Nutrition Education and Awareness

"Life is Sweet! Sugar Alternatives" Workshop

Dillan DiGiovanni, Certified Health Coach (CHC), returned to Lesley to present on the pros and cons of sugar.

Sugar is one of the biggest factors contributing to diet and health problems. But it's addictive and it's in nearly every kind of processed food. How can anyoe avoid refined sugar? What substitutes are available for refined sugar?

This seminar focused on sugar with a holistic look at diet and behavior. The discussion covered eating habits, cravings and what causes them, and sugar alternatives- both nutritional and lifestyle alternatives to standard refined sugar.

Handouts:

• Names and kinds sugar [pdf]
• Causes of cravings [pdf]
• Natural sweeteners [pdf]

"Healthy Eating 101" Workshop

"They encouraged eaters to really play with different food combinations and make new food substitutions, to make fun flavorful meals." -- March 29 workshop attendee

"They cooked for us! Everything was so delicious and easy to make." -- March 29 workshop attendee

Health Eating Specialists from Whole Foods (River Street, Cambridge) spoke about:

• adding healthier foods to your diet without giving up foods you love
• why some foods are heathier choices than others
• finding balance in your diet with food substitutions and proportions

Recipes and more...

• Health Starts Here - healthy eating program
  
  • healthy fats, plant-based foods
  • ANDI scores - Aggregate Nutrition Density Index
• Whole Foods Recipes:
  • Beef Stir-fry - this can also be made as a vegetarian dish
  • Oatmeal - just add goji berries, powerful "superfruits"
  • Build a Better Sandwich - use sprouted bread
  • Quick Snacks- nutbutters and apple slices, mixed nuts with rasins and cocoa gojis
  • Whole Grains and Legumes - substitute for white rice or pastas