Learning Process)

In my first vegan-themed blog post I mentioned that my husband and I chose to go Vegan for Lent this year because it was the first year we remembered the idea with enough time to do significant planning and preparation beforehand. Even so, as we near the halfway point of Lent, and despite the fact that one of us is a dietitian, we still find ourselves making mistakes and getting frustrated with our vegan diet.

The other day I heard my husband walk through the door and say "This is vegan?! This isn't vegan. Why did you buy this?"

In my first vegan-themed blog post I mentioned that my husband and I chose to go Vegan for Lent this year because it was the first year we remembered the idea with enough time to do significant planning and preparation beforehand. Even so, as we near the halfway point of Lent, and despite the fact that one of us is a dietitian, we still find ourselves making mistakes and getting frustrated with our vegan diet.

The other day I heard my husband walk through the door and say "This is vegan?! This isn't vegan. Why did you buy this?"

I'm Exposing Myself! (My Shopping Cart, Anyway)

Don't you love sneaking a peek at other people's shopping carts? I do. I feel like seeing the foods a person is bringing home gives me a little taste of his life. Especially if there's an obvious trend, like all low-sodium products, all ready-to-eat foods, all organic or, let's be honest, all just plain junk (we've all seen them and I've been guilty of having a shopping cart that starts to look like this if I'm baking and purchasing goodies for a major holiday).

When we tell people we are following a vegan diet for six weeks, after their initial reaction, one of the first questions is: "So then, what do you eat?" In response to that question, I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek into our shopping cart, to see what foods we've bought in the past week or so and what we've made with those foods.

This list is the no-holds-barred, honest to goodness, compilation of what we purchased during the past 10 days. To the best of my knowledge there are no additions or subtractions. This isn't a list of what you should or shouldn't be eating. It is just our best attempt, in week one, of experimenting with a well-balanced vegan diet. Here goes...

Don't you love sneaking a peek at other people's shopping carts? I do. I feel like seeing the foods a person is bringing home gives me a little taste of his life. Especially if there's an obvious trend, like all low-sodium products, all ready-to-eat foods, all organic or, let's be honest, all just plain junk (we've all seen them and I've been guilty of having a shopping cart that starts to look like this if I'm baking and purchasing goodies for a major holiday).

When we tell people we are following a vegan diet for six weeks, after their initial reaction, one of the first questions is: "So then, what do you eat?" In response to that question, I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek into our shopping cart, to see what foods we've bought in the past week or so and what we've made with those foods.

This list is the no-holds-barred, honest to goodness, compilation of what we purchased during the past 10 days. To the best of my knowledge there are no additions or subtractions. This isn't a list of what you should or shouldn't be eating. It is just our best attempt, in week one, of experimenting with a well-balanced vegan diet. Here goes...

For Meat-Eaters Too...

Before I start tracking my six-week vegan challenge on this blog, I wanted to point something out to you all that may not be so obvious. The stories and information that I'll be sharing here aren't just for vegans or vegetarians or people considering one of those diets. If you're a proud and happy meat eater, my vegan blog posts are for you too! Especially if you've been searching for a way to be just a little bit healthier and feel a little bit better, without turning your world upside down or feeling like you are sacrificing all your favorite foods. 

How, you ask? Well, stop looking at it so black-and-white! 

Before I start tracking my six-week vegan challenge on this blog, I wanted to point something out to you all that may not be so obvious. The stories and information that I'll be sharing here aren't just for vegans or vegetarians or people considering one of those diets. If you're a proud and happy meat eater, my vegan blog posts are for you too! Especially if you've been searching for a way to be just a little bit healthier and feel a little bit better, without turning your world upside down or feeling like you are sacrificing all your favorite foods. 

How, you ask? Well, stop looking at it so black-and-white! 

Vegans Are Freaks Who Only Eat Salad

When I tell people that I am going vegan, the reaction is often not a good one. Their brow furrows, a frown takes shape on their lips and immediately, invariably, they will say something like: "why would you do that?" or "I could never do that!" or "good luck!" (said in the most sarcastic possible tone). I should consider myself lucky. I've heard stories of folks who get downright angry and take other people's diet decisions personally. Someone did tell my husband (who is going vegan with me) that they thought he was making a stupid decision and that they were concerned for his health. He responded by saying that, most likely, "I am not going to do irreparable harm to my body in six weeks...and Diane will be monitoring our diet."  

There is a lot of misunderstanding and confusion out there surrounding vegetarian and vegan diets.

When I tell people that I am going vegan, the reaction is often not a good one. Their brow furrows, a frown takes shape on their lips and immediately, invariably, they will say something like: "why would you do that?" or "I could never do that!" or "good luck!" (said in the most sarcastic possible tone). I should consider myself lucky. I've heard stories of folks who get downright angry and take other people's diet decisions personally. Someone did tell my husband (who is going vegan with me) that they thought he was making a stupid decision and that they were concerned for his health. He responded by saying that, most likely, "I am not going to do irreparable harm to my body in six weeks...and Diane will be monitoring our diet."  

There is a lot of misunderstanding and confusion out there surrounding vegetarian and vegan diets.

Breast Cancer: Nutrition & Resources

Recently I found myself digging through some old issues of Today's Dietitian, searching for articles on vegan diets to help me prepare for my transition to Veganism next month (which I will most likely start blogging about next week). As I sat on the floor next to my basket of one of my favorite publications (TD is a fun, colorful and easy to read magazine geared to nutrition professionals) I noticed a theme: one after another after another article about nutrition and breast cancer.

In the past I've mentioned that I have had my own personal experience with breast cancer. From the moment of my diagnosis, sharing my story and sharing all the resources I've learned about has become a passion of mine and a part of my daily life.

