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!
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.
Delicious, Easy, No-Oven Summer Meal Ideas
When the summer heat hits, turning on the oven becomes a chore most of us want to avoid. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice healthy eating. With a little planning, you can create balanced, no-cook summer meals that are fresh, fast, and packed with nutrients.
What Does “Healthy” Really Mean?
As a dietitian, one of the biggest hurdles I face is dismantling the social definition of “healthy.” In casual conversation, people proudly tell me they eat “clean,” high-protein, low-carb, unprocessed foods made from scratch.
But the reality? This rigid, trendy view of health can lead to undernourishment, fatigue, and confusing symptoms. Many people are genuinely surprised when I don’t praise their carb-free lifestyle or celebrate their keto, Whole30, or carnivore efforts.
Fueling Summer Adventures in Montana: Hikes, Bikes, and Backcountry
Montana summers offer many varieties of movements. Whether you're summiting Hyalite Peak, biking the Bangtail Divide, paddleboarding in Hyalite Reservoir or heading into the Absaroka-Beartooth for a multi-day backpacking trip, proper nutrition can make or break your adventure.
As registered dietitians living and working in Montana, we see the same pattern every summer. Clients putting hours into training, gear prep, and route planning but not giving much thought to how they’ll fuel their bodies along the way.
Hydration and Nourishment Tips for the Summer Season
Summer is the perfect time to embrace a lighter, fresher approach to eating. With warmer weather, longer days, and more opportunities to be active, it’s important to fuel your body with the right nutrients while staying cool and hydrated.
From staying hydrated to enjoying seasonal produce and making the most of summer meal programs, here’s your complete guide to eating well all season long.
A Dietitian’s Guide to Quality Nutrition Podcasts
Have you ever listened to a nutrition podcast and wondered, “Is this actually good advice?”
You’re not alone! With so many voices in the wellness space, it can be tough to tell what’s truly grounded in nutrition based evidence and what’s more a personal opinion. Podcasts can be a great way to learn about nutrition, especially from the comfort of your commute or even while folding laundry, but not all shows are created equal. In this post, we will walk you through how to spot quality nutrition podcasts so you can feel confident about the information you’re tuning into.