Does your child eat certain foods one day and refuse to eat them the next? Many parents often worry about this and ask me why it is happening. Young children are learning to eat; they are figuring out what they like and don't like in terms of taste, texture, touch and smell. Take time… Continue reading Why won’t my little one eat?
Author: Diana Chu, RD
I have been with the Healthiest Babies Possible (HBP) program at Toronto Public Health since 2003. As a Registered Dietitian, I work with individuals and groups during their pregnancies to support a healthy outcome for both parent and baby through food and nutrition.
Are you getting enough potassium?
By 2022, you will see potassium listed on the Nutrition Facts Table, as one of several food labelling improvements required by Health Canada. Why potassium? Diets low in potassium are linked with having higher blood pressure and other chronic diseases such as heart disease. Data shows that Canadians are not eating enough potassium-rich foods. What… Continue reading Are you getting enough potassium?
5 Quick & easy sandwich ideas
Other than having leftovers from last night's dinner, sandwiches are my quick way of throwing together a lunch in under 10 minutes. Here are my top 5 go-to sandwiches. I usually try to add some vegetables into my sandwiches. Give them a try! Between 2 slices of whole grain bread, add: A slice of marble… Continue reading 5 Quick & easy sandwich ideas
Vegetable Barley Simmer Recipe
Warm hearty soup for a cold snowy day – need I say more? This recipe meets Canada Food Guide's recommendation to make healthy food choices as it includes vegetables, protein and grain. It is a great source of: Vitamin A Vitamin C Fibre Iron, and Protein Vegetable Barley Simmer Recipe Ingredients: 2 ½ cups… Continue reading Vegetable Barley Simmer Recipe
Delicious leftover recipe ideas
Reducing our food waste has had more attention in the news as food costs rise. Sometimes after having a large family dinner, or buying more food due to a sale, we end up with a lot of cooked leftovers. To avoid eating the same food over and over again, here are some different ways to… Continue reading Delicious leftover recipe ideas
Food and Mood: What’s the connection?
Positive mental health is our ability to feel, think, and act in ways that allow us to enjoy life and deal with life's challenges. Our mental health is affected by many different things including our work-life balance, our relationships with others and our environments. Having a healthy eating pattern is one of many activities that… Continue reading Food and Mood: What’s the connection?
Pregnant and fasting during Ramadan? 6 tips to eat well
The month of Ramadan is a time of fasting for Muslims. Check out registered dietitian Christine DeSouza's tips to eat well during Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan means no food or drink, not even water, between sunrise and sunset. Many Muslims stay up late into the night and may choose to rest during fasting hours. Ramadan… Continue reading Pregnant and fasting during Ramadan? 6 tips to eat well
Pregnancy and COVID-19
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a respiratory infection; an infection that mainly affects your lungs. Those who have COVID-19 can have mild or severe symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, tiredness or difficulty breathing. Research is underway, but at present there is no evidence that pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe… Continue reading Pregnancy and COVID-19
Nutrition Month 2020: More than Food
March is national Nutrition Month. Building on Canada Food Guide's new release, this year's focus is "More Than Food". Healthy eating is more than just the foods we eat. Healthy eating habits play a role too. Let's take a look at the following healthy eating habits: Be mindful of your eating habits We eat every… Continue reading Nutrition Month 2020: More than Food
Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
As colder weather has arrived, I start to think of what soups to make to stay warm and cozy. Winter squash is now readily available, locally grown and reasonably priced. I enjoy using butternut squash but acorn squash, buttercup squash, Hubbard squash and spaghetti squash are some other varieties you may also see in store.… Continue reading Gingered Butternut Squash Soup