Recently I found myself digging through some old issues of Today's Dietitian, searching for articles on vegan diets to help me prepare for my transition to Veganism next month (which I will most likely start blogging about next week). As I sat on the floor next to my basket of one of my favorite publications (TD is a fun, colorful and easy to read magazine geared to nutrition professionals) I noticed a theme: one after another after another article about nutrition and breast cancer.

In the past I've mentioned that I have had my own personal experience with breast cancer. From the moment of my diagnosis, sharing my story and sharing all the resources I've learned about has become a passion of mine and a part of my daily life.

Do One Thing: Pick 1 New Healthy Eating Habit...or Just Try This Pasta!

Piece o' Cake is about finding little ways to make it easier for you to fit exercise and healthy eating into your already busy, challenging life. This month we've been talking about resolutions, trying new things and making small changes:

The Secrets to Resolutions You Can Actually Keep! - January 1, 2013

Piece o' Cheesecake: Run Free! - January 5, 2013

Do One Thing: Come Prepared! - January 14, 2013

In sticking with these themes, today I'm sharing a short & sweet article that offers some ideas for simple new healthy eating habits to try, as well as a recipe for a yummy-sounding vegetarian pasta dish:

Piece o' Cake is about finding little ways to make it easier for you to fit exercise and healthy eating into your already busy, challenging life. This month we've been talking about resolutions, trying new things and making small changes:

The Secrets to Resolutions You Can Actually Keep! - January 1, 2013

Piece o' Cheesecake: Run Free! - January 5, 2013

Do One Thing: Come Prepared! - January 14, 2013

In sticking with these themes, today I'm sharing a short & sweet article that offers some ideas for simple new healthy eating habits to try, as well as a recipe for a yummy-sounding vegetarian pasta dish:

Do One Thing: Come Prepared!

Do you ever find yourself heading into a busy day, a long meeting or class, or a car trip through unfamiliar territory and that uncomfortable feeling starts to creep up inside you? The fear that you will find yourself hungry with no good snack options around and no good way to excuse yourself to find some? This happens to me a lot. Just a couple months ago I attended two long back-to-back seminars in a hotel. Even though I was enjoying myself, when lunchtime came around I realized that: (1) I was unhappy with the lunch options available and (2) I was suddenly struck with the fear of finding myself hungry again during the long second session. That day I was lucky enough to have a car, a GPS and a large grocery store nearby (where I went crazy stocking up on strawberries, nuts & dark chocolate in case I got hungry later) but I could have avoided the whole mess by coming prepared! I usually don't leave the house without at least tossing an apple in my bag but there are plenty of other ways to have healthy options waiting for you when hunger strikes, no matter where you are.

Do you ever find yourself heading into a busy day, a long meeting or class, or a car trip through unfamiliar territory and that uncomfortable feeling starts to creep up inside you? The fear that you will find yourself hungry with no good snack options around and no good way to excuse yourself to find some? This happens to me a lot. Just a couple months ago I attended two long back-to-back seminars in a hotel. Even though I was enjoying myself, when lunchtime came around I realized that: (1) I was unhappy with the lunch options available and (2) I was suddenly struck with the fear of finding myself hungry again during the long second session. That day I was lucky enough to have a car, a GPS and a large grocery store nearby (where I went crazy stocking up on strawberries, nuts & dark chocolate in case I got hungry later) but I could have avoided the whole mess by coming prepared! I usually don't leave the house without at least tossing an apple in my bag but there are plenty of other ways to have healthy options waiting for you when hunger strikes, no matter where you are.

Piece o' Cheesecake: Run Free!

Last week we discussed The Secrets to Resolutions You Can Actually Keep. If your new year's resolution includes getting more exercise or running more, or if you are a regular runner, then this week's blog may be for you. This week features my latest post in the Piece o' Cheesecake series, New York-specific blog posts for the best in healthy eating and free, cheap & unique workouts around New York City. And today we are talking about the many free run clubs offered around Brooklyn and Manhattan (as well as nationwide). Check it out: 

Last week we discussed The Secrets to Resolutions You Can Actually Keep. If your new year's resolution includes getting more exercise or running more, or if you are a regular runner, then this week's blog may be for you. This week features my latest post in the Piece o' Cheesecake series, New York-specific blog posts for the best in healthy eating and free, cheap & unique workouts around New York City. And today we are talking about the many free run clubs offered around Brooklyn and Manhattan (as well as nationwide). Check it out: 

The Secrets to Resolutions You Can Actually Keep!

Happy New Year!

Have you made a resolution? Whether or not you have, you probably know that they are notoriously hard to keep.

Resolutions are often made very loosely or spontaneously, without much thought. Sometimes we even tell ourselves we are making them "as a joke," but when we start breaking our resolutions in the first days or weeks of the new year, it can be tough to take. We are so hard on ourselves for not being able to stick to our goals. We fear we will never be able to change our bad habits or get good ones to stick. That said, the start of a new year can be a great time to start fresh.

The key to having any chance at keeping your new year's resolution is to START SMALL and BE SPECIFIC!

Happy New Year!

Have you made a resolution? Whether or not you have, you probably know that they are notoriously hard to keep.

Resolutions are often made very loosely or spontaneously, without much thought. Sometimes we even tell ourselves we are making them "as a joke," but when we start breaking our resolutions in the first days or weeks of the new year, it can be tough to take. We are so hard on ourselves for not being able to stick to our goals. We fear we will never be able to change our bad habits or get good ones to stick. That said, the start of a new year can be a great time to start fresh.

The key to having any chance at keeping your new year's resolution is to START SMALL and BE SPECIFIC!