The Weekly Digest
Discover the latest in nutrition – from reliable research to practical tips and wholesome recipes dished out by registered dietitians. Whether you're seeking science-backed insights, expert advice, or delicious ways to nourish your body, we've got you covered!
Healthy Aging: Eating Well for Strength, Energy, and Independence
Aging is natural, but how we age can be shaped by daily choices, especially what’s on our plates. Nutritious food supports muscle and bone health, sharp thinking, and disease prevention. It also makes life more enjoyable.
The Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy: A Difficult Balance
As far back as ancient Greece, physicians noticed that fasting could reduce seizure activity. In the 1920s, doctors at the Mayo Clinic developed the ketogenic diet to reproduce the benefits of fasting without complete food deprivation. By sharply limiting carbohydrates and emphasizing fats, the body shifts from using glucose for energy to burning fat and producing ketones, molecules that may help calm overactive nerve cells (Rho, 2017).
For nearly a century, the ketogenic diet (KD) has served as a powerful medical tool for treating epilepsy. For people whose seizures don’t respond to medication, it offers another path that can be life changing when it works, though not without its challenges.
Weight Bias in Healthcare Is Harming Patients And We Need to Talk About It
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practicing from a Health at Every Size framework, I’ve heard countless stories from clients about the weight stigma they face in medical settings. One recently shared, “When trying to sell me on a GLP-1 I never asked for, nor was weight loss a priority of mine, my doctor told me it's surprising how little we really need to eat to survive. All I had wanted from this appointment was a blood test to check on my thyroid because I just don’t have energy lately.”
Traditionally Cured Hams, Cholesterol, and the Power of Nutrition Claims
You may have heard the claim that high-quality Serrano or Ibérico hams are “good for cholesterol” or even contain “no cholesterol.” One such moment appeared on an old episode of Anthony Bourdain’s travel cooking show. In the episode, a man curing ham claimed that once it aged for over a year it contained no cholesterol. Bourdain was clearly skeptical. This moment highlights the kind of surprising health claims that often surround traditional foods.
The Myth of 'Clean Eating': When Gut Health Becomes a Mask for Disordered Eating
Gut Health or Diet Culture in Disguise?
The wellness world has elevated "gut health" to a near-religious status. From Whole30 to anti-inflammatory diets and endless elimination protocols, many people genuinely believe they're making choices for their digestive health. But as a dietitian who works at the intersection of eating disorders and GI issues, I often see something more complicated happening.
For individuals with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating, the language of "clean eating" or "gut healing" can offer socially acceptable ways to restrict and even receive praise for it.
Fueling Resilience: Nutrition for Strength & Recovery from Cancer Treatment
At Northern Nutrition Group, we believe that every body is worthy of nourishment, strength, and care. Resilience is more than “bouncing back” from treatment, it’s the ongoing ability to recover, adapt, and keep moving forward in your cancer journey, even in the face of challenges. Nutrition can play a powerful role in this process, helping us rebuild strength, manage fatigue, and support our body’s natural healing systems.
Nutrition Support for PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affect many menstruating women, often disrupting daily life with symptoms like mood changes, bloating, headaches, and fatigue. While medical and mental health support are essential, nutrition support can play a strong complementary role.
Back-to-School Fuel: Easy Dinners & Balanced Grab-and-Go Snacks for Busy Weeknights
The school year is officially back in full swing in Montana! Between after-school activities, homework, and work commitments, dinner and snacks can easily become an afterthought. But nourishing your family (or yourself!) doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen.
Here are a few simple, nutrient-rich dinner ideas and grab-and-go snack options that keep energy up and mealtimes stress-free. These ideas are designed to support adequate fueling by pairing protein or fats with carbohydrates, and when possible, include fruits or vegetables too!
Ultra Processed Foods: Are They Always Bad?
"Ultra processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply.” This quote is not only untrue, it also reflects a growing misunderstanding about ultra processed foods. This kind of oversimplified messaging ignores the complexity of the issue.
Should Cancer Patients Worry About the Sugar in Fruit?
If you’ve ever been told to cut out fruit during cancer treatment because of its sugar content, you’re not alone, and you're not doing anything wrong by questioning that advice.
Let’s be clear: Fruit is not the enemy