My mom was always telling me to eat my fruits and veggies to stay healthy. She was right. Read on for 10 suggestions to eat health-promoting vegetables and fruits: How can you eat veggies and fruits daily? Have a fruit at breakfast You can add your favourite fruit like melons, oranges, or strawberries to your plate beside… Continue reading 10 ways to eat vegetables and fruits daily
Author: Christine DeSouza, RD
I completed a BA Cross Disciplinary Degree at the University of Western Ontario in 1995 and an Honours BSc Food and Nutrition Degree at Ryerson University in 2003. I completed my Dietetic Internship at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre in 2004 and worked as a Clinical Dietitian in Surgery at North York General Hospital after internship for over a year. I am currently working as a Community Dietitian in the Healthiest Babies Possible (HBP) Program at Toronto Public Health (TPH) for the last 9.5 years. While also working as an HBP RD, I worked as a Consulting Dietitian at my own Private Practice at King West Village Medical Centre for 3 years. I have an interest in environmental health, music, reading, physical fitness, and spending time with my 2 kids and husband playing in the park! :)
Have more veggies and fruit daily to enjoy better health!
They say 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. They were right. But, how many veggies and fruits a day? It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat about 7-9 servings of vegetables and fruits a day, where one serving of vegetables is about ½ cup, and one serving of fruit is about… Continue reading Have more veggies and fruit daily to enjoy better health!
10 Tips to give your immune system a boost
What can you do to prevent your family from getting sick this season? Stay healthy this season - try these 10 tips: Fill your plate with bright green, red, and orange veggies. Choose broccoli, red pepper, sweet potato, spinach, turnip greens, squash, kale, swish chard, and other dark leafy greens. These are all packed with… Continue reading 10 Tips to give your immune system a boost
Hearty beef chili recipe for the whole family
This nutrient-rich beef chili recipe is wholesome, easy to make, colourful, and can warm you up on a chilly day! Make a pot on the weekend and pack some lunches during the week, or have for dinner after a long day at work. Enjoy this nutritious, healthy, easy to make chili recipe! Get your kids… Continue reading Hearty beef chili recipe for the whole family
6 ways to eat well with Gestational Diabetes
You are 24-28 weeks pregnant and you just got your sugar checked. Your doctor tells you that you have Gestational Diabetes (GDM). This means high sugars in your blood, during your pregnancy. It is normal for this to happen in pregnancy. It happens to some pregnant parents but not everyone. It's possible to have healthy… Continue reading 6 ways to eat well with Gestational Diabetes
Worried about BPA in your food? 5 Tips to reduce exposure.
As a registered dietitian, I facilitate workshops for pregnant women at two of the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs (CPNPs) in Toronto. A common question I am asked is if plastic can be placed in the microwave to warm up food or drinks. We, at Toronto Public Health (TPH), recommend that plastic not be used in… Continue reading Worried about BPA in your food? 5 Tips to reduce exposure.
Quick & easy salad in a jar recipe
I am always looking for great ideas to help me eat healthy on the go. This ‘salad in a jar’ is nutritious, portable, fresh, easy to make, uses simple colourful ingredients, inexpensive compared to eating out in a restaurant, AND is fun to assemble! Layer your favourite foods in a jar, take it to work… Continue reading Quick & easy salad in a jar recipe
Gestational Diabetes: Why is my sugar high during pregnancy?
"At my last prenatal appointment I was told that I have high sugars, but why? I don't eat a lot of sweets." As a registered dietitian working with pregnant clients, this is a common question I am asked. I'm sure many of you are wondering the same thing. So… why are my sugars high? Let… Continue reading Gestational Diabetes: Why is my sugar high during pregnancy?
7 tips to reach a healthy weight after pregnancy
Congratulations - You just had a baby! You did well gaining the recommended amount of weight in pregnancy. But now that baby is born, it may be time to lose the extra weight. Being at a healthy weight is important for health. It is recommended to have gradual weight loss by eating a variety of… Continue reading 7 tips to reach a healthy weight after pregnancy
10 ways to save at the grocery store
Once you get to the grocery store, you may feel like a kid in the candy store! You may like to walk down every aisle and choose what appeals to you that day. You may go to the store many times a week just on a whim. You may have your kids with you, who… Continue reading 10 ways to save at the grocery store